Staff Profile:
Kristie Derksen
Teams & Project Services, Administrator
Six year old Kristie, when asked what she wanted to be when she grew up, would proudly puff out her chest, smile her sporadically toothed smile and proudly say, "A Missionary!" And a Missionary she did become; however, the word evolved in a way that’s not necessarily traditional—it became less of a career choice and more of a way of being, a way of living and doing. Although she had the privilege to go on a handful of humanitarian aid trips internationally—which were each life-changing in their own ways—her true mission field was more focused within her direct sphere, her direct contacts and co-workers and with anyone she came into contact with.
As life continued on, Kristie eventually became more business-focused and, unfortunately, less missions-focused and she began to feel as if she was not contributing in the way that God had always called her to. So, in an effort to re-evaluate and re-align her life purpose and to utilize the giftings God had entrusted to her, she made the decision to volunteer at Hungry For Life in an effort to reawaken her own hunger for the disadvantaged and needy and to help out in any way she could.
“I believe we all have something great and unique to contribute to this Lost World we live in! For me personally, I have always had a heart for the marginalized—the Unseen, Unheard and Forgotten people. God has given me the sight, heart and awareness to fully see the hurting and unloved of his children, so I feel it is my responsibility and privilege to help them become the Seen and the Heard.”
Kristie’s role in Teams & Project Services at Hungry For Life involves organizing and creating all the many details that go into International Team Travel, such as: creating handbooks and Powerpoints that inform and educate team members; completing budgets and invoices to ensure the team is adequately financed; and booking that all-important flight and accommodation portion that is always necessary for team travel.
Kristie is a licensed Realtor with Century 21 Creekside Realty and loves working with people and helping them find their dream homes! She has a little Pomsky puppy, Lincoln, who loves to go for walks, play at the park and be a general weirdo. Her interests include: traveling, reading, writing, photography and spending time with her friends, family and her 3 energetic nephews.