Our Teams

Our Teams

People Who Care

FARM STEW is comprised of teams of trainers. Below are the people bringing the FARM STEW way of living to the world.

Meet Edward Kaweesa, one of FARM STEW's African Leaders. Hear the story of how he became committed to sharing the recipe of abundant life.

Betty Mwesigwa
FARM STEW Trainer
Dan Ibanda
Acting Country Director FARM STEW Uganda
Daniel Batambula
FARM STEW Trainer
Mark Waisa
President of the Board FARM STEW Uganda
Edward Kawesa
IT and Monitoring Officer & Board Secretary
Eunice Nabirye
Data Entry Clerk
Gideon Birimuye
FARM STEW Trainer
Joanitar Namata
FARM STEW Trainer
Jonah Woira
FARM STEW Uganda Agricultural Leader
Juliet Ajambo
FARM STEW Trainer
Phionah Bogere
FARM STEW Trainer, Sanitation
Robert Lubega
FARM STEW Trainer and Agronomist
Steven Mugabi
FARM STEW Trainer
Cherri joined FARM STEW because of her love for God and His church. She is a gifted administrator and has served as church treasurer for more than a decade. She graduated with an associate’s degree from Southern Adventist University and served as a Senior Human Resource Management Assistant for Loma Linda Medical Center. She worked in the Human Resource field for over ten years before becoming a wife and mother of two. She enjoys helping and serving others through church outreach and various community programs, such as cooking schools, women’s prayer groups, and youth activities. FARM STEW’s unique way of meeting people’s needs while sharing the gospel message is what has drawn her serve with Joy and the FARM STEW family. She now serves as the Assistant to the Executive Director of FARM STEW. Cherri also serves on several board committees.
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Cherri Olin
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Cherri Olin
Domestic Operations Director and Board Secretary (non-voting)
David McCoy was born in Big Spring, Texas, to a military family. He always lived in typical urban neighborhoods, but his family would visit his grandparents on their dairy farm in the country once a year. David just loved everything about farming. He feels like he is on vacation when on a farm. He worked on the dairy at San Pasqual Academy, Walla Walla University, and Andrews University. While in college, David received an Associate Degree in Agricultural Business. He wanted to combine ministry with Agriculture, so he went on to get Religion degrees from Andrews University. David has served as a Pastor in Oregon since 1992. He has had many opportunities to serve on short-term missions in Russia, Africa, Fiji, Mexico, Puerto Rico, St. Croix, and Thailand. David joined Farm Stew because it agrees with his Philosophy of helping people see Jesus through practical, real-world needs.
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David McCoy
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David McCoy
Board Member
Dawna has always had a heart for service, so nursing was a natural career goal. While in training, to her surprise, she discovered teaching was her calling and health education was a natural choice with a master’s degree in health education from Loma Linda University. After graduation she, her dentist husband and two children served 6 years at the Adventist hospital in Karachi, Pakistan where she was the hospital health educator. Over the years, God has led her to teaching in hospitals, public health, evangelism training and church/community outreach. These opportunities have been in multiple places around this earth, often in evangelistic outreach. She has always held in high regard Biblical guidance and our SDA health message, and they have served her well along with the evolving knowledge of science. She has joined her interests and talents with FARM STEW because it is a well-balanced, comprehensive health-promoting program, providing solutions to poor people in need of food, sustenance, encouragement and conversion, to achieve an abundant life now and eternally with Jesus. She looks forward to FS continuing on the current path and developing a training center with a curriculum adapted for use anywhere in this world.
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Dawna Sawatzky, MPH, RN
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Dawna Sawatzky, MPH, RN
Board Vice-Chair
Dr. Etienne Musonera is an Associate Professor of Marketing at Mercer University in the Stetson School of Business and Economics. He holds a unique Doctor of Philosophy in both International Marketing and Industrial Engineering from Wayne State University. He is very active in consulting and offers unique expertise in Marketing Strategies, Foreign Direct Investment, Decision Risk Analysis, Lean Six Sigma, Business Process Management, Project Engineering Management, Quality Management and World Class Manufacturing (WCM) and Best Strategies and Practices. Dr. Musonera is a lifetime Honored Member of the Cambridge Who’s Who Registry and is affiliated Project Management Institute (PMI), American Society of Quality (ASQ), American Marketing Association (AMA), and any other professional and academic organizations. What excites him the most about FARM STEW’s work is the empowerment it gives to people while teaching them service to others.
