Leadership
Leadership & Staff
WORSHIP TEAM
Eliezer Sanchez
Bible Study Leader
Eliezer Sanchez grew up in Chicago, Illinois and has been living in Southern Maryland with his family since 1997. He graduated from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana in 1994 with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, and completed his M.S. in Systems Engineering with Johns Hopkins University in 2002. He is employed full-time by the Naval Air Warfare Center; and works part-time as a math instructor for a local university.
Eliezer is also a volunteer at The Mission, performing various tasks, including teaching Bible studies on Wednesday and occasionally bringing the message on Sunday mornings. He graduated from a three year Bible institute (Instituto Biblico de Ministerios Cristianos) in 1989; while concurrently attending high school in Chicago. He has been teaching Bible studies and serving as a church youth leader on and off for 35 years. Areas of ministry include Sunday School for youth and adults, youth leader/teacher, and he has been a member of several choirs.
Eliezer’s service at The Mission began many years ago, when he tutored elementary, middle and high school students on-site. He has always had a passion for serving “the least of these” in our society because he knows what it is like to grow up poor. As the son of divorced parents, he and his brothers were raised by their mother in Chicago under conditions similar to those who are served by The Mission. Now, as a believer in Christ and with a new hope, he enjoys giving back to those who have not.
Eliezer’s other passions include hiking mountain trails, spending time on the beach, playing and viewing sports, fellowshipping with other Christian believers, and teaching. If the Lord tarries, he plans to retire from government service and go into ministry as a high school instructor, teaching Biblical studies (theology, worldviews, apologetics) and mathematics. He firmly believes that God has gifted each of us to serve, and that, with God’s help, nothing is impossible.
Board of Directors
John Harris
Chairman, Board of Directors
John earned a BS in electrical engineering from Drexel University in Philadelphia. He has worked as a civil servant since 1982 at the Naval Air Development Center, now the Naval Air Warfare Center at Patuxent River, MD.
John served in both Latin America and Europe as a short term missionary. He met his wife Tita in England while working with Operation Mobilization among Asian immigrants. He later worked with church planting teams in Spain and with Muslims in Philadelphia.
John has been on the board of The Mission since 2015 and has served as board president and secretary. He currently serves as an elder at Faith Bible Church in Mechanicsville, MD. He and Tita have three children and three grandchildren.
Richard Myers
Founder, Vice President &
Executive Director
Richard received a BS in business management and AS in education from Colorado Technical University. Richard’s started his career started as a U.S Marine working as an electrician on A-6 and F-18 aircraft. His career has been divided and he has spent over 20 years in the aerospace industry, working with both Boeing and McDonnell Douglas on multiple development programs and flight test on various aircraft. Richard spent eight years in the private sector running and operating his own successful business. He has spent the last 10 years working for the Defense Department, writing NAVAIR contracts, currently specializing in Engineering Services with AIR 2.5.
As one of the founders of The Mission, Richard for the last 10 years has been its executive director and handles responsibilities that encompass all aspects of The Mission including operations and funding.
When Richard isn’t managing The Mission or counseling the needy in our community, he is at home in Leonardtown with his wife Brenda and their three black labs. They are very active members of Faith Bible Church.
Daniel Winters
Treasurer
Daniel received a BS in accounting from The Pennsylvania State University. He started as an accountant for Dairy Farmers of America and is currently with Seakeeper Inc. managing the financial needs of foreign entities. Daniel has been managing The Mission’s the financial needs since October of 2017.
Daniel has been involved with various ministries including youth and kids’ ministries with the churches he has attended. He currently serves on the worship team at Living Word Community Church. He met his wife, Abigail, at Chi Alpha at Penn State where they both served on the group’s worship team.
When not working, Daniel enjoys playing board games, card games, and sports, such as volleyball, basketball, football, etc. and just relaxing at home.
Gerald Knull
Secretary
Jerry was born in West Germany and his family immigrated to the United States, to New Jersey, when he was almost 7 years old. He grew up in New Jersey, where he met his wife Sherry, and they will celebrate their 50th Anniversary in December 2022.
Jerry served 6 years in the U.S. Navy in the Naval Nuclear Power program as an Electronics Technician and a Reactor Operator, serving 3 ½ years aboard the USS Long Beach, CGN-9. After his discharge, Jerry worked for almost 36 years at the Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant in Maintenance and Work Management, retiring in November 2013. In 2000, Jerry completed his BS in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix Online campus.
