ABOUT
Elizabeth’s Library International is a registered 501(c)(3) incorporated in October 2013 in the State of California, and led by a team of Christian professionals with backgrounds in international development, business, finance, education and library science. Elizabeth’s Library partners with local national and organizational leaders to establish free community libraries in
underserved areas of Central Africa.
Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ His only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Spirit; born of the Virgin Mary; suffered under Pontius Pilate; was crucified, died, and buried; He descended into hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven; and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from there He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit; the Holy Christian Church, the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.
Meet the Board
Lana Lynn
Lana's career as a Registered Nurse with a B.S. in Nursing from the University of New York - Albany focused on Emergency Care and Nursing Education and Management. Her extensive healthcare background and an M. A. in Public Administration from the Monterey Institute of International Studies led to a wide range of overseas assignments in the humanitarian assistance profession with the American Refugee Committee, the International Medical Corps and Doctors Without Borders. Lana has served on the Board of Directors of several non- profits with overseas projects and is now the Chair of the Elizabeth's Library Board.
Alicia Glauser
Alicia Glauser has enjoyed serving on the ELI Board since 2017. She and her late husband, Pastor Ted Glauser traveled to Africa in 2012 to host a conference for pastors and their wives. They recognized the need for further resources and spiritual development to equip the African clergy, and their desire for local language Bibles to share the gospel. Alicia’s desire is to see Africa equipped through ELI's literacy programs and libraries that will also serve as pastoral training centers to further the gospel. Alicia enjoys teaching Bible studies, speaking at women’s retreats and sharing what God is doing through Elizabeth’s Library. She has also self published two books: Show Me Your Glory and Jesus Is Enough. Alicia also enjoys working with the ELI writing team, bringing the news and stories for our friends and partners.
Larry Lynn
Co founder of ELI, and husband to Lana Lynn. Larry has faithfully served the Lord in children’s and young adult ministries with a passion for the Word of God. He holds degrees in psychology, nursing, and electronics; serving as a senior service representative throughout the U.S., Canada, and Mexico for the past 35 years. Larry has visited all of the ELI libraries in Africa, offering much expertise and encouragement.
Sandy Kathey
Sandy Kathey is married to her favorite person Scott, and is the mother of three. She has served the Lord in a variety of ministry positions, including small group Bible study facilitator, youth counselor, children's ministry teacher, and on the Missions Board at church.
During the years of homeschooling her children, she began a parent support group to assist several families with curriculum, social activities and navigating school requirements. Sandy shared that it was very important to her that her children learn to read well. Regular trips to the library established their desire for learning; even now as adults, her children credit their childhood library visits with their continued love of reading. Sandy recognizes the importance of literacy and education; they are the building blocks that provide opportunities that can change lives. As an ELI volunteer, Sandy has been working to organize and inventory the amazing book donations that ELI receives. Now as a Board Director, Sandy has also assumed several administrative responsibilities. Sandy is excited to serve on the ELI Board of Directors with a special interest in the development of ELI's resource collection and distribution policies to meet the needs of our expanding library programs.
THE INSPIRATION: Elizabeth's Story
In spite of so many physical challenges, Elizabeth kept working toward her college degree and also joined a support group for Hope Home Mission, an indigenous ministry located in Lilongwe, Malawi. Elizabeth enthusiastically supported Hope Home Mission's outreach to orphans and widows and dreamed of a future visit to serve as a teacher in the orphan school.
The Hope Home Mission support group sent hundreds of books to Malawi and planned to raise funds to upgrade one of the campus buildings to use as a needed community library. Elizabeth was so excited about this project, but before she could see its realization, Jesus took her home.
The Director of Hope Home Mission decided to name the future library in her honor. At the wish of Elizabeth’s parents, her memorial gifts funded the construction. In July 2012, Elizabeth’s Library in Lilongwe, Malawi was officially dedicated with local community leaders and citizens plus American friends in attendance.
Trusting in Jesus at an early age, Elizabeth lived a life of impact even though she was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor when very young. A lifelong member of the Monterey Peninsula community on California’s Central Coast, Elizabeth’s jubilant and indomitable spirit inspired all who knew her.
Over the years, Elizabeth endured numerous surgeries, hospitals stays and long stretches of pain. Yet her uncomplaining, vibrant spirit outshined such struggle. She always sought to encourage others and share with them her cheerful smile, a Word from Scripture, a prayer or one of her special handmade cards. She had no fear of sharing her love of Jesus; she truly loved others and wanted them to have the faith that she had been given.
A voracious reader from a young age, Elizabeth developed a love of children, books, learning, and teaching. She mastered sign language so she could effectively serve as an interpreter for the deaf. Elizabeth realized what a privilege learning is. She felt strongly called to someday become a teacher and start a school somewhere in Africa, where her father had spent time as a young man.