The Mission

To meet the essential needs of vulnerable Liberians to keep children alive and families together in Jesus’ Name.

U.S. Leadership

  • andy perkins, founder and BOARD CHAIR

    Andy lives with his wife Teresa in Grand Prarie, Texas. He began ministering in Liberia in 1998 and has since travelled there more than 30 times. Andy attends Midlothian Bible Church where he is active in the Men's ministry. He enjoys reading and gardening, and spending time with his 6 children and 17 grandchildren.

  • Candi summers, executive Director

    Candi lives in Arlington, Texas with her children and her husband Nathan. She served on the board of BESTWA for 14 years.  She became Executive Director of BESTWA in January 2019.  Candi homeschools her children, and loves crafts of all kinds, reading, genealogy, trivia, and people. Candi attends Grace Fellowship Church in Grand Prairie, Texas.  She is passionate about empowering mothers after infant loss and miscarriage, which lead to her creating the Pregnancy Support Network in Liberia, and volunteering with Gathering Hope in the United States.

  • Dan Baucum, Treasurer

    Dan lives in Midlothian, Texas with his wife Jeannie. They have 5 children and 2 grandchildren. He has served on the board of BESTWA since 2014. Dan is the President of Conveyors, Inc., a manufacturer of bulk material handling equipment. Dan is an Elder at Midlothian Bible Church and serves on the board of Truth Encounter. Dan and Jeannie enjoy traveling the country on their motorcycle. He traveled to Liberia for the first time in February of 2018.

  • Darlene Hardy, Secretary

    Darlene lives in Waxahachie, Texas, with her 3.5 pound Yorkie, Snickers. She was a teacher, counselor, and central office administrator for many years in public education. After retiring from public education, Darlene opened a private counseling practice specializing in depression and the healing of trauma. Darlene attneds Midlothian Bible Church where she is active in ministry. She loves to study the latest research in her field, work in her yard, travel, go to the movies with her girlfriends, and read. She travelled to Liberia for the first time in February of 2018.

  • dr. Gracie Vinton, BOARD OF DIRECTORS

    Gracie lives in Fort Worth, Texas with her husband Rudy and their two children. She has served on the board of BESTWA since 2017. Originally from Monrovia, Liberia, Gracie came to the United States in 2002 to attend University, where she earned her doctorate in Social Work. Gracie is an Assistant Professor of Social Work at Texas A &M University-Commerce. She enjoys reading, watching movies, therapeutic cooking and baking , 3D puzzles, ships and architectural modeling.

  • Rudolph vinton, BOARD OF DIRECTORS

    Rudy lives in Fort Worth, Texas with his wife Gracie and their two children. He has served on the board of BESTWA since 2017. Originally from Paynesville, Liberia, Rudy came to the United States in 2003. Rudy is a Security Account Manager. He enjoys sports, particularly basketball, movies, and exercising.