Randall Terry – founded Operation Rescue (a.k.a. Operation Rescue National, Operation Save America) in 1986.

Keith Tucci – took Randall Terry’s place as director of Operation Rescue National/Operation Save America when Terry stepped down in 1991.

Flip Benham – became the third director of ORN/OSA late in 1993.

Rusty Thomas – had the mantle of leadership passed to him by Rev. Flip Benham in 2014, and is the current director of Operation Rescue National/Operation Save America, formerly known simply as Operation Rescue.

“What began as a Gospel Revival of epic proportions during the Summer of Mercy in Wichita in July and August of 1991, has become an historical benchmark throughout our nation of what can happen when the Church of Jesus Christ rises up and takes its rightful place at the gates of hell.  The gates will not prevail.  It was my awesome privilege to lead that charge in 1991 and I am joining with Rusty Thomas and all of those who are returning to Wichita on this 25^th anniversary of the “Summer of Mercy” to finish what God has begun.  It is my fervent prayer that we will see an end to the slaughter of innocents in this city.”

“I would add during the Summer of Mercy I met Pastor Rusty Thomas who took on the servants role and served the rescuers in whatever capacity he could. From that time until this, he has participated with delegated authority at every national event Operation Rescue has initiated. As recently as last year Pastor Thomas was a key speaker at Heart for the Next Generation, an organization that I now lead. During this time his faithfulness to the Lord and his people made him the obvious successor to Rev. Flip Benham as the next director of Operation Rescue National. At no time during all these years did Troy Newman ever serve in delegated responsibility or an official role under any of our leadership.”

—Pastor Keith Tucci, Former Director of Operation Rescue

For more information on the 25th anniversary of the “Summer of Mercy” that Pastor Keith referred to above, read Rusty’s report on the event, which took place in July 2016.

“There have been four directors of Operation Rescue over the past twenty-eight years: Randall Terry, Keith Tucci, Flip Benham, and Rusty Thomas.  Troy Newman is not, nor has he ever been, the director or ‘President’ of Operation Rescue.”

“It was my privilege to lead the pastor’s rescue at one of the abortion mills in Wichita in 1991.  Seventy-two pastors were arrested on that Saturday 25 year ago.  Their crime?  ‘Greater love has no man than this, that he lay down his life for another.”’

“When the theology of the church house become biography in the streets, the battle will be won.  Abortion will come to an end in Wichita when the Church of Jesus Christ makes up her mind it will come to an end – and not one second sooner!”

— Rev. Flip Benham, Former Director of Operation Rescue National/Operation Save America