Our Board
Mahali pa Maisha’s Board of Directors is made up of a group of individuals who have a passion for the ministry happening in Kenya and a love for the babies and children that are touched here. When the vision of MpM was born it was individuals like these who made that vision a reality.
Bill & Shirley NealeBill retired in 2009 after serving in public education for 37 years, 26 as principal. In retirement he enjoys traveling with Shirley, helping to lead a downtown mission congregation, and weekly participation in the Karios prison ministry. He has worked on short term mission trips to Togo, Kenya, Jamaica, and Northern Ireland. One of his joys in life is spending time with his 6 grandchildren. He is blessed to be a small part of the MPM ministry where babies are saved and brought into the kingdom of the Lord.
Shirley, the other half of Bill, was born in IN and grew up with 6 siblings. They have been married since 1971, have 3 grown children, and 6 grandchildren who live in CO, TN, and MN way too far away, but GREAT PLACES TO VISIT! She loves her church and being involved where God moves His people, serving as head of the Caring Committee. Having a passion for prayer, she is one of the original founders of Common Ground Prayer House in Wabash County, and serves on its board. Bill and Shirley love to travel and enjoy being active in the Lord's work, wherever HE may lead them! |
Davie & Judy StephensDavie Stephens is a corn, soybean, and poultry farmer in western Kentucky. He is an active advocate for farmers, currently serving as Secretary of the American Soybean Association and as past President of the Kentucky Soybean Association. Davie is a member of First United Methodist Church in Mayfield, Kentucky and serves on the Board of Trustees. Davie graduated with his bachelor’s degree from the University of Kentucky in Lexington and completed his master’s degree at Murray State University in Murray, Kentucky. Davie and his wife Judy reside in Wingo, Kentucky.
Judy recently retired from AT&T as a Director in the Technology & Operations organization, and now works full-time on the farm. She is a member of First United Methodist Church in Mayfield, Kentucky. Judy graduated with her bachelor’s degree from Murray State University in Murray, Kentucky and completed her master’s degree at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Judy enjoys reading and travel and is married to Davie Stephens. |
Liz HansenLiz Hansen is a Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Volunteer Coordinator and Recruiter/Trainer in McCracken County with Child Watch Counseling and Advocacy Center in Paducah, KY. Liz is married to Joe Hansen, pastor of Paris First United Methodist Church in Henry County, TN, (and Spiritual Advisor for the MpM board) and they have 3 adult children and 2 grandchildren. Liz is a grateful believer in Jesus Christ, whose passion for international missions began with her first mission trip to Kenya in 2001. She has led many mission teams, mission committees and worked side by side with others leading mission teams, assisting them in their preparation in planning to serve in Kenya, Jamaica, Belize and Haiti, as well around the United States. Liz and Joe introduced the Bells to the Mayfield First UMC, their former congregation, and the Bells are ongoing partners in ministry there. Liz made her second trip to Kenya to serve alongside Dave & Jen Bell, and with Mahali pa Maisha, when she led a team, including her husband Joe, in 2014. Liz has known Dave and Jen Bell for many years, and is excited to join the MpM Board.
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Jon and Cathy ReeseJon and Cathy Reese lives near Peru, IN and have been married for nearly 40 years. They have four children, all married, and six grandchildren. Jon operates a 1,000 acre grain farm and is very passionate about improving the soil through no-till, cover crops compost and natural fertilizers. Very much like the Farming Gods Way concept. Jon enjoys most everything outdoors, hunting, fly fishing, camping, backpacking, sailboat and more. Cathy has spent the last 30 years as an OB/GYN in the Wabash area. Cathy enjoys her grandkids, the outdoors, and serving God in whatever capacity He calls her to.
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Kim & Terry GrayKim and Terry Gray live near Sulphur Springs, Indiana, and are the parents of four grown children and grandparents to eight little ones. They are both active 30-year members of Sulphur Springs Christian Church, where Kim serves as an Elder and Sunday School teacher and Terry serves as Office Administrator. Kim works as a sales executive for Activate Heathcare. Together they enjoy the country life in their cabin, time with the grandkids, and traveling. Kim loves gardening and tending his small flock of chickens and peacocks; Terry enjoys photography, playing tennis, and blogging, and has authored two books, the first entitled “Unsinkable” and the second “Lick and Turn,” which tells the story of Dave and Jen’s calling to this ministry. Kim and Terry are passionately involved in mission work in India and Papua New Guinea, as well as with Mahali pa Maisha.
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Robyn MooreRobyn Moore, from Berne, IN, has served with World Gospel Mission in Kenya since August 1981 until present. She is a registered nurse and certified pediatric nurse practitioner. She worked 23 years at Tenwek Mission Hospital in Kenya and then did her masters in nursing and PNP at Vanderbilt University, from 2004-2006. She arrived back in Kenya January 1, 2007 to join the Least of These Ministry, a ministry of wholistic healthcare to orphans and vulnerable children, in Nairobi area. While Robyn is not a member of the MpM Board, she is a Trustee of the ministry in Kenya, and a vital part of our team. Robyn provides the medical care for our little ones and is a frequent visitor at the rescue center checking on, and loving on our babies. We have partnered with Robyn for over five years.
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Deb and Dave
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Cory and Amanda
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David and Debbie live in Middletown, Indiana where they were high school sweethearts who married after graduation. Following college, they moved to Michigan along with the first of their 3 children where David began a career with GTE in telephone systems and later computer systems. Over the next 25 years, 2 more children, and 15 or so re-locations, Debbie became involved with BSF International and ultimately began teaching classes in Texas and Indiana then coaching classes in Indiana and Michigan. Upon retirement, David also began serving with BSF. In 2000, they served with BSF in Zimbabwe until 2005. Following a brief time back in Indiana, they began serving Southern Africa in various capacities until 2016. Now both are involved in their local church and enjoying their 3 married children who have blessed them with 7 grandchildren. They marvel at God’s grace at all times in all places and in all circumstances! Being involved with MPM helps keep part of their hearts in Africa loving the children and staff there.
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Cory and Amanda Witmer live in Goshen Indiana where they both grew up. They have been married since December 2004. They have three children in elementary and middle school.
Cory is a licensed mental health counselor and works as a mental health consultant with youth in the juvenile justice system. He is also the volunteer director of youth ministry at Harvest Community Church where he and Amanda are members. Along with working with youth, Cory enjoys hunting, camping, playing board/card games, and spending time with his family. Amanda is a home health aid for a couple young women with special needs. She also serves on the leadership team for Northern Indiana Hope Mommies, an organization that supports mothers who have lost a baby during pregnancy or infancy. Amanda enjoys camping, scrap-booking, volunteering with the children and youth at Harvest Community Church, and spending time with her family. |
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