Board

Africa Cries Out is a non-profit organization founded by Dr. Jun Xu and registered with the U.S. Government. The organization was founded by Dr. Xu as President, with Mr. Otavio Marques and Mr. Nilson Teixeira serving as Board Directors.

Mr. Otavio Marques began his work in Senegal and Guinea-Bissau in 1975, establishing numerous elementary schools and two hospitals. He was later joined by Mr. Nilson Teixeira in 2002 and Dr. Jun Xu in 2013, expanding the reach and impact of the ministry.

The formal establishment of Africa Cries Out has greatly strengthened and advanced this mission. We extend our highest respect and appreciation to Mr. Otavio Marques for his pioneering efforts. Without his vision and dedication, this project would not have been possible.

Below are the current Board Members:

Jun Xu, MD came to the United States from mainland China in 1988 and was baptized as a Christian in 1992. His journey of faith has shaped both his personal life and professional calling. Jun currently serves as a physician at Stamford Hospital, affiliated with Columbia University. Beyond medicine, he is committed to global ministry as the president of Africa Cries Out. where he helps lead efforts to bring hope and healing to communities in need.

Jun’s life reflects a dedication to serving others—through healthcare, faith, and international outreach—and he continues to integrate his professional skills with his passion for advancing the Gospel worldwide.

Christopher Leo, MD, PhD, FACP is a physician specializing in Internal Medicine and Geriatrics in North Carolina, USA. He completed his internal medicine residency training in New York, and geriatric fellowship training in Duke University Hospital, North Carolina. Currently he serves as a physician and an assistant professor at Duke University. Dr. Leo has actively dedicated to Care to elderly and community healthcare. 

In addition to his medical practice and community outreach service, Dr. Leo has contributed to professional and ministry leadership. He served as a Board Member from 2022 to 2023 and as President of the Alliance of North American Chinese Physicians from 2024 to 2025. He also actively participates in the annual mission trips of Africa Cries Out (ACO), serving as one of the key coordinators. In 2025, he was appointed by the ACO Board of Directors to establish its Executive Committee.

Xinwen Wang came to the United States in July 1996 and was baptized as a Christian at Rutgers Christian Community Church (RCCC) on May 5, 2002. In 2007, he moved to Boston, Massachusetts, where he attended and served at the Boston Suburban Chinese Bible Church (CBCGB) until 2019. From 2019 to 2023, he lived and worked in Pennsylvania, worshiping and serving at Westchester Grace Church (WCCEC). In 2023, Xinwen returned to Boston, where he now attends and serves at the Chinese Church of Metro South Boston (CCMSB). That same year, he retired.

Xinwen is blessed to share life with his wife, Hong Dong. Together they have a son and a daughter, and in 2023 they welcomed their first granddaughter

Paul Minfa Huang received his Ph.D. in Telecommunications from New York University in 1993. He then served as a senior manager in several major telecom companies, including Fujitsu and Bellcore.

Since 1994, Paul and his wife, Su-Chin, have faithfully served at CCCNJ in various capacities such as worship leader, Mission Committee member, and retreat chairman. He has also led numerous short-term mission trips to Taiwan, Kyrgyzstan, and Virginia, USA.

In 2013, Paul founded the Bethel Renewal Center, where he continues to serve as CEO. Beginning in 2017, he expanded his focus to mobilizing people for ministry among unreached populations. Each year, he has led mission teams to countries across Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. In May 2019, Paul was ordained as a pastor.

Recently, he has participated in the Global Leadership Summit, the John Maxwell Leadership Program, and various disciple-making and cross-cultural training courses, equipping leaders to expand their influence in diverse contexts. In addition, Paul has developed business models for “Business as Mission” (BAM), including initiatives in Montessori education, Christian education, health supplements, medical products, acupuncture, aquaponics, and other agricultural ventures.

Xuezhi Daniel Jiang, MD, PhD is a Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Drexel University College of Medicine. Guided by a deep belief in holistic care for the whole person, Dr. Jiang has participated in medical missions to Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Nigeria, and Senegal since 2012. Rooted in his favorite verses, John 3:16 and 1 John 4:19, he extends this compassion locally as Medical Director of Lifeline of Berks County, while continuing his day-to-day work in patient care, medical education, and clinical research.

Otavio Marques is married to Sueli Marques, and together they have two sons, Apolo Marques and Marcos Marques.

In 1975, Otavio was sent by his church in Brazil, the Assembly of God of Porto Alegre, under the leadership of Pastor Nils Taranger, to serve in Guinea-Bissau. He has remained a faithful member of that church ever since.

In 1987, Otavio moved to Senegal, where he established MEADBS, the mission base that continues to serve as a center for training missionaries. Alongside this, the ministry developed a technical school and a health clinic to meet community needs. Sueli has also played a vital role in ministry, planting churches throughout Senegal and supporting the growth of the Gospel across the country.

Nilson dos Santos Teixeira is married to Márcia Teixeira. He came to the United States in 1986 and, in 1988, gave his life to the Lord Jesus Christ. That same year, the church he pastors today was founded by Pastor Rubens Porphirio, who at just 22 years old began the ministry in his attic.

Soon after, the church joined the American Assembly of God ministry, and the congregation began to grow, opening new churches in different cities across America. In 1996, Nilson was ordained as a pastor alongside Pastor Rubens, graduating from the Assembly of God New York District.

When Pastor Rubens returned to Brazil in 2001, Nilson became president of the ministry. As the work expanded into different states, American pastors encouraged him to establish a new ministry. This led to the founding of the Assembly of God World Vision Ministry.

Today, under Nilson’s leadership, the ministry has churches in South America, Central America, North America, and West Africa. His vision remains clear: to plant churches and serve communities through missionary work, bringing the hope of the Gospel to people around the world.

Li-Hsien Wang was baptized as a Christian at Bread of Life Christian Church in Taipei during junior high school. In the years that followed, he attended several churches in Dallas, Texas; New Haven, Connecticut; Mahopac, New York; and Port Chester, New York. Li-Hsien is a retired researcher from the pharmaceutical industry and is now actively engaged in charitable works across various settings.