Loretta Salchert Executive Director What a ride! It’s hard to believe that this year I will be celebrating my 25th anniversary of accepting Christ. I had no idea what I was getting into when I made that commitment all of those years ago. Through all of the joys and pains, I can’t imagine my life without Him. Like earthly friendships, my relationship with Jesus Christ has been a process. Asking Him to forgive me of my sins and come into my life was only the beginning. It was a necessary beginning and yet being a follower of Christ is so much more than taking that initial step. Being a Christian is about being in relationship with Him. What would it be like to have a friend that you acknowledged only every Easter and Christmas? You probably wouldn’t be very good friends. Jesus desires that we “have life and have it more abundantly.” Abundant life is experienced when we regularly meet with Him through prayer and Bible reading. A relationship with Jesus Christ can be enhanced through involvement in your local church. “Forsake not the assembling of yourselves together….” It’s very important that Christians find a church where they can be mentored in their faith. The Bible is loaded with “one another” statements. This simply means that Christians need to encourage and be accountable to one another. My Christian friends are like family. They cry with me when I hurt and they celebrate with me when I have good news. So, you might ask, how is it that someone with a ten year hotel management career could end up as the Executive Director at Ribbon of Hope? It’s all God! Upon leaving the hotel world, my pastor invited me to join the staff of our church. I had 2 wonderful years of full time ministry there. I took advantage of pastoral care training, and before I knew it, I was given the opportunity to join Ribbon of Hope. This would be a great time to acknowledge my family. Matthew and I have been married for 22 years. I wouldn’t be where I am today without his love and support. God has walked us through some difficult times over the last 22 years. Our children are a constant reminder of God’s goodness. Kelli (and Galen), Marc, and Kayla – you are loved! It’s my prayer that no one walk alone in their battle with cancer. Not everyone has a strong church or family unit to depend on for support, and not everyone is comfortable dealing with the disease of cancer. Whether you have been personally diagnosed or someone in your family has been diagnosed, it would be our privilege to meet you where you are and walk beside you as you try to process the affects of cancer in your life. We’re just a phone call away. Ken Holderman Jr. Program Director Ken Holderman Jr. joined Ribbon of Hope in September as our new Program Director. He comes to us with experience in ministry, missions, and counseling. He spent 2 and a half years in Belgium and 7 years as a missionary pastor in Venezuela. He has also served as a counselor and care giver to missionaries working in restricted countries. “My father discovered that he had lung cancer after it was too late for medicine to do more than alleviate some of his suffering. Walking with him on that journey made me hate cancer, and admire the strength and courage of all those who do battle against that enemy. I am impressed with the dedication and quality of care that Ribbon of Hope provides, and I look forward to using my time and energy to bless those that struggle against cancer, and to use the opportunities I am given to draw people to Jesus, our true source of hope and strength.” Staff | Board Of Directors | Committees