Leadership

Executive Directors

CAPT (Ret) Joe & Lydia Ludwikowski – After volunteering for several years, Joe and Lydia took on the role of Executive Directors of Military Ministry of Cru in 2014. As a retired Navy family, having served for 26 years, they understand the strain that deployments and military moves can have on service members and their families. Joe and Lydia’s shared passion for sharing the gospel of Christ drives them to strategically expand ministry worldwide. As Executive Directors, they wear many hats. In addition to the overall leadership of the ministry, they champion awareness of the ministry to our partners and the world at large. Another substantial part of their role is to serve as liaisons between the leadership of Campus Crusade for Christ International, Military Ministry of Cru’s Executive Committee, and ministry leadership to ensure continuity with the overall vision to “Win, Build, and Send Christ-centered multiplying disciples who launch spiritual movements in the global military community.”
Life verse: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

National Directors

COL (Ret) Steve & Carleene Myer – Steve and Carleene joined staff in 2001. After serving as Deputy Executive Directors since 2017, they have accepted the position of National Directors. In their 28 years as an active duty army family, they observed the negative impact military life could have on the marriages of those serving. As a result, they have passionately focused ministry to help strengthen military couples by teaching them how to have a stronger, more resilient, Christ-centered marriage. As National Directors, Steve and Carleene are responsible for leading a team of staff and volunteer missionaries in order to build movements of multiplying disciples to the global military community.

International Directors

Col (Ret) Daryl & Lt Col (Ret) Martha Jones – Daryl and Martha joined staff in 2003. They are both 1982 graduates of the United States Air Force Academy and have completed very distinguished 20 plus-year military flying careers. As International Directors, Daryl and Martha’s efforts are directed toward ministry support and strategy development for foreign militaries and nations to help with spiritual movements around the world. Driven by a deep desire to fulfill the Great Commission worldwide, they cultivate strong international relationships, while cheering on and providing support for indigenous leaders to share the gospel with the uniformed personnel in their nations.

Fund Development Director

Brig Gen (Ret) David Phillips – David has served in various roles within Military Ministry of Cru since 2010. His remarkable 31-year Air Force career has prepared him perfectly for his current role as Fund Development Director. His deep passion to see military families experience the hope that comes in knowing Jesus Christ motivates him to develop relationships and financial resources necessary to spread the gospel throughout the global military community. David is also working to develop a plan to integrate local and corporate fund development training to help local teams generate the revenue needed to support ministry expansion in fulfilling the Great Commission.

Chief Financial Officer

Dave Weier – Dave has served in the non-profit field for 34 years (23 with Cru) in the accounting, audit, and finance areas. He has served with Military Ministry of Cru since 2014 as its Chief Financial Officer, giving oversight to the ministry’s financial status and processes. Dave also provides ministry insight on Cru-wide issues and other matters related to non-profit strategies, risks, and opportunities. Dave has an enduring respect and appreciation for the military community and the sacrifices they make. His interest in the well-being of the men, women, and families of the U.S. armed services is a strong motivation for his involvement with Military Ministry of Cru.

Human Resources (HR) Director

Karenanne Abbate Payton – Karenanne has served with the Military Ministry of Cru since 2018. As the wife of a retired Army Chaplain, she has a deep love and respect for the unique challenges of military life and the beauty and wholeness only Jesus Christ can bring. She is passionate about equipping teams and developing leaders to reach their full God-given potential. This has been lived out in her decades of ministry experience, in various contexts. As the LDHR and Staff Care Director, Karenanne diligently leads her team in stewarding, strengthening, shepherding and shaping culture for Cru Military’s greatest asset: our people.

Chief of Staff

Nick Bair – Nick has been reaching the U.S. military for Jesus since 2002 and has seen many come to faith and grow in their personal ministry. Growing up in a military home has given him a good understanding of the particular spiritual needs of the military population. That understanding fuels his passion to reach the global military community for Christ. As Chief of Staff, his education and operational ministry experience have given him unique talents and skills that serve him and the ministry well. Nick and the MSC team focus on developing valuable tools and resources to effectively equip and support staff and volunteers.