Dave and Mindy serve across six continents and more than 41 nations, equipping leaders and strengthening churches through biblical training.
Dave is the President and Founder of Crossing Cultures International (CCI), based in Florida.
The Nelsons have been faithfully serving in ministry for 39 years, with a heart for discipleship and global impact.

Dave grew up in Bassett, Virginia, and Mindy in Perkiomenville, Pennsylvania. Dave enjoys running, hiking, and hunting, while Mindy loves crafts and making shell mirrors. Their favorite foods include chicken adobo and Filipino grilled fish—flavors that remind them of the places and people they serve.

Dave and Mindy have built a life centered on faith, family, and equipping others for ministry. They have two adult children and are the proud grandparents of six grandchildren.

Their educational journeys reflect their deep commitment to both spiritual and academic growth. Dave holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Cross-Cultural Church Planting from Liberty University, a Master of Divinity from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry from Luther Rice Seminary. Mindy earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Liberty University.

In 2005, Dave felt the Lord calling him to start CCI, even though a secure church position with a good salary was on the table. With only $60,000 in income and a vision that required much more, they stepped out in faith. Since then, God has provided abundantly—CCI now has a team of 140 passionate servants, serves in 43 countries, and trains over 10,000 students. Last year alone, they received over $1 million in support. Dave and Mindy give all the glory to God for opening doors, providing resources, and building a global team. 

One of the most joyful and humorous aspects of Dave’s ministry has been praying for barren women—many of whom have gone on to have children. He recently met a 7-year-old boy whose mother he had prayed for years earlier. The boy was thrilled to meet the man who had prayed for his life before he was even born. 

Two passages have deeply shaped their lives and ministry

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
- Proverbs 3:5–6

“...not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ... that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings...”
-Philippians 3:9–11