Staff
Rapha's staff is anointed to fill the position they occupy. They recognize that the time is short and that much is yet to be accomplished. Each is presupposed to be prompted by God, the Holy Spirit.
As God opens doors into unchartered lands and people, Rapha will enlarge the staff with diverse, discipled individuals. The staff is well acquainted and guided with the verse, "Can two walk (serve) together, except they be agreed?" that God revealed through the prophet Amos.
Rapha believes in accomplishing "great things through great God-fearing people." Guided by this belief, Rapha does not look into the color of a person's skin, or the bank account of a person, but seeks to find those who love, worship, and obey God.
Lee West, Ph.D. Senior Minister
I was reared in the home of a missionary Baptist Deacon who chartered the first church I attended. This fashioned my faith and Christian foundation. This foundation was tested when I served in the U.S. Air Force and flew into many foreign lands and faced different cultures. Going in harm’s way firmed my faith in God’s protective power.
Later, I was an Air-Traffic Controller for the FAA. There, I was charged with the responsibility for the lives of many people in flight. This taught me quick and quality decision-making abilities and accountability. After the FAA, I spent years in Pastoring with the Assembly of God. This was followed by over a decade of working on staff and Pastoring with an international Christian University. That experience impacted my belief in the importance of Christian education in aiding one’s evangelizing efforts as well as their individual Christian growth. The vision for RAPHA INTERNATIONAL was birthed from these efforts.
I was reared in Jacksonville Florida. My brother and I were blessed with wonderful, loving Christian parents. I attended Christian schools through high school. I recognized at a young age that my desire was to work in the medical field aiding people that were hurting. I attended a healthcare college and graduated in 1988. Throughout my career, I worked in varied specialties.
I accepted the Lord as my savior at a young age and that began my road of discipleship. This taught me many lessons. The main lesson was that to be successful, I required the guidance of the Holy Spirit. I began to realize that God had a wonderful plan for my life, and I grew as I yielded to His guidance. Having left the healthcare profession, God is now utilizing me in discipleship ministry. Presently, I am the "Liaison Coordinator and Discipleship Coordinator" for Rapha. I am blessed and encouraged as I witness God's people healed in body, soul, and spirit. Soli Deo Gloria (soley to the glory of God).
