TEAM — GENESIS ISRAEL

STAFF & BOARD OF DIRECTORS

MARCO MORENO

President

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SUSAN HAHN

Director

Susan Hahn is a dedicated advocate for Israel, splitting her time between Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and the Golan Heights in northern Israel. Originally from Seattle, Susan's journey took a transformative turn when she moved to Wyoming to pursue her passion for snowboarding. This adventurous spirit eventually led her to the Middle East, where she began working with a company that supports Israelis and their efforts alongside the IDF.
Susan's deep commitment to Israel was particularly evident during the war of October 7, when she actively supported friends, neighbors, and soldiers. This experience solidified her dedication to standing with Israel during times of conflict and rebuilding.
As the Director of Genesis Israel, Susan is excited to continue her work, focusing on serving communities, rebuilding the land, and strengthening bonds between Christians and Israelis. She looks forward to the many opportunities ahead to make a meaningful impact through her leadership and unwavering support for Israel.

JOEL RICHARDSON

Board Member

A son of Massachusetts’ south shore, Joel came to faith in 1991 and almost immediately became both confronted and burdened by the fact that while roughly half of all unreached people worldwide are Muslim, less than half of 1% of all missionaries are sent to the Muslim world. He heard the testimony of a disciple-maker living in Kazakhstan as a young believer, and committed his life that evening to serving Muslims worldwide with a faithful testimony of Jesus. He moved to Kansas City in 1993, just before spending the better part of 1994 living and working in Israel, while traveling regularly to Egypt and Jordan. It was in this time he truly fell in love with the Middle East, and returned to KC to pursue an engineering degree at UMKC.
It would be difficult to summarize Joel’s ministry and history in a paragraph; he launched a campus ministry devoted to international students in 1996, founded a decorative painting business in 1998 (which was his 9-5 before shifting into full-time ministry in 2016), and has consistently reached out to Muslims locally and internationally since the mid-90s. Joel is the author of eight books (including one New York Times bestseller), has produced several Christian films and documentaries, hosts the popular YouTube program, The Underground with Joel Richardson, and co-pastored a home church fellowship in Kansas City for five years.
Joel serves on the board of three ministries dedicated to reaching Muslims. His passion to see a faithful witness of the Gospel of the Kingdom reach the Middle East underscores his ministry worldwide as a teacher, conference speaker, and as a friend and brother we are tremendously grateful for. His clarity on and commitment to the faithful testimony of the prophets and apostles helps preserve the integrity of our messaging and our life as a body, community, and family.
Joel and his wife Amy, married since 1997, remain in the greater Kansas City area with their five children. If he’s not traveling, he starts his mornings with an early forest jog, winds down in the evenings with his family listening to gospel, bluegrass, and jam bands on his back patio—but he especially enjoys getting to serve as a parent assistant at his son’s football practices.

JASON BUCHANAN

Board Member

Jason Buchanan is a dedicated leader and proud father of three beautiful children. Married to his wife for 16 years, Jason’s family serves as a cornerstone of his life and work, providing him with unwavering support and inspiration.
Professionally, Jason has a wealth of experience as a firefighter, project manager in vineyard management, and regional director for a national prayer movement.
As the founder and president of a nonprofit missions mobilization organization, Jason has honed his skills in communication and mobilization. These abilities have been instrumental in his leadership roles with both the nonprofit he founded, and Genesis Israel.
However, Jason's greatest experiences have come from his walk of faith, trust, and obedience with the Lord. He firmly believes that faith is the cornerstone of navigating every situation, trusting that the Lord will guide him through all challenges.
Currently, Jason and his family manage Mission House Farms, a 12-acre farm dedicated to growing food for the local community. With a vision to feed locally and fund and send globally, this endeavor reflects Jason's commitment to creating ecosystems where life and faith can flourish, and to making tangible contributions to the well-being of those around him.
Jason is deeply committed to fostering meaningful and lasting relationships between Christians and Israelis. He believes it is the responsibility of Christians globally to stand in solidarity with Israel, both in times of peace and crisis. Genesis Israel provides practical ways for Christians worldwide to support and stand with Israelis. Jason Buchanan is dedicated to Genesis Israel’s mission, tirelessly working to create opportunities that promote solidarity, support, and enduring connections between Christians and the land of Israel.

