Who Are We?

Steve Snyder

Steve Snyder is an adult missionary/cross-cultural kid (“AMK”/”CCK”).  He grew up in West Africa, spent part of his teens in the Caribbean, attended 10 schools, and lived in six states before settling down in South Carolina.  He now practices law, serves as an elder in his church, is involved in community organizations and lives contentedly out in “the country” with his wife and three children.  Along the way, he struggled with his teenaged transition to the United States, worked his way through a Christian college, earned a law degree from the University of Virginia, and became a partner in a successful law firm.  And, over time, he effectively adapted to his “home” country while retaining his love and appreciation for where he grew up and the life he knew as a cross-culture kid.  As such, Steve is something of an authority on cross-cultural issues affecting MKs and other CCKs. 

Steve now dedicates several weeks a year to conduct conferences and retreats where he teaches interactively on issues unique to MKs and other CCKs, such as:  What it means to be a TCK/CCK (“Third Culture Kid”), CCK/MK mobility, the impact of such a lifestyle on relationships and relational patterns, and the successful navigation of cross-cultural transitions.  The training springs from the experience of one who has “been there” and prepares MKs, other CCKs and their families to successfully face their unique challenges while recognizing their distinctive blessings and opportunities.  Steve has conducted retreats and spoken at conferences on four continents.

Kirk Phillips

Kirk Phillips is an adult missionary/cross-culture kid.  Kirk's family moved to Brazil when he was eight years old and lived there for most of his developing years until returning to the United States in time for his senior year of High School in 1984.  During these years, he attended 8 different schools before heading off to college.  In college, he studied Aviation and Business with the intent of becoming a professional pilot, which had been his life long dream.  Kirk is now a corporate jet pilot, serves his church as a deacon and as a member of its Global Mission Team, and works with Global Adapt.  He is blessed with a wonderful wife, Amanda, and two daughters. 

Like most MK/CCKs, Kirk struggled with his transitions between countries and cultures, and with the continual cycle of making and losing friends.  But God has been faithful to him by revealing the wonderful blessings that are a part of his unique upbringing and by using those experiences to prepare him to serve others in ways he could never have imagined.  His life experiences and continual effort to see other MKs and CCKs cope with the same struggles has given him the resources to teach and train on cross-cultural subjects that affect these young people.

Kirk now dedicates time each year to conduct Cross-Culture Kid conferences and retreats.