Before we introduce you to our newest board members, we would like to pay tribute to our incredible board members who recently concluded their terms.
We are deeply grateful for the service of Lauren Brown and Tom Wilfong, who concluded their terms as directors in December and served on our Board for the last six years. Both had been outstanding board members, holding leadership positions, taking on a wide array of responsibilities, and working countless hours, all while being enthusiastic, cheerful, and encouraging to everyone involved. In addition, Lauren and Tom have each traveled to Haiti in the past and have a deep love for the programs and our brothers and sisters in Terrier Rouge. Tom's service had been especially meaningful, as he was a founding member of the Board of Directors and has significant knowledge of the organization and its history. Both Lauren and Tom will be greatly missed, leaving very big shoes to fill!
We are proud to introduce Our newest additions to the board!
Desmond Asamoah is a Senior Associate for a US non-profit foundation with a background in development and is looking forward to applying his lived experience and skillset to support our brothers and sisters in Haiti! Desmond shares with us, "Growing up in rural Ghana I drank from the stream, had no electricity and walked miles to access education and healthcare that had many limitations. Fortunately, I have the opportunity to give my children a better experience - they have the best education and healthcare among other needs. I believe every parent should have the same power and ability to provide for their families and children everywhere in the world should have their basic needs met. The world needs to be better and the current narratives should change. As a result, I believe my lived experience and understanding of poverty brings diversity to the Bethlehem Ministry Board. Leveraging my experience and skillset, I am in a good place to contribute to organizational strategies and programs that will sustainably alleviate poverty and suffering for our brothers and sisters. My ultimate goal is to use this privilege of service to bring dignity to the people of Haiti and the world."
Fritz Felchlin started his own business in Haiti over 40 years ago, where he lived with his family for nearly a decade. Having moved back to Athens, GA, he met our co-founders Berry and Peter Rice over 20 years ago and shipped supplies on his containers for Bethlehem Ministry's programs, including for Rob Fisher's JP/Partners for People and Place! As a Bethlehem Ministry supporter, he has also visited St. Barthélémy and the Clinic in Terrier Rouge! Fritz tells us, "I've been involved in Haiti for over 40 years and feel a deep connection to the country. I'm interested in doing anything that I can to help improve conditions there."
Mark Hopkins helped start a non-profit in Haiti, has a professional background in agriculture, is a proud member of First Presbyterian Church of Athens - having served on the Mission and Outreach Committee - and looks forward to contributing his mission and agriculture experience to Bethlehem Ministry! Mark expresses, "I believe my desire to serve Christ in the mission field of Haiti will be a benefit for Bethlehem Ministry. I believe my love for improving agricultural crops and my connections with crop improvement will also benefit Bethlehem Ministry's decisions in this area. I am committed to serving Jesus Christ in any capacity I feel the Spirit calling me and I have been impressed by the work of Bethlehem Ministry."
Steve Norris is a Distinguished Teaching Professor and Vice Chair of the Research Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at UTHealth McGovern Medical School and a proud member of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church of Houston, having recently served as the Mission Team’s Chair. He and his wife are long-time sponsors of St. Barthélémy students and supporters of Bethlehem Ministry’s programs. Steve says, “It is my understanding that there is a need to expand the coverage of Clinique Espérance et Vie to other local areas. I hope to be able to help secure U.S. assistance for that endeavor in terms of goods, services, and financial support. I also am very supportive of the educational and agricultural sustainability efforts of Bethlehem Ministry.”
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