As the ancient sage who wrote Proverbs 15:22 reminds us, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.”
The complexity of building a new $7.2 million campus in a vulnerable community 8,593 miles away from Denver requires a lot of plans. Thankfully, as believers, we know when God calls us to do something He provides the help we need to get there.
I am very grateful for our Trustees. One of the most exciting aspects of our Board of Trustees is the way we are intentionally engaging in “philosophical discussions” together. These discussions are closely related to strategy, and the goal is to drive us even deeper into discerning the purposes that God has called us to fulfill in Rwanda. What is the “why” behind what we do? And how can we do it most effectively, for God’s glory?
Some may wonder, “What does a trustee do?” Legally, in our case, a trustee is “a member of a board given control or powers of administration of property in trust with a legal obligation to administer it solely for the purposes specified.” These roles are essential as we faithfully fulfill our charter.
God calls different people to different missions. Our Trustees don’t believe that Hope Haven Rwanda has “somehow” landed on the perfect strategy for international development. Hundreds of thousands of nonprofits exist around the world and many of them are doing wonderful work.
This is what our Trustees do believe: God has called us, a specific set of people, to serve Rwanda as part of the Hope Haven team. He miraculously continues to lead the right people to join the team at the right time. We also agree it is a blast to be on this adventure of faith together—every messy step of the way!
I would like to thank both former and current Trustees of the Hope Haven Charitable Trust. You have led us well during the last nine years! I am personally grateful for the countless ways you have invested in me as a leader. Thanks for caring so well for our team.
I know our Trustees are not a part of this board for personal recognition—they genuinely want to serve. I could go on and on about their qualifications and skills, but that would draw attention to them that they do not desire. I will, however, identify them here. If you would like to connect with any of them, or to learn more, feel free to shoot me a note or a text. Please also pray with us as we serve together to fulfill the purposes God has for our lives and for the community we serve. It is a distinct honor.
Mark Riley, Chairman of the Board
Susan Hollern, Founder and President
Kevin Hollern, Trustee
John DeYoung, Trustee
Lynn Fisher, Trustee
Steve Lavey, Trustee/Audit Committee Member
Kim Collins, Trustee
Natasha Harris, Trustee/Audit Committee Member
Austin Van Wyk, Trustee