6 March 2026 | St Albans, UK [Joe Philpott]
During the Trans-European Division (TED) Executive Committee’s first meeting of the year in January, three individuals were elected to serve in key leadership roles within the Greek Mission and the TED. In a subsequent meeting in February, the Greek Mission Executive Committee also elected a new Adventist Mission director.
Reflecting on the January elections, TED President Daniel Duda said the appointments demonstrate that “mission is carried not only by plans and structures, but by people — faithful servants who help our church steward resources responsibly and care for the hearts and homes of those who serve.”
Pastor Robert S Folkenberg Jr – President, Greek Mission
Pastor Robert S Folkenberg Jr was elected President of the Greek Mission. He has served as President of the Southern New England Conference in the United States since 2022. Prior to that, he spent nearly a decade as President of the Chinese Union Mission and has led multiple conferences in North America and Asia. He holds a Doctor of Ministry degree in Church Growth and Evangelism from Andrews University and is fluent in Spanish and Mandarin Chinese.
Duda noted that the appointment strengthens the Greek Mission’s missionary focus, adding that the leadership team will help the church remain “present, prayerful, and outward-facing in the communities they serve.”
Yannis Vrakas – Secretary-Treasurer, Greek Mission
Yannis Vrakas was re-elected as Secretary-Treasurer of the Greek Mission, a role he has held since 2021 after previously serving as the associate. His earlier work with Adventist Frontier Missions gave him hands-on experience in leading mission initiatives. He holds degrees in Computer Engineering and in Biblical and Pastoral Studies.
“In Yannis, we recognise a leader of trust and clarity, with high professionalism and clear emphasis on mission,” Duda said.
Karen Holford – Coordinator for TED Ministerial Spouses
Karen Holford was elected as Coordinator for Ministerial Spouses for the TED, alongside her existing responsibilities. She has served as TED Family Ministries Director since 2016 and has a professional background in family therapy and occupational therapy. She holds master’s degrees in Leadership and in Educational and Developmental Psychology and is currently completing a Doctorate in Leadership at Andrews University.
Duda said Holford brings “a voice of wisdom and encouragement,” adding that her experience and commitment to collaborative service “will be a real blessing to the work of TED ministerial families.”
Audrey Folkenberg – Adventist Mission Director, Greek Mission
In February, the Greek Mission Executive Committee elected Audrey Folkenberg as Adventist Mission Director. A lifelong Seventh-day Adventist, she has lived overseas for more than 22 years and has served the Adventist Church at both conference and union levels for over 18 years.
Her ministry experience includes leadership roles in Adventist Mission, Stewardship Ministries, Prayer Ministries, Possibilities Ministries, and Planned Giving & Trust Services. She holds a Master of Arts in Theology and a Master of Science in Nursing, is Planned Giving & Trust Services certified, and maintains registered nurse licensure.
Duda said her election “signals a clear commitment to grassroots disciple-making — people meeting Jesus, growing in faith, and sharing hope in everyday life.” He added that the combined leadership of Robert and Audrey Folkenberg would strengthen the Greek Mission’s “missionary DNA” by supporting pastors, Bible workers, and nurturing both current and new believers.
[Photos: Brent Hardinge and Jim Botha / Adventist Media Exchange (CC BY 4.0); courtesy of Yannis Vrakas and Audrey Folkenberg]