From March 2014 through June 2021 Jerry worked as a consultant in the United States and overseas in the United Arab Emirates for ACA Incorporated, a family company headed up by a long-time industry friend, Jon Anderson. This adventure included various projects for a number of United States nuclear plants and DOE facilities, as well as spending a year at the Barakah Nuclear Plant in Abu Dhabi Emirate helping develop the Preventive Maintenance program for Units 1 and 2, both of which are now operational.
In 2017, Jerry began volunteering at The Mission in between work assignments, and presently Jerry and Sherry are volunteering at The Mission Food Pantry. Also, since 2017, Jerry became involved as a Director for Northwest Haiti Ministries, a Christian school ministry in Northwest Haiti, founded by Michael and Sheree Shores in 2010. Due to failing health, Michael asked Jerry to take over as President of Northwest Haiti Ministries in late 2018. Jerry has been President of the ministry since early 2019. Sadly, Michael passed away in 2020, and now Jerry and Sheree Shores lead the ministry, which has been blessed to grow to > 330 students, grades Pre-K through 9th grade, with > 30 teachers and staff.
Jerry and Sherry attend and are active at Faith Bible Church in Mechanicsville, where Jerry leads the Senior Bible Study.
Keith Schukraft
Keith migrated to Southern Maryland in 1991 after 23 years of active duty in the U.S. Navy. He then worked as a program manager for a defense contractor until 2004 when he was called into full-time vocational ministry as a local church pastor. Retiring for a final time in 2016, Keith has devoted most of his efforts to working in ‘hands-on’ ministry in the community. In addition to serving on the Board of Directors for The Mission, he is also on the Board of Directors for Christmas in April St. Mary’s County, volunteers with the Lexington Park Volunteer Rescue Squad and local food ministries, and travels on numerous short-term mission trips in support of the Appalachia Service Project. His spare time will often find him providing emergency repairs for low-income and disabled homeowners, off-road biking, kayaking, hiking and spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren.
Keith has a BS in Business Management from Regents College and an MS in Contracts Management from Florida Institute of Technology. He has also completed the Course of Study at Wesley Theological Seminary. His passion is helping others grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ through discipleship and missions outreach.
John Fluhart
John Fluhart is a local native to Southern Maryland. From an early age John joined the Plumbing Union Number 5 and worked various projects for 23 years. Twelve years ago, John started All Mechanical and Plumbing LLC and has built his business which now employs multiple employees. In addition to attaining his Master Plumbing certification, John also holds Master destinations in Electrical, HVAC and Gas, with a total of 68 Masters certifications. He recently joined The St. Marys’ County Plumbing Board.
In 2016 John Joined Faith Bible Church and has been an active member and his gift is in mechanical and building, and generosity. He has lent his expertise on multiple occasions to the needs of Faith Bible. Doing stonework, redoing storm Leaders, and helping with the some of the requirements for the newly built playground.
From 2016 forward John has been a huge supporter of The Mission from donating turkeys, to saving The Mission 10s of thousands of dollars in plumbing, electrical and HVAC work for both the Robert E. Myers Center and the Steve L. Kessler Center. John on the weekends can be found many times working at The Robert Center as this project continues it progress.
John’s wife Corrie and daughter Alexis are also involved in Faith Bible doing Daycare on Sunday Morning.
When John isn’t working, he is spending it with his family on their farm.
Staff & Volunteers
Jean Cooper Carter
Client Services Director
Jean holds a B.S. in social work from the University of Maryland as well as certifications from the university in Crisis Intervention, Critical Incident Response. She also has a certification in Life Coaching. Jean also has experience working with addiction and held a CAC-AD Addictions certification. She has been in field for over 25 years and has worked with displaced youth, adult homeless, persons with disabilities, and crisis women’s programs. She has run shelters and supportive housing programs in the county.
As the Client Services Manager for The Mission, Jean operates The Mission dayroom and does needs assessments, counseling, referrals; and advocacy. She assists with obtaining employment. Over the years, she has served on the Department of Social Services Child Abuse Review Board, St. Mary’s County Alcohol Alliance Board, the Domestic Violence Board for the Family Advocacy Center, and the Tri-County Youth Services Partnership for Homeless Youth Age 18-25. Jean received the Community Partnership Award from the Southern Maryland Community Network in 2019 .
