Samuel JAKOB

Position: Vice President

Description:

Samuel is a passionate servant of God who was called to public Christian service since 1980. He began his career as a Nurse with cumulative church leadership roles. With such a background, Samuel developed a strong interest and passion in nurturing and caring for people, which is reflected in his managerial style.

Before Candlelighters International, Samuel served in various capacities with the Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) since 2009, first as the CEO for Switzerland and later until retirement in 2018, as Country Director for Madagascar. Prior to MAF, Samuel worked with Salvation Army. From 1980, Samuel rose up the ranks from an officer to become the Director of the newly established EMS “Résidence Amitié” in Geneva. A function which he performed from 1994-2002, with his first wife – Katharina (who later on went to the Lord as a result of Cancer).  

Since 2009, Samuel is married to Sabina with whom they have two lovely children. Samuel is a father of 5 children (of course, 3 with Katharina), and 8 grandchildren.

He grew up in a family with 6 siblings in a small Swiss German farm in Emmental, Trubschachen. Samuel is fluent in German, English and French. He currently lives in Thun from where he enjoys traveling, photography, reading and hiking.

Daniel OBI

Position: Board Member

Description:

Daniel is a vibrant and dynamic servant of God whose profound drive is to participate in radiating heaven’s glory upon the earth. It could be said that his central call from God is in building bridges between generations and helping believers identify and enter into the Call of God upon their lives. He lives with this singular question: How can the whole person be edified and strengthened for full service in the entire society?

Before founding Candlelighters International, Daniel served as a Senior Adviser (Director) of Strategic Partnership and Special Initiative, to the office of the President, at Global Hope Network International. Prior to this, Daniel served in various capacities within the United Nations System in Geneva; as an Officer in trade promotion programmes development and management, as well as an Adviser in programming for the Peacekeeping Training Programme. He is an excellent strategic planner with extensive non-profit experience in social transformation and poverty alleviation in the developing world.

Daniel is an ordained minister of the gospel since 2004, and has worked in church planting and performed several pastoral roles.

He has an academic background that includes degrees in International Business Development, Philosophical Theology and Intercultural Studies, as well as in Environmental Sciences.

Daniel is of Cameroonian origin. He is Married to Anne with whom they have 3 lovely children. He lives in Switzerland. Daniel enjoys researching, creative writing, music and cooking.

Anne OBI

Position: Board Member

Description:

Anne is a fervent believer of Jesus Christ with an intense passion to encourage and coach people towards experiencing the gentle love and peace available to us through the Holy Spirit. After haven experienced first-hand the transformative power of the power and Word of God in her life personally from the age of 17, helping people enter into a personal relationship with Christ is amongst her strongest ministerial drivers.  

Anne is very passionate about music and singing. Apart from serving as a worship leader for 10 years, she engaged in various musical initiatives including gospel choirs and other musical production projects. She also served in small groups and discipleship and mentorship leadership roles.

Professionally, Anne is serving as a Senior Administration Specialist for an International NGO with regional office in Geneva. She has a significant experience in Finance, HR, and Office Administration.

Anne is fluent in French and English. Anne is married with Daniel and they are blessed with 3 amazing children.

Maria Luisa COLAS

Position: Board Member

Description:

Maria Luisa (Luisa) is a believer in Christ Jesus with a warm heart and a deep desire to see people enriched with the Word of God for their personal living. Since 2008 Luisa has been involved in the Catering business, as the Proprietor of Luisa’s Delights. As a Nik’s Fudo Chef, she specializes in International cuisine and event management.

Before Candlelighters International, Luisa has been serving as a Co-facilitator at the Nations Bible Study Group (EBCG Geneva). She also serves as an assistant Facilitator at the Geneva Bible School Ministry. She has performed several roles in EBCG Geneva, including as Senior chaperone for youth groups on the Jesus Revolution on “Impacting the Alps.”

Luisa is married, with whom they have two children.

Yann Girardet

Position: Senior Adviser

Description:

Coming Soon

Kamal Joseph BATARSEH

Position: Director, Finance

Description:

Lewis RESENDE

Position: Director, Music Services Development and Promotion

Description:

Coming Soon

Cloveese HOSSMANN

Position: Director, Partnerships and Strategic Development

Description:

Cloveese is an out-going, warm and loving believer in Jesus Christ, who enjoys fellowship with people. She is passionate about seeing people come to know and enjoy the loving warm arms of Jesus. This passion of hers has been demonstrated in her participation in the organization of various Christian events, including but not limited to: The Geneva Seminars, The Alpha course, Explosions de Louanges sur le pays de Gex, Focus on the Family Seminars and English news programmes for a local radio station.

Prior to joining Candlelighters International, Cloveese retired from a rich and fulfilling career in Administration, covering a span of more than 40 years within the private sector and other international organizations, including the United Nations.

Cloveese is a US citizen and a Swiss national. She studied Marketing at University of Detroit before becoming a member of the Michigan Air Force National Guard and subsequently moving to Switzerland in 1987.

She is a mother of two adult children and a grandmother of one. She likes singing and enjoys music. Cloveese is fluent in both French and English. She resides in neighboring France.

Daniel OBI

Position: Founder and Chief Executive Facilitator (CEF)

Description:

Daniel is a vibrant and dynamic servant of God whose profound drive is to participate in radiating heaven’s glory upon the earth. It could be said that his central call from God is in building bridges between generations and helping believers identify and enter into the Call of God upon their lives. He lives with this singular question: How can the whole person be edified and strengthened for full service in the entire society?

Before founding Candlelighters International, Daniel served as a Senior Adviser (Director) of Strategic Partnership and Special Initiative, to the office of the President, at Global Hope Network International. Prior to this, Daniel served in various capacities within the United Nations System in Geneva; as an Officer in trade promotion programmes development and management, as well as an Adviser in programming for the Peacekeeping Training Programme. He is an excellent strategic planner with extensive non-profit experience in social transformation and poverty alleviation in the developing world.

Daniel is an ordained minister of the gospel since 2004, and has worked in church planting and performed several pastoral roles.

He has an academic background that includes degrees in International Business Development, Philosophical Theology and Intercultural Studies, as well as in Environmental Sciences.

Daniel is of Cameroonian origin. He is Married to Anne with whom they have 3 lovely children. He lives in Switzerland. Daniel enjoys researching, creative writing, music and cooking.

Ivanoe KOOG

Position: Officer, Membership Management

Description:

Coming Soon.

André PETIT

Position: Director, Builders' Incubator and Community Engagement

Description:

Coming Soon.