Jean and Ann Seri

Ann was born in Toronto, Canada, to a nominal Christian family and came to faith through church summer camps, being drawn to the character of the godly leaders and the veracity of the biblical messages. Ann’s church, as a young adult, exposed her to a variety of missions and the need to be involved. Then attending Intervarsity’s Urbana, God turned her world upside down as she realized she could use her graphic training to serve Him.  

Jean, born in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, came to know Jesus in 1982 in Guinea, while he was finishing his schooling there. A family persisted for six months inviting him to church. When he finally attended, he felt the pastor speaking specifically to him and was transformed, to seek God’s will for his life rather than his own. Back in Abidjan, missions naturally flowed from submitting everything to God’s plan for his life. 

Ann arrived in Côte Ivoire in 1985 for a seven-month short-term placement, to serve at the Christian Publishing Enterprise as a graphic artist where she returned to serve in 1988. Jean had a variety of jobs and was very active in his local church, where Ann joined him. Jean was involved in radio ministry. Jean and Ann married in 1998; in 2005 Jean joined SIM. Jean was seconded to TWR for two terms, and Ann joined him for one term.

Then in 2015, Jean became SIM Côte d'Ivoire Director, his mandate having recently ended in 2025. Both have been involved in discipling Christians in numerous ways over the years. Ann has particularly been involved in craft-skills development amongst women, which helps women discover their God-given self-worth and capacity to play their role in their families, churches and communities. Jean and Ann are increasing their focus on training Ivorian leaders through the African Strategic Discipleship Movement (ASDM). 

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." - Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV)