North America
North America has the 4th largest population and hosts three regions – Canada, the United States of America, and Mexico. There are 592 million people altogether, of which 20 million are College Students (in the USA alone). 1.1 million of these students are International Students. We are privileged to partner with the following people…
Laura Straka—RUF Emory
Laura is from the land of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Forest, VA but also has Texas roots. She graduated from The University of Virginia in 2014 with a double major in Middle Eastern Studies and Religious Studies. She also has a Masters of Arts in Biblical Studies from Reformed Theological Seminary in Atlanta. Laura loves cooking Moroccan food, reading a good book, and trees.
George Hamm—RUF Emory
George grew up in Birmingham, AL and studied at Auburn University, where he learned to love and be loved by Jesus. He and his wife Laura met at RUF Summer Conference, and have two little girls! George loves college students, running, poetry, voicemails, and Chinese food. Give him a call/text anytime.
Chad Jowers—RUF GA Tech
Originally from South Carolina, the Jowers come to Georgia Tech by way of many different ministry experiences and places. After college, Chad & Leslie worked in the legal field and business world until God called them to live overseas as missionaries (in over a dozen countries). Upon returning to the US, they went to seminary, earning graduate degrees at Covenant Seminary, then ventured across the pond again for Chad to complete a postgrad degree at the University of Edinburgh (ABD). Chad and Leslie have four crazy and truly awesome kiddos who love hanging out with “big kids” (aka college students) and also hope to get a dog soon. Though they have many stories to tell, the Jowers most enjoy being with students and hearing their stories, walking through life with them, and creating a community that not only feels safe but welcomes all.
Tracey West—RUFI GA Tech
Tracey is originally from Savannah, Georgia. He did his undergraduate studies at Georgia Southern University where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management. At Georgia Southern, he met his wife, Suzanne, in Reformed University Fellowship. They got married in 2011. After spending a year and a half in Augusta, GA, they moved to Charlotte, NC in 2012 where Tracey attended Reformed Theological Seminary and Suzanne worked with Novant Health as a nurse. They have two children - Charlie and Hudson.
Cindy Cook—RUFI GA Tech
Cindy grew up in both New York and Georgia! She graduated from the University of Georgia where she majored in English. Upon graduation she went on to teach high school English and then ESL to students of many ages. During her time in Atlanta, she met her husband David (who went to Georgia Tech). They have one son who now lives in Boston. Cindy loves to spend time with people! She is uniquely gifted for this ministry. She loves to walk on the Beltline (which is near their home) with her husband. Cindy also likes to read and spend time with friends both new and old
Nathan Dicks—RUF Boston University
Rev. Nathan Dicks founded RUF at BU in 2014 after graduating with his MDiv from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in Hamilton, MA. Nathan studied at Clemson University, planning to follow in his dad’s footsteps as an architect until the financial collapse of 2008 sent him in a different direction. Realizing his love for studying and teaching the Bible to college students, he ministered at the University of Sarajevo, Bosnia for two years then moved to Boston to begin seminary. Nathan is married to Sarah and has two sons, Ward (2019) and Henry (2021). Nathan loves meeting new people, running, playing golf, anything outdoors, travel and good music. Ask him more about himself over coffee at Pavement Coffeehouse.
Wei Ho—RUF Gotham Student Movement (New York City)
Wei is from Atlanta, GA. He graduated from Georgia Tech (BS International Affairs) and Reformed Theological Seminary Atlanta (MDiv). He’s previously worked with college students with Mission to the World sending them on mission trips around the world and as a college student pastor at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Atlanta. Wei’s a foodie, bubble tea connoisseur, Atlanta Braves baseball fan, book worm, drummer, tennis player, and lover of big dogs. While new to NYC, he’s excited to live in this city and explore it with you.