First Peter Ministries
About Us
"And when you have returned, strengthen your brothers."
Luke 22:32
Why First Peter?
Sometime between 60 and 64 AD, the Apostle Peter wrote an epistle to the churches of Asia Minor who were experiencing unprecedented suffering as a result of their faith in Jesus Christ. This text became known as the Book of First Peter.
Peter reminded the displaced Christians of their blessed status as children of God and the security of their eternal salvation. This is the basis on which he encouraged the oppressed peoples to respond to their plight by “doing good.” In the face of evil, we are to practice righteousness, and live with a spirit of joy, submission, and humility. For Peter, suffering in Christ’s name is akin to suffering with Christ, and he assures us that obedience in such trials grants unimaginable glory when Christ returns.
Our Calling
It is the goal of First Peter Ministries to reach suffering Christian communities around the world with Peter's same message of steadfast hope in Christ through trials.
We support the physical and spiritual needs of the oppressed Christians in Manipur, India. The call of the suffering Christian is to keep strong in the faith. The call of their brethren is to help strengthen them.
Please consider joining First Peter Ministries in our effort to aid the 43,000+ Christian refugees in Lamka, Manipur.
Meet the Board of Directors
Sean Tornquist
Executive Director; sean@firstpeter.org
Sean Tornquist is an entrepreneur currently enrolled in Talbot's ISF program. Sean felt called to ministry from a young age but left the faith for a life in business, managing ventures in various industries until his early thirties.
After returning to the flock, he connected with Mang, a fellow student at Talbot and member of the Kuki-Zo tribe. Their friendship eventually led Sean on a mission where he witnessed the humanitarian crisis in Manipur, India first-hand.
Moved by the plight of thousands of refugee children, Sean returned home and founded a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, First Peter Ministries, to raise awareness and support for persecuted Christian communities worldwide, starting in India.
Chris Heerdegen
CFO; chris@firstpeter.org
Chris has over 23 years of experience in the painting and construction industry, starting with College Works Painting where he eventually first met Sean. He quickly became a respected and beloved lifelong mentor for Sean, and agreed to join the board as a service to God's kingdom. Chris has a strong background in recruiting and operations; many of his former employees have gone on to executive roles at fortune 50 companies. Chris co-founded Improovy Painters, and later founded OnDemand Painters, now operating across four states. Currently, he is President of Tarva, Inc., a technology and consulting firm.
Chris is dedicated to his wife, Lauren, and their six children, including a daughter with Down syndrome. He volunteers teaching martial arts to children with disabilities and supports the Identity Project, a global discipleship program. He embodies a business mindset, love of God, and an "I'm 3rd" philosophy.
Read our Publication
Visit Religion Unplugged to read our story.
Outside the library I found my friend Mang looking positively distressed. I said cheerily, “What’s up Mang! Finals got you down?” He looked up, and my demeanor changed. His face was red and contorted in grief; he had evidently been sobbing. “No, Sean. I don’t know if my family is alive,” he replied...
If you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened. But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.
1 Peter 3:14-18