Mike & Stephanie Smith

Mike Smith grew up in a church planting pastor's home and was saved at an early age. He majored in Carpentry and Construction, and graduated from Bob Jones University's School of Applied Studies. I Corinthians 7:7 says, “Every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that.” And I Timothy 4:14 says, “Neglect not the gift that is in thee.” During college, God used these verses to encourage Mike to use his talents in ministry on the mission field.

Stephanie was saved at the age of nine during a children's church service and was baptized a short time later. She attended Pensacola Christian college, majoring in Early Childhood Education. Her minor was music, specifically piano. Between her sophomore and junior years of college, Stephanie went to the Bill Rice Ranch West Branch as a counselor and pianist. The Lord did wonderful things in her heart that summer. Not only did she meet her future husband, she also submitted to God's call to the mission field.

On August 13th, 1994, Mike and Stephanie were married in Stephanie's home church in Muncie, Indiana. God has blessed them with five wonderful children, Rachel, Sarah (married to Colton Lingle), Bethany (married to TJ Lacock), Drew and Katelyn. 

For the past 24 years, they have partnered with Biblical Ministries Worldwide. Their name, Smith, states their purpose: Serving Missionaries Internationally Through Helps (SMITH). God has called them to use their gifts, talents, and abilities to serve other missionaries, pastors, and ministries wherever they are located (in the U.S. or internationally) as a vessel (through) for God’s work. This is usually done in the area of helps, such as construction and physical ministry, as well as preaching, teaching Bible studies, counseling, leading music, and singing. 

Over the years, God has allowed them to help churches by leading missions teams. Additionally, they have invited young people to live, travel, and work with them in order to give them practical experience in ministry and service. 

Now the Smiths are expanding their ministry again to reproduce and multiply more faithful servants of Jesus Christ. They are currently in the process of starting Legacy Trade College, a school dedicated to teaching and equipping students to serve God by meeting the needs of the Church around the world using the gifts and talents that God has given them. 

The primary goals of Legacy Trade College are:

• to offer education to individuals who want to learn the Bible, life skills, stewardship, and spiritual growth, while simultaneously learning a trade, such as carpentry, construction, welding, and more. 
• to meet the needs of the local church for bi-vocational pastors, well-trained, willing-hearted laymen, and service-oriented church members. 
• to bring God the glory He is due through our service and worship to Him. 

 Psalm 78:4 says, “Shewing to the generation to come the praises of the Lord, and His strength, and His wonderful works that He hath done.” Legacy Trade College seeks to assist Christians to refine and develop their God-given skills—spiritual, academic, and in the industrial arts. Ministry-related, bi-vocational training is a reality at LTC. Our aim is to see “Every Student Equipped for Service.”