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Dr. Etienne Musonera
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Dr. Etienne Musonera
Board Member
Dr. Rick Westermeyer is secretary and co-founder of Africa Orphan Care- a nonprofit dedicated to the care of the Orphan generation of Africa. he also volunteers as Zimbabwe country director for Farmstew. He is an anesthesiologist practicing in Portland, Oregon. He has a diploma in tropical medicine from the London School of Tropical medicine. He has volunteered with disaster response teams from Medical Teams International to Afghanistan, Haiti, Rwanda, and Ethiopia. With his wife Ann, a nurse, they have served in hospitals and clinics in New Guinea, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. He lectures on disaster response medicine for the Oregon Health Sciences University Institute on Global Health. Rick and Ann have two married daughters both nurse practitioners Allison and Allana and three grandchildren.
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Dr. Rick Westermeyer
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Dr. Rick Westermeyer
Volunteer County Director for Zimbabwe, Board Member
As a young man in his teens, Edwin was exposed to poverty in the world and felt a calling to do something about it. After marrying Jennifer, they both completed MPH degrees in International Health at Loma Linda University in 1985 and immediately began serving the poor. They pioneered in Sudan with ADRA, in Tanzania with OCI and in Yemen with ADRA for 16 years, helping to start each of those offices. They also raised three children. On returning home to the US in 2001, Edwin continued his overseas involvement for three years doing consultancies for ADRA. After two years of teaching religion at Ouachita Hills College in Arkansas, in 2006, they moved to the family farm in middle Tennessee, where they joined Edwin’s brother John in growing organic vegetables and small fruits for market. With an empty nest, in 2017, Edwin and Jennifer traveled to Uganda, where they had the privilege of meeting Joy and spending two weeks with the FARM STEW team. They were immediately attracted to FARM STEW’s vision and the desire to do what they can to help forward its mission.
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Edwin Dysinger, MPH
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Edwin Dysinger, MPH
Board Member
Jeff has farmed for more than 30 years in Washington’s Yakima Valley. His interest and research in farming by keeping the soil healthy led to a Heart & Soil philosophy. He has grown many different crops but is most satisfied by the growth of the next generation. He is known for trying new ideas and continues to be an inspiration behind farming, packing and Blue Cream businesses. He is excited by the Three Angel’s Messages and looks for ways to share them (Jesus revealed, Satan exposed, Choose). He enjoys the outdoors, Bible study and spending time with family.
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Jeff Weijohn
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Jeff Weijohn
Board Member
Joy Kauffman, MPH, is passionate about health, hunger and healing in the global body of Jesus Christ and the world. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from both Johns Hopkins University with a Masters in Public Health and from Virginia Tech with a BS in International Nutrition. She was a Presidential Management Fellow with the US Department of Health and Humans Services, serving for 6 years in the Bureau of Primary Health Care. Joy later led a Federal grant at her local county health department promoting healthy, locally grown foods and famers. She is also a graduate of the National Soy Research Laboratory International Soy program, a certified CREATION Health Instructor and a Master Gardener through University of Illinois. She’s the founder of FARM STEW, a recipe for abundant life. It is designed to address the root causes of hunger disease and poverty, offering a hopeful witness to the world that points to the true Source of abundant life, Jesus Christ.
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Joy Kauffman, MPH
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Joy Kauffman, MPH
Founder and Executive Director
Juliette Bannister graduated from Athens State University with a BS Degree in Business Administration, and from Independence University with an MBA Degree, Suma Cum Laude. She is presently completing her MPH degree with an emphasis in Nutrition and Wellness from Andrews University this summer to support the prevention of disease and restoration of health in local, national, and global communities. Juliette worked as an Office Coordinator in a healthcare system foundation office and supported the fund-raising efforts of the local hospital. She has served on the hospital’s foundation board, local church and school board, and over the years with the deaconess, health ministry, hospitality team, and treasury department at church. She enjoys serving the community by participating in food and clothing drives and health screening events. Juliette also enjoys cooking, gardening, and singing. She joined FARM STEW in support of its gospel mission and the recipe for abundant life, which harmonizes with her passion for humanitarian work and promoting healthy living. She is a wife and mother of two.
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Juliette Bannister, MBA
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Juliette Bannister, MBA
Board Member
Kevin grew up overseas and he learned early on the value of service and compassion. He serves as the Senior Accountant at Adventist Care Centers and is a graduate of Southern Adventist University. He and his wife Astrid live in Apopka, Florida.
