Wellspring is growing!

As we set out on this new year, here at Wellspring we have many reasons to celebrate, and many exciting developments to report. Not only are we celebrating Wellspring's 10 year anniversary, but we are also delighted to be adding four new staff members to our North American team! Each of these individuals is passionate about the work we do, about seeing lives transformed through education in Rwanda and beyond, and about using their gifts and talents to serve the Wellspring community both here in North America and in Africa. Please join us in welcoming Linda, Kara, Kelly & Louise to Team Wellspring!

LINDA MILKE

Regional Development Director - Eastern Canada

Linda Milke is a native Albertan, who has lived in every province from BC to Ontario. She is a graduate of Vanguard College in Edmonton, where she also served for 11 years as a staff member in a large-church setting. This, together with 12 years as Director, Ministry Advancement for The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada, 3 years serving with mission organizations, as well as serving on the Boards of several Christian ministry organizations in Canada, has prepared her for her new role with Wellspring. She is very happily married to Chuck.

Linda is thrilled to have been invited to serve on the Wellspring team and to connect with people who are passionate, like her, about seeing individuals, businesses, corporations, Foundations and churches investing in the development of quality schools and equipped teachers at the heart of the education system across Rwanda and Burundi. She invites your prayerful support.

KARA COUSINS

Communications Intern - Rwanda

Growing up in PEI, on a farm her parents turned into a ministry center for hurting young adults, caused Kara's compassion to deepen at a young age. She was drawn to people's stories and had a desire to share them. In 2007 and 2008, Kara traveled to Rwanda. Amidst the remnants of death, hope was rising and Rwanda's story of redemption gripped her heart. Kara's longing to tell people's stories, as a means of uniting people and showing individuals the worth of their own story, was ignited. She studied journalism and African history at St. Thomas University and traveled to Ghana and DRC during those years. Kara is so thrilled to be living in Rwanda and working with the Wellspring team to help empower a new generation of Rwandans.

KELLY WARKENTIN

Development Officer

Kelly is a recent SFU graduate with a long-time interest in Africa and international development. She is also a huge fan of elephants and a good cup of tea. Kelly lives in Coquitlam with her husband, Dave. She is elated to be Wellspring's new Campaigns and PR Development officer and will be planning and hosting local events, as well as connecting with local church groups, in order to grow the Wellspring community here in North America.

LOUISE REILLY

Campaigns & Public Relations Coordinator

A graduate of Aberdeen University, Louise moved to Canada from Scotland in 2003 to complete a Masters Degree at Regent College, along with her husband Phil. The following summer, as part of this degree, Louise had the opportunity to visit Rwanda, where she fell in love with the country and its people. Having spent the years since then raising her two sons, Samuel & Joseph, and working remotely as Research & Information Manager for a UK-based organization, Louise is now thrilled to be able to invest more of her time and energy into Wellspring's transformational work in Rwanda. As coordinator of our Ignite48 initiative, and our public relations activities, Louise looks forward to sharing the dynamic story of Wellspring here in Canada and beyond ... and to inviting your engagement in this amazing journey!

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