John Vandervelde - Program Director

I love working with the people I work with. I feel like every day I learn something through serving with such great people.  HoneyRock has a great team--what a blessing!

Today Elizabeth Baltus (Registration Coordinator) shared at our all-staff devotional time. There were about 150 people there.  Elizabeth did such an amazing job sharing about "putting first things first."  Not only did her words encourage me but just the fact that she led devotions and spoke to such a big group with confidence and grace inspired me.  She's way more than just a Registration Coordinator, she has a big heart for youth ministry. 

After listening to Elizabeth this morning, all day I've been moved to reflect on the people I serve with.  In case you don't know who they are let me introduce the full-time staff of HoneyRock to you:

Bill Long (Construction Manager) is a continual example to me of someone who works hard, goes above and beyond the call of duty, and never complains.  Bill works so hard on difficult jobs and does it to God's Glory. 

Scott Eppler (Program Maintenance and Grounds Manager) brings a spirit of fun and enthusiasm to every task.  He embodies and lives out the phrase "work is the best kind of fun." 

Don Kerns (Site and Facilities Manager) inspires me to connect all I do to relationships and people.  Everyone knows Don and Don knows everyone because he cares about people.  His work with people grows them and challenges them, because he cares so deeply for people. 

Al Scales (Site & Facilities Team) has a drive to be a "life-long learner" which reminds me to never be complacent and to keep seeking to learn more. 

Becky Webber (Ranch Coordinator) may be tiny but she's a big leader and an incredible motivator.  She not only keeps the barn and herd in tip-top shape, but she also leads her wrangler team very well. 

Dan Elsen's (Residential Program Manager) passion for God's word and his deep meaningful faith inspires me to rest in Christ and never stop looking for opportunities to serve him with my whole life. 

Craig Miller's (Advance Camp Manager) passion for excellence and drive to serve people really well moves me to be the best I can be. 

Liz Henderson's (Program Team Assistant) loyalty to me, the team here, and the mission of HoneyRock is incredible.  Liz is there serving in the roles that don't always get all the praise and attention.  She serves because she loves God and want to make a difference in people's lives. 

Rick Masters (Adventure Ministry Program Manager) wakes up early every day to spend time with God.  He takes his faith so seriously that it draws me to be more faithful.  His heart's desire to have the Gospel, the Good News, the Truth be center to his whole life and all his work is courageous.  Rick also makes me laugh, like the other day when he came to the office "dressed up" wearing a collared shirt, only to find out that he put the shirt on inside out and had worn it most of the day that way (see picture below). 

Ann Swindell (Wheaton Office Manager) is way more than the person who makes the Wheaton Office work, she loves students, reaches out to them and cares for them.  Every time I'm on campus and in the office, Ann is meeting with students, praying with them, and mentoring them.

Pete Sailhamer's (Business Manager) ability to manage so many different things with excellence is amazing.  Even more amazing is that Pete consistently focuses on challenging and growing people in everything they do.  His team of people isn't just doing housekeeping, running the Beehive, setting up sound equipment, and managing finances--they are serving the King. 

Becki Henderson (Receptionist) may be our receptionist but she is also one of the best Bible teachers we have on staff.  I'm consistently challenged by the things she says and what she teaches but also by her deep knowledge of God's word and the relevant way she teaches it. 

Dell Ledbetter (Food Service Manager) is an incredible coach.  He works with a very diverse group in a challenging situation and does it with grace and a heart of service that motivates me to be less selfish and more giving. 

Duane Welsh and Robyn McMurry (Cooks) see their role not only to just cook amazing food but to care, mentor and disciple people in our community.  They regularly have young people over to their homes to care for them and build into their lives. 

Rob Ribbe (Director) comes back to camp tomorrow morning after being gone for most of the year on sabbatical.  Rob's trust in me and encouragement over this past year has been amazing.  Rob's passion for families and youth to know God and follow him with their whole lives inspires us all. 

So there you have it.  What a great team!