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Kevin Sadler, MBA
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Kevin Sadler, MBA
Board Treasurer
Sherry Shrestha, M.D. graduated from Loma Linda University in 1974. She spent 40 years in family practice before retiring in 2019. She practiced medicine in Nebraska, Iowa, and Michigan in the U.S. and in Nepal, Mexico, and British Columbia. She is married to Dr. Prakash Shrestha and has 3 daughters and 3 grandsons. When she retired, she felt at a loss on how to continue to lead a useful life. After attending a FARM STEW meeting in Michigan, she volunteered as a writer for FARM STEW for grants and other things. Sherry soon found that her keyboard and Zoom opened a world of opportunities to help others lead a more abundant life even though she could no longer "be a missionary." It is a delight to share with others in FARM STEW in helping the vulnerable and those in need.
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Sherry Shrestha, M.D.
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Sherry Shrestha, M.D.
Board Member
Susan Cherne, J.D., graduated from La Sierra University with a BBA Degree, Management Emphasis, Cum Laude and from the University of Oregon School of Law with a Doctor of Jurisprudence. She worked as General Counsel for a medical development company and has served on numerous school and church boards and finance committees. She loves working with youth, community service, cooking, family mission trips and sharing the love of Jesus. She joined FARM STEW because of its exciting mission and the belief that all people should have the opportunity to live an abundant and healthy life.
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Susan Cherne, J.D.
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Susan Cherne, J.D.
Board Chair
Betty has a degree in Catering and Hotel Management from Bugema Univerity in Uganda! She is a talented leader, a hard worker and a mother of three.
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Betty Mwesigwa
Betty Mwesigwa
FARM STEW Trainer
Dan is a graduate of Bugema University in Development Studies. He has a passion for Jesus and for the poor. He is leading the Iganga Team. He likes helping others and working with others.
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Dan Ibanda
Dan Ibanda
Acting Country Director FARM STEW Uganda
Dan is a young man with a sharp mind and a heart focused on outreach! He has a passion for the deaf community and wants to see them learn the recipe for an abundant life. He also has a keen eye for business.
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Daniel Batambula
Daniel Batambula
FARM STEW Trainer
Dr. Mark works as the Director of the SDA Light school in Busei Uganda. He has been dedicated to the FARM STEW Uganda team since the very beginning and was the first to inform Joy of the challenges girls face due to lack of menstrual hygiene! He loves God and strives for excellence in all that he does!
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Mark Waisa
Mark Waisa
President of the Board FARM STEW Uganda
Edward Kaweesa doesn’t know his real birthday. He and his elder brother were raised by a single mom, a tailor, who had moved to Kenya, although he is a Ugandan. He attended Karura SDA Primary School. His mother died when he was 11 and his father, whom he saw only three times in his is life, passed away when he was 12. He worked his way though secondary school by missing two days a week earning his school fees and attending the other three days. After graduation, he began working as an internet café attendant while studying at the Busoga University. He acquired an Associates Degree in Information Technology. He learned many lessons on faithfulness to God during his studies and also learned to never despise any small job. All things can be done for God’s glory. Edward serves as the President of FARM STEW Uganda.
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Edward Kawesa
Edward Kawesa
IT and Monitoring Officer & Board Secretary
I am Nabirye Eunice, age 21 years old. I formerly worked with New Hope Hospital as a medical laboratory attendant working with people. Dealing with patients gives me joy, especially the patients who look to be helpless. I enjoyed sharing with them the word of God that gave them hope by the time they left the hospital. As I was still working at New Hope Hospital, I happened to interact with the FARM STEW Iganga team leader Daniel Ibanda, who shared with me the recipe of FARM STEW and this was my real area of interest. He prompted me to work voluntarily with FARM STEW, especially when I was off-duty from the hospital. I happily served as a volunteer for almost a year. I am glad that I am now employed at FARM STEW as a full time worker. FARM STEW has helped me change my attitude, that I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me. It has helped me fulfill my dreams of serving the community. I have improved on data entryand record management skills. As FARM STEW goes by and by, I will always try to do my best.
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Eunice Nabirye
Eunice Nabirye
Data Entry Clerk
Gideon Birimuye is a trainer with FARM STEW Uganda; a subsidiary of FARM STEW International, whose mission is to improve the health and wellbeing of rural, small farm families throughout the world. Gideon is a member of ASI Jinja chapter and also doubles as communications Director for SDA Central Church Jinja and Maranatha Radio, a media house that strives to strengthen & propel the gospel commission so that all God's people will come to a knowledge of the truth. In addition to his extensive public relations and marketing experience, Gideon is an entrepreneur and a business coach. Gideon is a certified CCNA professional from Makerere University. He graduated with honors from Mbarara University of Science & Technology with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering.
