Charles Kelley

Charles David Kelley is Latvian-American, a citizen of both countries. He serves as co-leader of the ELF Artist Network. Born in Los Angeles, he has lived in Oregon since 1980. His professional training is in biblical studies, theology, and missiology. Before founding Bridge Builders International in 1994, a ministry that focuses on the Baltics, Charles served in pastoral ministry in California, Texas, and Oregon for 21 years. He is chairman of BBI’s Latvian affiliates, Partners, and serves on the board for Eagle's Wings Camp in Latvia. He co-founded the Baltic Pastoral Institute in Riga and founded the Imago Dei Artists Network, which ministers to artists and musicians in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. He is the LausanneARTS Coordinator for Europe, a member of the Arts Plus Roundtable, and the Arts Centre Group in London. He also serves on the board of the Thomas Kinkade Museum near San Jose, CA. Charles is an author, pianist, and painter. He lives in Latvia for 4-5 months per year. He has been married to Nancy for 46 years and has four grown children and nine grandchildren. For his service to the spiritual development of Latvia, Charles has been awarded the Order of the Three Stars by Latvia’s president.