meet the october '16 team
The October 2016 team is underway, praying and planning for our next visit. There are many new participants and some veterans heading to Ethiopia in October, and I am thrilled to introduce them to you!
MELANIE BUFORD
I'm Melanie Buford from St. Joseph, MO. I am a wife, mother and retired teacher. Besides spending time with my family, I enjoy traveling and reading. This will be my 2nd time to Ethiopia with Regina. I love the passion that Regina has for these children. I am so excited to be with these kiddos again and see all the wonderful things that are happening at Ekklesia.
PAUL AND RHODA PFOTENHAUER
Paul and Rhoda Pfotenhauer have been married for 53 years. They have three children and six grandchildren. They planted Woodbury Lutheran Church in 1967 and have lived in Woodbury, MN for 49 years. Paul has served as Senior Pastor for 33 years, and Rhoda has served as a volunteer Deaconess and a teammate to her husband in ministry for all their marriage. She has also served as a Chaplain. After retiring in May of 2000, Pastor Paul serves as a missionary at large in Manzanillo, Mexico along with his wife Rhoda from December through April. Both Paul and Rhoda have gone on many missionary journeys to Venezuela, Dominion Republic, Jamaica, and the Phillips Area in Minneapolis. They also serve as spiritual guides on trips to Germany, Israel, Jordon, Greece and many other countries. When they are not serving and traveling all around the world, Paul is active in swimming, golfing, and fishing and Rhoda is a swimmer, bicycler, pickle ball player, golfer and enjoys cooking and gardening.
LARRY AND LINDA WILFORD
I'm Linda Wilford. I'm excited to be able to go and meet the staff and children at Ekklesia. I am a wife, (Larry is coming, too!), a mom, (of3), a grandma, (of 5) and a grateful child of God. I love nature, reading, photography, traveling, and Bible Studies. I'm looking forward to November when I can be praising God for all He did during our October trip!!
I'm Larry Wilford and also am excited about this opportunity to be part of this mission experience. I have been involved with mission experiences in Ecuador (twice), Jamaica, and Minneapolis. Linda and I also had the privilege of spending two weeks in Namibia with our daughter and ever since I have had a desire to return to Africa. I enjoy the outdoors, traveling (especially to experience different cultures and food!) and our grandchildren. I look forward to meeting, working with, and serving the people in Ethiopia.
ANNA WHITE
I come from a large, crazy family of 9 kids and have lived in St Joseph, MO most of my life. The Lord graciously did not leave me in my pride but while I was still a sinner Christ died for me -Rom 5:8. I am a member at Cross Pointe Community Church, here in St Joseph, where I have been attending since I was a child. I am also involved as volunteer staff with the Navigators. A college ministry that I became involved with when I was in college at MWSU. I have never been outside of the US and am excited to go my first overseas mission trip. (Anna is the one on the right.)
REGINA KEHL
I am a full time wife and mother to three daughters. Whether our family is skiing in the mountains (or the hills of MN) or on the river, I love doing life with my crazy crew! If I am not hanging out with family or friends, I enjoy planning for and traveling to Ethiopia to spend time with the staff and children at Ekklesia School. And because I need some down time, the good book and a cup of coffee in the quiet, early morning hours out on our porch is where you will find me.
PATTI RYAN
My name is Patti Ryan and I am an educator from Denison, Iowa. I am a mom, grandma, and a wife who loves to cook, quilt, read, teach, and travel. As I have grown in my faith, I am excited about combining my gift of teaching and love of travel to serve and influence others for Christ. I am humbled at the thought of being able to encourage and bless both the kids and the staff of Ekklesia School in Ethiopia.
GLORIA JOHNSON
JOYCE KEHL
My name is Joyce Kehl. Yes, Regina is my favorite daughter-in-law. I live in Denison, Iowa with my husband, Greg. We have three grown children, seven grandchildren, and three grand dogs. I love spending time with them. Since we sold our drug store, I have embarked in a children's ministry. I teach Wednesday night and plan the curriculum and teach on Sunday morning. This will be my third trip to Ethiopia and the wonderful children of Ekklesia. This will be my first trip without any grandchildren along. Can't wait to meet all of you and see the wonderful people of Ethiopia.