Dr. Leininger graduated from Indiana University’s School of Optometry in 1972 and after settling in Ocala, Florida, went on his first trip to Haiti in 1974. That trip would change his life.

Having seen the spiritual and physical needs that exist there he felt led to be involved. After ministering for thirteen years under other organizations he founded Harvest International Inc. in July of 1987 and traveled often to Haiti to oversee the ministries projects. After moving to Texas and seeing capable people taking Harvest’s helm, he founded Mercy International and continued his passion for ministering to the poorest of the poor in Haiti. One passion has always been to take medical teams to remote locations and give medical care to those who have no chance of receiving care in any other way. Working with orphans and widows and bring the lost to the saving knowledge of our Savior continue to be in the forefront of the ministry.

Presently he resides in San Antonio, Texas with his wife Diane. He is blessed with four children and nineteen grandchildren.