Building on Stability and Stewardship
Stable Leadership
The Mission has been blessed with a history of stability of leadership. There have been only six directors in our existence since 1938. Current Executive Director, Harold Youtzy, Jr., previously served as the Board President for the Mission, so he came to the Mission well acquainted with its staff and operation. In addition to stable leadership in the director position, many of our board members have served on our board for over a decade or more. The mix of new board members with existing board members ensures that a good balance of ideas, changes, and tradition will continue for the years ahead.
Devoted Board
Stewardship is often associated chiefly with finances, but the greatest stewardship gifts we receive come from our Board of Directors through the lives they live. The Mission has been blessed by the devotion of our board to live lives committed to the Gospel. This has resulted in clear direction and generous support for the entire ministry of the Mission.
Board Members
Larry Axlund
Bill Bouwman
Marge Delzell - Treasurer
Thomas Fitch - President
Marla Groeneweg
Bob Jensen
Merton Marshall
Steve Martin
Clyde Pritchett - Secretary
Richard Salem - Vice President
Bill Sautter
Hubert Schuller
Joel Steenhoven
Gerrit Van Holland
Duane Vander Plas
A Message From The Director
Isn’t our Lord wonderful? Just like the medley we used to sing.
That’s what we are saying here at the Mission. We have been blessed to be in our new facility since June of 2009 and all along the way, the Lord has been providing for us. But His hand has been upon the Mission since 1938, not just since 2009!
I became the director in 2006, but I began my association with this ministry in 1985. As a Gideon, I would come to the prayer breakfast at the Mission each Saturday and serving as the director, Esther Hoklin invited me to preach one evening. One evening turned into two, and well, you know how that story goes.
But in 1987, Harry Walker became the director of the Mission and he and I became fast friends. We both loved Pennsylvania, good preaching, the Word of God, homemade ice-cream and bringing our families together. In addition to being a good friend, he actually began mentoring me for this position. So much so, that I thought when he retired, I would take over. But God had other things in store.
The Lord led Harry back to the pastorate ministry in a local church and I then began serving as board president of the Mission after the death of John Ludens who had served as president. Then in 2006, with the city intent on moving our location, Jim Scallions retired as the director and I took the reigns. Interesting to note is that 2006 would have about been the time Harry would have retired…
I am most aware of the fact that the Gospel stands at the core of who we are. I have a great appreciation for the good news and am thankful for all the attributes God has added to my plate in preparation for this ministry of service. Recently, I was doing my morning scripture reading and came across the phrase “I am the Lord your God.” What stood out to me is that this Old Testament verse proclaimed “I am the Lord your God,” not “I am the Lord the God.” God has always been desirous of a personal relationship with each one of us. And our task at the Mission is to share the good news that with Jesus Christ, that personal relationship can become a reality. Our prayer is that you too will know our Lord personally and will seek to honor Him with your life as we do ours.
May God richly bless you.
Harold Youtzy Jr.
Pastor / Executive Director