When people hear the phrase “Family of Missionaries,” they might imagine a dusty photo in an old mission board newsletter. But at consfords.com, that phrase means something very real, very current, and very full of life, laughter, and love for the Lord. It means the Consford family—Joseph, Laura, Gilbert, Danny, and Bonnie—each using their unique talents to serve God together in Ghana, West Africa.
We’re not just a family going to Africa—we’re a team. A crew. A gospel-driven squad of missionaries, each with our own set of gifts and callings, but united with one goal: to make Christ known and train others to do the same.
So buckle up, because this journey is just getting started—and you’re invited to come along.
A Long Road Leads Back to Africa
Let’s rewind just a bit. From 2001 to 2015, the Consfords served as missionaries in Ivory Coast and Ghana, planting churches, training national pastors, and working with young people. After returning to the United States in 2015, we continued in full-time ministry at Central Baptist Church in Center, Texas, where Joseph helped in the church and Laura served as vice principal at the Christian school.
But the call to Africa never faded—it grew stronger. Now, with more experience, deeper roots, and a stronger sense of purpose, we are returning to the field as a family of missionaries, fully committed to the people of Ghana and the work God has for us there.
Meet the Family of Missionaries
Joseph & Laura Consford – The Foundation
Joseph has a preacher’s heart and a missionary’s grit. Whether it’s behind a pulpit or behind a steering wheel on a dirt road in Africa, he’s ready to do the work. His focus in Ghana will be church planting, discipleship, and training national pastors through the Bible Institute.
Laura has a special gift for education and administration. She’ll be working with Christian schools, mentoring teachers, and pouring into the next generation of Ghanaian students. Her years of experience in school leadership are a powerful tool for the field.
Together, they’re the spiritual and strategic foundation of the Consford mission team.
Gilbert (20) – The Mission Intern
Gilbert is currently studying missions at Providence Baptist College and will graduate soon. He plans to join the team in Ghana after graduation, where he’ll help with youth ministries, street evangelism, and tech support. Gilbert has a heart for reaching people and a gift for teaching God’s Word.
He’s also the family’s unofficial tech guru—so if the projector stops working in the village church, Gilbert’s on it.
Danny (18) – The Medic-in-Training
Danny is training to become a paramedic before joining the rest of the family in Ghana in 2026. His plan is to offer basic medical care in rural areas, using his skills to open doors for the gospel.
He’s not afraid to get his hands dirty, whether it’s helping at a village clinic or digging the foundation for a new church building.
Bonnie (17) – The Natural Born Teacher
Bonnie is the youngest of the crew, but she’s not on the sidelines. She’s a natural communicator, full of joy, and deeply committed to sharing the gospel. She plans to spend a full year in Ghana after graduating high school in 2026 before heading to Bible college.
She’s already helping her mom with educational projects. And if you need someone to help, she is always our go-to.
What Are We Doing in Ghana?
As a family of missionaries, we’re not just showing up—we’re stepping in to help grow something that’s already thriving. We’re partnering with Missionary James Ruckman and the team at Hope of Africa Baptist Mission, a ministry that’s busy planting churches, training leaders, and reaching communities.
Here’s what we’ll be involved in:
- Church Planting – Starting new churches in underserved areas
- Bible Institute – Teaching and mentoring future pastors
- Christian Education – Supporting school ministries and training teachers
- Evangelism & Discipleship – Soul winning, youth outreach, and one-on-one mentoring
- Medical Outreach – Providing basic care and emergency response
We believe that when each member of the family uses their God-given talents, we become more than just missionaries—we become a force for the gospel.
Raising Support, Filling Our Calendar, and Trusting God
As of July 2025, we’ve hit the road again—visiting churches, sharing our burden, and raising the monthly support needed to return to Ghana full-time by September 2026.
We’ve already seen God open amazing doors. Our calendar is filling up fast, and we’ve had the joy of connecting with pastors and churches across several states. Every handshake, every meeting, and every prayer is another step toward the mission field.
How You Can Help This Family of Missionaries
There are a few simple ways you can be a part of what God is doing through our family:
✅ Pray – Sign up for our daily blog updates and email list at consfords.com so you can pray for specific needs
✅ Give – Support our ministry financially through your church or directly via our support page
✅ Invite – If you’re a pastor, invite us to present our ministry to your church
✅ Connect – Visit our About page to watch our video and get to know us better
And don’t forget—every cup of coffee or night at a cabin helps too. Our businesses, HOTS Coffee and Bland Lake Hideaway, are playing a big role in helping us get to the field. When you visit or share them with friends, you’re directly helping missionaries go to Africa!
Why a Family of Missionaries Matters
In a world where families are pulled in a million directions, it’s refreshing to see one that’s united in purpose. Being a family of missionaries means we’re in this together. We cry together and laughing a lot is what we do, and we learn from one another. And most importantly, we follow God together.
Whether it’s preaching, teaching, fixing broken tech, bandaging wounds, or leading songs in a village church, there’s a place for each of us in this mission.
And there’s a place for you, too.
Final Thoughts
We’re the Consfords—a family of missionaries heading back to Ghana with hearts full of purpose and hope. We’re ready to use every talent God has given us to share the good news of Jesus Christ. And we’re thankful for every person who walks with us on this journey.
Let’s reach Ghana together—one soul, one church, one family at a time.