Brenda Myers
Director of Events & Purchasing
Brenda has an extensive 30-year health care background capped off working as a top surgical technician at Eisenhower Medical Center a top 100 hospital. While there, she worked and led teams in general orthopedic, sports orthopedic, neurosurgery, vascular, urology, gynecology and reconstructive procedures, which earned her a nomination for the Jackie Lee Houston Performance Excellence Award. She has taught and trained surgical students. She has many certifications, including DCD Organ Procurement Certification. Brenda has also attended and passed all requirements and received her certification to manage assisted living facilities in Maryland. In Brenda’s years in the medical field, she has also successfully managed two separate medical offices.
Brenda has been with The Mission since day one. She organizes volunteers and has operated and organized every major Mission event for six years. She has supervised and taken care of all health department requirements for The Mission. She also assists Richard Myers, the executive director in the day-to-day operation of The Mission.
When Brenda is not working at The Mission or in surgery at the Surgical Center in Leonardtown, she is home with her husband and three black labs.
Jerry & Sherry Knull
Food Pantry & Donation Center
In 2017, Jerry began volunteering at The Mission in between work assignments, and presently Jerry and Sherry are volunteering at The Mission Food Pantry. Also, since 2017, Jerry became involved as a Director for Northwest Haiti Ministries, a Christian school ministry in Northwest Haiti, founded by Michael and Sheree Shores in 2010. Due to failing health, Michael asked Jerry to take over as President of Northwest Haiti Ministries in late 2018. Jerry has been President of the ministry since early 2019. Sadly, Michael passed away in 2020, and now Jerry and Sheree Shores lead the ministry, which has been blessed to grow to > 330 students, grades Pre-K through 9th grade, with > 30 teachers and staff.
Jerry and Sherry attend and are active at Faith Bible Church in Mechanicsville, where Jerry leads the Senior Bible Study.
Leslie Funk
Newsletter
Leslie is a former newspaper reporter and former teacher at The King’s Christian Academy. She earned her bachelor’s degree in history at the University of Chicago and her master’s in journalism at the University of Michigan.
After 14 years covering government and environmental issues in Lancaster, PA, and suburban Philadelphia, she spent 10 years raising two daughters with her husband, John. Once the girls were in school full time, she returned to the workforce, teaching a journalism course at St. Mary’s College of Maryland for a year and then joining the faculty at The King’s Christian Academy, which her children attended. She taught Bible to high school freshmen and English language arts to middle schoolers and high schoolers.
She retired from KCA after 11 years but writes for nonprofit organizations and pens fictional works. Her current project is a children’s book. Leslie loves spending time with her husband. Together, they enjoy cycling around St. Mary’s County and kayaking on the waterways around the Chesapeake Bay. They attend Faith Bible Church in Mechanicsville.
Jason & Amber Collins
Donor Relations
Jason and Amber Collins are both locals of Southern Maryland. Although Jason Collins was born in Montgomery County, he moved to St. Mary’s in 1992. He graduated from Chopticon High School in 2005. Jason has a career in IT as a Network Engineer. For a time, Jason has worked several contracts in various DOD and Federal facilities in Maryland. As well as enjoyed travel across the country during his career in support of many commercial entities. Jason is the resident Network Engineer at FBC, in addition to serving on the finance committee.
Amber can trace her county roots back to the 1700’s. She has a passion for writing and teaching. She pursued a degree in Early Childhood Education, and it is well utilized when she is homeschooling her children. She has served in various volunteer roles including support groups for mothers and homeschooling groups.
After meeting in 2010, Jason and Amber quickly got married and have been blessed with five beautiful children. They are active members of Faith Bible Church in Mechanicsville and enjoy hosting a biblical parenting group in their home each week. Some favorite family activities include hiking, camping, watching movies, playing board games, and reading.
Lisa Payne
Grants Manager/Coordinator
Lisa has over 29 years of federal civilian service including organizations under the Departments of State, Justice, Homeland Security, and Navy to include but not limited to project management, contracts, analysis, and staff coordination. Lisa holds a B.S. in Management Studies from the University of Maryland University College (UMUC) and a Master’s Certificate in Business Analysis from ESI International, Arlington, VA with accreditation by the George Washington University (GWU) School of Business.
Lisa is native to Southern Maryland and the Washington, D.C. area. Lisa has seen the positive effects of organizations like The Mission in her own life. When not serving at The Mission, Lisa is home with her Husband of 13 years, Lisa and Jim attend Faith Bible Church and also partner with New Life Wesleyan Church LaPlata, MD – New Life at Your House.
Meredith Sharron
Haircuts
Michael Copenhaver
Kessler Care Center Intake Coordinators
Mike grew up in St. Mary’s County and has lived in the area for most of his adult life. He received a BS in business management with a minor in art from Salisbury University. Mike is employed as a Senior Program Analyst for NAVAIR.
