Inspired by the Gospels and Mother Teresa, Fr. Christopher Hartley brought the Good News of salvation in Christ and the sacraments of the Church to many workers and their families in the Dominican Republic. The workers’ unjust treatment was being ignored at every level of society. Drawing from the social teachings of the Church, he denounced the exploitation. Because of his strong criticism, he endured harsh treatment, was threatened with death, and eventually had to leave the country. His story is the subject of a documentary The Price of Sugar and  the book Slaves in Paradise.  Fr. has also worked with the needy in the Bronx and most recently ministering in Ethiopia.

A speaker at our 2017 conference, Magnus will be back to give us an update on Mary’s Meals and to let us know how that conference’s attendees’ support has impacted children around the world. Magnus has lived in Argyll, Scotland, since the age of nine and began his career as a fish farmer. However, when the Bosnian conflict was making headlines in the early 1990s, Magnus and his brother Fergus were moved to help. Together they started Mary’s Meals. Magnus is married to Julie, a trained nurse from Inverness. She became his co-driver on some of the first deliveries of aid to Bosnia-Herzegovina in 1993, and has been devoted to the charity ever since. They live in Dalmally with their seven children.

Adam & Lori of Out of Darkness have served as parish Directors of Music Ministry in the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee, FL for many years, and while balancing their roles as parish music ministers, itinerant ministers and parents of a young family, they have developed a unique pastoral ability to foster the love of music and worship in others, continually in awe of Christ’s love working in the hearts of others through song. They hope to bless people of all ages, in all walks of life with the music and message God has inspired them to share.