Ministry Projects

What people are saying

Board of Directors

Bob Ryan (Chair)

Bob Ryan retired from Mile High Baptist Association, Denver September, 2014. He presently serves as part-time pastor, Ranch Drive Baptist Church, Ponca City, Okla-homa while developing the R&R Ranch and Restoration Retreat Center, Inc. in Newkirk, Oklahoma. The ranch is being developed to serve as a short-term retreat center for Pastors under pressure and Combat Veterans seeking help with reentry skills. He currently supervises Doctoral Students for Golden Gate Baptist Theologi-cal Seminary. He serves on the Board of Trustees for Vision Puerto Rico and Church-es of Excellence, Inc. with Attorney Steve Lewis of Edmond, Oklahoma. Married to Charlotte for forty-six years, they have two sons living in Newkirk/Ponca City, Okla-homa with their families. They have eight grandchildren residing on the R&R Ranch (a working ranch) or nearby where he and Charlotte retired.

Dr. Karen Taylor

Karen attends Bear Valley Church in Lakewood, Colorado. She said she supports VPR because, “Having participated in a short term mission trip to the Philippines, led by Howard and Connie I determined to be a part of whatever ministry they would lead in the future. Upon retirement from BVC, the Wallers formed VPR and I jumped at the chance to be a part of their work in this beautiful but challenged land and her people. My heart was further touched by the work they are doing. They have an ability to connect with young people, which astonishes me! I am quite hon-ored to be invited to join the board to help these fine missionaries in whatever the Lord leads them to do. My heart joins them in unity as they love on people of other cultures, spread the gos-pel, and encourage members of the Body of Christ.” In retirement, Karen is a short-term mission-ary, psychotherapist, spiritual coach, and writer. Karen holds a Doctorate in Ministry. She was also Ms. Colorado Senior America, and then 1st runner-up for National Ms. Senior America in 2011.

Pam Harms

A member of Bear Valley Church in Lakewood, Colorado for many years, Pam serves on the Pastor prayer team, healing prayer team and choir. Pam says, “I serve on the VPR board because I believe in Howard and Connie. I have known them when they served at Bear Valley. I have worked alongside them on several mission events and trips. I have seen their passion and desire to serve and work with people all over the world.” Pam is an elementary teacher and has taught for 29 years in Denver, having been named “Teacher of the Year” in the Denver Public School District, where she teaches.

Robert Northway

I am honored to be asked to serve on the board of Vision Puerto Rico. I am proud to be a native Coloradoan, and the son and grandson of native Coloradoans. I graduated from Abraham Lincoln High School in Denver. Before God led me into Education, I worked a variety of jobs. I worked for Hutchinson Homes on various labor crews, I was a collector for Chrysler Credit, and I worked at a photo lab (when we still had those) processing film. God then led me up to Western State College in Gunnison, Colorado, where I earned my teaching degree. I taught elementary school for 12 years, and then I attended The University of Phoenix on weekends to earn my master's degree in Guidance and Counseling. This is my 35th year with Jefferson County Schools and I have been a Counselor at D'Evelyn Jr./Sr. High School for 23 years.

I have always had a heart for the Puerto Rican people because my dad was stationed there during WWII, and he always spoke very highly of the people and the island. Howard and Connie Waller are two of the most dedicated and faithful people I have ever known. That, combined with their energy and willingness to work hard, to serve the Lord are why I believe in and support Vision Puerto Rico.

Maureen Lord

What a privilege it is to serve on the board of Vision Puerto Rico with Howard and Connie Waller! I love the passion they have to help others in Jesus' name. Their organizational skills, planning, loving spirits and outreach to people, especially in Puerto Rico, is remarkable! I have experienced it first hand on two different international mission trips.

Retiring from a Denver mentoring organization, I currently spend time volunteering in my local church. Being on the healing prayer team, working with an anti-trafficking organization, as well as attending Bible and book studies have helped me grow in my faith. Some of my past experiences include: being an elementary bilingual educator, teaching Sunday school, tutoring, being a mentor to various ages and working with the oppressed and poor. These have helped shape me into a person God continues to use for His glory. My family consist of a married daughter, a son and 5 grandchildren. They make life fun and interesting!!

Bart Poole

Bart is currently lead pastor at Trinity Baptist Church in Aurora Colorado. He has served in churches in Texas, Oklahoma and Colorado for 40 years. He first fell in love with the people in Puerto Rico when he led a group of volunteers from 10 churches in the Denver metro area to help refurbish a church building in Vieques. The team worked hard. The people there captured his heart and seeing the end results of moving a dilapidated building back to a usable, functioning space got his juices going.

Bart has been doing mission work all over the world most of his ministry years but has been drawn to the work in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic because God has continued to open doors for ministry in those two countries over the last 10-12 years. He LOVES to help people and is excited to be a part of this amazing team! Bart enjoys anything outside and is a huge fan of his family and all of his 6 grandkids. He's been married to his bride Denise for over 40 years.

Sarah Kleinwachter

Sarah graduated from Stephen F Austin University with a Masters in Social Work and Psychology. She has served in the Capitol as a Legislative Aide for the Texas House of Representatives, worked on policies and procedures for non-profit organizations, held CEO positions at The United Way and the Athens Chamber of Commerce, and was involved with Rotary International, Texas State Jr. College Assn., and Court Appointed Special Advocates. She continued to love community involvement and fundraising.

Sarah began her own business, Faith and Fitness, combining her love of the Lord with helping to make a difference in the lives of others. During this time she was blessed with the opportunity to join a Vision Puerto Rico mission trip with supporter, Brian Kleinwachter and Second Baptist Church of LaGrange, TX.

After spending six days on the job site, working side by side with Brian, Howard and Connie, she fell in love with the people of Puerto Rico and what Vision Puerto Rico stands for. She says, "I am thrilled to serve on the board of such an inspiring ministry that truly makes a difference in the lives of so many."

Today, Sarah and Brian live in Kerrville, Texas and own America Reclaimed, began by Brian in 2019. Their personal vision for America Reclaimed is to be the hands and feet of the Lord, especially when it comes to serving Vision Puerto Rico.

Donations

Contact