Larry & Lisa Craig

Larry and Lisa Craig serve in the California High Desert and southern part of Nevada. Most of this area is rural, but also includes communities in Death Valley. Residents in these rural areas generally work in agriculture or mining, and there is also a large military representation. Many residents have moved to these remote communities to get away from people and rules, and could be called “outlaw” in the way they think and act. There are large Native American and Hispanic populations, and many families have lived in this area for generations. In many communities, it appears that marriage and family are not valued. With poor family relationships including neglect and abuse, many youth use pregnancy as a method of escape from their homes and schooling.

While the area hosts large numbers of practicing Catholics and Mormons, there are many families that have never stepped foot inside of a church. Others talk like they are strong practicing members of a church, but never attend or live out their beliefs. There is a strong need for faithful Christ followers to make known His love by their actions. The presence of the church in each community is needed, with more programs aimed at helping not just the spiritual needs, but also physical and emotional.

After seeing the need in their community, the Craigs began serving those around them in a vast variety of ministries. They spend much of their time working with existing churches, assisting with pulpit supply, supporting existing outreach ministries like VBS and Bible studies, and discipling faithful Christ followers so they can go out into their own communities and reach the unreached. Personal involvement within each community has become key to spreading the gospel message throughout the area.

Larry and Lisa use camping ministries to reach all age groups, with summer and winter camps for children and youth, retreats and discipleship weekends for church groups, and backpacking trips for the adventure-seeker. They also have years of involvement in the AWANA youth program, reaching younger children with the love of Christ. The Craigs aim to invest in teens and young adults to raise up a generation that can go out and serve in their communities with the proper training.

The Craigs have served as InFaith field staff since 1977.

Larry and Lisa grew up in InFaith ministries, and have served on the California Desert field the entirety of their time in ministry. They have three grown children who all serve the Lord with them.

“We grew up in InFaith ministries and found a home here,” Larry explains. “We felt and saw God’s clear leading to continue the work.”