| Kukolja Family |

Tihomir, a native Croatian, and Christine, a native Texan who grew up at Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church in Houston, lead a dynamic ministry based in Croatia called Renewing Our Minds (ROM).

The primary focus of ROM is reconciliation and leadership development. They began their work with ROM in 2002 and ROM’s mission is to develop leaders of integrity who are committed to reconciliation and peace-building in the Balkans and throughout the world. ROM leadership development conferences are held every summer in Croatia and participants come from the Balkans, as well as other parts of the world. The participants come from different backgrounds, including: Muslims, Orthodox, atheists, and secularists. The conferences equip these young leaders to transform their constituencies, communities and countries through the model of servant leadership they learn by studying the character, life and teachings of Jesus. It is amazing to see the transformation that takes place in these leaders as they encounter the person of Jesus and learn from his life and teachings. After the conferences, the Kukoljas and their team members follow up with the participants and provide ongoing mentoring and discipleship.

Tihomir and Christine met while Christine was serving in Croatia as a short-term missionary. The Kukoljas have one child, Matthew. Tihomir completed his BA in Theology and Communications at Newbold College in the UK, and Christine is a practicing physical therapist (she completed her MS in Physical Therapy at Texas Tech University).

The Kukolja family is in a transitional period as they work together with ROM leadership in the process of changing the organizational structure for ROM. The current plan is for them to be based in the US after the new structure is finalized.