Meet Our Team

It would be so nice to sit down with you over a steaming cup of Ethiopian bunna – the world’s best coffee – but until that happens, here is just a little introduction to our dedicated team.  We would be happy to answer questions so be sure to contact us about any facet of the work God led us to in Ethiopia.  Send an email or give us a call… 844-330-3990

Jason Barta
Executive Director
jbarta@NewLifeEthiopia.org
Jason fell in love with Ethiopia and its people after a mission trip in 2011.  He and his wife Andrea have four children, two of them adopted from Ethiopia. After much prayer with Andrea and their pastor, God opened this opportunity for Jason to volunteer his time serving the people in the land that is close to his heart. Jason owns Bottom Line Training Services in Washington state and his education and business experience have prepared him to capably handle the executive challenges of NewLife Ethiopia. Meet the Bartas

Joy Casey
Founder/Board President
jcasey@NewLifeEthiopia.org
​Joy and her husband Dennis have raised four children and now enjoy time spent with their two grandsons. They have worked in the adoption field for 40 years with Joy serving as a missionary with YWAM (Youth With A Mission) for much of that time.  Joy founded the work in Ethiopia in 2007 traveling frequently as the main liaison with our Ethiopian staff.  Adoption, education and evangelism are dear to her heart, and God has ignited a great love for the land and people of Ethiopia. She is privileged to work alongside both Ethiopian and American churches as well as many faithful friends of the ministry to further God’s Kingdom and bring glory to His name.  Meet Joy

Kim Koch
Program Administrator
kim@NewLifeEthiopia.org
Kim, along with her husband Clark, has been involved with our ministry for many years – as monthly sponsors, generous donors and traveling to Ethiopia as part of our work. Her gifts of organization, thoroughness and attention to detail make her a perfect fit for all the administrative tasks she fulfills.  Clark and Kim have two grown children and four grandchildren.  They enjoy their home and community in Arizona where Kim works from her home office. Meet Kim

Angela Maguire
Bookkeeper
finances@newlifeethiopia.org

Angela and her husband Tim have four grown children and one grandson. Angela has served in the non-profit sector, mostly as a volunteer, for the flexibility it offered while raising her children.  Angela has a bachelor’s degree in accounting and is highly capable managing all aspects of our finances.  Meet Angela

Abebe Getachew
In-Country Program Director
Abebe has been a trustworthy partner in Ethiopia since 2007.  His gentle guidance and wisdom coupled with absolute integrity make him a valued overseer of our work in Ethiopia.  Abebe is married to beautiful Abonesh and they have four children, one adopted from our orphanage, and two grandchildren.  Abebe’s two passions (after his family) are orphaned children and reaching the unsaved with the Good News.  He energetically reaches out to both.

Abonesh
In-Country Accountant
Every organization needs a highly trained, ethical accountant like Abonesh who brings a wealth of experience to her job.  She approves budgets, facilitates wire transfers to project areas, prepares for audits and generates monthly financial reports for every ministry program.  NewLife’s financial health is in excellent hands!  Abonesh is married to Abebe and she assists him with many other responsibilities of the ministry.

Ephrem Gebremariam
Orphanage Director
Ephrem is the director of our Mana Gammachuu orphanage in Shashemene and also oversees our kindergarten program.  With a Master’s in Community Development and Leadership, his prior experience with non-profits coupled with his ability to effectively interface with government officials makes him a key leader.  Ephrem is married to Lemlem who works at a bank and they have four children.  Meet Ephrem

Pastor Zerihun
Lead Evangelist
Zerihun is an ordained pastor with decades of experience in church planting, teaching, preaching and evangelism.  He is also a gifted administrator and has laid a firm foundation for our evangelism outreach.  The 37 missionary evangelists working with least-reached or unreached populations are selected, trained and mentored by Pastor Zerihun.  Aside from his education and pastoral qualifications, we greatly appreciate his integrity and vision.  He is a man of prayer and tirelessly pursues God’s heart to reach people with the Good News.  Zerihun is married to Workye and they have two children. ​Meet Zerihun

Mikiyas
Children’s Program Director
Miki has spearheaded outreach to children in rural villages where churches have recently been established.  He has developed Christian education programs in our church plants and also oversees literacy classes in villages where no schools are available.  Miki is a college graduate with a degree in psychology and many years of active ministry to street kids.  He is passionate to see children established in a growing, vibrant relationship with Jesus.  He and his wife, Seble, have a sweet baby daughter.  Meet Miki

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Randy Averill

2022 Annual Report