Allen, Steve & Stephanie

Steve served as a youth pastor for nine years, serving at Crossroads Bible Church in Bellevue, Washington, and Northlake Community Church in Bellingham, Washington. During those nine years Steve and Stephanie have acted as leaders and facilitators of short-term mission trips for their high school students. God has used these trips to cultivate in them a deeper understanding of God’s heart for the world, and a desire to follow Him wherever He may lead.

In February 2006, during a trip to Tijuana, Mexico, with their youth group, God awakened their hearts to missions in a new and unmistakable way. Feeling strongly that the Lord was asking them to be willing to go, they began praying about the their future. After much research, prayer, and conversations with missionaries, they felt their hearts drawn towards Africa and Action International Ministries.

Steve’s trip to Zambia in October 2006 proved to be life-changing for them. Seeing the poverty and hopelessness firsthand, as well as AZ’s commitment to teach and mentor pastors in order to meet those pressing needs, confirmed to them God was calling them to Lusaka, Zambia.

The Allens arrived on the field in September 2007 with their girls, Kamryn, Bradyn, and Julia. After nine months of ministry they returned to the states for the birth of their fourth daughter, Johanna Jae and upon their return
began the process of adopting their daughter Rhoda.
After returning to Zambia in January 2009 Steve began teaching Ephesians in ABI (Action Bible Institute) as well as mentoring pastors in that program. Meeting with the pastors will generate discussions about cultural and practical life issues. Steve also has responsibilities in the area of short-term missions teams, HIV/AIDS ministry and AZ’s internship program. Stephanie continues to homeschool their daughters and is excited to dive into Zambian life and to discover how the Lord would use the girls and her.

For the latest on the Allen family visit their blog  Alive In Africa.