The Board

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Tom, with wife Barb

Tom: Board Chairperson

I first became connected with The Shepherd Center through my son Matt, who was a missionary in Uganda.  Matt has had an on-going relationship with Patrick since his early days in Uganda and as one of the first students in ABIDE (a discipleship program Matt created in 2008). I developed a friendship with Patrick during those early days and enjoyed taking part with him in his journey towards making his vision for TSC a reality.  I have been a supporter of the ministry early on and then it took a different turn in 2015 when Patrick asked if I would develop a U.S. Board for TSC and serve as its Chairman.  I told him I would work with Matthew (a board member, not my son) to establish a board and pursue stabilizing the ministry which had fallen on hard times in 2014 and early 2015.  The rest is now history.

Bruce and Elaine Barton
Elaine, with husband Bruce

Elaine: Board Member

In 2010 my husband, Bruce, and I established Whole World Ministries and began traveling and went into full time ministry.
I first met the street boys of Kabale in 2013.  I knew in my heart that God was calling me to help these boys.  Twice a year we would visit and minister to them, but I wanted to do more.  In 2015 Bruce and I went to our first Christian Alliance For Orphans (CAFO) Summit to learn how we could best serve them. After much prayer, I connected with Tom, who connected me with Patrick.  After meeting with Patrick in 2016 I knew he was my answer to prayer. 
 
 

Matt, with wife Crystal & family

Matt: Board Member

Patrick has been my friend and brother in Christ since 2002. My family lived in Uganda for 10 years and built a partnership with Patrick as the vision for the Shepherd Center began. It  continues with my participation on the US Board. I strive to provide insight on cross cultural dynamics for the highest autonomy of the Ugandan organization. 

Bob Beil, with wife Maria and two grandchildren

Bob: Board Member

Tom introduced me to The Shepherd Center while we were both attending The Crossroads Church, & shortly thereafter I began my first sponsorship. That led to three sponsorships & an request to serve on the Board. I believe that when God puts opportunities to serve in front of us, “no” is not an acceptable answer. I’m humbled to be a part of this vital ministry.

Pastor Ellis, and wife Laura

Pastor Ellis: Board Member

As Care Pastor of Crossroads Church, the mission team sponsored me to visit Uganda and the Shepherd Center. While there, I ministered to the boys and met with our church’s sponsored boys one on one. I also was afforded the opportunity to preach at a local church to the youth. Patrick and I have developed a brotherhood that only can be described as a “God Thing.” I knew that my tie to the Shepherd Center was one that needed to continue. Therefore when the opportunity was presented to me to become a board member, this was an answer to my prayer!