About Us

Jonathan and Lilli helped plant Sovereign Grace Church Nairobi, which launched on January 5, 2025. Jonathan serves as one of the pastors alongside Kenyan lead pastor Brian Kiama, and Lilli serves the church as a joyful encourager and caregiver, plays keyboard on the worship team, and is known for her warm and generous hospitality.

Together they share a deep conviction that planting healthy, gospel-centered churches is vital for the spread of the gospel across Kenya. In a nation marked by spiritual hunger and rapid growth—and where the prosperity gospel often distorts the true message of Christ—they long to see churches rooted in Scripture, shaped by grace, and united in mission. Their prayer is for churches that faithfully proclaim Christ crucified, make disciples, raise up leaders, and hold out a sure hope not in wealth or success, but in the saving work of Jesus.

Jonathan and Lilli have four children and one granddaughter, all living in Minneapolis. Their daughter Hannah is married to Henrik Stevens, and they welcomed their first child, Sylvie, in June 2025. Their daughter Tiana disciples university students with Campus Outreach at Bethel University, and Josh and Sophie began studying at the University of Northwestern in St. Paul in the fall of 2023. They are thankful for their family’s encouragement and for God’s work across generations as they serve His church in Kenya.

Previous History

They spent a total of nine years serving missionary families at Rift Valley Academy (RVA), an MK school in Kenya. Jonathan served as a chaplain, teacher, and academic resource at RVA and a Bible teacher at nearby Moffat Bible College. Lilli loved ministering to young people as a student health nurse.

Before coming to Kenya, Jonathan pastored churches in North Dakota and Minnesota. He gained his love for Africa through missionaries in his church as well as a mission trip to Kenya when he was in college. Lilli was born and grew up in Africa as a missionary kid in Madagascar and Kenya. In sixth grade she went to RVA as a student and graduated in 1990. Since receiving her nursing degree she has served in nursing homes, hospitals, and in homes providing private duty care.

Partner With Us

While you’re here, we ask you to consider partnering with us in helping establish Biblical, gospel-centered, evangelistically zealous, and leader equipping churches in Nairobi and beyond. Here’s how:

  1. PRAY FOR US – We believe God has called us to help establish this kind of church in the heart of Nairobi. We need your regular prayers to do this effectively!
  2. ENCOURAGE US – It’s amazing how encouraging it is to receive a simple note from someone saying they read our letter and are praying for us. We hope we can be an encouragement to you as well! Sign up to receive our updates at the bottom of the page and send us a note!
  3. SUPPORT OUR SALARY – Our living expenses are completely dependent on churches and individuals like you who give monthly. Click on the Give menu at the top right.