Archives: Team Members

Kristen Gillespie

Miqlat is a Hebrew word for “shelter”. When the Lord called Kristen Gillespie from her work in South Africa to Malawi this name was His purpose for bringing the ministry there. In the last 15 years two Miqlat Hope Centers have been built in two village areas outside of the city of Blantyre providing daily programs that bring “refuge (shelter) and hope” to about 450 orphans (vulnerable children). There are five aspects to their daily care: Nutrition, Education, Spiritual Development, Farming and Healthcare.

Now, by way of the Lord’s amazing provision through churches and individuals, Miqlat has been able to build Primary Schools at both Hope Centers over the past two years. The goal is to build 8 classrooms at each center. One of our orphans who started with us at Kogoya is now a teacher and has chosen to teach at our primary school because he knows how the Lord has worked in his life through MQ. There has been a remarkable change in these children over the years physically, mentally and spiritually. In giving them opportunities, I pray that one day they will be Christian leaders making a difference in their country of Malawi.

Here are some ways one can help Miqlat achieve the work the Lord as set before us:

Sponsor an orphan at $40/month

Contribute to Primary School classroom buildings and/or furnishings and books

Sponsor a teacher for $150/month

Donate to our higher education fund to help us send these orphans to college or vocational school
Funds to help buy a double cab truck ($20,000) needed as a replacement of the one so used for getting orphans to medical care and hauling daily food and supplies to HC
Need another well dug with a solar pump that can fill a storage tank at Kogoya HC and Primary School ($6000).

Thank you for the many years you have helped me develop and grow what the Lord has planned for Miqlat. Your prayers for the ministry are so strategic and powerful. How grateful I am are to you all.

Kristen Gillespie (Founder/Director)

Mike David

Mike David has been coming to Sonrise for many years and has served the Lord by supporting different ministries including helping his mother, Vera, during her Deaconship.

Now the Lord has prompted Mike to accept the nomination of Deacon himself.  From helping at Vacation Bible School, providing rides and making deliveries, to being here at work days, we are excited to see what the Lord has in store for Mike as a Deacon at Sonrise.

Teresa Johnson

Teresa Johnson has served the Lord at Sonrise for many years, in many ministries, and now He has led her to accept the nomination of Deacon.  

From singing in the choir on Sundays with her family and playing in the bell choir, to assisting with online prayer requests, coordinating food and fellowship, playing a big role in our Vacation Bible School, and overall mentoring to young people, Teresa’s call to being a Deacon excites all of us at Sonrise.

Gloria Williams

Gloria Williams and Lougene were married here at Sonrise on August 12, 2023.  

Prior to their marriage, we at Sonrise got to see and experience, up close, what a kind, caring, and loving servant of the Lord that Gloria is and now we are thrilled that she has been led to accept the nomination as Deacon.  To see the Lord call Gloria to a become a Deacon and Lougene an Elder, we know some beautiful times are in store

Mimi Leraas

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Karin Crawford

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Judy Saunders

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Kelly Ullery

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James Brownell

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Debbie Hall

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