Phil Foell

Area Director (Columbus, OH)

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Phil Foell

Phil Foell, besides being an ordained minister, has a BS in Management and Computer Science from Case Western Reserve University, where he befriended many international students and frequently had them home for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter. At the 1987 Urbana Missions Conference, Phil committed himself to the lifelong goal of reaching the nations.

After graduating, he worked for 15 years for an international company, where he was exposed to strategic planning, leadership programs, and process improvement initiatives such as 6 Sigma. While there, he was instrumental in recruiting, training, and managing a diverse team of Asian/Indian software developers by day, and working for the church by night and with a Chinese Bible study on the weekends.

His interest in the nations has stirred him to lead half a dozen short-term mission teams to China, Russia, and Thailand. He has a passionate commitment to Jesus Christ and the desire to build the church through worship, fellowship, discipleship, service and outreach to his neighborhood and the world.

He met his wife, Ellen, at their church in Cleveland Heights. She received a J.D. degree from Case Western Reserve University, has practiced law for many years, and has spent two years as a missionary in Thailand. Her interests include missions, teaching, and writing. She has written and taught Bible studies for many years and is a frequent speaker at conferences and women’s retreats. She is the International Program Specialist for Heartbeat International and promotes Women’s health issues internationally. She also loves to cook with, care for, and mentor international students.

Phil and Ellen have been married 30 years and have four beautiful children. As the City/Area Director for Columbus, Phil oversees a team of 40+ staff and has a passion to extend the reach of IFI to new churches and new campuses in Central Ohio. He is involved in several networks around the city, always looking for opportunities to find new churches and individuals to partner with IFI.

Phil is available to speak to churches, small groups and individuals about the strategic opportunities to reach nations through serving international students. Send an email to him at to discuss opportunities and topics.

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