 Becki is a Minnesota native and currently lives with her husband Peter and their young daughter and two cats in Minneapolis, MN. She has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mass Communication from Minnesota State University Moorhead where she graduated from in 2014. She also studied Media in 2012 at the University of Lincoln in England. During college she went on mission trips to Grand Rapids, Ontario, Canada, where she taught at a pop-up Vacation Bible School to Cree (formally First Nation) children living in and around the community and enjoys volunteering locally through organizations like Habitat for Humanity - Twin Cities and food shelves.
She comes to Branch Lutheran Schools of Haiti with a plethora of experience in development and nonprofit communications through her work with faith-based and human services nonprofit organizations. She first learned of Branch Schools as a member of Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in St. Paul, MN and through some members her husband’s family, who are involved through volunteering and serving on the Board of Directors. Becki and Peter have become supporters and continually pray for Branch Schools and Haiti. In her freetime Becki enjoys spending time with friends and family, going on walks and hikes, being outdoors, attending live music concerts, volunteering and is somewhat of a foodie who loves trying new cuisines.
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 John Alan Sebald has been immersed in education, leadership, mission advancement, and fundraising for almost four decades.
Currently, John serves as Director of Development at Wisconsin Lutheran High School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. WLHS is the largest private high school in Milwaukee—and one of the most culturally and ethnically diverse high schools in the country. John is a sunshine and espresso lover. He believes God has wired him with the unique ability to find coffee shops without asking for directions. John is also a husband, father, and grandfather. He enjoys live music, audiobooks, lifting heavy things, cooking, and adventures with his wife, Kristi. Most of all, he’s a firm believer in the power of God’s grace to change hearts and lives.  Dawn and Brian met at Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato, MN. Dawn graduated with a Bachelor’s in Communication and they got married while Brian went on to Seminary. They moved to Cottage Grove, WI for his vicarship and then to Sebring, FL for his first call. He then went to UCF to get a second master’s degree and Michigan State for a PhD in Communication. Dawn kept everything together and had their two daughters, Brynn (11) and Madison (8).
Now 21 years and 9 moves later they live back in Mankato where Brian teaches at both Bethany and the Seminary. Dawn is a substitute teacher at several schools and an active volunteer at Mount Olive Lutheran Church. In her spare time between car pooling, activities, homework and events, she loves to read and garden and is always growing something odd, dragging Brian along with her. Both Brian and Dawn are passionate about mission work, from helping set up a video ministry to the Hmong people and underserved areas of the U.S. to raising money and awareness of Branch Lutheran Schools of Haiti. They both feel very blessed and humbled to serve the Lord Haitians are in the midst of trying times, especially in the Port-au-Prince region; a state of emergency has been declared and a curfew has been issued for 72 hours as order is restored to the nation's capital.
We are blessed at Branch Schools with skilled and formidable directors and teachers who have lions' hearts when it comes to adversity; keeping the safety and hope ablaze in the eyes of the children and the surrounding communities. They truly hold the fort. All public administration, businesses, and schools will be closed as this state of emergency has been issued from 5:00 a.m. Monday until 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 6th. The curfew does not include police enforcement, fire fighters, or first responders. We are confident in the skills and commitment of our directors and teachers in the Port-au-Prince region and across Haiti. We pray that, if it is God's will, all the citizens, directors, teachers, and children will be kept safe. Heavenly Father, please give strength and resolve to all who restore order and determination to the citizens who have been affected by the disruption. -Lauren Frey In 2010, a historic and catastrophic earthquake rocked Haiti, killing over 220,000 people. Shortly after, Hurricane Sandy plowed through.
The WELS Christian Aid & Relief organization immediately responded. These WELS members had an opportunity to support our Caribbean neighbors, seeing how many children, families and communities were left in need after the natural disasters. But, relief funding is only intended to be temporary, to help get a community back on its feet post-disaster. When the time came for WELS funding to end, congregation members from St. Paul, MN worked hard to set up a registered charity. They would continue to raise and channel the funding required for the Lord's work in Port-au-Prince and across Haiti. Lee & Linda Petersen and Rev. Terry Schultz & Mary Schultz, along with Darryl & Pam Folkens, Tom & Judy Kuster, Michael & Jas Klebig, and Kathleen Menke were instrumental in the founding of Branch Lutheran Schools as a stand-alone charity. The registered nonprofit, “Branch Lutheran Schools of Haiti,” was born. The work at Branch Schools has been blessed; the grassroots project continues. Thirteen years later, there are now over 1,100 children in six schools that are eating nutritious meals & learning crucial numeracy and literacy skills, and growing daily in the knowledge of their Savior Jesus Christ. Amidst high inflation & difficult times, political corruption, floods, earthquakes, poverty, and gang-related crime roiling through Haiti, children are grateful for the opportunity to go to school. And teachers and academic staff are paid competitive salaries. All of this is encouraging for the next generation of courageous Haitians. All because of the generous givers to Branch Schools. This #GivingTuesday raised over $48,000 for our Haitian neighbors in Christ. The work continues and is blessed. Thank you! --Lauren Frey, guest blog author. The directors and teachers at Branch Lutheran Schools of Haiti candidly answered what they were up to in the summertime in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Director Boursiquot shared: “Firstly, for the children, the summertime represents a moment of respite; they are always happy after a long period of study to go on vacation. For teachers, this represents a “phew”. With vacation, it’s rest and time for other things, like visiting with family. For me as Director, it represents a reset, the charges are deposited for a short time, [then] time to take stock and time for major calculations for the new year."