PATRICK ADAKHILAN

Board Member

Coming soon.

SCOTT MONTGOMERY

Board Member

Following Jesus rarely results in a predictable story, and Scott’s life is a testimony to the Lord’s ability to write an interesting one. When he first graduated high school, Scott got a job at a bakery thinking it would be a short-term stopping stone as a young adult. Instead, he spent twenty years in the food industry, working his way to a position as a District Manager and National Account Manager for Aramark/ServiceMaster Facility Services. He married his wife Renee in 1991, left New England for a scenic path south, eventually landing in Alabama by way of South Carolina, Baton Rouge, and a few years in South Korea. In 2001, the Montgomerys helped launch a new church in Birmingham. Scott came on staff as Missions Pastor and Capital Projects Manager, roles he would serve for fourteen years, both connecting their local community with the global Gospel field and bearing responsibility to buy and develop several church properties across Alabama. He stepped down from these positions in 2019 as he and Renee launched SOAR Global, a non-profit advocating for the unreached by fostering connections between those with resource and those in need, and fundraising for many serving the unreached to stay on the field, unhindered by a lack of resource.

DORIT MORENO

Board Member

Coming soon.

ALAN FREEDMAN

Treasurer of the Board

Alan Freedman is a devoted follower of Jesus, husband of 30 years, father, and grandfather. He has led Datalink ITS, a Health Information Management Company he founded in 1999, for 25 years. During this time, Alan has navigated the shifting tides of the health information management industry, guiding Datalink ITS through its evolving landscape over the years. His expertise has kept Datalink ITS at the vanguard of regulatory changes, technological advancements, and electronic health record integration, pioneering new business models and strategies to adapt to and anticipate industry trends. Alan's unwavering sense of responsibility and consistency have solidified his reputation as a reliable and dependable figure in his field.
In his 30s, Alan became very active in the global outreach strategy at his former church, where he identified significant gaps in caring for the needs of global field workers and leaders in the body of Christ. As a founding Board Member and Elder at Garden Church in Southern California, Alan volunteers in various capacities to steward the local church and serve its people. Currently he also serves as Pastor of Global Outreach where he has implemented a fresh vision and method for engaging and supporting global field workers. His dedication to empowering his community, both locally and globally exemplifies his commitment to expanding God’s Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. Through his devotion to Jesus, Alan’s personal mission is to leverage his time, talent, and resources for the glory of God and His Kingdom.

