Who We Are
Designed For More consists of marrying our experience with ideas from various disciplines including science, history, psychology, theology, sociology and business. It brings together over 50 years worth of combined ministry experience and study.
Lucas and Mike first connected in the Philippines in 2013 while on a trip with the International Justice Mission and immediately bonded through their passion for a Church operating in unity. They don’t just teach and write about unity, they labor towards it through their daily work - this is a passion that saturates their lives!
Lucas Ramirez is a man re-made by the great love of Christ.
His journey started in Argentina and at the age of six, he emigrated to the U.S. with his family. Now, Lucas lives out his passion for raising up the next generation of leaders in his role as director of The Gathering Place, an innovative student mentoring and Christian leadership development organization that impacts over 10,000 students annually.
He is a keynote speaker to a diverse group of audiences including students, politicians, CEOs, educators and leaders. He has spoken at venues such as TEDx, Catalyst Conference and The Georgia House of Representatives. He is an organizational leadership expert and loves sharing and learning new ideas.
The greatest blessing in his life is being married to his college sweetheart, Thea Ramirez, who is the Founder and CEO of Adoption-Share. The couple has three kids and the family lives in Coastal Georgia with their two pups Bailey and Wally. Lucas thinks he might just be the luckiest guy alive.
Read more at LucasRamirez.org and follow him @thelucasramirez
Mike DeVito is a ministry veteran with over 40 years of full time ministry experience both in the Pacific Northwest and Southern California.
Mike is a graduate of Vanguard University of Southern California where he received his BA in Sociology and also went on to get his Masters in Leadership Studies. He is a frequent speaker for camps, conferences and events. He is also a sought after advisor and consultant by groups and pastor networks for his expertise in networking ministries.
Previously, Mike served as University Co-Pastor at Vanguard University of Southern California with his wife, Kristi (2003-2006) and he currently serves as the Southwest Regional Coordinator for the National Network of Youth Ministries. He has been honored to be a part of this movement for unity as Network staff since 1993! Mike also currently serves as the Ministry Outreach Coordinator at Biola University, helping Biola network with ministry leaders from the entire southern California region.
Mike presently lives in Orange County, California with wife Kristi of 41 years! They have two daughters, and three grandchildren.