Jeff Reese, our Senior Director of Teams, has heart for ministry that has been shaped by many people and places along the way. From his parents and youth minister to close friends from church, and missionaries like Brian Wallace, Jeff’s faith journey has always been rooted in community and relationships.

Jeff’s ministry journey began with what seemed like a simple, practical fit—working with a school and creating space for discipleship. Over time, he began to see a deeper need: the call for intentional warriors for the Kingdom. That vision eventually led him and his teammates to Cookeville, Tennessee, where the dream expanded beyond English language learning into something more holistic. Out of that vision, El Puente was born—a Hispanic Community Center designed to connect families not only to resources, but to one another. The heart behind El Puente has always been about building bridges and helping families access support that already exists within the community.

Jeff’s goal in ministry is simple but powerful: to meet people where they are by offering a safe, welcoming space. While connecting families to resources is important, Jeff believes lasting relationships are even more impactful. For the broader Cookeville community, his hope is that families would find such deep connection that they eventually outgrow the need for El Puente—not because it failed them, but because they have truly come to call Cookeville home. That growth looks like learning the language and culture, finding sustainable resources, and becoming connected to other faith communities in our area.

When reflecting on the moments that have most shaped his ministry, Jeff recalls formative experiences that challenged how he thinks and lives out his faith. Early on, while discipling a young man, Jeff was confronted with questions that pushed beyond black-and-white answers and forced him to wrestle with the gray areas of life and faith. Another defining realization came when he began discipling teenagers and recognized how little he had to give because he wasn’t personally receiving from Jesus. That awareness deepened his dependence on Christ and transformed how he walks with others today.

Jeff finds deep meaning in John 6:68–69, where Peter responds to Jesus, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” Jeff is struck by the fact that Peter could say this because of the journey he had already taken with Jesus. While Peter would stumble later, Jeff prays daily that his own life would reflect that same devotion and trust.

One of Jeff’s favorite parts of his work with Manna Global Missions is welcoming teams. Since his journey with Manna began in 2005, it’s been a joy to walk alongside teens, families, and adults as they experience Manna Teams for the first time. For Jeff, bringing teams in is about meeting people exactly where they are on their journey—and helping them see that God often has even more in store than they imagined.

Bonus Fun Facts: Outside of ministry, Jeff has a few quirks that might surprise you—like the fact that he’s always enjoyed the smell of a skunk since he was a kid. He also loves a good emotional read, especially Finding Chika, a book that reflects his love for stories of people fighting for one another and reminds him to fully breathe in the life God has given, particularly with family and friends.

When Jeff married his lovely wife, Jordan, in 2016, they moved to the Dominican Republic as missionaries with Manna. Today, Jeff and Jordan both work full-time with Manna in Cookeville. They have two children- Caroline, a thrill loving 4.5 year old, and Patrick an intense 2.5 year old. They enjoy playgrounds, being outside, Chick-fil-a, TN Tech Women’s Basketball (Wings Up) & ESL classes every Tuesday night!

Thank you Jeff for the way you faithfully meet people where they are and create spaces that feel safe, welcoming, and full of hope. You model what it looks like to walk closely with Jesus while walking patiently with others. We are grateful for your heart for connection, your love for families and teams, and the way you continue to point people toward lasting relationships and deeper faith.

— The Manna Global Missions Team