Global | Avant Ministries
After 17 years of serving overseas, the Manuels are embarking on a new missionary journey stateside. Rik and Ellen’s sending organization, Avant Ministries, continues to expand and send missionaries to new countries. Because of Rik’s previous experience as a defense contractor, Avant has asked him to join the Global Security team to help train missionaries before they enter high-risk zones and develop threat assessments for the areas where Avant missionaries are located. The work of the global security team is crucial, as it allows missionaries to serve safely and provides them with guidance and help when necessary. Ellen has also been asked to join the global Missionary Kid (MK) Care team at Avant headquarters in Kansas City. When families come for training, the MK Care team oversees planning fun outings and events for the kids to make them feel welcome, loved, and at home.
