Staff

Jan Lows

Hi, my name is Jan Lows and I’m the Director of Life Among the Nations.

Countries I have traveled to are: Korea, Singapore, China, Jordan, Kazakstan, Mexico and in July 2010, Ireland will be added to the list.

Things I like to do: learn, exercise in fun ways, laugh with friends and family, study the Bible (with Christians and non-Christians — I learn more that way!)

I also dream about having the skills of the people on HGTV and the Food Network.  Right now I’m totally enjoying reading Anita Renfroe’s If You Can’t Lose it, Decorate It!  I’m reading several other books now, but can’t say as I’m enjoying them as much.   I also like to listen to pod-cast talks by Ben Stuart, Andy Stanley and John Ortberg, for starters.   My favorite is spending time with my niece, Sarah and my nephew Sam. Lately that includes playing Monopoly (World Version) with Sarah over Skype.

I graduated from ASU with an B.A. in English and graduated from Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary with a Master’s degree in theology.

I’ve worked with college students and have taught conversational English classes for 15 years. Life Among the Nations is in its 7th year!  I very much enjoy helping new students feel welcome and adjust emotionally to their new environment.

Jan’s contact info: jan@internationals.com

Below you will find information about our dedicated Ministry Associates:

Mark Drake

I have a degree in Chemistry from the University of California, Santa Barbara.  I’ve been to Nayarit in Mexico and Manila in the Philippines.  I would enjoy traveling more in Asia.

Hobby: Reading

Food/restaurant: Thai food & Chinese Dim Sum

Favorite types of Movie: Science Fiction and Fantasy

Keith and Debbie Henry

Keith and Debbie have volunteered with Conversational English for several years. Both have a deep care for international students on the campus of ASU.

Keith was a campus minister at ASU for 15 years and Debbie joined him in that work, so they are quite familiar with the campus. After leaving that position they have both continued volunteering with Conversational English classes.

Debbie also volunteers with an international wives group that meets weekly near the ASU campus. If you know of a wife of an international that might be interested in this group please contact her. It is a great way to make friends.

Keith and Debbie have two sons who are both married and they have four grandchildren. They both also volunteer and like to attend their church weekly. They like to travel, and as you can see from the picture enjoy the Grand Canyon. Keith is a great tour guide of the Grand Canyon and if you have any questions about it, he’s your man to ask.

Keith has traveled to China and Russia as well as Canada and Mexico. Debbie has not traveled abroad, but that is one of her goals. She would like to visit the countries of her international friends. They love having international students visit their home and hope to have you visit sometime.

Keith’s contact info:  keithh@azsobaptist.org

Debbie’s contact info: debhen@cox.net

Share Phone #: 480-839-1278

Patty Russell

Hi, my name is Patty Russell.  I work for the City of Tempe Kid Zone Enrichment Program which provides before and after school care for Kindergarten through 8th grade at 19 elementary schools in Tempe. I enjoy reading and socializing with friends.  Favorite foods include chips with guacamole and salsa, brownies with nuts, grilled salmon, strawberry shortcake and cafe mochas.

Countries I’ve traveled to:  Mexico and Germany with a side trip to France.

I started volunteering with Life Among the Nations since summer 2009 and have enjoyed every minute of it.  I love meeting the students and visiting scholars from all the different countries and completely admire their willingness to move to a new country away from friends and family and learn a new language and culture.

email: patty_russell@tempe.gov

Melissa Lows

Hi, I’m Melissa Lows and I’ve enjoyed teaching ESL to internationals a while ago before I had the chance to renew this great experience with Life Among the Nations. I went to Georgetown College and received a degree in Elementary Education. I’ve been to Mexico, Canada and Singapore. I’ve always wanted to go to Ireland and will do that this summer, 2010!

I enjoy books by Nicolas Sparks, A.J. Jacobs, and John Grisham. I also relax by watching basketball, baseball, and football (only on Super Bowl Sunday). My favorite place is San Diego and one of my favorite movies is Second Hand Lions. I like Christian music, big band music and the Beach Boys! I also have fun teaching preschoolers at my church.

Jenny Chen

Hi, my name is Jenny Chen and I help with the Tuesday night conversational English class.   I am currently attending Desert Vista High School. I’ve been to Taiwan, Europe, and often visit California.  I enjoy almost all foods. My favorite is Chinese and Japanese. I like many movies, some of my favorites are the Pirates of the Caribbean Series, The Bourne Series, and anything with Rowan Atkinson (Mr. Bean).

Dick and Suzanne Bither

We live in Sun Lakes, Arizona and attend FBC Sun Lakes.  We both graduated from the University of Michigan, Dick with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Suzanne with a BSN in Nursing.  She received her Master’s degree in Nursing at the Oregon Health Science’s School.  Dick’s career was in the Food Service industry as a distributor and was an owner of a manufacturer rep. business.  Suzanne’s career was in nursing and retired from the VA.

We have recently traveled to Chile and Argentina. We consider it a joy to serve with Life Among the Nations and to help students learn English. God has been very good to us and we want to pass that kindness on to others.