Our team
Rev. Keith Bell Asst. Executive Director
Reverend Keith Bell is the Pastor and spiritual leader here at God's New Life MBTC. He started his Mission Teens journey at Victory MBTC in Center Ridge, Arkansas and transferred here to God's New Life in 2022. Keith has a love for people that shows in the way that he interacts with everyone around him. As AED, Keith wears many hats and is always willing to get his hands dirty to further the Lord's work. His true passion, though, is counseling and seeing other people freed from the same things that kept him bound up for so many years.
Michelle Bell Asst. Executive Director
Michelle Bell, Keith's wife, was 23 when she entered Mission Teens after battling with addiction for years and hasn't looked back since. She started her journey at Restoration Ranch, in Tuscumbia, AL. Michelle transferred to Victory MBTC to help pioneer the center in Center Ridge, AR. She, then, transferred here to God's New Life. Jesus has radically changed her life, and along the way granted her desires for a husband and child. The residents and staff draw on her experience, strength, and wisdom as she helps Keith lead them with grace. Her example, especially to the women, of what the Lord can do with a heart that is fixed on Him is a driving factor in many of them having the patience to find freedom in the Lord themselves.
Thomas Gallagher Asst. Asst. Executive Director
Thomas's devotion to the Lord is evident in the way he pours into our staff. Thomas is one that goes above and beyond what he's actually called to do to make sure that the needs of the ministry are met. This often means late nights, long weekends, and ministering to others in need. Thomas originally came through the program at the Fort Lauderdale, Florida center called Sonrise MBTC. He transferred to God’s New Life, finished his staff training commitment and has been here ever since.
Thomas Hardy Resident Director
Thomas like all of us came into the program beaten down by life, but after years in the Mission the joy in the Lord he has is overwhelming. The Lord has done an amazing work in Thomas Hardy. Thomas remained diligent while waiting on the Lord for his healing. Thomas met his wife Alexandria while working in the waiting, and the Lord has blessed his joyful obedience 100 fold. Thomas is currently the director over the entire building and maintenance department, and leads the group with integrity, seeking the Lord for His direction.
Alexandria Hardy Resident Director
Alexandria, Thomas Hardy's wife, is a good example of an obedient servant for the Lord. Alexandria maintains a great attitude and is a beam of light when she walks into a room. She is kind and bold in her approach with the staff and residents. Alexandria has been a part of God's New life for years and has helped it become what it is today. Alexandria is the director scheduling teachers and over the Mission's soda store.
Samuel Nanney Resident Director
Samuel is Resident Director over Program, which means that he is responsible for guiding the staff in how to make program decisions in love, respect, and under the leading of the Lord. He has a special gift for teaching and is truly passionate about sharing what the Lord has done in his life with the residents and staff. His heart for the people is what sets Sammy apart, and his willingness to step into any role asked of him really sets the tone for how our directorial staff walks in a "Send me, Lord." attitude.
James Ailor Graduate Staff Member
James started his Mission Teens journey at Crossville MBTC, our TN center. He came back through the program at God's New Life, and after graduating decided to give back what was given to him by staying through staff training. James finished his staff training when he finished Overseer. James is a great role model and teaches how to speak the truth with love. James seeks the Lord for direction and helps others with their paths.
Laura Cleveland Full Counselor (Program Overseer)
Laura is the Overseer at God's New Life, which means she is over the program and accepts applicants into the program. She prays over every applicant that calls and seeks the Lord over the people that have entered the program. Laura is very gracious and loving with her approach to guiding and discipleship. Laura has been a teacher at the Mission, and now is teaching as a staff member. She completed the program and is now going through her Staff Training commitment.
Joseph Allen
Full Counselor (Senior Counselor)
Joey has a never give up attitude and a love for the Lord. From what we've seen that's just about all you need! His caring heart is being put to full use now in the office as Assistant Senior Counselor.
Jon Hurst Asst. Counselor (Donation Overseer)
Jon has absolutely blossomed in his gifting as a counselor and leader since graduating the residential stage of the program. He comes to us by way of Oklahoma and is a wonderful addition to our office family. He currently guides the residents as Senior Counselor and sets the example of how Jesus can transform a life and make something brand new out of someone who is just willing.
Rev. Gary Smith Executive Director
For several years, Reverend Gary Smith has been in Mission Teens and has walked closely with the Lord. Gary is appointed as Executive Director. He works closely with directors across the country like Rev. Keith & Michelle in Marked Tree. Please keep Gary and his wife Susan, who is a Mission Teens Board Member in your prayers as they also operate our Missouri center, Freedom House Mission Bible Training Center.
Rev. Steve Shwartz Chief Executive Director
At the helm of Mission Teens Inc. stands Rev. Steve Schwartz, the Executive Director entrusted with the formidable responsibility of overseeing the Assistant Executive Directors across all 20 Mission Teens Centers spanning the United States. Diligently carrying forth the vision laid down by our founder, Jim Bracken, since 1969, Steve dedicates a significant portion of his year to traversing various centers and attending graduation ceremonies. His unwavering commitment to the mission of reshaping lives through the potency of faith serves as an inspiration to the entire community. As he perseveres in this invaluable endeavor, we extend our gratitude and humbly request that you hold him and his wife Barbara in your prayers.