Terrell and Mary Smith
- Location:Madison, Wisconsin
- Sending Church: Blackhawk Evangelical Free Church
- Ministry Started:1971
- Duration:Full-Time
Terrell serves the Lord in International Student Ministry at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, with a team of international students and community people who meet and welcome international students, scholars, professors, and their families. We show Christian love and share the Gospel through friendship, hospitality, weekly Bible studies, fellowship meetings, and time spent together. New believers are welcomed into Christian fellowship, taught Scripture, and given training in how to lead Bible studies, integrate faith into their whole lives, and to be witnesses for Christ when they return to their home countries
Terrell served full-time with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship since 1971, in California, Wisconsin, and 11 years in Germany. He continues serving the Lord in International Student Ministry.
Terrell studied Physics and Geology at the University of California, Berkeley, during the tumultuous 60’s, and graduated with a degree in Geology. After a short time working for Chevron Oil making geological maps of the Far East, Terrell served as Campus Intern with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship in California visiting three schools. He then moved to Wisconsin in 1971 as a regular Campus Staff Member, staffing and pioneering InterVarsity Christian Fellowship groups on more than 15 campuses, and in 1972 served as Wisconsin Team Leader.
In 1978 he joined the International Fellowship of Evangelical Students (IFES) and moved to Germany, where he pioneered the International Student Ministry in Germany (including a hospitality program for international students), regularly visited 40 groups, and helped pioneer international student ministries in Switzerland, Norway, and other countries.
Terrell and Mary were married in 1979, ministered to internationals in Germany for 11 years, have three adult children and six grandchildren.
Mary has a degree in Linguistics from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Terrell authored Die Welt vor deiner Haustür (The World at Your Doorstep, published in German). He also co-authored Bible study guides Passport to the Bible (InterVarsity Press); Exploring the Bible; Exploring Mark, Finding Jesus, and other books.
The Smiths moved back to the United States in 1989. Mary taught German part-time, worked at the local YMCA, tutored English as a Second Language, did child care, and worked in Food Service at three of Madison’s public schools.
Terrell served as national Training Coordinator for InterVarsity’s International Student Ministries, visiting and training ISM staff in three regions, was Director of the International Students Tracks at Urbana Missions Conferences, and served as Acting National Director of International Student Ministries of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. In 2004, the Smiths taught English and American Culture for two months in Mainland China as part of one of InterVarsity’s Global Projects.
Before joining Y.E.S., Terrell was Senior Campus Staff Member in International Student Ministry with InterVarsity’s Graduate & Faculty Ministries at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. In addition to campus ministry, Terrell mentors younger staff, and serves on the Board of International Fellowship, a group of ministries reaching out to international students.
Terrell is an author, trainer, pioneer, evangelist, speaker, web site designer, photographer, enjoys camping and hiking, and playing ping pong. Terrell’s greatest joy is sharing the Good News about Jesus with interested international students. Mary has a heart for ministry amongst women, meeting one-to-one to listen, care for, and pray with them.
We’re a thankful family - to God for His love to us, and thankful for each other.