Personnel

Founder, President,  & CEO

Joy Alcock, has faithfully followed the passion God placed on her heart for missionary care. An MK (missionary kid) herself, she identifies with the transitions, cultural adjustments, travel, support raising, along with goodbyes and unknowns that missionaries and their families face.

From a life of full-time ministry with her husband and three children, Joy has time for new challenges and has beautifully responded to this call of leading Shunem Ministries. Two things are so very important in overseeing the task:
Stewardship – Giving her best to caring for the “love gift God has provided for His servants.”
Partnership – Recruiting others with a heart for missionary care to come alongside the ministry in prayer, financial support and vision . . .  to expand the present facility.
(Read Joy's story by clicking here)

Resident Missionaries

Jim and Jeanette Vermilya serve as resident missionaries at Shunem House. They have served twenty years with Global Partners, the missionary arm of The Wesleyan Church. Thirteen years were spent in overseas service. Presently, they serve as Pastor to Missionaries. Jim is involved in missionary training and the details of member care. In the home environment of Shunem House, hospitality, encouragement, and pastoral care are extended to missionaries and their families.

Jim and Jeanette know the value of rest and privacy for those in ministry. Some need a listening ear. Families need to laugh, play games, and spend quality time with their children. A place to study, pray, and prepare to speak in churches is needed. Shunem is a landing spot, and their desire is to provide a Welcome Home experience. They have raised five children overseas, experienced spiritual warfare and the battles of ongoing ministry, including physical setbacks. Identifying with God’s servants, young and not so young in ministry, is wholehearted and genuine. They have walked some ministry miles, and their journey has equipped them for this assignment.

 

  

 

Ministry Director

Jeanette Vermilya serves as Ministry Director. She manages the house and especially the kitchen, where breakfast is served each morning to guests. Visitor and work team scheduling, hostessing for day meetings, and representing the ministry in various venues are part of her responsibilities. Jeanette does public speaking, has a great sense of humor, plays piano, and spends a lot of time at the feet of Jesus.

Director of Finance

Sherry Johnson is an incredibly gifted friend of Shunem Ministries. She loves missionaries and desires to serve them as they travel through the area. Prayerfully, and thoughtfully, she manages the contributions and funds that come in for the ministry and the expenditures made. She is married and has three children. The family is known as one that delights in serving.

Board of Directors

The Board of Directors is made up of eight individuals who are in agreement that Shunem Ministries is God-ordained. They are committed to Serving God’s Servants. Each one has a specific role of responsibility, in agreement with his or her God-given gifts and skills. The Board provides leadership, organization, accountability, vision, and most importantly, prayer support. The leadership needs of the ministry are met through these individuals with incredible evidence.