Jefferson Kern
Jeff Kern, born in Brazil, is the son of missionaries and grew up in various locations, including the Amazon and Cape Verde Islands. He commenced his theological education in 1993 and became a student missionary in Angola in 1994, later extending his service with ADRA Angola for an additional two years. Following that he moved to the U.S., engaging in various ministries in Long Island, New York.
Resuming his theological studies, he graduated in 2007 and then ministered in the Amazon for two years before being appointed as ADRA Amazon Director. In this role, he led projects such as the revival of the Luzeiro missionary boat. He also served as the Communication Director for the Central Amazon Conference, initiating the first Adventist Radio Program in the Amazon region. In 2010, he was called to serve as the Country Director for the Adventist Development and Relief Agency in several countries, including Rwanda, Brazil, and Sudan. In this capacity, he became a specialist in planning and development and streamlining the non-profit organizational operation processes. His pastoral experience spans from the Amazon, Rwanda, to Northern New England in the United States.
Jeff’s academic qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree in Theology from Peruvian Union University and a Master’s Degree in Administration and International Development from Andrews University. He was ordained to the ministry in 2011. Pastor Kern has been married to Yvonne Ruiz since 1997, an educator with a Master’s Degree in Educational Psychology. Together, they have three children: Jeffrey, William, and Ivana.