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Gideon Birimuye
Gideon Birimuye
FARM STEW Trainer
Joanitar is a blessing to all those around her. She began her work with FARM STEW as a volunteer and quickly made herself an essential part of the team.
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Joanitar Namata
Joanitar Namata
FARM STEW Trainer
Jonah is a horticulturist with a passion for people and trees. He loves helping people through agriculture.
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Jonah Woira
Jonah Woira
FARM STEW Uganda Agricultural Leader
Juliet is a joy. Her heart is so big and she shares it freely, especially with her fellow Deaf community!
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Juliet Ajambo
Juliet Ajambo
FARM STEW Trainer
Beloved Phionah is a fantastic young woman who has blossomed as a FARM STEW trainers. She was a full orphan at a very young age. Her moving story and her lovely aunt can be seen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yuYomKc3C-0 To meet Phionah is a blessing and she shines the love of Jesus to all who meet her. Shee uses her FARM STEW wages now to support two orphan boys.
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Phionah Bogere
Phionah Bogere
FARM STEW Trainer, Sanitation
Robert Lubega is the person who made Joy realize FARM STEW was possible. He was an Agricultural Extension agent for the local farmers cooperative I was assigned to while I was volunteering for USAID's Farmer to Farmer Program. He was serving as my translator while I conducted hands-on nutrition and cooking classes, featuring soy and vegetables and using the Bible as our primary text. But he was SO much more!! As I began to say less and he led more of the class, the community response was tremendously positive. Robert learned so quickly and soon was teaching me relevant facts about agronomy! He was particularly thrilled with the fact that, except for information that was practical and immediately applicable, we were bringing in nothing from outside the village. His facilitation made me realize that local leaders could conduct classes in their local language and in so doing capture the attention and the heart of class participants. I am thankful that Robert and all four of the original FARM STEW Uganda team members are still carrying on the vision! ‍ Here him here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-e03Dbt7yTI&t=3s
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Robert Lubega
Robert Lubega
FARM STEW Trainer and Agronomist
Steven is a vibrant trainer, farmer, and entrepreneur. He is the father of four children and a chorister for a children's choir.
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Steven Mugabi
Steven Mugabi
FARM STEW Trainer
Betty has a degree in Catering and Hotel Management from Bugema Univerity in Uganda! She is a talented leader, a hard worker and a mother of three.
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Betty Mwesigwa
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Betty Mwesigwa
FARM STEW Trainer
Dan is a graduate of Bugema University in Development Studies. He has a passion for Jesus and for the poor. He is leading the Iganga Team. He likes helping others and working with others.
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Dan Ibanda
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Dan Ibanda
Acting Country Director FARM STEW Uganda
Dan is a young man with a sharp mind and a heart focused on outreach! He has a passion for the deaf community and wants to see them learn the recipe for an abundant life. He also has a keen eye for business.
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Daniel Batambula
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Daniel Batambula
FARM STEW Trainer
Dr. Mark works as the Director of the SDA Light school in Busei Uganda. He has been dedicated to the FARM STEW Uganda team since the very beginning and was the first to inform Joy of the challenges girls face due to lack of menstrual hygiene! He loves God and strives for excellence in all that he does!
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Mark Waisa
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Mark Waisa
President of the Board FARM STEW Uganda
Edward Kaweesa doesn’t know his real birthday. He and his elder brother were raised by a single mom, a tailor, who had moved to Kenya, although he is a Ugandan. He attended Karura SDA Primary School. His mother died when he was 11 and his father, whom he saw only three times in his is life, passed away when he was 12. He worked his way though secondary school by missing two days a week earning his school fees and attending the other three days. After graduation, he began working as an internet café attendant while studying at the Busoga University. He acquired an Associates Degree in Information Technology. He learned many lessons on faithfulness to God during his studies and also learned to never despise any small job. All things can be done for God’s glory. Edward serves as the President of FARM STEW Uganda.
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Edward Kawesa
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Edward Kawesa
IT and Monitoring Officer & Board Secretary
I am Nabirye Eunice, age 21 years old. I formerly worked with New Hope Hospital as a medical laboratory attendant working with people. Dealing with patients gives me joy, especially the patients who look to be helpless. I enjoyed sharing with them the word of God that gave them hope by the time they left the hospital. As I was still working at New Hope Hospital, I happened to interact with the FARM STEW Iganga team leader Daniel Ibanda, who shared with me the recipe of FARM STEW and this was my real area of interest. He prompted me to work voluntarily with FARM STEW, especially when I was off-duty from the hospital. I happily served as a volunteer for almost a year. I am glad that I am now employed at FARM STEW as a full time worker. FARM STEW has helped me change my attitude, that I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me. It has helped me fulfill my dreams of serving the community. I have improved on data entryand record management skills. As FARM STEW goes by and by, I will always try to do my best.
