We are the Werner family. In 2020, Makenzie and Brandon were married with a covenant commitment: to love and serve one another faithfully for life, and to follow Jesus wherever He leads. From the beginning of their relationship, they both sensed a calling beyond comfort — a calling to the nations.

Makenzie has served in Haiti seven times and holds a nursing degree from Liberty University with a minor in Women's Leadership. Brandon has served in Haiti, Panama, Kenya, and they were engaged in the Dominican Republic. For the past eight years, Brandon has worked in HVAC and construction, building and operating businesses in those industries. Early in their marriage, Makenzie worked as an ER nurse while Brandon ran their companies.

Soon after, the Lord blessed them with their first son — and now they have three young children.

Even in the midst of stability and success, they knew the life they were building was not the fullness of what God was calling them into. Through seasons of prayer, surrender, trials, and clear direction from the Lord, He led them to The Gambia.

There, the need for biblical truth, discipleship, and leadership development is great. God has made it clear that raising up faithful leaders and investing deeply in discipleship is central to the work ahead.

Now, as a family of five, they are continuing to follow His timing and direction — moving to The Gambia to partner alongside a local school and serve in a remote village, focusing on discipleship, leadership development, and practical service.

If you would like to learn more about the Werner family or the work God is doing, please email them at aroundtheworldwiththewerners@gmail.com.