Mark is currently seconded in a formal partnership with Walk Thru the Bible International. Kathy continues to use her nursing skills as a platform for discipleship.
Mark serves a global team of national and regional leaders in applying Walk Thru the Bible curriculum to local needs, developing training & discipleship strategies, applying principles for non-literate learners and developing international partnerships to support Gospel movements around the globe.
Walk Thru the Bible serves local church movements by providing teaching, tools and training to pastors and church leaders. The leaders Mark supports teach in over 114 countries and have published materials in over 44 languages. Mark has a special interest in serving movements in restricted and unengaged people groups.
The Schaafs moved to Atlanta, USA, in 2013 where Walk Thru the Bible is headquartered and to take advantage of Atlanta’s international airport and communication hub.
Prior to living in Atlanta, the Schaafs spent 8 years in Johannesburg, South Africa. Mark partnered with Walk Thru the Bible Southern Africa serving as regional trainer. Kathy used her nursing skills with the poor, focusing on those most affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic. She also helped mobilize South African churches to care for those with AIDS as well as the children orphaned by the disease. Together, they discipled community leaders and planted a church. The church continues today as a vibrant growing self-supporting congregation.
Before South Africa, Mark & Kathy ministered in Amman, Jordan, for 13 years. Mark established Walk Thru the Bible’s Arabic ministry across the Middle East and North Africa. He also taught Biblical Backgrounds to Jordanian and Palestinian tour guides. Kathy served as a community nurse. As Walk Thru the Bible grew across the Middle East and North Africa (into 21 countries), Mark and Kathy stepped aside and began new ministry opportunities across Southern Africa.
Mark and Kathy have three adult children (two were born in Jordan). Mark has a doctorate in Biblical Archaeology from the University of South Africa. He uses his skills of historical geography and Biblical backgrounds in teaching the Scriptures. The Schaafs’ passion is to be involved in outreach, discipleship and growing church leaders to effectively reach the next generation for Jesus Christ.