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Eunice Nabirye
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Eunice Nabirye
Data Entry Clerk
Gideon Birimuye is a trainer with FARM STEW Uganda; a subsidiary of FARM STEW International, whose mission is to improve the health and wellbeing of rural, small farm families throughout the world. Gideon is a member of ASI Jinja chapter and also doubles as communications Director for SDA Central Church Jinja and Maranatha Radio, a media house that strives to strengthen & propel the gospel commission so that all God's people will come to a knowledge of the truth. In addition to his extensive public relations and marketing experience, Gideon is an entrepreneur and a business coach. Gideon is a certified CCNA professional from Makerere University. He graduated with honors from Mbarara University of Science & Technology with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering.
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Gideon Birimuye
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Gideon Birimuye
FARM STEW Trainer
Joanitar is a blessing to all those around her. She began her work with FARM STEW as a volunteer and quickly made herself an essential part of the team.
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Joanitar Namata
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Joanitar Namata
FARM STEW Trainer
Jonah is a horticulturist with a passion for people and trees. He loves helping people through agriculture.
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Jonah Woira
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Jonah Woira
FARM STEW Uganda Agricultural Leader
Juliet is a joy. Her heart is so big and she shares it freely, especially with her fellow Deaf community!
X
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Juliet Ajambo
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Juliet Ajambo
FARM STEW Trainer
Beloved Phionah is a fantastic young woman who has blossomed as a FARM STEW trainers. She was a full orphan at a very young age. Her moving story and her lovely aunt can be seen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yuYomKc3C-0 To meet Phionah is a blessing and she shines the love of Jesus to all who meet her. Shee uses her FARM STEW wages now to support two orphan boys.
X
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Phionah Bogere
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Phionah Bogere
FARM STEW Trainer, Sanitation
Robert Lubega is the person who made Joy realize FARM STEW was possible. He was an Agricultural Extension agent for the local farmers cooperative I was assigned to while I was volunteering for USAID's Farmer to Farmer Program. He was serving as my translator while I conducted hands-on nutrition and cooking classes, featuring soy and vegetables and using the Bible as our primary text. But he was SO much more!! As I began to say less and he led more of the class, the community response was tremendously positive. Robert learned so quickly and soon was teaching me relevant facts about agronomy! He was particularly thrilled with the fact that, except for information that was practical and immediately applicable, we were bringing in nothing from outside the village. His facilitation made me realize that local leaders could conduct classes in their local language and in so doing capture the attention and the heart of class participants. I am thankful that Robert and all four of the original FARM STEW Uganda team members are still carrying on the vision! ‍ Here him here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-e03Dbt7yTI&t=3s
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Robert Lubega
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Robert Lubega
FARM STEW Trainer and Agronomist
Steven is a vibrant trainer, farmer, and entrepreneur. He is the father of four children and a chorister for a children's choir.
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Steven Mugabi
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Steven Mugabi
FARM STEW Trainer
Dr. Rick Westermeyer is secretary and co-founder of Africa Orphan Care- a nonprofit dedicated to the care of the Orphan generation of Africa. he also volunteers as Zimbabwe country director for Farmstew. He is an anesthesiologist practicing in Portland, Oregon. He has a diploma in tropical medicine from the London School of Tropical medicine. He has volunteered with disaster response teams from Medical Teams International to Afghanistan, Haiti, Rwanda, and Ethiopia. With his wife Ann, a nurse, they have served in hospitals and clinics in New Guinea, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. He lectures on disaster response medicine for the Oregon Health Sciences University Institute on Global Health. Rick and Ann have two married daughters both nurse practitioners Allison and Allana and three grandchildren.
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Dr. Rick Westermeyer
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Dr. Rick Westermeyer
Volunteer County Director for Zimbabwe, Board Member
Kahn is a young man with wisdom beyond his years about what it takes to make a meaningful life. He has dedicated his service to orphans in Uganda, bringing them, and the community around them, the recipe of abundant life.
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Kahn Ellmers
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Kahn Ellmers
FARM STEW Intern
Health and Wellness Instructor
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Philip Ndaba
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Philip Ndaba
Secretary
Retired Pastor
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Pastor Richard Black
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Pastor Richard Black
Treasurer
Abiyo Emmanuel Bruno, a young man with a passion for FARM STEW work with a General Certificate in agriculture. Abiyo Had one year of experience as a manager at Homa Farm, currently working with FARM STEW as a trainer and vet practitioner in Magali.