REGIONAL DIRECTORS

DAVID NICASTRO

Massachusets

David Nicastro was born and raised in the oldest seaport in America, Gloucester, Massachusetts, a town North East of Boston.
In 1996, at the age of seventeen, David entered the United States Marine Corp, attending boot camp at Parris Island, SC.
David then attended the School of Infantry where he trained and specialized as a Marine Infantryman.
After infantry training David was handpicked to further his training at Second Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Force Company, “2nd FAST Company,” in Yorktown, Virginia.
As an Anti-Terrorism Marine, David’s first mission was the American Embassy bombing in Nairobi, Kenya, August 1998.
Soon after Africa, David was deployed to the Kosovo/Macedonia conflict in a crisis response role, bringing relief during a time of civil unrest, quelling violent riots to the American Embassies.
David was honorably discharged from the Marines in September 2003, and in 2004 he entered the war in Iraq as a Government Agent. David conducted Personal Security Detail (PSD) operations, specializing in route planning, and serving as a Quick Reaction Force (QRF) member for Department of Defense (DOD) personnel and installations throughout Iraq.
In 2007, after three years in Iraq, David deployed to Afghanistan where he conducted low profile and clandestine operations with multiple Government Entities and Intelligence Agencies. David conducted high-risk protective operations in hostile environments, providing strategic and tactical guidance to aid in thwarting the operation of terrorist organizations and cells. David specialized in this line of work until December 2014, when he decided to come home for his family and become a Massachusetts State Trooper.
David spent over 5 years of his 23 years in multiple uniforms in combat and war zones.
Today, David serves with Amirah Inc. an Anti-Sex Trafficking Organization rehoming women imprisoned by the sex trade. David also serves as Peer Support with the Welcome Home Initiative (WHI) Veterans of War Retreat. His proudest achievement is being a father to three miracles from God, Isaiah, Annelise and Luke.
David has a deep love for Israel and his Jewish brothers and sisters. David has fought in multiple war zones, and has engaged similar enemies as the IDF is currently engaged against. His experience, compassion and empathy along with Genesis Israel's unprecedented access allows for a deeper connection, partnership and long-lasting relationship with those in the Holy Land. David will continue to grow with Genesis Israel and lead teams into tough places, shoulder to shoulder with Israeils, as the Lord Jesus leads his heart, mind and soul. Genesis Israel is the mission our Lord has created David for his entire life.

ERNEST VALENZUELA

Hawaii

Ernest Valenzuela born and raised on the Big Island of Hawaii growing up living life as a typical Island boy met his wife in 2002 and both experienced a filled life with their 7 Children. Ernest and his wife became believers and followers of Jesus in 2013 and fully dedicated their life to God and his word and learning how to raise their family up in the ways of the Lord.
Professionally he brings 20 plus years of hands on Construction, Construction Management and ownership experience of multiple small trade businesses. Served as an Elder in Paradise Calvery Chapel in the last 7 years where he and his family resided and the Lord called them back home to continue serving as an Elder in Imiola on the Big of Hawaii. With a heart for missions and building relationships with people outside of his home areas, the Lord has allowed Ernest to experience opportunities to serve in multiple mission outreaches focused on physical serving and sharing the Love of God and the his love for Jesus! Served in Hawaii, Texas, Nevada, Europe, Croatia and Israel.
Previously, Ernest worked at Lake Mead Christian Academy, taking on the role of a Facility Manager and 9th grade Bible Teacher, it allowed him to build endless relationships with teens and young adults in the Las Vegas community.
As the Lord settled Ernest back in Hawaii he has a heavy burden for Israelis and Jewish people all over the world and has a heart to see Israelis and Christian’s working together side by side. After visiting Israel a few times since 2017 the last visit that he had experienced with the Genesis Israel team and experiencing a little of living in the midst of war has giving him a much more clearer perspective of what’s going on in the Middle East. This experience of being able to stay and sit at the table with many Israeli families throughout Israel has opened amazing opportunities to stand shoulder to shoulder with Israel!! As being part of the Genesis Israel family his hope is to encourage others the importance of building life long relationships between our Christian Communities and Israel!

JASON BUCHANAN

Missouri

Jason Buchanan is a dedicated leader and proud father of three beautiful children. Married to his wife for 16 years, Jason’s family serves as a cornerstone of his life and work, providing him with unwavering support and inspiration.
Professionally, Jason has a wealth of experience as a firefighter, project manager in vineyard management, and regional director for a national prayer movement.
As the founder and president of a nonprofit missions mobilization organization, Jason has honed his skills in communication and mobilization. These abilities have been instrumental in his leadership roles with both the nonprofit he founded, and Genesis Israel.
However, Jason's greatest experiences have come from his walk of faith, trust, and obedience with the Lord. He firmly believes that faith is the cornerstone of navigating every situation, trusting that the Lord will guide him through all challenges.
Currently, Jason and his family manage Mission House Farms, a 12-acre farm dedicated to growing food for the local community. With a vision to feed locally and fund and send globally, this endeavor reflects Jason's commitment to creating ecosystems where life and faith can flourish, and to making tangible contributions to the well-being of those around him.
Jason is deeply committed to fostering meaningful and lasting relationships between Christians and Israelis. He believes it is the responsibility of Christians globally to stand in solidarity with Israel, both in times of peace and crisis. Genesis Israel provides practical ways for Christians worldwide to support and stand with Israelis. Jason Buchanan is dedicated to Genesis Israel’s mission, tirelessly working to create opportunities that promote solidarity, support, and enduring connections between Christians and the land of Israel.

