Meet the Team

Jen DeBrot

Founder & Executive Director

Jen is the wife to her favorite farm guy, Travis, the very proud mama to their blended seven, an author of 3 books, a graduate of Western Theological Seminary, and has served in a variety of ministry roles for more than 20 years.

Jen has a passion to see churches unite and cities flourish and has committed the rest of her life to reaching as many people for Jesus as she can.

In her spare time, Jen loves all things homesteading, which has turned into a little side hobby for her and her family. Beyond this, she often tucks herself away to write what God lays on her heart.

Ramon Barrera

Director of Evangelism & Outreach

Ramon (Ray), has a powerful testimony of redemption. Growing up surrounded by drugs and violence, he found himself lured to the streets. After years of heading in the wrong direction, he surrendered his life to the Lord while in prison. This is also where he discovered a love for the Word of God, which has only grown stronger over the years.

Since being released from incarceration, God has used him through a variety of ministry outlets.

Ray has the heart of a pastor, a passion for evangelism, and is a gifted speaker and Bible teacher.

Ray is married to Rachel, and together they have a blended family with seven children.

Kevin Antone

Director of Programming

Kevin is a devoted husband to his wife, Ashley, and a proud father to their son, Titus.

A graduate of the TUMI program through Prison Fellowship, Kevin has experienced firsthand the transformative power of faith, dedication, and perseverance.

His passion for cultivating both plants and purpose shines through his work as a farmer and gardener at Wagenmaker Greenhouses.

Kevin is committed to fostering hope, building community, and inspiring others to embrace their God-given potential. His journey is a testament to grace, hard work, and a heart for serving others.

Joey Yandell

Worship Director

Joey is a gifted musician and has a heart for the Lord.

With almost 20 years of experience leading worship, Joey has had the opportunity to lead and disciple many other musicians along the way.

Beyond working in the Church, he has also had the privilege of playing music in other settings. He toured the Midwest while playing for a Christian band giving him the opportunity to open up for other bands including; Jeremy Camp, and the band Skillet.

Joey is married to Carly, the father of Jackson and Kennedy, and one of the founding pastors for Living Life Church, where he has been pastoring since 2016.

Joey has served alongside many other faith-based organizations throughout his ministry career and has been with 1M from the beginning, starting behind the scenes as the sound/tech person for our first worship event.

Lance Gragg

Assistant to the Executive Director

Lance retired as a local business owner in 2022 and since retirement served as our Board Treasurer for a year.

He then stepped down from the Board so he could step into the part-time Assistant Director position 1M had available.

Lance has been committed to pushing the 1M vision forward since the beginning and we are so happy to have him on our team!

Lance is happily married to his bride, Sandy and together they enjoy motorcycling, camping, and now relaxing at home near their pool. Lance also serves on the worship team at Living Life Church.

Sydney Champion

Grant Consultant

Sydney is a dedicated follower of Christ who serves her hometown of Benton Harbor, Michigan and her church family at Oakridge Community Church. She graduated from Calvin University in 2022 with a Bachelor's degree in Writing and a passion to help others with her abilities.

In June of 2021, Sydney joined the 1M family as a summer writing intern. Since then, her knowledge has grown in grant writing and detailed editing. She is excited to make her return in 2024 as a Grant Consultant and see the Lord move even further in the Muskegon area.

During her free time, Sydney enjoys reading, hammocking, and watching the waves of Lake Michigan

Anna Rivera

COURSE FACILITATOR

Mariah Ackerman

Volunteer ASL Interpreter for 1M Courses

Mariah was planted in Muskegon, Michigan where God has called her to be His hands and feet. She graduated from Goshen College with a Bachelor Degree in American Sign language (ASL) Interpreting.

Before stepping into her role as an ASL interpreter, she was serving in many different ministries, including her church. Mariah is committed and passionate about bridging the gap between the deaf and hearing community through her understanding of both unique cultures.