CIU alumnus to lead strategic mission agency

Columbia International University alumnus Luke Perkins is the new president of Crossworld. The Kansas City, Missouri-based mission agency brings together disciple-makers from a variety of professions to the world’s least-reached marketplaces.

Their goal is to use professional skills to benefit local communities around the world. Through relationships built in the marketplace, they share God’s truth and make disciples of Christ.

Perkins graduated from CIU in 2006 with a bachelor’s degree in Bible. He has been with Crossworld since 2016. He also served at the Séminaire de Théologie Evangélique de Port-au-Prince (STEP Seminary) in Haiti as a professor, assistant to the president, and director of development. Additionally, he provided leadership for Crossworld Haiti and at Quisqueya Chapel in Haiti where he served as elder and board chair. 

CIU Dean of Intercultural Studies, Dr. Ed Smither, says he is proud to see another CIU graduate take the leadership of a missions organization.

“Luke Perkins has faithfully served in theological education in Haiti for a number of years —many of those in difficult and turbulent circumstances,” Smither said. “His experiences on the field have surely prepared him to give leadership to Crossworld — a wonderful evangelical missions organization committed to making disciples of all peoples.”

CIU is celebrating 100 years of its mission to “educate people from a biblical worldview to impact the nations with the message of Christ.” The university consistently ranks among the Top Regional Universities in the South by U.S. News & World Report, as well as a Best Value Regional University in the South. Apply now or request information on enrollment by contacting Admissions at (803) 807-5024 or admissions@ciu.edu.