Introduction

Bert and Nancy both became Christians in high school. They met in college and were married in 1979. Nancy taught elementary school while Bert attended graduate school. In 1982, Bert accepted a job as a mathematician with the U.S. Department of Defense.

In 1987, they moved into an inner-city neighborhood of Baltimore to live and minister as a Christian family. Bert continued with his job while they both were active in the community development ministries of their neighborhood church, Faith Christian Fellowship (PCA). Bert’s job took them to Canberra, Australia in 1992. While in Australia, they were blessed with the opportunity to work with an MTW church-planting team. God used this unexpected opportunity to prepare their hearts for overseas missions. They returned to Baltimore in 1996, resuming ministry in their neighborhood while attending Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Baltimore (PCA). Bert was ordained as a teaching elder in 2003 and called to missionary service with Mission to the World.

As a result of God’s leading and preparing, the Williams family have spent the last three years in Southern Africa, partnering with churches in Christian Community Development and Reconciliation ministries.

Bert's time is currently divided between working with the Centre for Reformational Urban Ministry in Africa in Pretoria and working with Word and Life ministries in Cape Town. Each ministry involves him in mobilizing churches to respond to the mercy needs encountered in their communities (relief and development). He works training pastors and deacons to show and tell the gospel.

Nancy also divides her time between Pretoria and Cape Town. In Pretoria, she works with Mukhanyo Community Development Centre equipping staff in everything educational from English classes to teacher training to helping communities develop a love of books and reading. In Cape Town, she works with Bert in the various churches helping them to discover their skills in ministering to their neighbors.

We have two children. Emily lives in Chicago where she teaches music at Sumner Elementary Math & Science Community Academy in Chicago. Gregory is a sophomore at Geneva College studying history and sociology (and anything else he has time for).