OUR HISTORY
In late 2009 God called us to “leadership training” for women leaders around the world. We realized Indigenous women leaders are positioned to have a huge impact in their realm of influence. However, these women are inadequately prepared for the many challenges they face.
In May 2012, we launched a three year regional program in the Middle East that combined biblical studies, character development and ministry skills. Our trained leadership team engaged and challenged Christian women leaders from Iraq, Israel, Jordan and Egypt.
The women came to us discouraged and beaten down. We walked side-by-side with them for three years in relational teaching and mentoring support. It’s been a privilege to watch our graduates blossom into strong, confident women, prepared and ready to take on the challenges of leadership. They left serving freely in the power of the Spirit with new resources in each other.
These women remain in our hearts and in our lives and we continue to encourage and uplift them.
OUR VISION
Since the success of our 2015 graduating class, we’re more inspired than ever to continue lifting Christian women leaders to become all God created them to be.
Our second Signature Program began in October of 2017 to serve under-resourced women leaders in Arizona from the Navajo Nation and Phoenix’s inner city. We’re excited to witness God’s work in a new group of women leaders.
After our Arizona women leaders graduated in the fall of 2020, the Lord laid it on our hearts to also enter into the fight against the second largest industry in the United States, sex trafficking. Since then we have been researching this need, networking with other organizations who are and can help eradicate this hideous industry. ‘Ezer Life is the name of the program that is specifically addressing our efforts in this area of tremendous need. Please see ‘Ezer Life under programs for more information.
OUR STATEMENT OF FAITH
We believe the Bible (the 66 books of the Old and New Testaments) to be the inspirited, inerrant and infallible Word of God.
We believe in one eternal God existing in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
We believe that humankind was created in the image of God; that humankind sinned and thereby incurred physical death and spiritual death (which is separation from God); and that humankind is born with a sinful nature.
We believe in the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, in His virgin birth, in His sinless life, in His miracles, in His vicarious and atoning death through His shed blood, in His bodily resurrection, in His ascension to the right hand of the Father, and in His second coming in power and glory.
We believe that salvation is a gift through faith in Christ alone, and that all who recieve by faith the Lord Jesus Christ are justified and born again of the Holy Spirit and become children of God eternally.
We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a godly life.
We believe in the spritual unity of believers in our Lord Jesus Christ.
We believe in the Great Commission given by the Lord Jesus Christ to the Church to evangelize the world and to disciple believers.
OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Dan’s professional background has been in information technology and commercial software development. Dan serves as Vice President of Application Development for Advisor Group, providing Broker Dealer technology and services to independent financial advisors. Prior, he held software related management position at McKesson, Insight Direct and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.
He received a B.S. in Business Administration from Northern Arizona Universitey as well as a Master in Business Administration from Seattle University.
Dan and is wife, Deborah, have 3 grown children. Together, the serve in an enrichment class at Scottsdale Bible Church, where they attend.
Deb Pirtle, CEO
Deb leads International Leadership Ministries, formerly known as Global Training Institute for Women. She’s been a part of the planning and implementing team of ILM since 2010. She’s served in women’s ministries for over 15 years, leading, mentoring and teaching women inside and outside of prison. She currently leads women’s outreach at Scottsdale Bible Church.
Deb earned her B.S. in Computer Information Systems from Arizona State University. Deb’s passion is to walk with women on the journey to finding freedom so they can live closer to their original design.
Deb and her husband, Dan, have been married 30 years. Together, they love spending time with thier 3 sons, daughter-in-law and young grandson.
Adina Luca, Board Member
Adina’s professional experience includes managing and owning two successful businesses with her husband. Prior to this, Adina earned her AAS degree in Surgical Technology from Mt. Hood Community College. She has worked in several hospitals in both Oregon and Arizona. She has also been a part of the women’s ministry at Scottsdale Bible Church for over 14 years and is actively involved in leading and participating in Bible classes and small groups. Her passion is to help and lead others to Christ with her love for hospitality. Throughout her life she has mentored her neighbors and family by serving them with whatever they needed, whether it was providing a meal and health advice. Adina and her husband, Mike, have served together at their church, Scottsdale Bible Church, as ushers and greeters for 10 years. They have one son and two daughters. They enjoy spending time with their family which usually involves outdoor activities like hiking and exploration.
Don is the lead writer for Family Offices, a marriage and family ministry. He is the author of numerous books, including Chatter in the Sanctuary, Simple Prayer, Wealth of the Wicked and Friends, Family & Other Enemies. Don has served in ministry for more than 40 years in various capacities, including Bible teacher and pastor. He is a board member for Majestic Glory, a ministry devoted to bringing unity to the global church.
Don’s heart is to empower people through the understanding and application of truth. The love of his life is his wife, Christina. They share 3 children and 6 grandchildren.