Committee Biographies

Lauren Beintema

I joined Faithworks after returning from a 4 month volunteer placement with the CRWRC in Uganda, Africa in 2010. This experience opened my eyes to the challenges of Christian community development efforts and encouraged me to share with others the need for continued service towards all God's people around the world. Previous short term team trips also included work in the Dominican Republic and downtown Hamilton with Campfire's Service Week. I look forward to getting to know lots of new people through Faithworks' exciting events and trips!

Marise DeVisser

Hi everyone! My name is Marise de Visser and I'm currently a student at the University of Guelph, studying International Development and Psychology. My role on the Faithworks Committee is to research new trip opportunities, and I'm especially interested in domestic and local opportunities. If you have any suggestions, feel free contact us!

Emily Buikema

I went on my first short-term trip with Faithworks when I was in high school. That was my first experience in Kentucky and I came back from that trip with two goals: to work with the organization in Kentucky for a summer, and to join Faithworks someday. I've now done both and God keeps leading me back to Kentucky – not only as summer staff, but also as a trip leader with Faithworks. Faithworks also provided me with the opportunity to serve in the Dominican Republic on a short term trip and I'm excited to see the new opportunities that God opens up for future teams.

Sheila Kamstra

I serve as the liaison between the CRWRF and FW committees. I am totally excited to be a part of a committee that, through the power of the Spirit, helps the church serve the poor by showing their Faith through their Works!

Ewout DeGelder

I went on a Faithworks trip to Kentucky way back in 1998, when I was just a wee teen. I have been on the committee since about March 2010, and am thrilled to be able to serve the Lord in this capacity. I'm excited about the ongoing developments within Faithworks and with the many partner organizations in the areas where we work. I wish that God will continue to bless, teach, and humble the committee members and all the teams.

Erica Schutten

I joined Faithworks after my first service trip to Mexico. My experience there was rewarding in so many ways - I was able to serve others, and was served by their faith in return. I am thankful that I can still be involved with this organization by helping send teams down every year, and pray that God will continue to bless it. I look forward to meeting new people, and being able to share in their journey as well!

Trevor Malda

The two Fatithworks trips I've been on - Romania and Mississippi - had inspired me to seek out a longer-term trip. I later spent 16 months in Nigeria over two trips volunteering at first a community development organization then a HIV/AIDS awareness and education organization. Now I get to serve through Faithworks, focusing on expanding into local opportunities, and I'm very excited to be a part of it!

Katelyn Plug

Hello! My name is Katelyn. I am a new graduate nurse working at McMaster Children's Hospital. My experience with Faithworks is just beginning and it is very exciting to be part of such an enthusiastic committee! My role is to research local opportunities – it is remarkable how often we think of poverty as village children somewhere in Africa yet there is also a lot of need right here in our own communities (in a first world country!). We would love for you to join us in glorifying God and serving others on one of our trips!