Project Hannah, the flagship women’s ministry of TWR, officially announced today the appointment of Peggy Banks as its new global ministry director. Banks succeeds Project Hannah founder Marli Spieker, who passes the leadership baton after serving in the role of global director since the ministry launched in 1997.

Banks, a Florida native, begins her new role today after serving since 2011 as minister of spiritual formation at Northwest Bible Church in Dallas, Texas. She previously was national director of women’s relations for the Dalit Freedom Network, as director of leadership development for Stonecroft Ministries, and in several roles at Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale, including director of women’s ministry and director of the biblical counseling ministry.

Spieker will continue to serve with Project Hannah as founder/global ministry adviser. She will also mentor Banks on the international aspects of the ministry and will travel with her to key areas in the world.

“For the past 10 years, I have been praying for the woman that God would one day bring to take over Project Hannah’s global directorship, and I have been preparing the ministry toward this goal,” Spieker said. “Peggy Banks is a gift to Project Hannah and particularly to TWR. We welcome her with open hearts, and I am committed to do my best to make her successful in her new, big challenge.”

In 2011, Banks completed her Doctor of Ministry degree at Western Seminary in Portland, Oregon. Her dissertation was titled “Image of Hope: A Scriptural Approach for Women Leaders in Spiritual Restorative Care for Victims of 21st Century Sexual Exploitation.”

She has spoken at national conferences for women in the United States and has conducted cross-cultural leadership training for women in countries such as India, Tanzania, Senegal and Thailand. Bringing a keen understanding and love of ministry to suffering women around the world, Banks said she is thrilled to lead the Project Hannah team.

“One of the main lessons I have taken from my more than 25 years of ministry is that every woman has a story and God is eager to use our stories to spread the gospel of truth around the world,” Banks said. “As God continues to write my story, I’m looking forward to meeting the women and hearing how God is working in their stories to bring hope and healing in the person of Jesus. Project Hannah and TWR have been making an impact in the world for decades, and I look forward to joining such a strong, dedicated, committed and accomplished staff in planning for the future.”

Said TWR President and CEO Lauren Libby: "I am delighted that God has led Peggy Banks to accept the leadership of Project Hannah. She is uniquely gifted and equipped to shepherd this vital global ministry."

Project Hannah offers compassion, encouragement and hope to women worldwide through prayer, awareness and radio programming. Spieker started the ministry when she witnessed the needs of women in Asia and knew that TWR must respond. Today, the Women of Hopeprogram is aired in 69 languages. In addition, a network of more than 50,000 faithful intercessors in over 125 countries prays each day for the needs of women across the globe.

From TWR's website. Learn more about the global ministry of TWR at twr.org.