Founder – Bishop Dr. Augustus B. Marwieh
Although no longer with us, “Gus” had FOUNDED AHEAD MINISTRIES in 1992 for the furtherance of the agro-tech community vision and the establishment of such COMMUNITIES OF HOPE throughout the country of Liberia.
He was truly ONE OF THE WORLD’S OUTSTANDING CITIZENS and visionaries. Born in Liberia, Marwieh was highly educated and highly respected by the government and the people of Liberia, Africa, and the United States. He was a FOUNDER, and AMBASSADOR, a KNIGHT, an AUTHOR, a DELEGATE, a church PLANTER, and a FATHER/HUSBAND who truly loved BRINGING GOD’S LOVE TO PEOPLE!
Founder – Bishop Dr. Augustus B. Marwieh
Although no longer with us, “Gus” had FOUNDED AHEAD MINISTRIES in 1992 for the furtherance of the agro-tech community vision and the establishment of such COMMUNITIES OF HOPE throughout the country of Liberia.
He was truly ONE OF THE WORLD’S OUTSTANDING CITIZENS and visionaries. Born in Liberia, Marwieh was highly educated and highly respected by the government and the people of Liberia, Africa, and the United States. He was a FOUNDER, and AMBASSADOR, a KNIGHT, an AUTHOR, a DELEGATE, a church PLANTER, and a FATHER/HUSBAND who truly loved BRINGING GOD’S LOVE TO PEOPLE!
President & CEO – Oscar L. James
In August of 1988, by a MIRACLE OF GOD, Oscar left Liberia for the United States, barely two months before the notorious warlord, Charles Taylor, unleashed a period of tyranny on the nation. He was the ONLY MEMBER OF HIS FAMILY SPARED the brutality of the war. He lost BOTH of his PARENTS, a SISTER and a NEPHEW to the war while the rest of his siblings wandered in displaced camps for several years.
Gus passed the leadership baton of Ahead Ministries to Oscar in 2007. Oscar has LAUNCHED NUMEROUS EFFORTS OF RELIEF within the borders of Liberia as well as into the surrounding African countries; water wells, medical clinics, schools, farms, churches, mission trips, etc. His heart is to do all efforts of self-sustainability that lead to an EVANGELISTIC SPREADING OF THE GOSPEL!
President & CEO – Oscar L. James
In August of 1988, by a MIRACLE OF GOD, Oscar left Liberia for the United States, barely two months before the notorious warlord, Charles Taylor, unleashed a period of tyranny on the nation. He was the ONLY MEMBER OF HIS FAMILY SPARED the brutality of the war. He lost BOTH of his PARENTS, a SISTER and a NEPHEW to the war while the rest of his siblings wandered in displaced camps for several years.
Gus passed the leadership baton of Ahead Ministries to Oscar in 2007. Oscar has LAUNCHED NUMEROUS EFFORTS OF RELIEF within the borders of Liberia as well as into the surrounding African countries; water wells, medical clinics, schools, farms, churches, mission trips, etc. His heart is to do all efforts of self-sustainability that lead to an EVANGELISTIC SPREADING OF THE GOSPEL!
Board Members
We LOVE our board members! They truly lead by SEEKING GOD’S WILL for all of our projects and outreach.
Secretary
Jeffrey Wurtz
Jeff and his wife Charlene have been married 38 years, and they have three children and two grandchildren. Jeff was employed as a mechanical engineer in the aerospace industry and retired after working over 45 years. He has been a believer in Jesus Christ since he was very young. He met Gus Marwieh in the late 1990’s and was privileged to become one of Gus’s many friends. Gus’s godly example has challenged Jeff to grow in Jesus’ love and has resulted in Jeff desiring to minister to Liberians through opportunities provided by the Agency for Holistic Evangelism and Development (AHEAD).
Board Member
Joan F. Whitehead
Joan just loves to help. She embodies a heart of care for the needy. Her work with Ahead over the years has touched virtually all aspects of our work especially in the field. “All I ever want is to help my people lead better lives”.
