During the mid 90's God began to lead me into ministry in South America.  Missionary Bryan Hersey urged me to make a trip to Ecuador with him and that is when God starting using me in mission work.  I had been a pastor for 33 years, but in 1999 I left that position to begin full time ministry to South America.  That same year I organized South American Call, Inc., a non profit organization. We worked several years in Ecuador and then I felt God leading me to Peru.   As of 2026, that is where I am ministering.

Judy is my wife and handles the bookkeeping for us. She has been in South America with me on several occasions to Peru and to Ecuador. Along with the book work, she takes care of correspondence with our donors.  Judy is responsible for updating our web page by adding announcements and photos. She also advises and encourages me and puts up with me.  I greatly appreciate her contributions to this organization.

Jack Bowen is one of our original board members. He lives in Ooltewah, Tennessee.    He has been with me on several mission trips and is always of great value in that position.

Jack is a very trusted counselor and advisor to me. It was Jack who God used to restart me after I lost a large amount of money trying to buy a boat in Brazil.  I value his advice highly and always enjoy his being with me on trips.

The picture of Jack was made on a trip to Canchabamba, Peru. We were up in the highlands. We had to ride donkeys the last 6 or 8 hours. He is seen here taking a break.

Dick Bevil is also one of the original board members. His services to this organization have been greatly appreciated. It was Dick who called me and told me of his burden for Iquitos, Peru, before I had ever heard of it. That was the beginning of a major change in direction for us. He hears from God. He has been a friend and counselor as well as financial contributor to South American Call. He has also been on many of our trips. He never complains no matter what the circumstances. His exuberance in difficult circumstances has always amazed me. Dick is a keeper.

We were very happy when Rev. Ricky consented to be on our board of directors. He was the pastor of the North Hixson Church of God which has been a heavy supporter of South American Call for several years. He has been with me on numerous trips to South America.

I remember so well one of the trips he made with me. Following a kid's ministry activity he came on the bus with tears in his eyes. He looked at me and told of a woman who had tried to give her baby to him. It was more than he could take. He broke and wept. He is a man of compassion.

Ricky is an outstanding minister. He believes the Bible for what it says and loves people. He has gone where God told him to go even when it cost him dearly. I admire him greatly.

Rev. Smith is shown here preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ in the Amazon Jungle of Peru.

This picture is of Vic York sitting on the boat in front of one of the villages. This is Vic: laughing and happy in the work of the Lord. He is retired from UT Knoxville where he was head of maintenance for the entire campus. He became involved in SAC several years ago and has contributed greatly to this organization.  He is a very accomplished business man and has a broad knowledge of equipment and how it operates. But I suppose the most impressive thing about Vic is his love for the children. If there are kids around, Vic is going to be playing with them and loving on them.

Vic is also very knowledgeable about electricity and has helped me with technical problems on the boats we used. Vic also donated the air conditioning for our boat and made a trip to Peru for the purpose of installing it. God has truly blessed me with a great board of directors. That tradition continues in the appointment of Vic York to this board.