Oceans of Mercy is a non-denominational Christian organization dedicated to meeting the needs of people affected by the HIV/AIDS pandemic regardless of their race, religion, gender, socio-economic status or physical disability.
The organization was established in 2002 as an USA-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization to respond to the growing HIV/AIDS pandemic in South Africa. A diverse group of Americans with the heart to help the citizens and children of South Africa formed a Board of Directors to initiate operations, create an infrastructure and facilitate fund raising events for the mission. We are dedicated to help turn the tide against AIDS and poverty in South Africa. Through the development of multiple programs in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, Oceans of Mercy is supporting hundreds of children with food, education, housing, HIV/AIDS education, counseling, and more.
Chairman,
Secretary,
Debra Brown has approximately 17 years of experience in Sales and Marketing. Currently she is a Manager, Product and Market Planning for Ply Gem Siding Group. She has a Bachelor of Science degree from Baker University. She is blessed with a wonderful, loving family. Married to Andrew Brown and between them; they have four sons, three daughter-in-laws, 3 granddaughters and 2 grandsons (twins).
Treasurer,
Jason Carlstedt is a senior tax manager with Ernst & Young with over eight years of experience working primarily with large public and private companies. Jason has a BS and MS in accounting from the University of Kansas. Jason is married to Darcy, and has two children. He is actively involved at Harvest Ridge Covenant Church and volunteers for Big Brothers / Big Sisters.
Andrew Brown is a territory manager for RMT Van works, a company that builds custom trucks and SUV's for General Motors. He and his wife Debra also own a small aftermarket truck accessory business. Andrew is a life long Kansas City area resident. The Brown's currently attend Community Covenant Church in Kearney, MO.
Becky Colin is a mother of two girls and married to Schaun. She works for the City of Lenexa and has been actively involved in many community projects to enhance the lives of children and the poor through HOPE worldwide and now Oceans of Mercy. She lived in South Africa for two years in the early nineties.
George Gambill has 26 years of business experience in the printing industry. He is currently employed by Richardson Printing. George is married to Patricia. George has 5 children, and one step child, ages from 7 to 19. He has traveled to South Africa 5 times on Oceans of Mercy Business. He has taken two of his older children on two of the trips. George is committed to helping ease the hardships of these beautiful children of Africa.
Don Gerdts is a business owner and technology executive with over twenty years of experience in healthcare finance. Don has devoted several years to international relief efforts, most recently in Central America rebuilding homes and schools destroyed by natural disasters. He has also supported medical missions in Central America as part of the Hand-in-Hand Foundation. Don has been in Christian ministry and continues to be active in community outreach efforts. Don and his wife Sonia have been married for twenty-three years and have two teenaged children.
David Johnson is a Systems Engineer with Maryville Technologies. He graduated from Kansas State University with a degree in Industrial Engineering and handles most IT related projects for Oceans of Mercy. David lives in Kansas City with his wife, Traci and their two children.
Traci Johnson received her Bachelors of Science from the University of Iowa. She is currently home schooling her two children and is an active member of Harvest Ridge Covenant Church. Prior to staying home with her children, Traci was the Health and Wellness Coordinator for Sprint for 10 years. She has worked with a variety of organizations focusing on children including Big Brother/Big Sister and Johnson County Girls Youth Basketball. Traci is married to David.
Daniel and Kristi Fair have been in South Africa as missionaries since April of 2007. Their many duties include Child Sponsorship development, Lubabalo Community Careworker Program, Soup Kitchen development and project development. They are incredibly valuable to this organization. Oceans of Mercy.
Foundational Statement of Principles
Oceans of Mercy, Inc is a non-denominational Christian organization dedicated to meeting the needs of people regardless of their race, religion, gender, socio-economic status or physical disability.