Board Member
Fred Tse
Fred is married to his wife Patricia for 37 years, has 2 children, and retired from the computer industry. In the early 2000s, God led the late Bishop Gus Marwieh to open Fred’s eyes to global missions in Liberia and bless Fred with the opportunities to grow in faith and witness how God used AHEAD Ministries to channel His love, blessings, and miracles to the Liberian during times of hardship and peace. Outside of AHEAD Ministries, God also led Fred to serve on the mission council at his home church, and served as class coordinator for Perspectives to mobilize fellow believers to fulfil the Great Commission.
Board Member
David Ickert
A businessman with a burden to help the less fortunate, Dave and his wife Janice are seeing lives transformed through this ministry. His leadership and skills are welcome additions to the board and reverberate throughout the organization.
Board Member
Charlotte De La Torre
Charlotte is a fountain of inspiration. She loves to help out and see people cared for. She truly embodies the “Ministry of Hope”.
Board Member
Frank L. Sunmer
Frank is a successful business professional in the Silicon Valley area. The combination of his faith in God, commitment to family, compassion for humanity and over 40 years of industry experience adds tremendous value to the Ahead Community.
Board Member
Sophie James
A daughter of Liberia whose desire to give back to her community is innate. She is also the daughter of Ahead’s founder Gus who instilled the values and passion for service into her from infancy. Professionally trained as a Chemist and a leader in both the drinking and wastewater industry, she gives much value to the board and the organization particularly in the area of water and sanitation.
Board Chairman
Oscar L. James
Oscar is a visionary leader, strategic planner, and creative partner with more than 20 years of combined experience impacting the visibility and performance of organizations through expert orchestration of strategic management ventures. Oscar’s own journey and major events of his life from Liberia to the United States and back to Liberia have uniquely positioned him to champion Ahead Ministries’ strategic objectives of holistically reaching the world and changing lives.
Operation Staff
These incredible people oversee specific projects while DISCIPLING THE TEAMS it takes to serve and EVANGELIZE THE AFRICAN PEOPLE.
Finance / Micro-Business
Ms. Precious Wille
Precious is first and foremost a servant. She lives and breathes service to the community and will go to tremendous lengths to see people healed and cared for. “ I remain humble and willing to do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I pray that my service through the multifaceted work of Ahead continues to uplift all peoples of the world” . CONTACT
AICA Partner Region 2
Bishop Pieper A. Sharmos
Bishop Sharmos is the presiding prelate of our AICA Region 2 partnership in Liberia. He is a selfless leader in rural Liberia who literally “walks the talk”. Day in and day out, Pieppier is traveling village to village serving his people.” our people just need a little bit of help… that’s all”. CONTACT
Sustainable Development
Napoleon J. Parsons
Affectionately called “Cheepee”. He is driven to see others lead self-sustainable lives. He spends countless hours each day helping people to use their local resources to lift themselves out of poverty. “ I believe everyone can make if they only knew how”. CONTACT
AICA Partner Region 1
Bishop Abraham T. Gbeway
Bishop Gbeway is a tried and proven leader. He is the presiding prelate of our AICA Region 1 partnership in Liberia which spans the southeastern part of the country. Meeting Abraham and his dear wife Cecelia is a blast of refreshment. CONTACT
Medical & Health Missions
Edwin Sangar
Edwin coordinates our medical and health services in Liberia. He is also the head of our Cynthia Nelson Medical Clinic that serves countless many. His gentle touch and calming nature inspires patients and staff. CONTACT
Evangelism & Training
Jauwllie Koon
Jauwllie is a very caring, dependable and loving leader who will go to ends of the world to help develop people. Referred to as the “powerhouse of prayer” he can always be counted upon to intercede for others. He enjoys teaching and developing others. CONTACT
Education
Solomon Willie
All praise to God Almighty, and our heartfelt gratitude to Bishop James, Board of Directors, and partners of the Ahead Ministries for your tireless support to this awesome work. We are transforming our world, one child at a time. CONTACT
Coordinator Sierra Leone
Apostle J. Marvelous Kallon
His name says it all… Marvelous! Apostle Kallon is the leader in Sierra leone. He literally on fire for Christ and his country. Give Kallon five minutes of your time and your life will be forever changed. He loves his family and faithfully serves God through the works of the ministry. CONTACT
National Coordinator – Liberia
Rev. Lincoln Y. Klee
“I am humbled for the opportunity to serve along with you in building the Kingdom of God. May God replenish your time and effort that you share with us. You are always in our prayers. CONTACT
