Our Board
Terry Brown
Terry Brown, Board Director

Terry is US Area Vice President of Alliances with technology firm ServiceNow. Terry has worked in the technology industry, beginning at IBM and in multiple tech startup firms. He has also been active in church ministry and community service for more than 35 years serving in multiple capacities. Terry earned a Business Administration degree in Finance from the University of Dayton and has completed numerous professional and ministry training courses. He and his wife, Rita, are residents of Columbus Ohio, and are the parents of three children and five grandchildren.

Jane Lowmass
Jane Lowmass, Board Member

Jane Lowmass was born in South Africa. She has a background in art and design. Jane is an environmentalist and supports the empowerment of women. Jane spent many years living in the UK where she met her husband. She and her husband, Phil, currently reside in eManzana, South Africa enjoying their retirement with their four dogs.

Busisiwe “Busi” Mkhombo
Busisiwe “Busi” Mkhombo, Board Member

Busi was born in and grew up in Johannesburg, South Africa. She then moved to eManzana, South Africa in 2008 when she married her husband. She is a mother of two school age children and works hard supporting her family. Busi has played a key role in helping to navigate the culture and works as a translator for Lydia’s Circle.

Randy and Karen Brennen
Randy and Karen Brennen, Board Advisors

Randy and Karen have been married 34 years and have two daughters. Orginally from Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, they now consider Swaziland their home. They have been full time missionaries in Swaziland since November 2006. Their passion is to train pastors and raise up leaders in the church, primarily in the rural areas where they do not have access to sound biblical training. Since May 2016, they have worked together with a team of pastors to plant six churches. Their oldest daughter Kay, and her husband Mark Bojovic, and their two grandchildren are also full-time missionaries in Montenegro. Their youngest daughter Shelly, is also in full-time ministry in Swaziland.

Minah Shongwe
Minah Shongwe, Board Member

Minah Shongwe is a local community member living in eManzana, South Africa for the past 10 years.  She was the first employee of Lydia’s Mission, and shortly after she was promoted to the Operations and Employee Supervisor.  To this day she still works as a machinist on the sewing project, along with her supervisory role. She is highly respected by peers and community members, and is a vital to the success of Lydia’s Mission.  In her free time Minah is a committed member of the Evangelical Gospel Church.  She has one daughter, Celiwe and is a proud grandmother of three. One fun fact you may not know, is that Minah is a super-fan of wrestling!

Les Barnett
Les Barnett, Board Member

Les Barnett retired in 2020 after a career as an independent sales agent for educational software companies covering Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky. After graduating from Indiana University with a Business Transportation degree, he began his career in the air freight industry and later transitioned to educational sales.
Les and his wife have been active volunteers in the churches they’ve served, leading teams in various capacities. They attend SouthBrook Christian Church in Dayton, where Claire Brown attended and they knew the Brown family. Now in retirement, Les and Dana continue their focus in volunteering and serving, as well as travel and time with family, including their two children and two grandchildren.
When reflecting on his experience serving with Lydia’s Mission he shares:
“Henry Blackaby said: ’The reality is that the Lord never calls the qualified; He qualifies the called’. That is certainly what you see with Lydia’s Mission and Claire Brown using chickens, a dump, and stuffed animals to lead the lost and hungry to Christ in South Africa. I am humbled to see God working thru Lydia’s Mission and to join Him in His work.”
We’re grateful for his work in supporting this ministry.