Meet our Fieldworkers
Mike Cofer (2)Mike is married to Alisha. He is from Houston, TX and has a liberal arts degree for Concordia, Austin. His special interests in ministry are praise music and worship leading.
Steve De Santo (1)
Steve was born in Los Angeles and considers Houston home. He is married to Wendy and they have a 16 year old son, Dominic. Steve in a non-degreed MDiv. student. He previous worked at an Information Technology consultant and provided management services for large corporations in North and South America and Western Europe. Steve’s favorite teams are Manchester United and Houston Texans. His favorite hymn is “Amazing Grace” and his favorite contemporary Christian song is “You are Holy.”
“For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake.” 2 Corinthians 4:5
Edward Durand III (1)
Ed was born in Des Moines and still considers that home. His wife, Patty, is an RN at Missouri Baptist and St. Anthony’s and they have two children: Luke, age 6 and in 1st grade at CCLS, and Maleah, 23 months. Ed graduated from Des Moines Area Community College and did course work at Upper Iowa University and Concordia St. Paul. He previously worked as a printer and is a fan of the Green Bay Packers. His favorite hymn is “Silent Night” and his favorite contemporary Christian song is “Lord, I Lift Your Name on High.” The craziest thing he ever did was to stand up on a moving roller coaster.
“I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Colossians 2:2
Eric Gledhill
Eric was born in Midland, MI and graduated from Concordia University, Ann Arbor. He is married to Kristin and they have three children: Zachary, 11, Megan, 10, and Noah, 4. Previously Eric was a Youth Leader. His favorite team is the US World Cup Soccer Team. His favorite hymn is “Lift High the Cross” and his favorite contemporary Christian song is “Your Love is Deep.” The craziest thing he ever did had to do with a PVC tube, rolls of toilet paper, and lots of butane.
“Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12
Matt Kuntz (1)
Matt was born in Koko, IN and considers Sugarland, TX home. He and his wife, Leanne, have three children: Sam, 6, Nick, 3, and Joshua, 3. Matt graduated from Ferris State University and worked in sales in the printing industry. The Houston Astros are his favorite team. His favorite hymn is “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” and his favorite contemporary Christian song is “Awesome God.” The craziest thing he ever did was to try to break the world’s record for most golf holes played in a week. (Got through the first test-run day...22 hours/205 holes.)
“I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13
Steve Newton (2)
Steve has very strong ties to Michigan. He was born in Detroit, graduated for the University of Michigan, and was an engineer for General Motors. He currently considers Ann Arbor, Michigan his home and his favorite team is the Detroit Lions. His family consists of his wife, Sharon, and their two children Aaron, age 16, and Charles, age 13. He considers the craziest thing he ever did to be quitting work to study at the Sem.
“The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want…” Psalm 23
Matt Peeples (1)
Matt was born in Annapolis, MD and considers home where ever my family lives, currently Kansas City. He graduated from Truman State University in May 2004 with a Bachelors in Mass Communications Journalism. Matt’s favorite teams are the Kansas City Chiefs and the Baltimore Orioles. His favorite hymn is “Amazing Grace” and his favorite contemporary Christian song is “Dare You to Move.” The craziest thing he ever did was get an eyebrow ring and wear it for a few months.
“I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13
Rich Steensma (1)
Rich was born in Detroit, considers Dearborn home and is a fan of the Detroit Tigers and the Michigan Football Wolverines. He is married to Kathleen and they have three daughters: Emily, 9, Sarah, 6, and Anna, 2. Emily and Sarah attend CCLS. Rich has a BA from Concordia, Ann Arbor and a BA from Western Michigan University. Previously he was a Lutheran Elementary School Principal and Music Director. His favorite hymn is “How Great Thou Art” and his favorite contemporary Christian song is “Shine, Jesus, Shine.” The craziest thing he ever did was to dress up as his favorite teacher, Mrs. Colberg, during Lutheran Schools Week, and get his picture on the cover of the paper.
“I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that He considers me faithful, appointing me to His service.” 1 Timothy 1:12
Merle Warnsholz
Merle’s family includes his wife Lois, two daughters, two sons-in-law, and 3 granddaughters, ages 10, 9, and 6. He was born in Lincoln, Nebraska, but considers anywhere they live to be home, including Dubuque and Bettendorf, Iowa; Rolla, Missouri; Cheyenne, Wyoming; and Colorado Springs, Colorado. St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa is his alma mater. Previously, he was an Information Services Director in hospitals. Merle’s craziest deed was marrying Lois without having “dated.” His favorite team is the St. Louis Cardinals. “Earth and All Stars” is his favorite hymn.
“But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 43:31
Cory Wielert (4)
Cory was born in Sandwich, IL and considers Milwaukee home. He is married to Kristin. Cory graduated from Concordia University of Wisconsin. His favorite team is the Chicago White Sox. “Stricken, Smitten, and Afflicted” is his favorite hymn and “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” is his favorite contemporary Christian song. The craziest thing he ever did was to cheer for the Chicago Bears in Wisconsin.
“But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, purifies us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7
Levi Williams (4)
Levi was born in Winterset, IA and considers Britt, IA home. He is married to Jessica. Levi graduated from Iowa State University. His favorite team is the Green Bay Packers. Levi’s favorite hymn is “Chief of Sinners” and his favorite contemporary Christian song is “I Can’t Take the Pain.” The craziest thing he ever did was to take a 6,000 mile road trip with his best friend Drew.
“What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God—through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God's law, but in the sinful nature a slave to the law of sin.” Romans 7:24,25
