Global Partners & Missionaries

The Watanabes introduce themselves in a unique way: Gary was "made in Japan," hailing from Okinawa, while Lois proudly declared she came "out of Africa," having been mostly raised in Kenya. They became church planting missionaries with Mission to the World in Mexico City, Mexico. Since then, they have happily served in Monterrey, Mexico; Manila, Philippines; New York City, NY; and Nagoya, Japan. They train and mentor urban church planters and leaders through the MTW Japan Christ Bible Seminary and City to City organization. Please pray for their ministry (Psalm 71:17-18).

Walter is the founder and Director of Europe City Partners, a ministry established in 2020 to advance church planting in European cities. With nearly 40 years of experience as an associate pastor, church planter, and lead pastor with City to City Europe, Walter continues to share his passion for church planting. He has been involved in this movement since 2008, collaborating with City to City Europe to support the gospel's spread. Walter has been married to Becky for 45 years and they have two grown children and four grandchildren. They reside in the Atlanta, GA area.

Denis Ribic was born into a traditional family and surrendered his life to Jesus at 16. By age 22, he lost both parents and took on the responsibility of raising his younger brother. Seeing his peers lost without Christ, he felt called to ministry and joined Cru 20 years ago. Seven years ago, he and his family became missionaries in Portugal, where he now serves as National Campus Director, developing ministry in Porto, Lisbon, and Évora.