Our Staff

Martin Garcia

Director

Martin was born in Lima, Peru. At the age of seven, he migrated with his family to Australia. He came to know the Lord as Saviour at the age of eleven. Sylvia was born into a Christian home in Argentina. At the age of eight, she received Christ as her personal Saviour. Martin and Sylvia met while attending the Word of Life Bible Institute in Argentina. Since his graduation, Martin has been actively involved in youth ministry in Australia. His main area of ministry is working with local churches towards the establishment of youth programmes; training and discipling leaders.

The Garcias have three children: Matias, Mikayla and Caleb.

Email: marting@wol.org.au

Jim Dugan

Fulltime - Finance and Operations

Jim was born and raised in Norristown, Pennsylvania, USA. He came to know the Lord as his personal Saviour at Word of Life Island in 1975, graduated from the Word of Life Bible Institute in 1977 and from Citadel Bible College in 1981.

Lynda is from Memphis, Tennessee, USA. She came to know the Lord as her personal Savior through the influence of a godly high school teacher, who helped to disciple her. She attended Pensacola Christian College for two years then transferred to Citadel Bible College, where she graduated in December 1981.

Jim and Lynda joined Word of Life International in 1983 to serve as full time Christian workers in Australia. They arrived in Australia in 1986. Jim has served as Dean of Students in our Bible College and as Camp Director. Presently he is the LCM Area Representative for regional areas, very involved in our Evangelism Events and handles a great deal of Administrative duties.

The Dugans have been married 24 years, have one adult child.

Email: jimd@wol.org.au

Mary Almarza

Part time - Clerical/Communication Officer

Mary was born in Santiago, Chile.  At the age of eleven she migrated to Australia with parents and brother.

Mary’s mother was reached by a family whom were doing door to door evangelism.  While accompanying her mother to church, at the age of eighteen, she was able to clearly understand the Gospel and received Christ as her personal Saviour.  She dedicated her life by the testimony of missionaries visiting her church and took a step of faith to prepare herself for the Lord’s ministry.  She attended Word of Life Bible Institute Argentina during 1988 to 1990.

After graduation the Lord directed her to full time ministry in Word of Life Chile, were she served as Secretary to the Field Director for 20 years.  She joined our staff June 2011 and will have involvement in all areas of the ministry.

Email: marya@wol.org.au