Staff

Daniel Roels
Senior Pastor

MEET THE PASTOR

I love to learn.
That makes me kind of a geek. 
God loves to teach.

That might mean that I’m a Jesus geek, and if so, I’d say it works out pretty well.  Some of my favorite learning has come through other cultures and languages, where I have experienced just a bit more of how big God really is and how colorful are the ways God demonstrates His love.  Other than my own culture, I am most familiar with Hispanic cultures and the Spanish language, but I always enjoy expanding my cultural and linguistic horizons in the name of Jesus.  Through various such experiences, God called me to serve Him by building up multi-ethnic communities.  I love being part of that kind of community here at New Hope Church.  Yet the Holy Spirit’s best work in me has been done in my most difficult times, whether struggling deeply with why God allows evil in His world or wondering how to trust Him when life was in pieces.  Other than living the grand adventure with Jesus, I enjoy exercise, board games, reading in science and math, the Spanish language, husbanding, and parenting.

Alita McRae
Secretary

I was born and raised in Providence, RI to Rev. Henry L. & Evangelist Victoria McRae of The Old Fashion Preaching Hour. Growing up was very interesting because I met people from different cultures from all over the world. My parents traveled to places such as Haiti, China, Africa, India, and so much more to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. My parents’ home was a host home to those that would visit from other countries to visit the USA. We would learn different things such as different languages from those that would stay at our home. I can remember as a child learning this Swahili song from a Brother in Christ from East Africa that stayed at our home. 

Yesu ni wangu wa uzima wa milele

Wauzima wa milele

Yesu ni wangu wa uzima wa milele

Wauzima wa milele

Jesus is my Lord I’ll praise Him forever more

Praise Him, forever more  

This is just one example of the experience that I had growing up with parents who loved the Lord and stopped at nothing to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Now, as an adult I follow their lead with the heart for God’s people, and the desire to spread the Gospel of Jesus by any means using whatever I have to give for that to happen.

I am currently the Choir President/Minister of Music (piano), Outreach Leader, Graphics Designer, and Praise and Worship Singer at my church. God has gifted me with so many gifts & talents and has given me grace to use them all for His Glory. I am the wife to my loving husband of 12 years who also serves in ministry as well and a true testimony of how God will send your spouse if you wait on Him. We have three beautiful children 2 boys (8 & 3 yrs) and 1 daughter (2 yrs). Outside of ministry I make handmade jewelry and accessories which started out as a hobby, but now a small business. I love creating things, and learning anything that I can. I love writing and writing songs, cooking, when it comes to creating, or techy things you will see me! I LOVE helping others to reach their full potential in Christ, and to further the mission of Christ. 

I count it all joy to serve as the secretary here at New Hope Church

Beverly Zandstra

Bookkeeper

On most Wednesdays you will find me in the church office, paying bills, making out payroll or doing other ‘bookkeeper kinds of things’.  Some of my favorite past times would be doing most anything with my grandchildren, going to the beach or pool, watching a movie or reading a good book, and messing with my flowers in the summer. I also enjoy going out to eat with family or friends, doing service work and animals.

I have gone through some difficult trials in my life, but the Lord has proven faithful and I know I can trust in His unfailing love!  I have been married for over 38 years and have 2 wonderful sons, one who is waiting for us in heaven, and the other who is married with 4 wonderful children of his own.

Henry Huitsing
Custodian

Henry has been custodian since the beginning of New Hope Church and a long time before.  He recently retired froman even longer time of teaching 8th grade and physical education at Lansing Christian School.  He's been married for even longer than that.  He enjoys biking, hiking, sporting activities, and going places with his wife.