Email questions for the directors to GSMboard@gsmusa.org.
Lee Weislogel – GSM International Board Chairperson Lee Weislogel brings a history of involvement at Good Samaritan Ministries (GSM), since 1980. He is presently the International Board Chairman, and has previously served as the Salem Center Board Chair, a counselor, and supporter of the Uganda Satellite. Lee is a retired executive with extensive business, government, and non-profit experience. He has served as a Sherwood City Councilor, Charter School Board Chair, Clerk of Elders at his church, and is currently the President of Sherwood Main Street. Lee believes that we can all work together to live out God’s call in our lives and in GSM: “We seek the Kingdom of God and all that it means to the world around us.”
D. Matthew Wilcox
David (Matt) Wilcox - With humility and courage, Matt brings experience in accounting for non-profit organizations. He and his wife, Tatiana, and came to Portland and GSM about six years ago. From the beginning, they both were impacted, challenged, and changed through this ministry. They rejoice over finding a place where the Kingdom of God is taught. “This is a holy place. Our family has had the privilege to get to know many of you over these past six years,” he said.
He is a fellow Samaritan, husband, and father. He is a treasury accountant and writer by trade. Both he and his wife have volunteered at GSM. He has been blessed to be able to participate in the Generational Teacher Training conducted by Bettie Mitchell as well as to teach some classes. Tatiana leads a support group called Mother of Preschoolers (MOPS) at their church. They have attended numerous GSM trainings and events as well as Family Camp and Good Friday Luncheons.
Gary Gillam
Gary Gillam - “My heart is connected to God and that connection is being strengthened through my association with GSM.By effectively modeling their values, I see this ministry producing Christ-like ambassadors of reconciliation which this world desperately needs.”—Gary
Gary Gillam first became acquainted with GSM in November 2011 when he attended an effective listening seminar, led by author and counselor, Dr. Jim Peterson. The central theme that I took away from the seminar “…listening is an act of love” changed my heart and is transforming my life. I just completed the seminar for the third time and have hosted several of my friends and family members.
Since that introduction to GSM, I have attended many other classes, the Good Friday Prayer Luncheon, global ministry events, and participated in the Golf Scramble. I am supporting the ministry financially. As a result, I have personally experienced the transforming love and support of the God centered GSM Staff and Volunteers.
He retired from a long and satisfying career in the corporate world. He has served over the years in leadership roles for other non-profit boards, as well as at his home church.
My wife, Laurie, and I have been married for 42 years and have recently renewed our vows. We have two married children who have blessed us with five beautiful grandchildren. Laurie and I are active in the ministry of Rolling Hills Community Church where we have been members for over twenty three years. In addition to leadership in women’s ministry and grandparenting. Laurie is an accomplished artist. They both enjoy spending time with family and friends at the beach.
Diana Ward
Diana Ward – With a heart for international relief work, Diana Ward has been involved at GSM since 2003.She and her husband have traveled to GSM Centers in Kenya, Uganda, and Palestine. They visited and stayed with GSM leaders, James Opiyo in Kenya, Osborn in Uganda, and Yassin and Majed in Palestine.
She loves to see God’s children all around the world. She has taught children’s programs and Sunday school to children in Kenya. She is married to Nick Ward who currently serves as a lay counseling intern at the Beaverton office.
Growing up, she lived with her parents in Ketchikan, Alaska, and Aloha, Oregon. She earned a B.A. in Religion and Christian Ministries at Warner Pacific University. She and her husband also lived in S. Korea as English teachers for three years. She planned the curriculum and activities for the students. Her mother is from S.Korea. Diana inherited her beautiful singing voice from her mother.
Ruth Votaw
Ruth Votaw – Ruth has been involved with GSM for the past 15 years.She completed lay counselor training in 2003, and has worked with GSM abuse groups. Ruth is leader of the ASTA Satellite in support of GSM’s Recovery Center in Palestine. She has traveled to the Middle East twice. She has a huge heart for families dealing with recovery issues. Ruth has worked to actively include her family in support of the annual ASTA fundraising dinner. Ruth is also currently active as a volunteer here at the GSM office and is a Generational Bible Teacher.
Ruth taught Sunday school for many years. She came to understand: “Sometimes religion can be more of a tradition than actually knowing God”. Ruth has a degree in Pure Science and has worked in Computer Science (Information Technology) for 21 years. Ruth has lived all over the US before landing on the West Coast. As Ruth stated recently about being involved and teaching the Kingdom, “God wants me there and I couldn’t tell him no.” Ruth’s husband Ron graduated to heaven in Summer 2010. Ruth recently shared her life-time heart for the ministry as God spoke through her when she taught the Beatitudes at the Bible Class in January 2011.
Molly Luoto, Board of Directors Member
Molly Luoto was introduced to GSM in 2011 when she and her husband attended a marriage class taught by Bettie and Jerry Mitchell, as well as the Listening for Success seminar. Since then, she has been actively participating in a variety of classes at GSM with an emphasis on lay counselor training. At the Good Friday Luncheon in 2012, she felt the Lord’s confirmation of her desire to be a lay counselor. “Good Samaritan Ministries has empowered me through teaching, discovery of my gifts and talents,and in defining my heart’s desire to love and serve people.”
A verse that God impressed on Molly is Philippians 2:13 “For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.” She has been married to her husband, Deric, for 29 years. They are active members of a large local church. They participate in worship arts and serve in marriage ministry, providing premarital counseling and marriage support counseling. Molly also works part-time as a paralegal for an attorney (25+ years). She has previous experience serving on a local church board and on a private school board.
Ed Markiewicz, Board Member
Ed Markiewicz first visited in October 2007 to volunteer. He was introduced to the International work of the Ministry during a sabbatical trip to Africa. Ed shares that it was during this trip that the Holy Spirit asked him to initiate a new satellite, the Microcredit Empowerment Fund to offer small business loans for GSM Samaritans, currently active in four African countries. Read James 2:22, “You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did.” Ed: “The greatest happiness in my life comes from loving and providing service to others. Faith in action is how I try to live.”
Ed worked as the Development Director at GSM for about 18 months in 2009-10. Ed shares from his heart, “It was such an inspirational experience to meet so many characters from the Bible in person at our Ministry. After his first career as an officer in the Army, he worked as an executive in the electronics industry, then serving at GSM. He now also owns and manages a café and juice bar, near Portland State University.
Adam Harrison, Youth Representative
Adam Harrison (Youth Representative) – Adam attends Westside Christian High School. He is interested in learning from GSM leaders. He is also interested in international travel and finance from a global view. View of Faith: “God is everything to me.” As a member of Solid Rock Church, Adam works with the children’s ministry and youth. His mother, Heather Harrison, serves as a counselor in the Beaverton office.
