Meet our Youth Advocacy Board

YAB Team

Austin Wiers

Hi! My name is Austin Wiers. I am a senior at South Christian High School set to graduate soon. I plan to attend Grand Valley State University next year as a business major. I have two parents who are on the IPF Board, a sister who is also on the Youth Board, and a brother. All 5 of us have been to Bangladesh and have helped IPF for as long as I can remember.

When I went to Bangladesh, I learned so much. When I went there, the amount of kids I saw that showed their love for God reminded me why I love helping International Promise Foundation. These kids had almost nothing and still praised God with their whole bodies. Seeing this not only encouraged me to help them grow, but help myself grow in my faith. My new goal became to give these kids as much as I possibly could.

I’m a member of the youth board because my goal is to supply the kids in Bangladesh with the best resources possible. I work hard because every time I put in more effort, it means another kid gets supplied with food, shelter, school, a relationship with God, and so much more. Being able to make a difference helps me remember that God works through different ways and even when things may seem dark, God will always prevail and provide for me and others.

Elizabeth Marcusse

Hello! My name is Elizabeth Marcusse! I’m a soon-to-be junior at Calvin University, and I’m studying psychology, Spanish, and religion. I’m the oldest of three, and my younger sister and brother are both a part of the youth board with me. Besides studying and spending time with my family, some of my favorite things include, cooking, nannying for my neighbors, being a young life leader, traveling with my friends, prayer walks outside, going out for coffee, and of course being a part of the youth board!

My family has been involved with IPF for as long as I can remember, but I first got the opportunity to travel to Bangladesh as a junior in high school, and then the following year as a senior. It was the most surreal experience to get to hug and talk face to face with the sponsor children I had been praying for and writing to for so many years, and I’ll never forget entering the children’s home and being greeted with such a warm welcome. Anyone who’s been to Bangladesh knows how fun and joyful things like singing in chapel, dance parties, and endless games outside are, but I think one of my sweetest memories I have from Bangladesh comes from a moment outside of all the noise, chaos, and sweat (If you’ve been to Bangladesh you know exactly what I’m talking about). On our last night in the children’s home, one of the younger girls was having a hard time staying afloat in the crowd of jumping, screaming, and dancing kids, and I got the opportunity to sit outside and hold her outside of the chapel, and although we couldn’t speak to each other, I’ll never forget the love and connection I felt in that moment.

Because of all the special things I’ve got to experience by being in Bangladesh, I didn’t think twice about joining the youth board. I’m proud to say this is my third year serving, and every year my gratitude deepens that I get to be a part of something like this. Now that I’m in college and leaving to go to Bangladesh for a week isn’t very feasible, I love that serving on the youth board still allows me to connect with the kids and know that the work I’m a part of is making a difference in their lives. However, although it is so special to be apart of the kids’ lives this way, the most special part for me is the way I see God working. Going to Bangladesh and being on the youth board has given me a glimpse into how big God’s heart is for the multicultural, multilingual body of Christ, and I’m so thankful for IPF and for the children’s home that allows me to see the image of God in the lives of the all the kids and staff there, and in the lives of all those a part of IPF.

Anna Marcusse

Hi my name is Anna Marcusse! I am a senior at South Christian High School, and I’m planning on attending Calvin University this fall. I love spending time with family, playing golf, and hanging out with my friends! I have been to Bangladesh twice and had the best time! It is so fulfilling to see the kids in person and build a real relationship with all of them. This is my third year on the youth board, and I’ve had such an amazing experience. I’m looking forward to continuing to work with IPF so we can bless these kids even more!

Nathan Marcusse

My name is Nathan Marcusse, and I am a freshman at South Christian. I like playing sports and hanging out with friends. I went to Bangladesh in the fall of 2025. When I was there I experienced the hospitality, and love from the staff and the kids. I loved getting to see all of the kids that I had seen in pictures right in front of me. This is my first year on the youth board and I want to be here because it’s a great opportunity to serve the kids even when I’m not with them. I loved that I was able to be a light of Jesus in a dark and sinful world. I’m so thankful for the blessing of a trip it was.

Adeline Bertotti

Hello! My name is Adeline Bertotti, and I am currently a senior at Calvin Christian High School. This August, I plan to attend Palm Beach Atlantic University, where I will major in nursing. I love spending time outdoors, staying active, and being with my friends and family.
In 2022, I had the opportunity to travel to Bangladesh with my mom, and it was truly a life-changing experience. One of the most impactful moments for me was witnessing the genuine joy the children had for Jesus. From the moment we walked into the orphanage, we were welcomed with singing and flower garlands, and I immediately felt a deep sense of warmth and belonging.
I have been a member of the youth board for the past three years, and it has been an incredibly meaningful experience. I chose to join because I wanted to make a tangible impact, even from far away. What I love most is seeing our ideas come to life and knowing that the work we do directly contributes to something truly impactful.

Claire Hoop

Hi! I am Claire Hoop! I am a freshman at Olivet Nazarene University and I am studying Elementary Education with an endorsement in Special Edu. I love helping kids and I am very passionate about making a difference in the world that is why I chose education. I have 5 siblings! I love to travel, be active, be outside, hangout with family and friends, and try new things!

When I went to Bangladesh it was a life changing experience. As soon as you get there you are greeted by the most thankful and amazing children. The rest of the week is filled with peer joy. I love getting to hangout with the girls and getting dressed up but also playing volleyball with the boys is always a hit too. My favorite thing by far is the relationships I have made with the kids and seeing the impact we have on these kids’ lives. Jerry was a girl I met on my first trip and then I stayed in touch and got to see her again when I went back on my second trip. It was so special to get to reconnect. Seeing the children is life changing and if you have the chance to go take it you will be truly changed.

Getting to go on the trips was so amazing but coming back I always wanted to do more. Being on the youth board has made it so I can help make a difference when I am at home. Seeing what we do as a team is so amazing. Transforming the sick room was my favorite project. It was the first year of the board and working as a team and executing the family fun golf outing and raising enough for the transformation was an amazing accomplishment. I love the kids at the children’s home and seeing them filled with joy is the best feeling.

Marian Listen

Hi, my name is Marian Listen. I am currently a senior at Caledonia High School. After graduating I am planning on continuing my education at the University of Alabama, where I will be studying marketing. I enjoy reading, baking, and playing board games in my free time.

During my time in Bangladesh, I was very moved by how different life was over there compared to living in West Michigan. I had so much fun hanging out with the kids and getting to experience a different culture. I also thought it was really cool to understand how kids my same age lived life and all of the similarities and differences.

I am a board member because I want to help the kids in Bangladesh, but also because I want more people to hear about the children’s home and hopefully help support these wonderful kids. I have been on the board for 3 years now. I love being able to see the transformation that we are able to do to better the kids’ lives and spaces.