Board of Directors
The People Behind the BLDM Mission
Officers
,,
My journey in IDD ministry began in 1982 when our family moved to Oregon and I was asked to join the Good Shepherd Auxiliary. After serving in several different offices in Oregon and in the national Auxiliary, I became President of the Bethesda Auxiliary, now renamed, Bethesda Lutheran Disability Ministries (BLDM). In my career, our Lord has blessed me with opportunities to work with both children and adults living with disabilities. Each new path on my journey has increased my commitment and advocacy to bring Jesus and His love to people living with IDD. God has been faithful in His provision of volunteers and donations to our ministry since its incorporation in 1956. The future of BLDM is exciting!
My journey in IDD ministry began in 1982 when our family moved to Oregon and I was asked to join the Good Shepherd Auxiliary. After serving in several different offices in Oregon and in the national Auxiliary, I became President of the Bethesda Auxiliary, now renamed, Bethesda Lutheran Disability Ministries (BLDM). In my career, our Lord has blessed me with opportunities to work with both children and adults living with disabilities. Each new path on my journey has increased my commitment and advocacy to bring Jesus and His love to people living with IDD. God has been faithful in His provision of volunteers and donations to our ministry since its incorporation in 1956. The future of BLDM is exciting!
From Wisconsin,
Karen Carter
President
Reuben, an ordained/retired pastor in the WELS, has been serving people with disabilities during his 34 years working at Bethesda Lutheran Communities in Watertown, WI. For the past 7 years, he has been coordinating the Jesus Cares ministry in Watertown, a program that provides devotions, Bible stories, activities and spiritual nurture to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He also has a daughter, 37, who was born with an intellectual disability.
From Wisconsin,
Reuben Schmitz
Vice President
,,
From West Virginia,
Joan Anderson
Corresponding Secretary
,,
My passion for people with IDD stems from my Lord and Savior calling me to teach and reach them both as a schoolteacher for 20 years and as a Bible leader at church for confirmation lessons and the study of God’s Word for easier understanding. I am also blessed to have 2 granddaughters with IDD who bring me laughter and joy!
My passion for people with IDD stems from my Lord and Savior calling me to teach and reach them both as a schoolteacher for 20 years and as a Bible leader at church for confirmation lessons and the study of God’s Word for easier understanding. I am also blessed to have 2 granddaughters with IDD who bring me laughter and joy!
From Missouri,
Linda Koeller
Recording Secretary
,,
I knew about Bethesda because my Mom got involved with them in 1984. It was a pleasure to work with her together on Bethesda projects. I also have a niece that attended the Bethesda day care here in Colorado for several years. I have been involved in Colorado leadership for many years.
I knew about Bethesda because my Mom got involved with them in 1984. It was a pleasure to work with her together on Bethesda projects. I also have a niece that attended the Bethesda day care here in Colorado for several years. I have been involved in Colorado leadership for many years.
From Colorado,
Kenetha Mann
Treasurer
,,
Cindy Buddenberg currently serves as Financial Secretary. She has also served as a BLDM communication liaison. Cindy earned a Business Administration degree in Accounting in 1986. After working in public accounting for 10 years, she taught Business Education in her local public school for 25 years. Upon retiring from teaching, she returned to public accounting currently working as a bookkeeper in a local CPA firm. Cindy worships and serves our Lord at Peace Lutheran in Conway, Arkansas. She enjoys overseas travel, camping and kayaking.
Cindy Buddenberg currently serves as Financial Secretary. She has also served as a BLDM communication liaison. Cindy earned a Business Administration degree in Accounting in 1986. After working in public accounting for 10 years, she taught Business Education in her local public school for 25 years. Upon retiring from teaching, she returned to public accounting currently working as a bookkeeper in a local CPA firm. Cindy worships and serves our Lord at Peace Lutheran in Conway, Arkansas. She enjoys overseas travel, camping and kayaking.
From Arkansas,
Cindy Buddenberg
Financial Secretary
,,
Over the 40 years as a pastor, I had the opportunity to minister to families that had children and relatives dealing with IDD. My wife, Linda, who has a special education degree, afforded me the blessing of knowing and appreciating the special abilities of each child of God. In all of the congregations we served through the years, there was always a family or two who had the joy of seeing their child confirmed in the faith while witnessing their eyes light up as they expressed their love for Jesus.
Over the 40 years as a pastor, I had the opportunity to minister to families that had children and relatives dealing with IDD. My wife, Linda, who has a special education degree, afforded me the blessing of knowing and appreciating the special abilities of each child of God. In all of the congregations we served through the years, there was always a family or two who had the joy of seeing their child confirmed in the faith while witnessing their eyes light up as they expressed their love for Jesus.
From Missouri,
Rev. Dr. Martin Koeller
Pastoral Advisor
,,
I am a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Appleton, WI. I became interested in Bethesda Lutheran Disability Ministries because of friends already involved. Though no one in my immediate family has I/DD, I have good friends who have children on the autism spectrum and other disabilities. I continue to serve the Lord with gladness as part of the LWML and enjoy reading and sports spectating.
I am a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Appleton, WI. I became interested in Bethesda Lutheran Disability Ministries because of friends already involved. Though no one in my immediate family has I/DD, I have good friends who have children on the autism spectrum and other disabilities. I continue to serve the Lord with gladness as part of the LWML and enjoy reading and sports spectating.
From Wisconsin,
Diane Simon
Shepherd’s News Editor
,,
From Ohio,
Nicole LeGalley
Governance Advisor
,,
As a marketing and communications leader, I began serving within the disability ministry at Bethesda Lutheran Communities. There, I helped raise awareness of the mission by sharing the inspiring faith stories of the individuals we serve. I’m excited to continue supporting disability ministry through education and by providing resources to help share the love of Jesus with people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities within congregations and communities.
As a marketing and communications leader, I began serving within the disability ministry at Bethesda Lutheran Communities. There, I helped raise awareness of the mission by sharing the inspiring faith stories of the individuals we serve. I’m excited to continue supporting disability ministry through education and by providing resources to help share the love of Jesus with people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities within congregations and communities.
From Florida,
Julie Timm
Marketing & Communications Advisor
Information Coordinators
Eileen Banholzer
Idaho
Marilyn Kramer
Idaho
Nancy Hall
California
Carmen Nagel
Oregon
Members at Large
Ardis Loeber
Florida
Kiersten Whitsitt
Indiana
Pastor Dave Wiist
Indiana
How to help us
Send donation
Support the mission of BLDM by contributing to our cause through secure and seamless online donations on our website or by sending a check through mail.
Become a volunteer
Join our passionate community of volunteers and make a lasting impact by dedicating your time and skills to support our mission.
Share media
Amplify our message and create awareness by sharing impactful stories and media content from our BLDM website and Facebook page.
They need your support & help
Join our mission to make a difference in the in the IDD community by sharing the Love of Jesus . Your support & help can transform countless lives. Be a catalyst for impactful missions – help support bringing the Gospel to to everyone, regardless of intellectual or developmental ability.