Foundation 4 Orphans

Bonnie Shepherd, a retired business executive residing in New Milford, Connecticut, champions children's welfare, advocating for safe, nurturing environments for all. Alongside her husband, she has raised two foster children alongside their own son. Bonnie's commitment extends globally, as she has volunteered in Mozambique three times as a Volunteer in Mission and served as Secretary on the Board of Directors for the Mozambique Orphanage Fund. Recognized for her leadership within the United Methodist Church, Bonnie received the Harry Denman Evangelism Award in appreciation of her significant contributions.

Dan, a Wichita, Kansas native, played football at Kansas University before serving in the Army in West Germany post-draft in 1969. After military service, he earned a business administration degree from Wichita State University. Marrying Ruth in 1970, he dedicated 31 years to the Gillette Company, retiring as National Sales Manager for Gillette’s Military Division. Relocating from Virginia Beach to Boston to embrace full-time grandparenthood, Dan remains active in Thalia UMC, serving in various capacities including mission chair and UMC Men’s chaplain. Inspired by Wayne Lavender’s book “Who Will Care for the Orphan?”, Dan ardently supports Foundation for Orphans.

Meredith, with a BA in Education, English, and History from the University of North Texas, has dedicated her life to serving children and youth. Her experience spans public schools, learning co-ops, nature programs, and children’s ministry. Currently, she is the Director of Children’s Ministry at First United Methodist Church of Decatur, Texas, where she collaborates with the community to provide food relief, education, and family support. In October 2024, Meredith traveled to Mozambique with Wayne Lavender and a team, witnessing the transformative work of the Foundation 4 Orphans. Her passion for service continues to impact her rural north Texas community.

Rev. Morais Gonçalves Quissico is the pastor of St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in Brooklyn, New York, since July of 2019. He also pastored Epworth United Methodist Church in the Bronx, New York, from February 2013 to June 2019. Rev. Quissico started his pastoral ministry in January of 1993 and was ordained an Elder in Full Connection in December 1994 in Mozambique, his native country. While in Mozambique, he served in various capacities, including pastoring three local United Methodist Churches and providing leadership to the young people as their General Councilor, at the North and South Mozambique Annual

Conferences.

For five years, Quissico served as Disaster Relief Coordinator for the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), in Mozambique. For Seven years, Rev. Quissico served as an Executive Secretary for Africa, at the General Board of Global Ministries (GBGM), based in

New York City. In this role, Quissico provided oversight and supervision of missionaries deployed in Africa, he managed Global Ministries’ funding to mission projects and programs, including the provision of mission context to the work of the Global Ministries. Rev. Morais

Quissico is fluent in nine languages. He serves as language interpreter and translator for the United Methodist General Conferences, Central Conferences and other denominational events worldwide. 

Quissico holds a four year seminary education from the United Seminary of Ricatla, in Maputo, Mozambique, a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theology, from the University of Malawi, and a Masters in Public Administration, from Baruch College, The City University of New York. 

The greatest joy for Quissico is his wife Fatima, son Helton and daughter Vania. One of his favorite Scriptures is Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Ruth, originally from Wichita, Kansas, attended Wichita State University before marrying Dan in 1970 and moving to West Germany where he served in the Army. While in Germany, she managed the base nursery while holding multiple other jobs. Upon returning to Wichita, Ruth worked in insurance and banking before running a childcare business during her children's preschool years. Later, as an elementary school secretary, she passionately served children, parents, teachers, and administrators. Actively engaged in her church, Ruth served on the staff parish committee and maintained connections with members during the pandemic. Now residing in the Boston area with Dan, Ruth finds joy in her roles as wife, mother, and grandmother.

With 40 years of experience, Tom Vencuss serves as the New York Conference Director of Missions and Disaster Response. He's led relief efforts in Haiti for 19 years and coordinated earthquake responses there. Tom also directed the Hurricane Sandy response in New York and consulted on disaster relief in Puerto Rico, the Bahamas, and St. Vincent. Holding leadership roles, including President of New York Disaster Interfaith Services, he's shown dedication to global outreach. Tom and his wife were part of a mission to Mozambique in 1999, further illustrating their commitment to disaster relief and missions.

Vicki, with a background in clinical social work and public health, felt a call to ministry and has served New Hope Church in Brandon, Florida, for nearly 18 years. Her focus has been on local missions, particularly with the homeless, and adult discipleship. Holding a Doctorate in Ministry from Asbury Theological Seminary, she specializes in Activating Missional Communities. Vicki has done mission work in Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Mozambique. Ordained as a UMC deacon and now a full elder in the Global Methodist Church, she is passionate about mission, evangelism, and revival. She’s been married for 30 years with three children.