New Paraclete Associates

Paraclete has experienced amazing growth recently.  Since 2009 the number of associates has grown from 25 to 40.  Since the first of the year we have added a couple and a single, another couple is accepted and will join us later this year.

Garry and Sandy Wittevrongel (Couple in the Center) came to Paraclete from ReachGlobal where most recently they have served as team coaches for the ReachGlobal European Division. Their ministry has been rich and diverse. With ReachGlobal, they encouraged local and international workers in Bosnia and Herzegovina and other parts of Europe. Before that their ministry included work in a kingdom business in the Middle East and with Open Door Fellowship in Phoenix. The heart of their ministry with Paraclete will be to "bring people further into the design of God on their lives and into increased effectiveness in their personal, family and ministry lives."  Gary and Sandy plan to settle in North Carolina. Their initial geographical focus will be a strong network in Eastern Europe.  

We had planned to begin our interview with Linda Swanson the day Shelly went to the hospital. Linda was able to extend her trip to give us a little more time. She met with another Paraclete associate who lives in the Springs and with me (and a bit with Shelly from the couch) after we got back from Denver. 

Linda comes to Paraclete from Link Care, a counseling center for missionaries in Fresno, CA. She has been working long-distance for Link Care from New Jersey, where she lives with her husband, Kevin. He is the executive pastor of a church in Englewood. Linda and Kevin have served together with MAF in Venezuela, Ecuador and at MAF headquarters in Redlands, CA and Nampa, ID (where Kevin was CEO). They also led Fairhaven Retreat Center in East Tennessee.

Linda brings many skills to her new Paraclete ministry. She has experience in administrative support, social media and spiritual formation. She is a mentor and speaker for women's events. Some of her initial Paraclete work will be with Link Care, Fairhaven Ministries and Women of the Harvest.