Meet The Team!
Hope Seeds relies on thousands of volunteer hours to carry out the mission. Volunteers contribute in many ways and are the most important members of our ministry team. Volunteers play a vital role in packaging seeds; the assembly of Hope Garden Family Packs with the gospel message; school, church, and community events; office work; mailings; fundraising; working in Hope Gardens, etc. We are exceedingly grateful for our volunteers!
Volunteers
David Balsbaugh
CEO
Maxine Balsbaugh
Executive Assistant
David is originally from Ohio. He has served with nonprofit organizations in missions, international development, and education for more than 30 years. Organizations such as Nazarene World Mission in Malawi and Mozambique, Africa, HEART Missionary Training Institute with Warner Southern College, Educational Concerns for Hunger Organization in Fort Myers, Florida, and Love a Child in Fond Parisien, Haiti. Dave has a Bachelor's degree in International Agriculture and Community Development and a Master's in Nutrition. Dave has pursued serving people in sustainable ways while sharing his love for Christ.
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"I'm humbled to serve with an organization focusing on sharing the hope and love of Jesus Christ with those who hunger."
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Maxine is from St Petersburg, Florida. After serving on short term medical missions in Guatemala, Maxine completed a Bachelor's degree and worked in medical billing and Christian Education. Maxine also served with Dave as a missionary in Haiti with Love a Child and worked in the malnutrition clinic at the Jesus Healing Center, the medical depot, and with food distribution.
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"It's an honor to serve alongside my husband and so many dedicated volunteers sharing Christ's love with so many people around the world."
Liz has worked for nonprofit organizations and in ministry for many years. Liz attended Crossroads Bible College, Indiana University and Berea College. She has served in stewardship communications, donor relations, database management, and coordinating nonprofit operations. We are privileged to have Liz on staff working with our many partner organizations and bringing so many skills and talents to serve at Hope Seeds International.
Liz Hickman
Operation Coordinator
Carla volunteered with HSI for over 20 years with the goal in mind to serve in a greater capacity after retiring from the public sector. Carla now serves preparing supplies for seed packing events and filling seed requests. She manages the work room and works with volunteers who serve in the office. She is very dedicated to the mission of HSI and serving those who hurt around the world.
Carla O'Neil
Office and Operation Assistant
Grace has over 30 years of experience serving as a Church Secretary for a Church in Florida. Grace serves HSI by working with the donor database, donor care, finances, mailings, memorials and honorariums. Grace is always ready to serve and help any aspect of the ministry of HSI. She is a blessing!
Grace Lane
Office Assistant and Donor Database Managment
Arlette serves as our seed bank assistant and has served with HSI for over 20 years. Arlette keeps track of the seed inventory and keeps the seed storage room organized. Arlette also assists in preparing seed shipments, running seed packing events, and many more tasks. She has a great team spirit and loves to serve. Her husband, Dwight, also served faithfully as a volunteer, board member, and Chairman, for many years. They are a tremendous blessing to Hope Seeds.
Arlette Shackleford
Seed Program Assistant
Laura serves with HSI in the seed storage room and workroom putting away seeds after packing events and preparing supplies. Laura is a Biologist and serves HSI with an extensive background of knowledge and skills. She has a servant's heart and loves the Lord.
Laura Comp
Seed Program Assistant
Gary Vandyke
Assistant Treasurer
Gary has served for many years as a board member and core volunteer, along with his wife, Laura. He continues to serve as the Assistant Treasurer and has many other responsibilities from transporting seeds, running seed events and crucial office responsibilities. Gary has a long history of serving others. Gary served as a Biology Professor for Trinity Christian College.
Mike Sullivan
Ministry Consultant
Mike was born in Birmingham, Alabama. Mike received a Business/Marketing degree from Samford University in 1970 and was hired by Procter and Gamble upon graduation and worked in sales and marketing for 21 years. ​Mike became Educational Concerns for Hunger Organization's first Development Director and was part of their team for 15 years. Mike then served with Love a Child where he helped develop a new sustainable agriculture ministry for the people of Haiti to create jobs and increase food security.
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"I believe that God has prepared me with unique skills and experience to be a part of the team at Hope Seeds to continue to share the Gospel of Christ and the lifesaving ministry of seeds."
Please keep Hope Seeds Team in you prayers as we work together to sow seeds of hope in Christ!
About Hope Seeds
Hope Seeds is a Christian ministry which provides quality garden seeds to a hungry world through missionaries and mission teams to help feed the whole person — body, mind, and soul. Learn More
Stories
Read testimonials from people whose lives have been changed by the work of Hope Seeds. Read Stories
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