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Abiyo Emmanuel Bruno
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Abiyo Emmanuel Bruno
Trainer
Achona Philip Okech FARM STEW Trainer, a graduate of University of Bahr-El-Ghazal with Bachelor Degree in Business Administration. He has one years’ experience as agriculture extension officer, one year as trainer with FRC organization and served as head teacher in Paluonanyi basic school. Achona also worked with SMECO organization in south Sudan as a trainer and currently serving in FARM STEW as a trainer with love to offer abundant life to the south Sudanese community.
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Achona Philip Okech
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Achona Philip Okech
Trainer
Aketo Hellen, a secondary certificate holder in East Africa with a six month nutrition certificate, in South Sudan she has a three month certificate in agriculture based in Magwi. a farm, market with two children, I worked for SNV for five good years as an extension worker. Currently Aketo has joined FARM STEW as a trainer and presents abundant life in the community and make them to know the 8 principles for FARM STEW.
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Aketo Hellen
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Aketo Hellen
Trainer
Akop Okia is a graduate from Juba University with Bachelor Degree in Education and became a professional teacher (uztas). He has two years’ experience as director of studies in Fr. Leopoldo Senior Secondary school and seven years’ experience as South Sudan Red Cross volunteer’s team leader -Magwi base unit from 2009-2016. Akop currently serves as South Sudan red cross volunteers’ advisor -Magwi base unit and ordained elder at SDA church FATA ENA branch and FARM STEW Magwi field coordinator. He is inspired by FARM STEW’s Jesus’ desire in John 10:10 and farm stew mission to promote the health and wellbeing of poor families and vulnerable poor throughout the world.
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Akop Okia Aldony
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Akop Okia Aldony
Field Coordinator
Bero Ben, horticulturist with passion for a variety of trees. High school leaver with passion for FARM STEW recipe for an abundant life. Very strong zeal for his community's transformation. He worked with FARM STEW Uganda in the Bidibidi camp before coming to South Sudan. Bero Currently works with FARM STEW as a volunteer horticulturist managing tree growing in Mugali.
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Bero Ben
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Bero Ben
Horticulturist
David is a dad who likes to surprise his kids with special gifts. He says he is the father of three, although one is still in the womb! He's also a farmer who donated one of his four acres to the church so they would have a place to build. He's still happy about that decision years later. He's excited to share what he knows with others, hoping to increase the yields of other farmers around him through FARM STEW. He values his work because he knows hardship, having been a refugee at age 12. He sees hope growing in South Sudan along with the other crops FARM STEW is cultivating.
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David
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David
Field Trainer
Doreen loves her people and the work of reaching them with skills of FARM STEW. She's a skilled teacher of nutrition, agriculture, and health. She's served as a women's ministries coordinator and a family life coordinator! She's also a mother and loves her girls!
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Doreen
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Doreen
Training Coordinator
IAndruga John Mogga, married with two children. A holder of a bachelor's degree in Sports Science and management at Ndejje University. A secondary school teacher for Biology and Sports Science for 12 years and had many managerial posts in sports. IAndruga is a church elder at Nimule SDA Central Church. I work for FARM STEW as a field coordinator in Mugali. I am happy to be in the FARM STEW family because of FARM STEW education is for eternity. I'm here to contribute to FARM STEW with my skills and expertise.
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IAndruga John Mogga
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IAndruga John Mogga
Field Coordinator
Executive Director
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Lasu Charles Denese
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Lasu Charles Denese
Executive Director
Okeny Jino Charles Pangario, passionate FARM STEW trainer. Okeny holds a Diploma in education from East Africa. He has 10 years’ experience as a teacher and he worked with S.N.V International as agricultural extension officer for 5 years and later joined Health Link International as community mobilizer and nutrition officer. He currently is serving with FARM STEW South Sudan as a trainer.
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Okeny Jino Charles Pangario
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Okeny Jino Charles Pangario
Trainer
Unzia Scovia Lagu, holds a bachelor's degree in sustainable agriculture and extension from Ndejje University. I worked as a teacher for three years. Currently working for FARM STEW South Sudan as a field trainer based in Mugali.
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Unzia Scovia Lagu
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Unzia Scovia Lagu
Field Trainer
I have been attending the Adventist Church since 2014 and a member since 2016. God has done a lot of tremendous things in my life and I enjoy sharing with others about what He has done for me. I want to work for FARM STEW because it is a God driven organization. FARM STEW helps others learn and grow, but they also bring others closer to God at the same time. It is rare that any business or organization does something like that these days. It is not about the people working for FARM STEW. It is about those that are in need and about God. “Whatever you did for the least of these brothers and sisters of mine you did for me.”
