Board of Directors
Board of Directors
Cindy and John Brickner
Finance Manager& Secretary General Since 2016
U.S
Cindy has been a teacher of God’s Word for over 20 years and is passionate about inspiring the faith of others. Her first introduction to India was in 2008 when she and John were invited to visit the country with their senior pastor as an elder and leader in women’s ministry. They visited Hyderabad, Bangalore, Mysore and several small villages. She spent one particular bus trip alongside a young man who was praying about building a school – he told her of the needs, and she sought God for ways to help. After much prayer and divine appointments, Cindy was encouraged to become a part of what God was doing in India. In 2017 she joined the board for SOWERS Ministry, returned to visit the many villages and pastors affiliated with the ministry, and witnessed the completed school that her dear friend spoke about in 2008. Cindy has a deep heart for the people of India. She adds to the board with a passion to see Christ glorified through connecting the heart of his bride – regardless of our borders.
In addition to loving God’s Word, she enjoys spending time with John traveling, visiting their daughters and their families.
John Brickner is a dedicated leader with more than 14 years of experience serving as a pastor and elder in various churches in Southern California. Known for a compassionate approach and commitment to social justice, John has been an inspiring force in both spiritual guidance and community outreach. Throughout his pastoral career, John developed a profound passion for international missions, particularly in India, where he and Cindy led initiatives focused on education, healthcare, and Pastoral development.
His work in India includes multiple mission trips, establishing partnerships with local organizations, and mentoring emerging leaders to empower local communities. His unique perspective and hands-on experience in cross cultural settings have enriched the mission and vision of SOWERS Ministry. As a board member, he is committed to fostering collaboration, inclusivity, and effective strategies that bridge local and global communities. John believes that by facilitating connections for the body of Christ to work together, transformative change is possible.
In his free time, John enjoys traveling with his wife, spending quality time with his grandchildren and collecting baseball cards.
Bill and Heather Sugg
Executive Directors
Donor Relations - Since 2019
U.S
Heather Sugg leads community relations for the SOWERS ministry. You may find her reaching out to schedule a visit or discuss getting involved. She is an executive at a technology-focused communication agency. Her marketing background includes consulting and developing communication strategy for clients ranging from start-ups to S&P 500 companies. She enjoys launching new brands and helping build a new generation of leaders. Her missionary work began in 2015 when she collaborated with East-West Ministries International to lead small groups in remote Caribbean locations.
Heather is a bible study leader, deaconess, and board member at Calvary Chapel North Shore, her home church in Princeville, Hawaii. When God moved here and Bill to Hawaii in 2017, they prayed for a new mission to support and He placed Pastor Jay in their lives with divine appointment.
Heather relishes spending time in the glory of God’s creations – from mauka (mountains) to makai (ocean). She’s always eager for the next adventure God has planned.
Bill Sugg (and his wife Heather) first met Pastor Jay in 2017 when he visited their new home Church (Calvary Chapel North Shore). After hearing of the incredible need and work SOWERS was doing to spread the gospel in India, he knew they needed to be part of supporting this incredible ministry. After a couple years of supporting the ministry and getting to know them better, Pastor Jay approached Heather and Bill asking them to assist in donor relations and join the board of directors.
Bill’s diverse career spans from high net-worth insurance, marketing and sales management, full time ministry and even personal training/nutrition coaching. Wherever God brought him, he develops relationships that help people bring God into the forefront of their lives.
Today, Bill is an owner and executive at Cloud Warriors (a technology service integration company with a social mission to turn IT budgets into jobs for U.S. Veterans). He has a passion for helping others achieve their goals and succeed. Bill is an elder and board member at Calvary Chapel North Shore where he leverages his experience at First Priority of Tampa to help bring the ministry to the next level.
Any free time is spent in the water, chasing that next wave, or whatever adventure may come.
Pastor Jay
Chairman of the Board since 2016
India
Rev. Jayakumar Babu Salluri, “Pastor Jay” was called to the ministry on August 21,1994. After a 7-year bible college program he earned a Bachelor of Theology in 1999. He launched Bethel Ministries in India in 2001, the foundation and home church of SOWERS Ministry.
Pastor Jay has personally trained 1,048 pastors and sent them out into the field over these years. He is Vice President of The Greater Vijayawada Pastors Fellowship. And has been serving as chairman of Sowers Ministry International, USA & Canada since 2016. More on Pastor Jay, his family and his testimony can be found here.