Our Team

CO-FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

David Michael

David and his wife Sally co-founded Truth78 (formerly Children Desiring God) with a strong commitment to casting vision and developing resources for the spiritual development of children in the home and at church. These resources reflect the passion for truth and the theological and doctrinal commitments that has marked the ministry of John Piper who was David and Sally’s pastor and ministry colleague for 33 years. In 2019, after serving as a pastor for next generations in Indianapolis for 5 years, David transitioned to the role of executive director at Truth78 to focus on continuing to spread the vision and equip churches around the world. David and Sally have two adult daughters and three grandchildren.

Favorite Truth78 Curriculum to Teach: My Purpose Will Stand
Favorite Fighter Verses: One of my favorite passages is Isaiah 46:9-11
Favorite Parenting Book: Some of my favorites include Shepherding a Child's Heart by Tedd and Margy Tripp and The Disciple Making Parent by Chap Bettis

CO-FOUNDER, AUTHOR & DIRECTOR OF PUBLISHING AND TRAINING

Sally Michael

Sally is a co-founder of Truth78 and has authored curricula and books that are all marked by a passion for developing God-centered resources for the spiritual development of children. For 16 years, Sally served as minister for children at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis, under the leadership of John Piper and her husband, David. Sally and David live in Indianapolis. They enjoy spending time with their daughter Kristi, daughter Amy and her husband Gary, and three grandchildren.

Favorite Truth78 Curriculum to Write and Teach: My Purpose Will Stand
Main Classroom Role: Teacher
Favorite Parenting Book: Instructing a Child's Heart by Tedd and Margy Tripp

AUTHOR & DIRECTOR OF CONTENT DEVELOPMENT

Jill Nelson

Jill has taught Sunday school for more than 30 years. Her desire for God-centered, Gospel-focused, biblically rich teaching led her to write children’s and youth curriculum for Truth78. Some titles include: Jesus, What a SaviorThe ABCs of GodTo Be Like Jesus, and Your Word Is Truth. Jill also develops training seminars, articles, and other resources relating to children’s and youth ministry. She and her husband, Bruce, live in the Minneapolis area and enjoy spending time with their daughter Sarah and her husband Matt, son Jacob and his wife Amanda, and six grandchildren.

Favorite Truth78 Curriculum to Write and Teach: Too difficult to choose!
Main Classroom Role: Teacher
Favorite Fighter Verse: "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."—1 Corinthians 10:31
Favorite Parenting Book: The Disciple Making Parent by Chap Bettis

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Brian Eaton

Brian and his wife Cindy were drawn to the vision of Truth78 many years before Brian joined the team. As parents, they wanted to train their five children to know and treasure Jesus as the only one who could satisfy the deepest need of their hearts. At Truth78, they found a vision for this ministry, and resources to equip them to nurture their children's faith. In 2006, the Lord redirected Brian's vocational efforts to join the ministry after a career in IT management. Brian served as the Truth78 executive director for 13 years before transitioning to his current role as director of operations. He enjoys teaching children and youth in the classroom and he seeks to encourage Bible memorization through the Fighter Verses Program. Brian enjoys trail running and DIY projects.

Favorite Truth78 Curriculum:Teach Me Your Way and Your Word is Truth, Faithful to All His Promises
Main Classroom Role: Teacher
Favorite Fighter Verse: Impossible to answer...I could give you a very long list :) 

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

Steve Watters

Steve is the director of communications, coming in to the role with over 20 years of experience leading communications teams at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and Focus on the Family. He loves to lead family discipleship and to tell the Truth78 story. Steve and his wife Candice live in Louisville, KY with their four children.

Favorite Truth78 Curriculum: To Be Like Jesus
Favorite Fighter Verse: John 15:5
Favorite Parenting Book: Family Vocation by Gene Veith

ART DIRECTOR

Shannon Brown

With more than 25 years of design experience, Shannon is obsessed with enhancing books and curriculum with beautiful graphics. His goal is to use his skill in a way that makes much of Jesus and helps young people see Him more clearly. Shannon spent the last 20 years as the creative director for a Christian publisher before joining Truth78 in 2020. He and his wife, Tricia, live in Laramie, Wyoming, and have four daughters and one son.

Favorite Children's Book: The Radical Book for Kids by Champ Thornton
Favorite Marriage Book: What Did You Expect?: Redeeming the Realities of Marriage by Paul David Tripp

DIRECTOR OF INTERNATIONAL RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

Gary Brewer

Gary has served in missions-focused ministry for more than 40 years. He and his wife Kathy served with Baptist Mid-Missions for 24 years. Gary founded the nonprofit ministry Partners in Discipleship International (PDI) in 2008, which led to his current leadership role with Truth78. Gary and Kathy live in Grandville, MI and have three children and twelve grandchildren.

