The Grand Traverse Haiti Volunteers in Mission (VIM) Originating from the Grand Traverse District of the West Michigan Annual Conference

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Ann and Jerry Konczal
Ann and Jerry live in Traverse City Michigan. Jerry works for Art Van Furniture, and Ann is a computer programmer. Ann writes, “I’m going to Haiti to expand my ability to understand others’ struggles in relation to my own struggles in life.”

William Haggard
Bill is pastor of Asbury United Methodist Church in Traverse City. “I felt led to be a part of this trip to Haiti in order to offer myself in service there. I look forward to meeting people and gaining a deeper understanding of the need of the folks in Haiti so that, when I come home, I can better represent that need to our congregation. I especially look forward to sharing the experience with my son, Jason.”

Gail Johnson (see Eric and Amy below)
Gail is an RN at Mercy Hospital, Cadillac. Gail says her motivation for going on the mission is “to share the experience of missions with my 2 teenagers; to open myself to God’s will and direction in my own life.”

Elizabeth Gillisse
Liz is a 32 year old mother of 2, and a mail clerk for Great Lakes Energy. She says, “I feel drawn to build my faith and learn better how to share God’s love with others. I also expect to learn from the people I am going to help.” Liz will be serving as our Education Director.

Michael and Shelly Johns(see Jenna and Mitchell below)
The Johns live in Traverse City and attend Asbury UMC. They have always wanted to go on a mission trip and want to help in any way possible.

Jeff and Beck Dorrell(see Libby below)
The Dorrells are a part of Cadillac UMC. Jeff is a Golf Course Superintendent, and Becky works for RPS Management. They are motivated to “help their fellow man” and “to help others less fortunate.”

Michael and Carla Windover
Mike is a pharmacist from Traverse City. Carla is a nurse at a dermatology office. Mike writes, “When seeing people on TV such as the Haitians, my compassion is aroused, but it goes back to nil as soon as I turn the channel. It is my hope that this trip will make my compassion real, lasting, and productive.” Carla hopes to be able to get others back home interested in missions when she returns.

Randy Atwood (see Shandy below)
Randy is a substitute teacher from Kalkaska, Michigan. “My goal in Haiti is to learn more about the culture and life of the Haitian people—plus help with the Methodist Mission in a country that is learning to love the Lord.”

Andy Chadwick
Andy own his own construction business in Traverse City. He is a member of Asbury UMC and will be serving as our Building Director.

Charles Stanley (see Leah below)
Charlie is pastor of Kalkaska United Methodist Church, and our trip director. His goal is “to step out of the world of wealth a privilege, and into a world of suffering. I want my heart to be broken open, so that the love of Christ can flow through me.”

We are proud to have seven great youth serving with us on our trip. Their enthusiasm and commitment is impressive. They are:

Eric Johnson, 16, a student at Marion High School. Eric writes: “I want to go to Haiti to open my eyes to how fortunate I have it in the USA.”

Amy Johnson, 14, a student at Marion High School. Amy says, “I want to learn more about missions, and help the Haitian people.”

Jason Haggard, 15, a student at Traverse City (T.C.) West Jr. High. Jason’s goal is “to see more of the world we live in and to help those who are less fortunate than myself.”

Monica Bontrager, 17, a student at Kalkaska High School. Monica is going to Haiti “to share God’s love with people who don’t know it.”

Jenna Johns, 14, student at Traverse City West Jr. High. Jenna says, “I want to go to Haiti because I think it will be a very good experience and I want to do something useful there.”

Mitch Johns, 15, student at T.C. West Senior High. “I am going because I want to help the less fortunate and it sounds very interesting.”

Shandy Atwood, 17, Kalkaska high School. (Bio coming soon)

Don’t think you have to be an adult to go on a mission trip! Our two Micro-Missionaries have added a great deal to our team meetings, and we expect they will contribute great things while in Haiti.

Elizabeth Dorrell, 9, is from Cadillac.  She is in the 3rd grade. She says, “I just want to go to help people.”

Leah Stanley, 10, is in 5th grade at Birch St. Elementary in Kalkaska. She says, “I want to go to Haiti to help people who aren’t as lucky as we are.”