AMI Appoints New Staff Member

Gerrie Vermaak and his family will arrive at AMI in a little over a month from their home country of South Africa. Gerrie’s education and experience in teaching the trades, his background in farming, and his natural giftedness with his hands are a perfect fit for AMI. God is providing AMI with people, just as He promised! In light of the current political climate in South Africa, the United States has begun granting religious refugee status to select families facing religious and racial persecution. Some have experienced the violent loss of their land without compensation, others have encountered employment discrimination, and rising crime rates have made personal safety an increasing concern. The Vermaaks applied for a religious asylum visa, praying that, if God wanted them to serve Him in the States again, their application would be accepted. Shortly after submitting their application, Gerrie was informed about AMI through his cousin, who connected him with the organization’s founders. And not long after Gerrie’s interview with AMI, the government granted their visas! Gerrie and his family worked at Laurelbrook Academy in Tennessee for a couple of years teaching agriculture and growing gardens. He grew up on a farm in South Africa, so gardening is second nature to him. Gerrie holds a bachelor’s degree in Vocational Industrial Arts Education from South Africa. As you can see from the gallery of photos at the end of this newsletter, Gerrie is a gifted gardener, woodworker, cabinetmaker, and teacher—one of those ten-talent people who seems to be able to do everything! Gerrie and his wife Michelle have been married for twenty-three years. His three daughters are Rebeka (19), Maria (15) and Tabita (13). Michelle also contributed her skills at Laurelbrook, serving as a cook, and brings valuable experience of her own. A family picture is included in the photos below. Gerrie will be serving AMI as Facility Development/Maintenance Manager & Trades Teacher. We will welcome the family as soon as they get through their paperwork on the American side, hopefully sometime in June. Praise God for another answer to prayer!

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