Marli Spieker, Founder and Global Ministry Director
Hailing from Brazil, TWR missionary Marli Spieker is Founder of and Global Ministry Director for Project Hannah, TWR's ministry of compassion, encouragement and hope to suffering women worldwide. With an emphasis on prayer, awareness and radio programming, Project Hannah presents the Gospel of Jesus Christ to women whatever their cultural, social or economic situation.
Marli and her husband, Edmund, have served with TWR for nearly 40 years. Marli’s Christian ministry career began in Brazil when she created, produced and hosted Crianca Feliz, a well known Portuguese children’s program. In addition to this outreach with which she was involved for 13 years, Marli produced and hosted various creative programs, including a women’s program for 5 years. From 1969 until 1983, Marli and Edmund pioneered and directed TWR’s Brazilian national partner organization, before accepting TWR founder Dr. Paul Freed’s invitation to join the TWR international staff in North America.
In 1997, while serving with TWR in Asia, the Lord called Marli to start Project Hannah after she witnessed the situations faced by women on the streets of Singapore.
Marli’s heart for broken, forgotten and unloved women was shaped in part by her mother, who ministered to the poor of Brazil with the Salvation Army. Today, Marli has become an authority on and strong advocate for the plight of women worldwide. She has traveled extensively to more than 65 countries and has ministered to women on virtually every continent. A dedicated wife and mother of three, Marli makes her home in Cary, North Carolina.