The New President-Elect

"It is a great honor and privilege for me to strongly confirm the unanimous decision of the ABWE Board and to introduce MICHAEL G. LOFTIS as the next president of ABWE. Ruth and I highly esteem the work God has done through JoBeth and Michael during their 12 years of service with ABWE in Central & Eastern Europe. We anticipate God's richest blessings on the Loftises as they lead ABWE in the new millennium."

Wendell W. Kempton

On Tuesday, February 1, 2000 the staff of the ABWE International Headquarters and Training Center met as Vice President Will Davis explained the process the Search Committee followed, then read the following OFFICIAL RELEASE:

The Vice President of ABWE and Chairman of the Search Committee, Rev. Will M. Davis, representing the official Board of ABWE, is happy to announce the fourth President in the history of ABWE,

Dr. Michael G. Loftis.

Following a two-year search process, the ABWE Board extended a unanimous call to Dr. Loftis and he has accepted that call. Michael Loftis will assume his official role as President-elect on September 1, 2000 and will become the official successor of Wendell W. Kempton on March 1, 2001.

Dr. Loftis has served as ABWE Executive Administrator for Central and Eastern Europe for the past 12 years. The Loftis family presently resides in Budapest, Hungary.

Who is Michael Loftis?

He is an MK. His parents were Baptist Mid-Missions missionaries in Jamaica
He is an historic Baptist. Having worked with Baptists in Eastern Europe who have suffered for their faith, he is proud of his Baptist heritage.
He is a passionate visionary with a heart for the world.
He has been allowed by God to be a leader and a student of leadership.
He grew up in a relational culture, and declares his primary relationship is with the Lord Jesus Christ.
He and JoBeth are the parents of Benjamin (20), Nathan (18), and Michelle (16).

The Loftises believe God has prepared them for this position, and they trust Him for the opportunities that lie ahead.