Rod is the Journey Corps West Africa Director. With over 40 years of experience in West Africa Rod offers Journey Corps a tremendous amount of knowledge and experience. With him and his wife’s passion for Africa and for a new generation of missionaries, they make a great fit for the Journey Corps Leadership Team.

Primary Ministry Focus  Reaching Julas and equipping churches and Christian leaders to reach Muslims for Christ. The People  Julas, a people group that spans five different countries in West Africa, are situated traditionally on the border regions of Northern Côte d’Ivoire. The Jula are Muslim and control most of the country’s commerce and transportation services. Julas are found in every major city in West Africa and have deeply influenced the entire region. They are credited with the spread of Islam in the sub-region.
Major Challenges  The greatest challenges for the Ragsdales are the responsibilities that come from being senior team members. Because of the current composition of their team and the recent events in Côte d’Ivoire, keeping focus will probably continue to be a major challenge.
Prayer Focus  Pray for God to raise up others to work alongside the Ragsdales as they reachout to Julas in Côte d’Ivoire. With the recent civil unrest, many are asking questions concerning their faith and the benefits or lack thereof as Muslims. Pray that those who are asking these questions would encounter Christians who are ready to share Christ through more than simple words.