Our Story

For over 25 years, Lloyd and Jan Chinn have served globally. In 1999, Lloyd began short-term ministry travels to Ghana while at Dallas Theological Seminary. Starting in 2000, the family went to Ghana annually, and in 2003 they were appointed as full-time missionaries. They moved to Ghana in 2004 and spent a decade in leadership development, discipleship, and community economic development. They became Africa Global Directors for a U.S. mission organization in 2014, enabling strategic ministry, supporting indigenous African mission movements, and educating national leaders to reach the unreached in 14 countries across Africa. At year 11 in this role, God was speaking to them clearly that it was time for them to make a change. They stepped down and started seeking God’s clarity.

Inspired by the story of Simon of Cyrene, and believers from Cyrene mentioned in Acts 11, Cyrene Connect seeks to bring African and Black American churches together to support global mission initiatives. We seek to awaken a shared missional identity among people of African descent, with a special emphasis on reaching underserved areas in West and North Africa where cultural and historical connections can foster unique access and impact. Cyrene Connect highlights the collective potential of these communities in advancing the gospel and creating lasting change. With a vision to bridge continents and empower communities, it establishes a sustainable foundation for empowering leaders and socioeconomic transformation, honoring the shared heritage and potential of African-descended people in global missions.