Mike coached football at Great Mills High School and lacrosse at Leonardtown High School. He has also gone on missions trips to Baltimore, MD and Moldova. He is an active member of Redeeming Grace Baptist Church where he enjoys teaching Sunday School, helps with setup/tear down, serves on the maintenance ministry team, and serves on the maintenance ministry team and safety and security team.
In 2017 at his church’s home-group Bible study Mike met his wife, Charlotte. Prior to being engaged, they had the opportunity to work together on one of the round Kessler Care Center buildings through Christmas in April. Mike’s desire to serve “the poor in spirit” comes from his own knowledge of what it is to feel hopeless, whether it be from life’s challenges or one’s poor choices. He has been saved from sin and death which showed itself in his life as a hopeless lifestyle filled with drugs, alcohol abuse, anxiety, and depression. He believes it should be both our joy and our duty to call others to the hope found only in the gospel of Jesus Christ.
In his spare time, Mike enjoys hanging out with people, snowboarding, kayaking, mountain biking, white-water-rafting, and playing most sports. He also enjoys working on cars and most handyman activities around the house; most of the time he doesn’t care to sit still. He loves God, his church family, and his “blood” family deeply. He believes we were created for relationships, first with our Creator and second with one another.
Charlotte Copenhaver
Kessler Care Center Intake Coordinators
Charlotte was born at Naval Air Station (NAS) Patuxent River in the base clinic which used to be a full hospital in the 1990s. Her father was an officer in the Navy, which moved her family to multiple locations. When Charlotte was just one, her family moved to Cheltenham, MD to support her father’s career. Aside from a two year stint in Whidbey Island, WA, Charlotte lived in Cheltenham, MD until she was 12 years old. Most of her Maryland memories consist of Grace Brethren Christian School and Washington D.C, although; the Southern Maryland area still held a special place in her heart with fond memories of the old HyperSpace in Hollywood, MD. When she was 12 years old, her family moved to San Diego, CA where she completed middle and high school.
Charlotte received a BS in aerospace engineering with a minor in systems engineering from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) in 2015. There she played on the ERAU Women’s Golf Team and served with the Campus Outreach ministry. After she graduated, God brought Charlotte back to the Patuxent River area, where she was offered a job as a Flight Test Engineer on base. Little did she know there would be many tests to her faith and great joys in life that God had in store for her back in Southern Maryland.
Her greatest joys in life since moving back to Southern Maryland have been joining Redeeming Grace Baptist Church, and meeting her husband, Michael Copenhaver, at their church’s home-group Bible study in 2016. After much convincing, Charlotte married Michael in October of 2019 and has since enjoyed doing many things together; such as teaching Sunday School, working on cars, most handyman work, outdoor activities, and serving at The Mission. She also serves on the church’s maintenance ministry, audio, and book stall teams. Her life’s slogan would probably be: “Along for the ride.” And a wild one it has been thus far.
Spencer Arthur
Resident Director of the Kessler Center
Spencer Arthur was born in Orange, California and raised in the Tampa, Florida area. He graduated cum laude from Southeastern University with a BA in Theology and minors in Biblical Greek Translation and Missions in 2018.
Spencer has worked in the realm of ministry under multiple capacities ranging from facilities assistant to youth intern, as well as serving as a camp counselor for the ELCA (Florida Bahamas synod). He has also taken part in several missions trips to Central America for both evangelistic and service related outreaches.
In Memoriam of
Founder, Senior Pastor & Board Member
Robert Myers
Robert received an MBA from the Florida Institute of Technology (FIT) and a B.S. in business administration from Regis University. He was a retired 20-year veteran, having served in both the U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Air Force. Robert also retired from the Department of the Navy in June 2021 after 19 years as a senior contracts specialist, procuring major weapon systems and engineering services for the Navy.
Robert was in the mission field and led various ministries for 36 years. He led outreach activities on Tustin Maine Corps Air Station, supporting overseas pastors during his numerous West PAC deployments to the Philippines. He also led evangelistic activities on the USS New Orleans and USS Peleliu. Over a one-year period, he carried out an evangelistic ministry which consisted of walking a 12-foot cross all over St. Mary’s County and Washington D.C.
Robert was one of the founders of The Mission and, for the last four years, pastored The Mission church, which is mainly made up of the homeless and working poor of St. Mary’s County.
Robert will be greatly missed by The Mission, its board members, its volunteers and, especially, its congregation.