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Allen Underwood
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Allen Underwood
Data Entry Clerk
Cherri joined FARM STEW because of her love for God and His church. She is a gifted administrator and has served as church treasurer for more than a decade. She graduated with an associate’s degree from Southern Adventist University and served as a Senior Human Resource Management Assistant for Loma Linda Medical Center. She worked in the Human Resource field for over ten years before becoming a wife and mother of two. She enjoys helping and serving others through church outreach and various community programs, such as cooking schools, women’s prayer groups, and youth activities. FARM STEW’s unique way of meeting people’s needs while sharing the gospel message is what has drawn her serve with Joy and the FARM STEW family. She now serves as the Assistant to the Executive Director of FARM STEW. Cherri also serves on several board committees.
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Cherri Olin
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Cherri Olin
Domestic Operations Director and Board Secretary (non-voting)
Ednice Wagnac works as a Public Health Analyst for FARM STEW International. She started as a volunteer in August 2019 while completing her Master's in Public Health program at Andrews University and graduated with her degree in August 2020. She has a passion for community health and nutrition. Her role with FARM STEW includes monitoring and evaluating FARM STEW certified homes and coordinating efforts to translate the FARM STEW curriculum into different languages such as Spanish, Swahili, and Arabic. One of Ednice's goals is to spread the good news of Abundant Living to her country of origin, Haiti. She enjoys being on the FARM STEW team and is blessed to be a part of the work of using God's word to improve the lives of many.
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Ednice Wagnac, MPH
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Ednice Wagnac, MPH
Public Health Analyst
Elizabeth has a calling to serve people in need, looking for strategies to alleviate poverty and distress enabling them to have a dignified life, and hope for eternal life by knowing and loving Jesus Christ. She initiated her professional life as a translator and interpreter from German, French and English to Spanish, specialized in the aeras of health, education, business, and religion. After earning a Master’s degree in Administration with emphasis in International Community Development from Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan, she served in the leadership of implementing ADRA offices in Bolivia, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Burundi. She also gained considerable experience in higher education as a lecturer in the Universidad Peruana Unión, and in the financial and administrative leadership of the Universidad Adventista de Bolivia. Her multi-cultural background helped her appreciate the uniqueness of people’s thinking, expressions, and customs, as well as to confidently address different audiences. She joined FARM STEW´s team because she believes in the value and power of the Bible-based principles and sound science trainings that FARM STEW is promoting to achieve an abundant life. Elizabeth looks forward to FS entering new countries and offering permanent training in demo centers. She is a pastor´s wife, mother of three grown-up children, and grandmother of 6 lovely children.
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Elizabeth Kreidler de Santa Cruz, MSA
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Elizabeth Kreidler de Santa Cruz, MSA
Foreign Operations Director
Dr. Fred is an expert food scientist with a heart for his people of Uganda. With 20 years experience with the United States Department of Agriculture, prestigious internships with the United Nations Development Program’s Transfer of Knowledge through Expatriate Nationals (TOKTEN), and industry experience with Loma Linda Foods, Dr. Fred is well poised to contribute to FARM STEW’s vision to help rural families thrive. He is inspired by FARM STEW’s mission to help families feed themselves and seeks to help expand the benefits to the communities and countries where FARM STEW operates. Dr. Fred has been married 37 years to his wife Norah and they have 4 children.
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Frederick Nyanzi, PhD
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Frederick Nyanzi, PhD
FARM STEW Foods Board Member
Greg Cranson grew up on a 130-acre farm in southeast Colorado in the Arkansas river valley. "Growing up with eight brothers and sisters in a one-bedroom house and an outhouse has given me the greatest opportunity to be immersed in learning basic life skills, creative play, hard work, a love for the land, its creatures, and for the one who created it all," Greg says. After working for a plumber and learning the basic skill of plumbing Greg moved back to his father's farm and continued market gardening and growing grain. In 1981 Greg, his wife Addie, and six children, moved to a 135-acre fruit, vegetable, grain, and livestock farm. To fulfill their vision of teaching and sharing God's love through lifestyle education, Greg’s family and their community, have created a non-profit organization, which has been operating for many years. The farm also has a Trading Post that helps support local farmers. Greg's greatest joy is sharing the Gospel message through an agricultural lifestyle. With their strong belief that God is calling his creation "Back to Eden", Greg and Addie are excited to see what God is doing in partnering with FARM STEW to share the Gospel through our relationship with the land and one another!
