Conference on Global Engagement

Meet the Keynote Speaker

Steve is the CEO of Ethnos360 (formerly New Tribes Mission). He and Sharon have served with Ethnos360 since 1993. After completing the training program, the Sanfords moved to Venezuela, S.A. to join the missionary team working with the Joti people who lived deep in the rainforest jungle and had little to no contact with the outside world. After years of language and culture study, the gospel was finally able to be presented to the Joti in their own heart language. Nearly everyone in the village accepted God’s provision of ‘The Lamb of God’ as their substitute and put their faith in Christ.

The Sanford’s lived with the Joti people for 12 years. Along with their missionary co-workers, their tasks included Bible translation, Bible teaching, curriculum development, and medical and literacy work.

From 2006-2023 Steve and Sharon served at Ethnos360’s Wayumi program in Central, PA where Steve served as an instructor. In November of 2023 Steve and Sharon moved to the Ethnos360 home office in Central Florida to assume their current role.

The Sanfords have three married sons. Seth and Kaitlyn are serving as missionaries to the Konomala people in the country of Papua New Guinea. Tyler and Allegra are preparing to enter a remote people group in the country of Indonesia. Todd and Adriana are working in a church in Michigan where Todd is the Pastor of Missions.