Bill Everts, a seasoned professional with a distinguished career at IBM, culminating in his role as Worldwide Manager of Sales and Technical Sales Support for IBM's WebSphere product family. Leading a global team, he achieved remarkable success, driving over $250M in sales during the product launch year. Beyond his corporate accomplishments, Bill has dedicated over a decade to Less Than The Least Ministries (LTTL), initially encountering the organization during his time of incarceration. His commitment continued post-release, where he actively contributed to LTTL's mission, providing music, testimonies, finance management classes, and faith-based dorm accountability classes.
Leveraging his technical expertise, Bill played a pivotal role in the ministry's initiatives, from video production for fundraisers to upgrading audio equipment in various prison units. In 2021, once the restrictions imposed by the pandemic were lifted, Bill, along with his wife Stephanie, relinquished their worship pastor duties to recommit themselves to full-time prison ministry. Bill's dedication to LTTL was further recognized when he was appointed to the Board of Directors that year. Following the passing of the prior director, David Gunter, in April 2022, the Board of Directors unanimously voted for Bill to assumethe role of Executive Director.
Outside their professional and ministry endeavors, Bill and Stephanie, parents to six adult children and grandparents to six, manage a busy household while caring for their four fur babies.
Bob Crites has been an integral part of the Board of Directors at Less Than the LeastMinistries since its inception in 2000. Currently serving as Chairman, Bob has undertaken various roles within the organization. Additionally, he has been an active contributor to Sagemont Church since relocating his family to Houston, TX in 1997. His involvement spans roles such as a Bible teacher, Deacon Chairman, choir member, and participation in various leadership teams. Bob's educational background includes undergraduate degrees in Wood Industries Management and Business Management from West Virginia University. With over 40 years of experience, his professional journey in the Oil and Gas Industry has seen him in executive leadership roles. Motivated by a profound compassion for individuals who have faced challenges in their lives, Bob's commitment to prison ministry is rooted in the belief that personal relationships with the Lord, Jesus Christ, can overcome any mistake. He considers serving the Lord and being married to his wife Jenny as his greatest sources of joy. Bob's most significant accomplishment is the upbringing of his five children to love and serve the Lord. Seizing his greatest opportunity, he actively mentors his 17 grandchildren to dedicate their lives in service to the Lord, Jesus Christ.
Mac Archer brings a distinguished career spanning over 40 years in the Petro-Chemical industry, complemented by a profound personal journey as a follower of Jesus Christ since 1993. In pursuit of a deeper understanding of his faith, Mac earned a Degree in Biblical Studies from Southwest Bible College and Seminary.
His dedication to ministry became evident as he served as a Children Minister and Youth Pastor for nearly a decade at Alta Vista Baptist Church in Pasadena. Subsequently, Mac engaged in a 12-year mentorship program at Star of Hope Mission, demonstrating his commitment to uplifting and guiding others.
Joining Less Than The Least Ministries in 2007, Mac expanded his impact by teaching the "Less Than The Least Sunday School Class" at Sagemont Church for individuals with previous incarceration experiences, a commitment that spanned over 5 years. Simultaneously, in 2008, Mac assumed a role on the Board of Directors at Less Than The Least Ministries where he is now serving as Secretary.
Since 2010, Mac has been actively involved in mentoring and teaching a discipleship class at the Stringfellow Unit in Rosharon, Texas. His passion lies in equipping individuals transitioning back into society with the essential tools to follow Jesus Christ in a challenging world. Mac and his wife, Kay, reside in Pearland and actively participate in the vibrant community of Community Transformation Church.
Lloyd Digby celebrates a remarkable 20-year association with Less Than The Least (LTTL) Ministries, where his journey began with occasional ministry in September 2003 during a visit to the Eastham Unit. Witnessing LTTL's genuine concern for the incarcerated and feeling a divine call, he committed to a more active role upon retiring from IBM in 2010 after 40 years of service. Over the past 13 years, he has consistently contributed to LTTL's mission, engaging in ministry within correctional facilities, serving on the board of directors for 12 years, and assuming the role of treasurer for the past seven years. Additionally, Lloyd has dedicated 25 years to ministering inside nursing homes and assisted living facilities, starting in 1990.
