GOVERNANCE
OUR BOARD OF ADVISORS
CHUCK
Board Chair
Chuck has been married to his wife for over 50 years, and together they have a son, a daughter and seven grandchildren. He graduated from Drake University with a BA degree and from REHMA bible training correspondence school. Presently, Chuck does business as CRM Sales, Inc. along with acting as Garden Gate Ranch's Board Chair. In 1976, he had an encounter with the Holy Spirit and he and his wife surrendered their lives to Jesus. He has been teaching Bible since 1978, with a speciality in prophecy. Chuck met Garden Gate Ranch's founders over 15 years ago and they became great friends. When Brenda received and shared the vision for Garden Gate Ranch and its place in the fight against human trafficking, Chuck and his wife were immediately drafted into the vision. Chuck is both humbled and honored to participate in this ministry of the Lord's.
JIM
Treasurer
Jim is a "numbers guy." Retired senior vice-president from John Deere Financial after a 40-year career, he makes his home in Urbandale with his wife and their bernedoodle. Grandfather to 13, father to four, golf lover and boating enthusiast, Jim has a servant heart for the Lord. He has helped lead over 14 mission trips to Ghana, Africa to help spread the Gospel, educate about malaria and build wells to improve the lives of others. Past board member of Meals from the Heartland and current volunteer with Lutheran Services of Iowa, Jim enjoys helping others and living out his faith in his daily walk with God. He was called to serve Garden Gate Ranch after attending a seminar at his church about fighting human trafficking. Undoubtedly, God made sure that he was at the right place, at the right time.
COLLEEN
Board Member
Colleen is a dedicated wife, a wise mentor, and a lover of animals. She grew up in rural Iowa surrounded by her family, and now lives on an acreage with her husband and their many pets. After graduating from AIB with a business degree, Colleen began to climb the corporate ladder of the accounting world, attaining so high a status as second in command for a million dollar construction company. But her success was not satisfying, and after many interactions with a Christian coworker, Colleen finally found fulfillment in a relationship with Jesus Christ. The joy and healing that followed her conversion filled a void that no status or achievement ever could, and it fueled a desire to use her gifts for the service of God and others. In Jesus, Colleen found healing and restoration from past trauma, and she longs to see this same grace transform victims and perpetrators alike. Today, she lends her gifts to Garden Gate Ranch for the expansion of God’s Kingdom, and for the healing of all those He loves.
BEN
Board Member
Ben loves preaching, teaching and watching people come alive with the Holy Spirit through the power of the Gospel. He and his wife have been married since 2004 and have two children. He graduated from Wheaton Bible College in 1998 with his B.A. in Christian Education and from Fuller Theological Seminary in 2011 with his M.A. in Theology. Ben is an ordained elder in the Global Methodist Church and has been the pastor at Prairie Creek since 2015. In his free time, he enjoys having fun with his family, going on vacations, exploring and going on adventures, exercising, going to the movies, and connecting with people over coffee.
FINANCIAL
ACCOUNTABILITY
Garden Gate Ranch is accredited by ECFA and upholds the seven integrity standards: Doctrinal issues, governance, financial oversight, use of resources and compliance with laws, transparency, compensation-setting and related-party transactions, and stewardship of charitable gifts. Visit ecfa.org to learn more.
Garden Gate Ranch is in the process of becoming an accredited member of NTSA and are committed to their Essential Standards.
A mentee to the Institute for Shelter Care, Garden Gate Ranch was the first residential home to open under its mentorship.
Garden Gate Ranch has received GuideStar's top-ranking Platinum Seal of Transparency. View our unique profile here.