Favorite Truth78 Curriculum: Jesus, What a Savior!
Favorite Fighter Verse: "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?"—Psalm 27:1-2

CHIEF LANGUAGE CONSULTANT

K.S. Singh

Singh has worked as a translation consultant since 2004. He is fluent in six languages and serves as a pastor in India.

Favorite Fighter Verse:"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied." Matthew 5:3-6


Favorite Curriculum: Faithful to All His Promises

DIRECTOR OF INTERNATIONAL DISTRIBUTION AND VISION

Jeff Dalrymple

Jeff brings to Truth78 leadership experience including several president and C-suite executive roles in higher education, non-profit, and non-governmental organizations. In those roles, he has provided non-profit and for-profit organizational management, team building, communications, development/fundraising, hospitality, conference & event planning, international relations, media and production management, strategic planning, and more. He enjoys reading, traveling, all things history, and spending time with family. He is married to Kristil and they live in Jacksonville, Florida with their four children.

Favorite Fighter Verse: "But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ..." Philippians 3:7–8


Favorite Resource: Zealous

Favorite Discipleship Book: The Discipleship Making Parent by Chap Bettis

LANGUAGE CONSULTANT IN TRAINING

Samuel Irom

Irom has been in the ministry for more than 10 years. He currently serves in his church as an elder and is dedicated to sound biblical and expository preaching. He is married and has two lovely children.

Favorite Fighter Verse:“So let the one who thinks he is standing be careful that he does not fall.”1 Corinthians 10:12

Favorite Truth78 Resource:  Zealous and More Than a Story

Favorite Book: Love and Respect by Emerson Eggerichs

Operations Assistant

Cristina Hermann

Cristina serves as the assistant to the Director of Operations.  She loves using her gifts of administration to serve God’s kingdom.  She and her husband, Jeremy, live in Minnesota with their four children and two cats.  She enjoys homeschooling, reading, and spending time outdoors.

Favorite Fighter Verse: Psalm 34:17-18
Favorite Truth78 Resource: More Than a Story

MANAGER OF MINISTRY EXPANSION

Rebecca Santos

Rebecca is dedicated to safeguarding and educating children. With over nine years at her local church, she's served in several roles including Nursery Coordinator and VBS Director. She presently homeschools her twin daughters with a classical education model and works as a Child Advocate, educating parents and ministry leaders through public speaking. Married to Jason, a USA Army Veteran, they live in Jacksonville, Florida, with their three daughters.

CUSTOMER CARE MANAGER

Holly Urbanski

Holly, our customer care manager, has over two decades of experience as a Sunday School teacher and classroom team leader. She has served preschool and elementary students and families in both large and small churches. Holly has a special heart for equipping smaller churches for effective children's ministry.

Favorite Truth78 Curriculum: In the Beginning...Jesus
Main Classroom Roles: Teacher & Classroom Team Leader
Favorite Parenting Book: Making Brothers and Sisters Friends: How to Fight the Good Fight at Home by Sarah, Stephen & Grace Mally

CUSTOMER CARE SPECIALIST

Lori Myers

Lori is a customer care specialist and loves working with people. She has served in children’s ministry as a small group leader, worship leader, preschool teacher, and as an administrator for family discipleship ministry. Lori is blessed to have two amazing daughters, two wonderful sons-in-law, and five adorable grandchildren.

Favorite Truth78 Curriculum: He Has Spoken By His Son
Main Classroom Role: Teacher & Worship Leader
Favorite Parenting Book:
 Praying through the Bible for your Kids by Nancy Guthrie

CUSTOMER CARE SPECIALIST

Suzy Plocher

Suzy is a customer care specialist with over 10 years of experience in children's ministry administration. She loves to partner with churches and individuals to teach the next generation to set their hope in God through curriculum and other resources. Suzy and her husband Matt live in Minnesota with their cat.

Favorite Truth78 Curriculum: Jesus, What a Savior!
Favorite Fighter Verse: Isaiah 40:30-31
Favorite Children's Book: God's Great Plan by Melissa Cutrera

MANAGER FOR RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

Karen Hieb

Karen has been the manager for resource development since 2004. She has the great joy and privilege of helping our authors and other writers within the ministry bring their work from rough draft to publication. Karen and her husband Tim live in Minnesota with two sweet little dogs.

Favorite Truth78 Curriculum: In the Beginning...Jesus
Favorite Fighter Verse: Titus 3:4-6
Favorite Children's Book: The Barber Who Wanted to Pray by R.C. Sproul

PARTNER DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Sherri Moran

Sherri serves in the role of partner development manager, joining the team after years of homeschooling her children, teaching writing and biblical worldview classes, and working in children's ministry at a local church. It's a joy for her to assist our executive director in managing partner relationships, communications, events, and other details to further the vision and mission of Truth78. Sherri and her husband, Ryan, live in Carmel, IN and have four children who are growing up way too fast.