Lloyd, alongside his wife Charlotte, is an engaged member of Clear Lake Baptist Church in Houston, where he serves as a deacon. Charlotte, having felt a calling to shape the lives of students from a young age, devoted 36 years to teaching high school math before retirement. The couple has been blessed with three daughters and seven grandchildren aged 8 to 20.
Reflecting on his spiritual journey, Digby shares, "Salvation and the Christian walk are of utmost importance to me. My path has seen both dry periods and failures due to neglect, yet I am grateful for the Lord's patience and persistence. After following Christ for 63 years, I can attest that His peace surpasses understanding. Knowing the Lord and responding to His call to service brings profound peace, joy, and purpose to my life."
Bill Fry's journey is marked by a commitment to continuous learning and a profound transformation through faith. In 2004, he returned to college and earned his AAS in Electronics Telecommunications in 2006, achieving an impressive 4.0 GPA. Bill's insatiable love for knowledge has become a defining aspect of his character.
On June 12, 1994, Bill surrendered his life to Jesus, leading him to delve into God's word. This exploration offered him a new perspective within the scriptures, profoundly impacting his life. Bill found solace and positive change through the transformative power of God's word, and his love for Jesus, who saved him, knows no bounds.
In 2006, Bill became involved with Less Than The Least Ministry, volunteering in Texas prisons from 2009 onwards. His mission involved sharing God's love with inmates, inspiring them to envision a positive, prosperous future by following Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Over the years, Bill has actively participated in numerous prison units with LTTL, conducting church services, three-day crusades, and concerts. Additionally, he rode his motorcycle into some units alongside other Christian motorcyclists during three-day crusades. In 2016, Bill was invited to join the Board of Directors with LTTL, a role he has proudly served in since.
Bill also serves on the Finance Committee at Magnolia Creek Baptist Church in League City, where he has been an active member since 2021. In 2012, he initiated his own business in the Hot Shot Trucking industry, keeping him on the road for many days and nights. Bill takes immense pride in his daughter's academic achievements and her commitment to following Jesus. Another of Bill's passions lies in Youth Ministry.
Tom Joeckel dedicated 36 years of his professional life to the oil & gas industry, where he served as an exploration geologist. In March of 2014, a new chapter unfolded as he volunteered for Less Than The Least Ministries, venturing into numerous TDCJ units. Despite not being a musician or a gifted speaker, Tom discovered profound fulfillment as an encourager and prayer warrior. Recognizing the impact of face-to-face encounters, he believes in conveying the message that, in God's eyes, we are all equal, and His love for everyone is unwavering.
Around two years into his volunteer service, Tom received a prayerful invitation to join the board of directors, an opportunity he embraced wholeheartedly. His conviction lies in the transformative power of God's love, emphasizing that,"Individuals in prison need reassurance that God can change hearts and 'make all things new.'"
Tom, alongside his wife Marianne, resides in Pearland, Texas, and they are the proud parents of two grown children. Their family joyously welcomed their first grandchild in December of 2023. Actively engaged in the community, they have been dedicated members of Sagemont Church for the past 12 years.
Mr. Michael Downing (Mike) Watson, has been a member of the Board of Directors of Less Than the Less Least Ministries since 2014. He has served Less Than the Least in various roles including as bible study teacher to the initial “Faith Based Dorm” group at TDCJ Stringfellow starting in 2009. Mike serves at Sagemont Church in Houston, Texas, attending there since 1997. He currently serves at Sagemont as a Bible Study teacher, Deacon and various other roles.
Mike graduated from Auburn University in 1979 with a BS ChE. He is a Registered PE in the State of Texas and currently works as a Project Manager for an Engineering and Construction Company in Houston, Texas.
