Larry and LeAnn Sellers

Larry was born in Texas, but his childhood years were spent in France and Algeria, and he went to high school in Alaska. He earned bachelor degrees in music and missions from Gulf-Coast Bible College (now Mid-America Christian University) and a Master of Arts in Religion, with a concentration in Christian Missions from Anderson School of Theology. LeAnn was raised in Florida and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education at Gulf-Coast Bible College. They were married in December 1985 and then completed a full term of service in Haiti. Their first child, Laura, was born while serving there; their second, Lee, was born during their term in Rwanda. The Sellers family has adjusted to living in seven different countries on three continents, been exposed to several different languages, and various conditions of living from civil war to coup d'etats. In spite of people's view that missionaries suffer great deprivation, they feel very fortunate to have raised their children abroad for the numerous advantages it offers. The invaluable insights gained have helped them live in harmony and redemptively in this world that is becoming more and more a "global village." The Sellerses began their term in Cote d'Ivoire in 1996. Larry's ministry responsibilities include leadership development, church administration, planting of French speaking churches, and development of French literature for the church in Africa. LeAnn carries responsibilities in the women's work, literacy program, and Christian education. Larry also serves in the role of Mission Representative to Cote d'Ivoire for Global Missions. They are currently engaged in leading the first French-speaking Bible institute of the Church of God, located in Yamoussoukro, Cote d'Ivoire. West Africa Bible Institute, known by the French acronym, IBAO, serves the Church of God in French-speaking Africa in preparing leaders to serve the church throughout this region. IBAO opened its doors in 2007 and currently has 14 students from three African countries working to finish the three year program.