Favorite Fighter Verse: "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."—Joshua 1:9
Favorite Discipleship Resources: Making HIM Known devotional books and Big Truths for Young Hearts by Bruce A. Ware 

MARKETING AND RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANT

Anna Farthing

Anna serves as the assistant to the Director of Marketing and Resource Development. She joins the team with experience working in higher education, for Boyce College as well as in the Family Court system for CASA. Her heart beats for the discipleship of the next generations. Her desire is to use her gifts of administration and project management to serve in giving young children a bedrock of faith to stand on in God’s word. Anna is a western Kentucky native and resides in Louisville with her husband, Cody, and their two girls Maya and Nora.

Main Classroom Role: Teacher
Favorite Parenting Book: Give them Grace by Elyse Fitzpatrick and Jessica Thompson
Favorite Children's Book: God’s Very Good Idea by Trillia Newbell

THEOLOGICAL EDITOR

Gary Steward

Gary is a theological editor who loves the rich theological tradition of the past. He received his Ph.D in Church History and Historical Theology from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. Prior to this he was a pastor in Newfoundland, Canada. He now resides in Colorado with his wife and three kids, where he is an assistant professor of history at Colorado Christian University.

Favorite Fighter Verse: Isaiah 41:10
Favorite Children's Book: My Father's Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett

BOARD CHAIRMAN

Bill Kesting

Bill serves as a Truth78 board member, having extensive background in local church marriage and parent-equipping ministries, as well as numerous disciple-making ministries, teams, and small groups. Bill resides in Woodbury, Minnesota with his wife Nancy, and they are blessed with 2 sons, now engaged in their own careers. Prior to joining the Truth78 board, Bill held a variety of leadership positions in sales, marketing, Lean Six Sigma, strategic planning and international business management at 3M.

Favorite Fighter Verse: 1 Peter 2:9-10
Favorite Parenting Book: Parenting by Paul David Tripp
Favorite Marriage Book: What Did You Expect by Paul David Tripp

BOARD MEMBER

Ron Rudd

Ron is retired from serving as Children's Pastor, Family Ministries Pastor and Men's Pastor (not all at the same time) at the Metropolitan Bible Church in Ottawa, Ontario for 22 years. Ron and his wife Ann have been married since 1978 and God has blessed them with 10 children (six biological and four adopted) as well as 13 grandchildren. He loves to see parents understanding their high and holy calling to raise a godly generation. Ron's desire is to see the next generation be stronger spiritually than the present generation.

Favorite Truth78 Curriculum: The ABCs of God
Favorite Fighter Verse: Psalm 121:1-2
Favorite Parenting Book: The Disciple-Making Parent by Chap Bettis

BOARD MEMBER

Mark Colucci

Mark lives in Carmel, Indiana with his wife of 29 years, where they have raised 3 children. Mark has been active in international missions throughout Central America and Southeast Asia. He has actively served the local church as an elder and as a Sunday School teacher. He also currently serves as a volunteer with Prison Fellowship, serving the prison population in Indiana. Mark has been a business attorney for more than 25 years, counseling both for profit and nonprofit corporations on corporate governance matters and business transactions.

Favorite Fighter Verse: Romans 5:10
Favorite Children's Book: 5 Minute Theologian by Rick Cornish

BOARD MEMBER

Marcia Olynyk

Marcia and her husband Chris were introduced to Truth 78 in 2005 and had the privilege to teach in a Sunday School setting. One of Marcia’s passions is to teach Preschool children and disciple young girls using the gifts God has given her. Seeing the next generation experience the reality of “tasting and seeing that the Lord is good” and nurturing their faith is a great joy to her. Marcia enjoys hiking, coffee and reading. Marcia and Chris live in Ottawa, Canada, with their 2 children.

Favorite Truth78 Curriculum: My Purpose Will Stand
Favorite Fighter Verse: 2 Corinthians 9:8

BOARD MEMBER

MariJo Brosius

MariJo serves as a Truth78 board member and currently serves her family by homeschooling her three children. She and her husband Brad live in Otsego, Minnesota and have been married since 2011. MariJo has a desire to equip parents with sound Biblical resources, specifically as they seek to raise the next generation to obey, love and follow Christ. In addition, MariJo loves to study the Bible with other women and participates in multiple mentor and discipleship relationships. MariJo received her J.D. degree from Hamline Law School and prior to homeschooling her children worked in the defense industry managing contracts, negotiations and various transactions.

Favorite Children's Books: Toot & Puddle books by Holly Hobbie, books by Jan Brett, and the illustrations of Chris Van Dusen
Favorite Fighter Verse: Psalm 18:30-31