Who We Are

Kingdom Kids was birthed from a desire to help the children in Gary and Taunya's community in Haiti both in academics and a love for Jesus. Growing up in the area, Gary Merilus has seen and knows first-hand the many needs of the people. After serving at an orphanage in Haiti, Taunya De Weerd-Merilus, has grown in knowledge, understanding, and love for the people in the same small rural community. After joining in marriage, and much prayer, they put together an after-school program to help tutor the children and youth of the area, while sharing the love of Jesus with them, and teaching them more about the Bible.

Today, Kingdom Kids has 53 children, grades 2nd through 6th, in the program. Children come to the program after school to receive a hot meal, help with homework and a weekly Bible study. They are also able to provide jobs for 9 adults as tutors, cooks, and a manager, and custodian.

The Board of Directors

Gary & Taunya (De Weerd)Merilus

Co-Presidents & Co-Founders

Gary and Taunya are currently living in Sioux Center, IA with their 2 children and extended family from Haiti. They continue serving and supporting Kingdom Kids, family, and friends in Haiti through daily communication, constant prayers, and encouragement.

Verlyn Raak

Vice President

Verlyn is very active in his church and has a great love of missions and seeing God's word go forth. He is currently serving as our Vice President and is always full of questions, suggestions, and ideas for the ministry.

Verlyn and his wife Nancy live on an acreage by Hawarden, IA, and have 4 married children and 7 grandchildren.

Mindi Weinberg

Secretary

Mindi is a long time friend of Taunya and has a love for travel, missions, and other countries. She has been to Haiti two times to visit and serve with Taunya.

Mindi is married to Jake, and they live in Struble, IA, with their 4 children.

Donna De Weerd

Treasurer

Donna is Taunya's mom, and is currently serving as our Treasurer. Donna has a growing love for the people of Haiti after numerous visits to see Taunya.

Donna is married to Larry, and they reside in Sioux Center, IA, where she has recently retired from the real-estate business.

Bryan Van Kley

Board Member

Bryan has a cattle management business in Sioux Center, IA, and got to know Taunya years ago when she cared for his children at her in-home daycare. He is excited to be a part of this ministry and see the kids of Haiti have a chance for educational growth and a deeper relationship with Christ.

Bryan and his wife Candice have 3 children and 1 son-in-law.

Haitian Staff

Kingdom Kids currently has a staff of 5 tutors, 2 cooks, 1 manager, and 1 custodian. These 9 men and women are the hands and feet of our program. They spend their time teaching the kids, helping them with homework, proving nutritious meals, keeping things cleaned up, laughing and having fun with the kids, and showing them the love of Jesus.

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