OUR BOARD
Dr. Faustin Uzabakiliho is the president and founder of Exodus Vision. Since 2009, he has been leading summer mission teams to Africa to train church leaders. Faustin earned his M.Div. in Theology from International Theological Seminary, an MA in Biology from Russian State University in Saint-Petersburg, an M.A in Secondary Education from California State University of Northridge, and has a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Northcentral University. He is the author of The Story of Exodus Vision and numerous theological courses for pastoral training. He has been teaching high school science and an onsite continuation program in Southern California for more than 20 years. Born and raised in Rwanda, God miraculously saved him from the 1994 Rwandan genocide. His passion for the plight of the suffering Church in Africa eventually led him to found Exodus Vision and equip African church leaders. He currently resides in Lancaster, California, with his wife Anne and their four beautiful children. They are members of The Highlands Church.
Dr. Richard Leyda currently serves as secretary and board member for Exodus Vision. With the organization since 2012, he has traveled to Malawi to teach and has written several biblical and theological courses for the African context. From Talbot School of Theology of Biola University, he earned an M.Div. in Practical Theology and a Ph.D. in Christian Education. Teaching for 25 years at Talbot, Richard chaired the Department of Christian education for ten years. He has written several journal articles and chapters for academic textbooks. He believes that the church in America can make the greatest global impact for Christ through training local church leaders and supplying valuable resources to them. Residing in La Canada, California, he and his wife Ellen have two adult daughters, a son-in-law and two lively grandsons. They fellowship at Montrose Church.
Mr. Jack Hardgrave has been a board member of Exodus Vision since 2010 and was treasurer from 2012 to 2022. He is currently the assistant treasurer. He has traveled to Africa with Faustin every year from 2009 to 2019, teaching African pastors biblically-based courses each time. Jack loves the strong desire these pastors have to learn the Scriptures. He believes that building up the church in rural Africa is very strategic to strengthening the Church on that continent. He was a credentialed high school math teacher at Village Christian High School before retiring in 2012. He taught several math courses including advanced-placement statistics, and also led students on short-term missions trips to Mexico. He and his wife Deni live in Canyon Country, California. He has four adult children and seven delightful grandchildren. Attending the First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood for the past 42 years, he has taught several adult Bible classes and served as a deacon and elder. He is currently chair of the Global Missions committee.
Mr. Kevin Aveni currently serves as treasurer and has been a board member of Exodus Vision since 2012. He served as an Assistant Pastor and Director of Media Ministries and Communications at The Church On The Way in Van Nuys, California for 27 years. He produced and directed over 1,000 television programs featuring the teaching ministry of Pastor Jack Hayford and loves to see media used to spread the Gospel around the world. He was involved in the editing of the English-language version of The Jesus Film, which has seen scores come to Christ. He enjoys assisting Exodus Vision by helping with the website and editing articles, reports, and books for the ministry. Kevin is also an avid financial investor. He and his wife, Robin, have been married for 34 years, have three adult children, a son-in-law, and three granddaughters.
Pastor Jim Bryant joined the Exodus Vision board in 2019. Earlier that year, Jim traveled to Malawi to help train pastors in the area of marriage and family. He has also joined mission teams traveling to Venezuela S.A., Russia, Thailand, and Myanmar. Jim believes in providing theological training to pastors and church leaders, as well as helping to establish sustainable ministry. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington, and a Master of Education Degree from City University, both in Seattle Washington. He has taught in public and private school settings for 18 years. Serving over 40 years in pastoral ministry, Jim is currently serving as the Pastoral Care Pastor, and one of the Teaching Pastors at The Highlands Christian Fellowship in Palmdale, California. He and his wife Audrey have been married for 35 years, have two adult daughters and a son-in-law.
Mr. Job Teaney is the newest member of the Exodus Vision board as of November 2023. He retired after 28 years working in the California Department of Corrections as a correctional officer, correctional sergeant, and correctional counselor. He fully supports Exodus Vision's goals and is thrilled to become a board member. In July 2023, Job traveled to Malawi with the Exodus Vision mission team and served on the building team. During his time in Malawi, he was blessed and overjoyed by seeing more than one hundred children having the best time playing on the newly developed soccer fields.
Job is gifted with a gracious and caring heart. He desires to bring hope and
encouragement to everyone he meets. Job lives in Palmdale, CA with his wife of 32 years, Gretchen. They have raised a daughter and a son, and added a son-in-law in March 2023. They attend The Highlands Church.