Meet the Team

Director/Counselor

Nevin and Joann Nisly

Nevin and Joann were both teachers for many years and began their lives together in 2008. After their marriage, they felt God's nudging toward dedicating their efforts to walking alongside others to understand, encourage, and care for them. After making South-central Kansas their home in 2009, they started HOPE Ministries of Kansas. They are excited about continuing the vision of assisting singles, married people, and churches as they pursue personal healing and also provide a safe environment for others to enjoy hope and life with a very personal Jesus.

Secretary

Janet Shetler

Janet Shetler was born, grew up, and has lived in south central Kansas her whole life. She and her husband James attend Cedar Crest Amish Mennonite Church. As a mother who raised six children, a grandmother, and a deacon’s wife she has found joy and purpose in the many opportunities to serve that have come her way. A few of her hobbies are growing and caring for plants and flowers, sewing, and identifying birds at her backyard feeder. She views the challenges of serving as secretary at HOPE as another way to support this valued ministry in our community.

Counselor

Julian and Berthay Nisly

Julian and Bertha attend Center Amish Mennonite Church where Julian serves as an ordained pastor. Julian works for Golden Rule Property Management doing maintenance work. In 2016, he began counseling part time at HOPE Ministries. Julian and Bertha enjoy spending time together as a family whether it's an evening at home, enjoying nature or exploring cities. Julian's came for counseling at HOPE in 2010 and began serving on the board shortly after their time there. The tools and healing they received gave them a vision for the work of HOPE Ministries.

Counselor

Tracia Ropp

A northern girl at heart, Tracia grew up in Minnesota and spent five years working with Northern Youth Programs in Ontario. In July 2018, she followed God's call to the plains of Kansas. Tracia's passion for helping single ladies discover and live out of the heart God created for them comes out of her own on-going journey of learning to trust Jesus with the vulnerable places and allowing Him to redeem and write her story.

Counselor

Lorene Miller

Lorene Miller grew up in Pennsylvania. At age 21, she moved to Ohio to care for handicapped children where she met the love of her life, Curtis. Together they were involved in voluntary service for the handicapped for 10 years. In 2001, they moved from Virginia to Kansas and are a part of Curtis' home church and community. She is a mother to seven children and a grandma to three. Her happy places are spending time with her family, or with friends over coffee, cooking in the kitchen or reading in her comfy recliner. She has a vision to walk alongside people to understand and care for their hearts.

Board Members

Board Chairman

Kristen and Arlene Miller

Children: Sophia

Kristen and Arlene were married in February of 2023. Kristen works full-time at Sturdi-Bilt Storage Barns, and Arlene works part-time as a Physical Therapist’s Assistant at Mennonite Friendship Communities. They both enjoy time together, especially outdoors, so much so that they spent three months biking across the U.S. in 2023. They have benefited greatly from going through HOPE Ministries both individually and as a couple, and have a heart for growing healthy individuals and communities.

Board Secretary

Wayne and Kimberly Yutzy

Children: Savannah, Kendra, Brenda, Friedrich, Lincoln, and Charity

Wayne and Kimberly are members of the Amish church in Pleasantview. Wayne grew up in Michigan but was drawn to the High Plains after meeting Kimberly who is a true Kansan at heart! They exchanged their vows in June 2010. Wayne has a full time job doing garage door sales, but enjoys the evenings working at home with Kimberly and their four children on their small "hobby" farm. All members enjoy the many times spent around the backyard fire ring and the pony rides with 'Rollo'. They attended HOPE Ministries in January of 2014 to enrich their marriage and primarily, their relationship with God. They have been blessed with the insights gleaned then, that apply to all aspects of life and relationships. They joined the board in February 2020 with the vision of seeing everyone be free of Satan's bondage and fully realize God's ultimate gift of grace.

Board Members

Phil and Edith Miller

Children: Caroline, Kenton, Clifton, Lindsey Jo, Douglas

We are the Phil and Edith Miller family. We came to this community in 2020, from the state of Texas. We enjoy the prairie and the people of the land very much! We attend Word of Life Mennonite Church. Phil works as manager of the Dispatch Department of United Shed Transport based in Texas. As a family we enjoy our hobby farm, the outdoors, reading, and tinkering in various creative pursuits. Renovating our 70’s rancher and bringing to life our old homestead is the latest family project and should keep us occupied for quite some time :). Also, we take the chance to travel when we can!

Going through Hope Ministries in 2018 was a pivotal experience in our lives, and we are excited and grateful to be able to give back to the community in this way!

Board Treasurer

LaVerne and Rebecca Miller

LaVerne and Rebecca are members at Center Amish Mennonite Church, where LaVerne served as deacon for a number of years. Born in the 50s and married in ‘78, they have four married sons and one deceased daughter, and are the grandparents of fourteen grandchildren.

LaVerne enjoys farming, having transitioned the family seed business to the next generation. LaVerne and Rebecca find joy in helping people and and take pleasure in hosting–especially in the rose garden. Their time of counseling at HOPE Ministries has given them tools to cope with issues in their lives, which has resulted in a deep desire to see others experience the joy that freedom in Christ gives.

Board Members

Willard and Sharon Mast

Willard and Sharon, married for 43 years, are active members of Word of Life Mennonite. Willard leverages his extensive experience in Latin language and culture at Anabaptist Savings and Loans International, a role that involves multiple international trips annually. Sharon is a retired teacher, and together they manage a small short-term rental business. Willard is passionate about singing, participating in both local and traveling groups. Their three children have blessed them with ten grandchildren, making family time a cherished priority. Having personally found healing from burnout and depression at Hope Ministries in 2010, they possess a deep compassion for others facing similar struggles.