Jeff Bibler, President
Jeff is a lifelong Lutheran from Valparaiso, IN and a graduate of Valparaiso University. He has been an active member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church (Houston, TX) since 1974 and has worked for Thrivent Financial for Lutherans since 2000. Jeff brings a wealth of leadership skills, wise insight, and superb organizational experience to the Board. In Jeff's words, "CALMS is an exciting avenue for direct, tangible participation in world missions and carrying out the Great Commission."
David Little, Legal Counsel
David has been a member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church (Houston, TX) for about 15 years. He has also been involved with CALMS since its inception, helping to organize it as a 501C3 organization and providing valuable legal advice throughout the past four years of growth. David writes: "God has blessed me and my family graciously, and being involved with CALMS is my way of giving something back to God. I feel that handling the legal and tax matters for CALMS allows other members to focus on the real purpose - growing the Lutheran Church in Central and Latin America."
David Reed, Secretary
David is a member of Carmel Lutheran Church (Carmel, IN). Not only is he actively involved in missions within his congregation, he also serves as a missions representative for his District. David brings a lot of experience and incredible passion to our Board. In David's words, "The primary reason that our church supports CALMS is because of the concept of missionaries training student pastors who in turn share the good news of Jesus Christ in their communities. Our church can also provide support to the pastors and churches through funding and mission visits." He goes on to say: "I enjoy serving on the Board of Directors because of the challenges involved with growing CALMS, involving other congregations, and expanding the reach of CALMS to other countries in Central America and the Caribbean.
Lori Newhouse, Board Member
Lori is a member of First Immanuel Lutheran Church (Cedarburg, WI). She currently serves the congregation and its day school as development director. In addition to the funding concerns of the congregation and school, Lori's ministry area has recently been expanded to offering short-term mission opportunities to the congregation. She led a team from her church to Gualan and La Union, Guatemala in early 2009.
Lori is eager to expand her congregation's partnership with CALMS to the mutual benefit of both CALMS and the members of First Immanuel. "It's so important for Lutherans to participate in carrying out the Great Commission. I'm blessed to be part of extending God's kingdom in Central America."
Bruce Collet, Board Member
Bruce is director of outreach and stewardship for Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Houston, Texas. He has been involved with CALMS since its inception and has a wonderful outreach heart. He most recently traveled to Panama in May 2009 to lead a seminar on Christian stewardship. In the past Bruce has organized equipping events for Panama pastors to help them see new mission models in Houston. He is a great encourager and helps link his congregation's members to the many mission opportunities provided by CALMS.
