Skip to Content
Home

Board Members

a
April Pugsley

As a retired High School teacher who enjoys learning, I’m thrilled to be a member of the board for the Place of Refuge. I have been on the board for the last five years. In 2003 I became a friend to several women who were serving prison sentences; this volunteer programme (M2W2) became life-changing to me. I hope to be able to use some of the lessons learned in those prison friendships in my current volunteer work with the Place of Refuge.

I’m a firm believer in giving people who have or had addictions to alcohol and/or drugs a second or even a third chance while they change toxic lifestyles through an abstinence-based programme built on sound Christian principles marked by love and genuine caring.

Read More
a
Erich Krause

I have been involved with the Place of Refuge since the project was first being considered by Sherbrooke Mennonite Church. I am currently the Board Chairman.

My interest in this ministry comes from my recognition that some people in our society have become addicts because of bad decisions or encountering unfortunate circumstances. I have also made mistakes in my life, just not the same ones as addicts have made. I believe God loves them and has a plan for their lives just as He loves me, and has a plan for my life. I believe God calls on people of faith to help these disadvantaged people so they can realize the plan God has for them. I have never been involved in a project like this before.

Read More
a
Garry Janzen

I have been involved with the Place of Refuge vision right from the beginning. This dream was presented to the Sherbrooke Mennonite Church Mission Committee back in the spring of 1999. It arose as a response to two men struggling with addictions and in need of safe housing coming for help to the church. I have walked with, promoted and built on this dream ever since. It has been wonderful to see it move from the dream stage closer and closer to becoming a reality.

Read More
a
Laura Penner

I’ve been on the Place of Refuge board for several years now and have been the Vice-Chair for the past couple of years.

What caught my interest is that I like the fact that we are working together with a number of different churches and agencies (MCC & HFFS) on an important project in our neighbourhood. I like the idea of working together with people who are trying to overcome addictions.

This is the first time I have become involved in a project similar to this. Other involvements for me in the church include teaching the children in our Children’s Worship time, as well as being chair of our congregation’s Church Council.

Read More
a
Lydia Toews

I have been on the Place of Refuge board for approximately four years. I serve as treasurer.

My interest in this ministry is that it provides opportunity for me to give help to people in Jesus’ name.

I am a member at Killarney Park Mennonite Brethren Church. At my church I am involved as a greeter, serve on a worship team, serve communion and offer fellowship. I also volunteer at the Vancouver International Airport Chapel. I am retired.

Read More
a
Ron van Wyk

I got involved with the Place of Refuge in August of 2007 after I was appointed as the Provincial Program Director for MCC BC. I represent MCC BC as one of the partners on the Board of Place of Refuge

MCC BC’s mandate is to walk alongside those who have become marginalized in society. The people who will be served by the Place of Refuge deserve to be loved unconditionally as per the example of Jesus Christ. I have not specifically done this kind of ministry before, but a big part of my 28 year professional career includes walking with those who are marginalised in society.

Read More