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Greg Cranson
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Greg Cranson
Volunteer
Hannah Olin
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Hannah Olin
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Hannah Olin
Office Assistant
Jordan Cherne graduated from Southern Adventist University in 2019 with a BS in Business Administration and a BA in International Studies - Spanish Emphasis. In college he first became acquainted with FARM STEW, and fell in love with its mission of helping others live life abundantly. His international business club chose to sponsor FARM STEW, arranging for founder and executive director Joy Kauffman to come to the campus to give a presentation, as well as hosting fundraisers with all proceeds being donated to FARM STEW. Jordan has always been drawn to agriculture, and in 2021 opted not to continue his pursuit of medical school and started his own small farm instead. He is excited to now be helping with FARM STEW USA, and is looking forward to helping share the Recipe for Abundant Life with those who need it most.
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Jordan Cherne
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Jordan Cherne
Volunteer
Joy Kauffman, MPH, is passionate about health, hunger and healing in the global body of Jesus Christ and the world. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from both Johns Hopkins University with a Masters in Public Health and from Virginia Tech with a BS in International Nutrition. She was a Presidential Management Fellow with the US Department of Health and Humans Services, serving for 6 years in the Bureau of Primary Health Care. Joy later led a Federal grant at her local county health department promoting healthy, locally grown foods and famers. She is also a graduate of the National Soy Research Laboratory International Soy program, a certified CREATION Health Instructor and a Master Gardener through University of Illinois. She’s the founder of FARM STEW, a recipe for abundant life. It is designed to address the root causes of hunger disease and poverty, offering a hopeful witness to the world that points to the true Source of abundant life, Jesus Christ.
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Joy Kauffman, MPH
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Joy Kauffman, MPH
Founder and Executive Director
Karissa Ziegler grew up in Colorado enjoying her family’s large vegetable garden. In 2019-2020 she spent a year serving as a student missionary in Cambodia. She graduated with an associate degree in horticulture and landscape from a local community college. Finding her passions in mission work, helping others, and gardening, Karissa was looking for a career that would involve all her interests. Early in 2021, she began learning more about FARM STEW, and getting more involved, after years of only knowing of its existence. Karissa joined the FARM STEW USA team in December of 2021. She is excited about using FARM STEW’s recipe for Abundant Life to bring hope to the “least of these”.
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Karissa Ziegler
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Karissa Ziegler
Volunteer
Lucia is a nurse/health educator with a passion for making a difference in people's lives. Her experience with the Adventist Development & Relief Agency, both in the U.S. and in West Africa, fed her desire to collaborate with FARM STEW as a way to continue that impact on those in greatest need. As a daughter of God, she couldn't be happier than to be a part of the team sharing His recipe for abundant living with others.​
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Lucia Tiffany, MPH RN
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Lucia Tiffany, MPH RN
Curriculuim Coordinator
Steven Conine is a young farmer passionate about developing the connection between agriculture, education, and evangelism. He graduated from Andrews University in 2019 with a BA in religion and horticulture, and since then he has worked on institutional and family farms in Alabama, Kentucky, and Arkansas. He has also spent months volunteering and speaking overseas in Asia and South America. Steven joined the FARM STEW team in January 2022 and is excited to bring the gospel to many others in a useful way through the principles of abundant life.
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Steven Conine
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Steven Conine
Volunteer
Sylvia loves God and people. With roots in Africa, she is a wife, mother of two young adults and a registered dietitian nutritionist. Her passion is helping others have a better life. FARM STEW's recipe for abundant life lines up perfectly with this desire. Sylvia wants to mobilize others to share the recipe for abundant life.
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Sylvia Middaugh, MS, RDN
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Sylvia Middaugh, MS, RDN
Volunteer
Todd Olin
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Todd Olin
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Todd Olin
Graphic Designer
Wyatt Johnston volunteers as FARM STEW International’s Academic Program Coordinator. He began working with FARM STEW during the fall of 2019 after graduating from Oregon State University with a bachelor's degree in Botany. Wyatt and his wife, Alyssa Johnston, are FARM STEW missionaries in Malawi overseeing the delivery of FARM STEW’s curriculum to universities throughout Africa and also working with FARM STEW teams to develop/document their media presence. He is inspired by the ability of the FARM STEW message to give the poor, sick and hungry the physical and biblical tools they need to lift themselves up out of poverty. And, in the same way that FARM STEW equips others to lift themselves out of poverty, Wyatt’s mission is to equip teachers in higher education with the tools they need to bring their students the Recipe for an Abundant Life.
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Wyatt Johnston
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Wyatt Johnston
Africa Academic Program Coordinator - Volunteer-Malawi