Our Team
Lowell & Claudia Wertz
Founders/Missionaries
Lowell & Claudia became missionaries to Africa in 1980, starting their ministry in Zaire (now called the Democratic Republic of the Congo). Founding Joy in the Harvest in 1992, they began ministry in Tanzania and have watched God build a vital outreach mission from nothing. Married in 1972, they have two married grown children and five grandchildren.
Mwenge Muyombi
Africa Director
The son of the pastor who founded the United Methodist Church in Tanzania, Mwenge began his work with JOY in 1995. Today he is the Africa Director for JOY supervising all projects and personnel. Mwenge is married with three young children.
Lee West
Digital Suppport
The newest member of the JOY team, Lee has a lifetime of experience in pastoring and Christian ministry. He is a specialist in everything digital. He enjoys serving Christ with his skills and has a heart for refugee and compassion ministries. He and his wife live outside Washington DC.
Melinda Bendle
Stateside Manager
Mindy is the Stateside office manager for JOY since 2003. She loves her job and interacting with supporters of the ministry. She is married and has two daughters.