Staff
Penny Dugan, Director
My family and I know from personal experience the affects of AIDS. After my husband was diagnosed with HIV, my children and I became part of Youth With A Mission. I witnessed the physical and emotional pain of those who were despised, rejected, hopeless and dying-often alone. The Lord asked me to care for my dying husband. He filled me with His heart of love and compassion for the sick, lonely, broken and lost. I established New Jerusalem Missions in 1992, moving from Illinois to Kansas. Our team ran a hospice in Wichita until 2000. God gave us the Dwelling Place in Newton in 2001, where we trained missionaries. We started the Harvey County Homeless Shelter in 2005 and ran it for three years before turning it over to the community. By God's grace and people's prayers and generous support, the following ministries were started and continue to thrive:
2009- Ukukhyana Life Care Centre in S. Africa, caring for adults and children living with AIDS
2014- Loaves & Fish Cafe feeding program (10,000 meals/year)
- Transitional living for men
- Second Chance clothing and furniture giveaway
Marvin Rice
I came to New Jerusalem truly by divine appointment. My first experience with the Mission was as a Business Administration Intern from Bethel College. Penny then asked me to be the live- in staff member once they started the Transformation Living program. I accepted and moved in August 2014. I am originally from Pomona, California and found my way to Kansas by pursuing football as a college athlete. I gave the Mission a two- year commitment in October of 2014 and have since continued on past that commitment.
Tamara Redding
I'm Tamara Redding and have been on staff since July 2020. A little bit about me, I grew up in the church and first came to know Jesus at a young age. I have been in ministry in various roles over the years. I have a cat named Guinevere, overflowing bookshelves, and lots of houseplants. I am so grateful to be able to serve at New Jerusalem Missions. It's exciting to see God at work in the lives of those we serve.
Kerri Hurd
I was born and raised right here in Newton, KS. I attended Cloud County Community College and after graduation, I moved to Loveland, Colorado. Like a lot of young people, I just wanted to have fun. I didn't "need" church. Praise God, he put praying people in my life.
In 2002 I married my husband Joel and a year later we moved back to Kansas. We have a 21-year-old son and several dogs. Our house is never quiet!
I am currently in the process of obtaining my pastoral license through the Foursquare Church. I am blessed beyond measure to be a part of the ministry here at NJM. You never know where God will choose to put you.