Meet The Team

Founder & Spiritual Director

Tim Tam

Tim Tam began his faith journey through Young Life in the northern suburbs of Chicago. After college at Trinity College, he worked with youth programs and Bible studies, leading the New Trier Young Life Club for eight years. He graduated in 1979 with a degree in Biblical Studies and Psychology, then became Director of Youth Ministries at First Presbyterian Church in Evanston, IL. His involvement in mission trips sparked his focus on engaging young people in mission work. Tim later earned a Masters of Divinity from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and moved to Amarillo, TX, where he served as Associate Pastor at First Presbyterian Church. In 2002, he founded TWAW, a mission organization in Belize, which grew into a non-profit with widespread volunteer involvement. Tim continues to live in Amarillo with his wife, Lisa, and frequently travels to Belize.

Officer Manager

Josephine “Jo” Cole

Josephine “Jo” Cole was born in Belize and raised in a Christian Children's Home in Ontario Village from the age of three.  After completing high school, she took a two-year training course in Tourism and did her internship at Banana Bank Lodge where she was then hired.  She met Tim Tam when he would take mission teams to stay at Banana Bank.  On one of those trips she met her husband, Chad Cole, and eventually moved to the U.S. where she has lived since 2012.  Jo and Chad have two sons, Asher and Declan.  Jo began working part-time for TW@W in February 2014.  She shares, "I am blessed that God has called me to work for a ministry that helps those in need, especially for my country, Belize.  What I've heard Tim often say is also true for my life, "find where God is at Work and join him.

Project Operations in Belize

Jose “Chepito” Valencia

Born in San Salvador after his parents fled war-torn Aguilares, Jose “Chepito” Valencia arrived in Belize at just six months old, and has called it home ever since. He was raised in the peaceful farming village of Valley of Peace in the Cayo District, the fifth of seven siblings. From a young age, he worked alongside his father on the farm, learning the value of hard work and community. Chepito attended primary school in Valley of Peace, high school in Belmopan, and junior college in Belize City. He then spent ten years as an adored primary school teacher in Valley of Peace and at St. Margaret’s School. He is a devoted husband to Patricia, and proud father of five beautiful children. Now, God has opened a new chapter in his life—serving through The Word at Work. His heart remains anchored in this simple prayer: “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Wherever I am needed to serve, let me serve under your guidance.”

Booking and Operations Assistant

Pam Williamson

Pam has been Jo’s assistant for six years, supporting with bookkeeping, office tasks, and participating in the annual Christmas Mission trip. Her involvement with non-profits spans much of her life. In the 1980s, her husband worked for Young Life, and she partnered with him in leading clubs, campaigners, trips, and sharing the message of Jesus with youth. From 1993 to 2018, she and her husband directed a Christian youth camp called Hidden Falls Ranch, located near the South Rim of Palo Duro Canyon, where she contributed in many areas, including bookkeeping. After her husband retired and became a chaplain, she began assisting Jo with bookkeeping at The Word at Work. Pam is passionate about the outreach in Belize and enjoys serving wherever she is needed. She has been married to her husband, Byron, for 45 years, and they have three daughters and eight grandchildren.