Mike's wife of forty-four years, Lynda, is his biggest supporter and works with him in serving at Sagemont and in his support of Less Than the Least. Mike and Lynda have three children, and three grandchildren, all of which know and love Jesus. His goal for Less Than the Least is that lives will be changed forever, both inside and outside the walls, as a result of the love of Jesus being carried to the incarcerated by the people of this Ministry.
Stephanie Everts was introduced to prison ministry when she started dating the now Director, then volunteer with Less Than The Least Ministries, Bill Everts. Stephanie states that she was "hooked" after her very first service experience.
"I went thinking I was the one bringing love and ushering in the Holy Spirit, only to be overwhelmed by not only the Christian love showered upon the volunteers, but the overwhelming presence of the Holy Spirit like I’d never experienced before. It was obvious to me immediately that this was the church God led me to serve in, any unit anywhere he leads".
Stephanie has now been serving with Less Than The Least for a little over 4 years and brings musical talents used to direct the choir at Plane State for a time and to help lead worship in various units and events. Stephanie also has a background in sales and purchasing which has helped her represent LTTL in radio and fundraising opportunities
Angie's journey has been one of resilience and redemption, characterized by overcoming formidable obstacles. Despite early challenges and the responsibilities of early marriage and motherhood, she faced the darkness of addiction and its associated struggles, including involvement in prostitution, which eventually led her to a period of incarceration.
However, it was during this lowest point that Angie experienced a profound spiritual awakening, rediscovering her childhood faith and embracing Jesus Christ as her guiding light. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of her journey toward inner healing and transformation. Upon her release, Angie committed herself to rebuilding her life with faith as her cornerstone. Despite encountering numerous setbacks, she persisted, eventually achieving success as the owner of two thriving businesses. Anchored in her unwavering faith, she remains resolute in her belief that as long as she follows Jesus, miracles will continue to manifest in her life.
Angie's dedication to serving others led her to volunteer as a Grant Writer, a role in which she swiftly excelled. Through her diligent efforts, she secured a significant matching grant of $5,000 from the Bob Barker Foundation. Bill Everts, Executive Director, expressed gratitude for Angie's passion and effectiveness, recognizing the profound impact this grant will have on the ministry's endeavors.
Jason Hill is an accomplished professional with a diverse skill set encompassing drafting, graphic design, web development, and information technology. Originally hailing from San Diego, Jason's journey has seen him overcoming significant challenges, including a period of incarceration. However, through the support and guidance of Less Than The Least Ministries, he not only regained his footing but also found purpose and direction.
In addition to utilizing his musical talents to enrich the spiritual lives of those within prison walls, Jason has embraced the role of Social Media Director for the ministry. His dedication to leveraging digital platforms for outreach and engagement underscores his commitment to spreading positivity and hope.
Today, Jason is a successful entrepreneur, owning a contracting business and a home in Huffman that he and his wife, Angie, have meticulously built. He attributes his achievements to his unwavering faith and the transformative power of scripture.
Mrs. Wanda Daniel, the Volunteer Coordinator for Less Than The Least Ministries (LTTL), has been deeply involved in ministry work since 2009 when she and her husband, Illya Rhea, (aka "Ray"), began working with the ministry at Sagemont Church. Though initially restricted from entering prisons until 2011, they were introduced to Mac Arthur and others from Less Than The Least initially through the church. Ray also knew Zeke Young, the first director for LTTL, during his visits to prisons before Zeke's Prison Show was on the radio.
Mrs. Daniel, a widow with two grown children from her first marriage and four beloved grandchildren, married Ray in 2004. Together, they've found joy in various ministries, including street ministry, where they reached out to drug dealers and prostitutes with love and compassion.
Since 2011, they have been frequent volunteers in prison ministry, believing it to be their calling. Sharing their faith has been a profound blessing, as they see it as fulfilling God's command in Matthew 28 to go into all the world, making disciples.
Firm believers in giving back, Wanda and Ray feel compelled to share the abundance they've received, as they trust in the unfailing principles of God.