Mr. Swift is the founder and chairman of INTERCEDE. He has lived and served in Africa for 10 years and is fluent in both ki-Giryama and ki-Swahili. He brings substantial experience in cross-cultural ministry and in local and international management. Jaime last served as African Regional Director of an international non-profit media ministry in Nairobi, Kenya.  He and his wife, Ginger, began INTERCEDE as a discipling organization in 2005 and hope that through its efforts many lives will be changed for eternity.

Mrs. Swift is Jaime’s wife, co-founder, and secretary for INTERCEDE.  She spent many hours with African women and children learning not only the language, but their culture as well.  As a wife and mother of three girls, Ginger brings a unique perspective to INTERCEDE and a passion for women’s and children’s issues. 

Mr. Swift has been involved in personal ministry and outreach for many years. He has supported mission efforts among the Giryama tribe in Kenya for over 20 years.  During a visit to the coast of Kenya in 2004, Mr. Swift met a bright, joyful, and engaging people who were hopeful for change in the future, though lacking the tools and resources needed.  Mr. Swift hopes that through his involvement with INTERCEDE he will see firsthand an improvement in the well-being and daily lives of the Giryama people, as well as a better knowledge of God and His will for man.

Mr. Coppedge has been in international development for over 15 years and has substantial expertise in the development and financing of large infrastructure projects in developing countries.  Mr. Coppedge joined the INTERCEDE board in 2006 and brings with him contacts and invaluable experience from his years of development work. After a visit to East Africa, he joined INTERCEDE with the purpose of serving God through the efforts of INTERCEDE in Africa and to provide the necessary experience needed to fund, operate, and expand the organization’s vision and effort.

Tommy Thatcher – Director

Mr. Thatcher has been involved in the African/Giryama ministry since its inception in 1983.  He joined INTERCEDE in 2006 to further support the efforts to bring education and quality of life and to spread the knowledge of the gospel of Jesus Christ to the world.

Sam Bookout – Director

Mr. Bookout joined the INTERCEDE Board in 2006.  After two visits to Africa in 1999 and 2001, he saw firsthand the devastation of poverty and the need for hope, food, and the guiding hand of God.  It is his intention to further serve God by contributing his talents and hard work to the welfare and salvation of the African people through the efforts of INTERCEDE.

Duncan Ziro - Field Administrator, Kenya

Duncan is one of our Field Administrators in Kenya, East Africa.  He serves in the Kilifi MCRC office.  The MCRC office reaches out to the community by providing resources (a computer, books, videos and classes) on many various topics.  Regular meetings and classes are held in our small two-room building for education and training in Bible, community development, health and family issues targeting primarily youth, women and children.  Duncan is responsible for overseeing MCRC and all of it's programs, including staff, planning of meetings, teaching classes and even the accounting and general management.  Moreover, Duncan is responsible for all of INTERCEDE's interests in East Africa.  Duncan holds a Bachelor's Degree in Bible and Community Development and was one of the first students sponsored through INTERCEDE's scholarship program.  After achieving his degree, he returned home to serve and give hope to his own people.

Fredrick Kaingu - Field Coordinator, Kaloleni

Fredrick serves as our Field Coordinator in Kaloleni, Kenya.  He works to oversee the various programs and projects connected with the MCRC office in the Kaloleni area, meeting with various community and church leaders to organize outreach and growth projects.  He has regular classes targeting the youth in the area who, without his encouragement and training, have little hope for a successful future.  Fredrick was also one of the first to receive assistance from INTERCEDE and graduated with a diploma from Nairobi Great Commission School in 2000.