BILLIE ULRICH

Arkansas

Billie has over 30 years of pastoral and community experience and is currently the Pastor of Christ Connect Church in DeWitt, Arkansas. His passion is not only teaching people about the love of Christ but also showing them through organizing disaster relief efforts domestically and around the world.
He has organized and volunteered in disaster relief missions in communities in Louisiana and Texas after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. His service also reaches several countries around the world, including Mexico, the Philippines after Super-typhoon Yolanda, and the Golan with Operation Good Neighbor through the IDF. Most recently, he has been training soldiers and civilians in Tactical Combat Casualty Care on the front lines of the war in Ukraine in the Donetsk, Kherson, and Odesa regions.
Billie spent 5 years as a Police Officer/Chaplain for the DeWitt police department holds a degree in Emergency Medicine from the University of Arkansas Monticello, is completing a bachelor's degree in Emergency Management at Arkansas Tech University, and is currently a licensed Paramedic in Arkansas.
When not involved in disaster relief projects, He loves to introduce friends to the beauty and history of Israel through road trip adventures.

JAYNE FOSS

Texas

Jayne is very active in her passion to help people become aware of the importance of supporting Israel. As well as being a regional director for Genesis, she is also a representative for Bridges for Peace and has attended the two-week "Institute for Israel Studies" in Israel.
Jayne and her husband Steve, have been leading tours to Israel since 2017. She also co-teaches a Torah study class and is currently a group leader for the Jewish Ministries at their church.
Previously, Jayne had her own real estate photography business which kept her busy for 14 years along with the pleasure of watching their "clan" grow to the updated count of 13 grandchildren! She and her husband and best friend, Steve, spend as much time as they can with their family, children and grandchildren. Jayne was born and raised in New Hampshire and has lived in Texas since 1982. She considers herself a proud "Yankee Texan".

JOE AFFHOLTER

Kansas

Joe Affholter is an experienced Unarmed/Armed Combatives Instructor with a proven track record of over 20 years. Skilled in various martial arts disciplines and equipped with 5 years of security leadership experience as the head of security for a Kansas City nonprofit based in the inner city. Successfully managed both armed and unarmed threats on a frequent basis, specializing in de-escalation techniques without the use of weapons.

ALAN FREEDMAN

California

Alan Freedman is a devoted follower of Jesus, husband of 30 years, father, and grandfather. He has led Datalink ITS, a Health Information Management Company he founded in 1999, for 25 years. During this time, Alan has navigated the shifting tides of the health information management industry, guiding Datalink ITS through its evolving landscape over the years. His expertise has kept Datalink ITS at the vanguard of regulatory changes, technological advancements, and electronic health record integration, pioneering new business models and strategies to adapt to and anticipate industry trends. Alan's unwavering sense of responsibility and consistency have solidified his reputation as a reliable and dependable figure in his field.
In his 30s, Alan became very active in the global outreach strategy at his former church, where he identified significant gaps in caring for the needs of global field workers and leaders in the body of Christ. As a founding Board Member and Elder at Garden Church in Southern California, Alan volunteers in various capacities to steward the local church and serve its people. Currently he also serves as Pastor of Global Outreach where he has implemented a fresh vision and method for engaging and supporting global field workers. His dedication to empowering his community, both locally and globally exemplifies his commitment to expanding God’s Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. Through his devotion to Jesus, Alan’s personal mission is to leverage his time, talent, and resources for the glory of God and His Kingdom.