First Love International
Phil Smith and Family
President

Phil Smith

Phil and his wife, Jessica, have had a heart for global missions from early on. They were both raised in missionary families in Southeast Asia. Phil served as a pastor in Alaska for 10 years and then in global missions leadership for another 10 years before receiving an invitation to lead First Love into its next chapter in early 2023. Having a son with Down syndrome has also opened Phil and Jessica’s eyes to the widespread need for ministry to vulnerable people groups. Phil and Jessica have four children and live in the Chicago area.