Dr. Richie and Heather ALlen

The Allens are natives of Gulfport, MS, where Richie was licensed and ordained by Michael Memorial Baptist Church. Dr. Allen earned a Bachelor of Theology degree at The Baptist College of Florida. He then completed graduate studies at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Before founding LINC-UP Missions in 2006, he served as Pastor of the First Baptist Church of Hilliard, Florida for 11 years. When not in Brazil, he has a widespread preaching and conference speaking ministry. He also serves as an Adjunct Professor of Missions at The Baptist College of Florida.
Richie and Heather have worked with the unreached of Brazil since 2003. They have a stateside residence in Alabama and serve LINC-UP Missions as the Executive Director and church mobilizers.

TJ and Kerri Helsel

TJ and Kerri Helsel have devoted their lives to sharing the gospel with unreached people groups. They were commissioned as missionaries by Bel Aire Baptist Church and LINC-UP Missions on April 26th, 2015.

TJ served in the the US Marine Corps for 22 years before owning a successful business, while Kerri, after receiving a masters degree in behavior science, worked 15 years with Pass Christian Public Schools as a teacher of children with special needs. Both willingly gave up their careers to follow the path illuminated to them through the Holy Spirit.

TJ and Kerri are currently working diligently on improving language skills and learning more about the culture in which they serve. Their unique backgrounds give them a foundation of leadership which enable them to effectively train others to reach others and to communicate the Gospel.

When not on the mission field, TJ and Kerri reside in Gulfport, Mississippi. They are the parents of two adult sons, Timothy and Anthony, and the grandparents of one granddaughter, Caia.