Lowell Bliss is the director of Eden Vigil Institute for Environmental Leadership, an environmental missions organization launched by Christar in 2009. Lowell led the writing team for the Lausanne Global Consultation on Creation Care and the Gospel “Call to Action” and is one of the few evangelical Climate Leaders with the Climate Reality Project.

D.Th. in Old Testament, Stellenbosch University, 2006. Principal Clerk of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria and Old Testament scholar with a focus on the Pentateuch.

Ph.D. in Economics, The University of Nairobi, 2014. Associate Professor of Development Studies and Director of WCIU’s Master’s in Development Studies Program.

Ph.D. in Theology, The University of Auckland (New Zealand), 2006. Professor of Urban Leadership and Director of WCIU’s Institute for Transformational Urban Leadership.

Ph.D. in Theology, University of St. Andrews. Co-director of the Institute for Community Transformation, focusing on global transformation through scripture.

D. Litt. et Phil. in Biblical Studies, University of South Africa. Former WCIU president and editor of the William Carey International Development Journal.

Ph.D. in Development. President/CEO of Medical Ambassadors International and Lausanne Movement Catalyst for Integral Mission, with expertise in poverty reduction.

Jessica Udall, PhD, is a professor of Intercultural Studies at Evangelical Theological College in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and an adjunct professor of Intercultural Studies for Columbia International University's online MA program.

Scott Holbrook served with Avant Ministries as President and CEO from 2013 through 2022 and remains actively involved in the organization.

Grace Ying May is the Vice Provost for Academic Affairs,  Director of the Women’s Institute at William Carey International University, and an Associate Professor of Biblical Studies.

Adjunct Faculty

An expert in language acquisition and cross-cultural communications, Dr. Rie Manabe-Kim has lived on three continents and learned four languages. She coaches MATUL students through the complexities of living and learning in their host countries to develop a profound depth of cultural understanding and language competence.

Expert in Inclusive Microfinance and Livelihoods Development with 12+ years of experience in East Africa. Focuses on sustainable livelihoods and community transformation.

Thu Ha Chow is a portfolio manager and senior credit strategist for the emerging markets debt team at Loomis Sayles Investments Asia.