Director Yvette in Smyrne shared that “the summer represents a moment of rest [for the children], some of them were always tired during the school time”. Play is equally important as rest: the boys at Branch Schools are usually found kicking a soccer ball around, for hours lost in their own goal-keeping and trick-playing. The girls prefer mostly board games. Rest and restoration was the resounding answer given for all. Consequently, the Branch Schools leaders are now refreshed and ready to tackle the new school year. Summer sessions were held to keep the children engaged and connected. Director Boursiquot confirmed: “This started August 7th.” Director Jeanot stated that after the teachers' summer break, they get ready for the upcoming year with a seminar. Director Boursiquot detailed that during the training seminar, held by the Branch Schools Academic Dean, teachers prepare the course book and review classroom strategies. It’s an exciting time at Branch Schools! The bustle of school is ringing with energy and drive after a restorative break for all throughout the summer. Lauren  What are the board members of Branch Schools doing today? How have things changed since they joined Branch Schools? We checked in with the board members and, in this blog series, we'll share the answers with you!
Up next is Emily Helmen, the Senior Development Coordinator for Branch Schools. Emily has been part of Branch Schools since May 2020. Find Emily's updated bio below! "Emily grew up in Mankato, MN, and graduated from Bethany Lutheran College with a Bachelor's degree in English in 2020. In August 2023, Emily will graduate with a Creative Writing MFA (Master's of Fine Arts) from Emerson College. In her spare time, Emily is likely found writing fiction or playing board games. She is married to Caleb, who was ordained as a pastor in the ELS in July 2023. Emily and Caleb spent the last year living in Naples, Florida for Caleb's vicarage, and now reside in Thornton, Iowa for Caleb's first call as a pastor. A trip to Haiti in 2016 created a deep love for the Haitian children there, and she has been truly blessed by the last three years serving Branch Schools." Gangs and corrupt government. And now comes the rain. God in his infinite wisdom has a much bigger vision than my feeble human mind can possibly comprehend. "Dozens of people have died as heavy rain is flooding the country, last count was 42 [as of Monday, June 5]. 13,300 have lost their homes, 11 people missing after heavy rain has devastated the country." "The World Food Program and the United Nations food assistance agency has said it will start providing displaced people with hot meals, for up to 15,000 people." Please Lord, make the ground high of the orphanages and Lutheran schools in Haiti. Let them be a ray of light and a beacon of hope for weary eyes and tired souls. Dear God in Heaven, please protect the directors. Keep the teachers and students safe. Amen. In Jesus name, Lauren Frey & family Info and quotes taken from: Al Jazeera & News Agency and Haitian Ladies Network. The video below was sent by Director Boursiquot on June 4.  What are the board members of Branch Schools doing today? How have things changed since they joined Branch Schools? We checked in with the board members and, in this blog series, we'll share the answers with you!
Up next is Darryl Folkens, the secretary for the board. Darryl has been part of Branch Schools since it began in 2015. Find Darryl's updated bio below! "Darryl Folkens is the current secretary of the board of directors of Branch Lutheran Schools of Haiti, Inc. He received a Bachelor of Art’s degree in Math and Economics from the University of Minnesota, Morris. He also attended Control Data Institute and University of Minnesota. Darryl served in the US Air Force as an officer with the Strategic Air Command. He retired from the State of Minnesota after 41 years in the Information Technology field. Darryl and his wife Pamela have two children and six grandchildren. He has been an active member of Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in St. Paul, MN since 1979. He has served in various church council positions and volunteered on many committees. In retirement, he continues to volunteer for church and Branch Lutheran Schools. He enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, fishing, photography and spending time at the lake."  What are the board members of Branch Schools doing today? How have things changed since they joined Branch Schools? We checked in with the board members and, in this blog series, we'll share the answers with you! Up first is Lee Petersen, the chair of the board. Lee has been part of Branch Schools since it began in 2015. Find Lee's updated bio below! Lee is a member of Mount Olive Lutheran Church in Saint Paul, MN, where he serves as Personnel Committee Chair on the church council. He is married to Linda (Special Projects Coordinator for Branch Schools), has two grown children and two grandchildren. Professionally, Lee is a Principal Engineer at Itasca Consulting, has a Ph.D. in geoengineering, is a registered professional engineer in several states, and has 40 years of experience in the design and construction of civil and mining projects. Now in partial retirement, Lee uses his free time on Branch Schools, Mount Olive, and several hobbies including fishing, boating, cycling, photography and woodworking.  |
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