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Joel BatesEXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Upon graduating from Ozark Christian College in 2001, Joel and his wife Julie spent five years doing mission work with Team Expansion in India and Ireland. They both felt called to return to the states to pursue experiential wilderness ministry at Discovery Ministries. Joel is drawn to the deep commitment at DM of challenging people spiritually through the unknown of the wilderness. Joel enjoys running, backpacking, and teaming up with his wife Julie to tackle the adventure of raising their five children in the heart of the Ozark wilderness. Contact Joel directly at [email protected].
CERTIFICATIONS
-WMA Wilderness First Responder -NCRC Cave Rescue -NASAR SAR-tech 3 -ACA Level 4 Swift-water Rescue Instructor -ACA Level 4 Whitewater Canoeing Instructor -Journey Appalachia Graduate |
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Briar DaleWILDERNESS INSTRUCTOR
Briar was raised in New Orleans as a missionary kid. His family moved there in response to Hurricane Katrina and worked with Crossroads Missions in the rebuilding process. He first encountered DM as a teenager on a challenge expedition with his youth group. After completing a four-year degree program with Louisiana Bible College, he has returned to DM as full-time staff. Briar is excited to take part in God's work here!
Certifications
-WMA Wilderness First Responder -ACA Level 3 Swift-water Rescue Skills -PCIA Top Rope Climbing Instructor |
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Jared JohnstonWILDERNESS INSTRUCTOR
Growing up as a missionary kid overseas, Jared is not new to ministry or the challenges it has to offer. After moving back to the states to pursue a degree in ministry, he soon discovered DM through the summer internship program. After attending Ozark Christian College Jared joined our full-time staff. He brings a lot of energy, experience, and leadership to our team.
Certifications
-WMA Wilderness First Responder |
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Bowen LochmanPROGRAM DIRECTOR
Bowen is from Palmyra, Mo. She first learned about DM in middle school through her home church who is a partner organization with DM. Years later she found her way back to DM through the internship program and is now following the call that God placed on her heart to be full-time as the program Director here. She is also working toward finishing her degree at John Wood Community College online. Bowen brings a hardworking yet fun-loving attitude to our team of staff.
CERTIFICATIONS
-WMA Wilderness First Responder |
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Jan Kerley
RECEPTIONIST / FINANCE MANAGER
A new resident of Missouri, Jan retired after over thirty years of accounting for numerous corporations but now offers her experience to our team. She enjoys learning the nuances of financial and office work at a non-profit ministry. When she's not reconciling accounts, Jan can be found baking treats with her grandson or teaching choir to local homeschoolers.
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Julie BatesFOOD SERVICE DIRECTOR
Having grown up at Discovery Ministries, Julie has played many roles at the camp over the years. She is the wife of the Director and the mother of 5 wonderful children! She spends much of her time overseeing River of Life Christian School in their home and helping to serve others in the community of Eminence. We are thankful to have her taking care of the food service aspect of the ministry.
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