WHO ARE WE?
Joel Demerchant
Executive Director
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Joel has been part of HHW since its beginning.
Since dedicating his life to the service Jesus Christ on March 25, 2001, Joel has been actively involved in evangelistic efforts within his local community and wherever else it led. Initially, this led him to Kingswood University (then Bethany Bible College) where he later graduated with a B.A. in Religion with majors in Pastoral ministry and Christian Counseling. He would later further his education though Liberty University with a Masters in Christian Counseling while working for A&D Quality Youth Care Ltd.
Joel worked for A&D as a human service counselor from Feb. 2009 to June 2013.
July 1, 2013, Joel and his wife Michelle and their two children, Raya and Darion, moved to Florenceville-Bristol, NB.
One year later to the day, July 1, 2014, Harvest House Woodstock opened it doors to serve the needs of addiction, poverty, hunger, homelessness, evangelism and other related needs within the greater Carleton County area.
Joel also sits as C.O.B. for Harvest House Tobique, which opened its doors to serve the greater Victoria County area on January 2016.
Joel enjoys his family, friends, serving others and riding motorcycle whenever possible. He also utilizes this as ministry as a member of Bikers for Christ, NB chapter.
Dale Foster
Ann Dickinson
Treasurer
Ann has been on the board of Harvest House Woodstock since the beginning, taking care of the financial details. She graduated from the business program at Woodstock High School in 1988 and started working at Central Guaranty Trust in 1989, working her way from a teller to a Customer Service Officer until 2004.
Ann has been working with children ever since, and loves to do catering on the side. She first took an interest with Harvest House Atlantic when they had trucks that travelled around NB, NS and PEI. They came to her church in Lindsay one weekend and her daughter ended up spending the whole summer of 2011 with them in NS going from churches, camps, and to several communities sharing God's word.
Kim Michaud
Secretary
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Kim has been a board member since January 2017. She has worked as a financial advisor for 14 years with additional years worked in finance.
Kim has been a volunteer with the youth at Harvest House Woodstock since 2015 and is very passionate about working with the youth. She currently attends Burnham Road Ministry. Kim has one son and an amazing granddaughter. In her spare time, she enjoys writing, reading, swimming, nature walks, quality time with family and friends, driving in the derby once a year!
Aaron DeMerchant
Board of Directors
Hello, my name is Aaron J. DeMerchant and I am the youngest son of the Rev. Carl and Sharon DeMerchant. I was born in Perth-Andover, NB and have lived in Carleton and Victoria County all but nine years of my life thus far. Those nine years were spent in Nashville TN, where I acquired a B.S. in Pastoral Counseling from Welch College. I am married to my wonderful wife Rachel and together we have three children.
I have been in full-time ministry for the last 15 years. I worked for Welch College as supervisor of Campus security and Resident Director of Men’s Dormitories. I served as Senior Pastor at two congregations: New Life in Lewisburg TN and Grace Free Will Baptist of Plaster Rock NB. Also, I have served as founder and Director of Operations at two missions: Solomon’s Porch in Lewisburg, TN and Harvest House Tobique in Plaster Rock, NB at present.
I enjoy spending time with my family and riding my motor cycle. I am a member of Bikers for Christ, New Brunswick Chapter, and love to share the hope I have found in all things through my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Candice
Smith
Richard Furrow
HHW Drop-In Center Manager
Richard has been serving with Harvest House Woodstock since the doors were first opened on July 1, 2014. He loves volunteering at HHW because of the many ways it reaches out into the county: the community meals, Fellowship services, the drop-in center and Celebrate Recovery are some of the ways that this work happens at HHW.
Richard serves as the drop-in center manager for HHW on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays throughout the week. He also serves as the co-leader for the Men’s recovery group for Celebrate Recovery on Thursday evenings at Harvest House Woodstock.
Richard and his wife Carol have two daughters, Jennifer and Cathy and two grandchildren, Matthew and Jacob. Richard and Carol have attended the Woodstock Wesleyan church for about 20 years. He also serves there on a weekly basis as part of their cleaning team. Richard also enjoys serving with his local Samaritan’s Purse committee in helping to fill shoe boxes with items for children in need overseas.
Phil
Jones
HHW Drop-In Center Manager
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Phil became involved with HHW in 2017 when he & his wife Bev moved to the area from Amherst, NS. His first time was volunteering at a free Monday Supper put on by Woodstock Wesleyan Church. His passion for HHW ministry began at that supper and then he started attending Tuesday & Thursday Bible studies & prayer times. Before long he became involved as Drop-in Centre Manager for several days a week.
Phil grew up in a Christian home and accepted Christ as Lord & Saviour at an early age. He continues to grow in Christ daily and takes joy in his Christian walk. It’s his deep desire to share his faith in & love for Jesus.
Wherever he has lived there have been numerous opportunities to serve his Lord, always as a volunteer. He has been involved with the Gideons, Canadian Bible Society, Christian Schools, Homeschoolers & local church ministries.
His work was almost always associated with accounting and administration. In retirement, he worked for a local funeral home and coordinated monthly Senior Luncheons for the community.
Phil & Bev have been blessed with 3 children and 9 grandchildren.
Besides being Drop-in Centre Manager, Phil loves to lead the Overcomers’ Program, hosting the community as they drop in, cooking & serving meals & coffee.
