JuneAn Lanigan

DIRECTOR, California

I got to know about Colegio Alfa & Omega through Scott and Sue Johnson at an introduction session they hosted at their home. Eunice Pastor was in Menlo Park, California for the event and Jorge Pastor spoke to us on video from Denia. I immediately felt called to support the school and their mission in whatever way God would lead me. In January 2018, my husband Kevin and I were able to act on that call by hosting Kiko, a 14-year-old exchange student from Colegio Alfa & Omega. Kiko was joined by two other students, Maria and Leah who were hosted by the Johnsons and the Koonces. The “three amigos” and host families enjoyed a wonderful three months in California touring the state (they loved the Spanish mission of Santa Barbara!) and learning all about Denia, their families, their school, and their aspirations.

The exchange program did not end when the students returned home, however. Kevin and I, along with our daughters and friends from London visited Denia shortly following their return. We visited the school prayer garden, toured the school and church, met the faculty and administration, and spent an amazing time with the “three amigos” and their families. Our hearts have been forever captured.

During this time, I served as the Chairman of the Board for Menlo.Church. Our focus on Session was (and is) to discern and establish church mission, vision and strategy; provide spiritual oversight; shepherd the flock; and help people find and follow Jesus. It was an extremely rewarding four years of serving our local community and expanding our global reach.

My next reach is to serve on the Board of Denia Bridges Foundation. I am honored to be part of this dynamic and inspiring team and look forward to witnessing all that God has planned for Colegio Alfa & Omega, its’ current and future students, and the impact of Christ’s love in the community of Denia.