EXECUTIVE dIRECTOR: Dave Pierson
Dave grew up as a missionary and pastor’s kid in Brazil, Portugal and Fresno, California. After studying Economics at UC Davis, he earned a Master of Divinity degree at Fuller Theological Seminary. He has served as a Presbyterian pastor and youth pastor in Alaska, North Carolina and San Diego.
Dave now serves as Executive Director of Alongside Ministries International, a ministry which partners with the European Church to advance the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the mission fields of Europe and North America.
Dave and his wife, Nanette have 5 children and live on Whidbey Island, Washington. Dave is an avid cyclist, and squeezes in time to ride between ministry and family commitments.
Ian and Teri Rutter
Ian and Teri Rutter have been serving in France for more than 30 years. They began on French university campuses where they saw a number of students place their trust in Christ. Today, many of these same people are in leadership positions in their churches and in society.
Through their partnership with Alongside Ministries International, Ian and Teri are mentoring younger missionaries, encouraging national leaders and reaching out to un-churched people in a variety of ways. They collaborate with churches and other Christian groups.
Locally, they work together with effective programs of outreach such as Trinity Forum International, the Alpha Course, the Alpha Marriage Course, Family Life and Community Bible Study International.
Matt Randles
Matt grew up in Shoreline, Washington and studied music composition before starting seminary with the intention of focusing on serving the church as a worship leader—but God had more in mind. He was ordained with the Evangelical Covenant Church, which led to pastoring and church planting in Helena, Montana. Since then he has served as a pastor in Paris, France, as well as led worship at retreats for missionaries in Europe and Africa.
Matt is married to Merideth, and they have two adult daughters. Currently, in addition to serving in a variety of ways at his local church, he is writing a series of fantasy and sci-fi novels and plays bass in a cover band.
Matt and Carolyn Leggett
Matt and Carolyn Leggett have been involved with Alongside Ministries for many years. Matt served in Scotland working with Church of Scotland youth in the late 80’s, and Carolyn served as the Alongside book keeper in the late 90’s. They have both participated in AD conferences in France and have supported Alonsiders in the field for many years. They are pleased to be a part of the board and eager to see what God will do in his Church in Europe and North America.
Matt & Carolyn actively serve at West Side Church in Richland, WA where they have been attending over 30 years. Carolyn is a retired math teacher, and Matt currently teaches high school world history and Shakespeare to eager high school students, and helps with the school drama program. He is also the school adviser of the Jesus Club, a student run Christian organization.
In 2024, Matt & Carolyn celebrate their 32nd wedding anniversary. They have two grown sons, a daughter-in-law, and a grand-dog. They enjoy hiking, biking, and being in God’s good creation
TRish Tracy
Trish enjoyed a 32-year career, mainly in Moses Lake, WA as both elementary teacher and later as an elementary principal and central office administrator managing state and federal remedial programs, including special education. After retiring, Trish was able to continue working in education as a consultant for the State of Washington as a coach in low performing schools, helping them to improve learning for all the students.
In the fall of 2010, Moses Lake Presbyterian Church took a Mission Trip to Haiti Bible Mission in Jeremi, Haiti following the catastrophic earthquake, earlier in the year. Trish felt called during the trip to return within several months to investigate how she could help in their school. Over the next 8 years, she brought in curriculum, books and supplies, as well as trained the teachers. These trips made Trish’s passion for missionaries deepen as she witnessed how the Haitian leaders spread the love of Christ to so many people in the area and opened numerous churches. These people who had so little, expressed their faith with so much joy and conviction.
After the birth of her first grandson in 2019, Trish moved to Richland and began attending West Side Church. With her continuing passion for missions and missionaries, Trish volunteered to join their Missions Council within a couple of months. By the end of that year, she accepted the role of one of the elders for Missions Council. West Side over the years has supported many Alongside Missionaries. As Trish got to know these missionaries, her interest in Alongside grew. Last summer, Trish attended the Alongside Gathering in Czech Republic.
Kim Cordes
Kim was raised in Indiana and moved to the Chicago, Illinois, area to attend Wheaton College, where she studied Business / Economics. She enjoyed a 31-year career in corporate tax accounting before retiring in late 2024.
Kim is married to Scott, and they (along with their dog Cayman) split their time between the northwest suburbs of Chicago and Naples, Florida. Kim has served on her church’s Finance Committee for many years and currently serves as the Treasurer. In her free time, Kim enjoys spending time with family, reading, learning pickleball and following the Indiana University basketball and football teams.