Staff & Board
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Board of Directors
April Jurgensen
Founder/Executive Director
April employs and manages believers around the globe to do the hands-on ministry to the orphans. Between trips to visit the children who’ve stolen her heart, April seizes opportunities to write and speak about them. She brings the experience and insight from more than 100 international trips to her messages.
“I hadn’t realized that these children would pierce my heart. I couldn’t have imagined that the little faces I had yet to meet would nimbly change my perspective on everything.
But I knew I could never walk away from their need, and so The Boaz Project was born.”
Jim Jurgensen
Managing Director
As managing director, Jim supervises The Boaz Project’s U.S.-based staff. In addition, he takes responsibility for operations, including finance, short-term trip logistics, and event planning. His favorite part of his job is leading short-term teams to visit orphans in our partner homes.
“As an adoptee, I love that my work at The Boaz Project gives me the opportunity to reach children who’ve known neglect and abandonment. I can connect to a degree with their stories and feel God can use that connection to touch their hearts. Probably my favorite part of my job is leading short-term teams, introducing others to the needs of orphans and how God—through The Boaz Project—is meeting them.“
Cathy Long
Assistant Director
As Assistant Director, Cathy contributes to the planning, execution, and evaluation of various projects, including our orphan gift banks and wish lists. In addition, Cathy records donations and making wire transfers to our partners overseas.
“One of the greatest joys of working at The Boaz Project is seeing what goes on behind the scenes and experiencing God working in miraculous ways, beyond what we could ever imagine! God’s providence on this ministry is clear. Knowing that God is moving in great ways through The Boaz Project is what gives me such a strong feeling of deep, true joy while I’m working – I am very thankful to have the privilege of playing a part in God’s mission here.
I feel so blessed to share this privilege with incredible partners (like you!) who join me. I look forward with each new day to the next miraculous thing that God is going to do!”
Jill Dyer
Bookkeeper
As Bookkeeper, Jill handles the day-to-day accounting operations for The Boaz Project, including entering gifts, preparing payroll, generating reports, and cutting checks. She also works closely with auditors throughout their review process, ensuring thorough accountability to our donors.
“God cares about all of the lost and hurting in our world, but He has a special place in His heart for orphans. My husband, Steve, and I feel that God touched our hearts with concern for orphans since early in our marriage. In fact, our youngest son is adopted from Liberia. A guiding Bible verse is Micah 6:8 which says, “And what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” Therefore, we resonate with the focus and mission of The Boaz Project.
“Lost and hurting children get to experience the love of Christ – which they so desperately need – under the protection of compassionate caregivers. It has been a privilege to support the various ministries for several years.
“Now I have the opportunity to serve The Boaz Project as Bookkeeper. Using my skills behind the scenes in a tangible way to support orphans and their caregivers feels like a blessing. It’s a practical way to live out “whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.” (Colossians 3:17) I’m so excited to be a small part of the work God is doing!”
Michaela Shake
Director of India Ministries
In her role as the director of India ministries, Michaela oversees the implementation of all of The Boaz Project’s work there, including a selection of personnel and partners, accounting for funds, and leading some short-term teams to the country. In addition, she assists with training caregivers to assist children from trauma and helps our partners attain best practices in orphan care.
“I’m absolutely thrilled about stepping into this position. I know God has been leading me here for a long time, and cannot wait to start this journey. However, in order to do that, I will need support. Boaz is a small missions organization that is doing awesome things, but they cannot do them without your generosity.”
Courtney Kraus
Director of Kenya Ministries/Staff Writer
In her role as the director of Kenya ministries, Courtney oversees the implementation of all of The Boaz Project’s work there, including a selection of personnel and partners, accounting for funds, and leading some short-term teams to the country. In addition, she assists with training caregivers to assist children from trauma and helps our partners attain best practices in orphan care. She is also fulfills her role as a staff writer by creating quality content that conveys the mission, work, and outcomes of The Boaz Project’s ministry to orphans.
“I am beyond excited to be stepping into this role. I have seen God’s faithful hand moving in my life over the span of many years to bring me to this point. As part of an adoptive family, I have seen first hand in my brother’s life what it looks like for a child to become part of a safe, loving, Christ-centered environment and what it has done for his identity. I am honored to have the opportunity to pour into caregivers who are dedicating their lives to being a healing force for the children in their home. It is because of God’s constant leading in their hearts that they are motivated to speak truth over every child that comes into their care and give them the best opportunity to thrive. To be a small part of that is truly my greatest joy. I am thankful for The Boaz Project staff, who have encouraged, believed in, and befriended me every step of the way. Ultimately, I praise Jesus for His grace towards me and the good gifts He so freely gives.”
Maggie Adkins
Digital Media Specialist
“My initial exposure to vulnerable children was growing up being a pen pal with a sponsor child. My curiosity and passion grew for missions through the years of exchanging letters. My young heart was troubled and broken by the thought of a child not having a parent. I also loved creating videos and over the course of the years the Lord showed me how he wanted to use my skills for the Kingdom. I am so excited to be working for The Boaz Project and beyond grateful to God for those who partner with the ministry to make this work a reality”