Meet our Leadership Team & Board

Leadership Team

Jenna Kape

Executive Director IPF

My name is Jenna Kape, and it is both an honor and a privilege to serve as the Director of International Promise Foundation. My journey with this mission began when I traveled to Bangladesh as a freshman in high school. I still remember calling home filled with excitement and a deep sense of purpose—so much so that my mother was convinced I might bring a child home with me. Looking back, I truly believe it was during that trip that God planted the seed that would one day lead me to this role.
Following that experience, I pursued a degree in Early Childhood Development and Business Communications, equipping myself with both the heart and the practical tools for this work. After marrying my husband, Jacob, we spent several years traveling while he served in the United States Army. When we eventually began our family, we returned home and established roots in Grand Rapids, Michigan. During that time, I took on a leadership role in managing our family business, Spica Properties LLC.
Through what I can only describe as God-ordained circumstances, the vision for International Promise Foundation was born—an organization fully underwritten by Spica Properties LLC, allowing 100% of public donations to go directly toward supporting children in Bangladesh.
Since stepping into the role of Director, my annual visits to the Children’s Home have become some of the most meaningful moments of my year. It is my deepest desire to see every child known, loved, and supported through our sponsorship program. Not only does this transform the lives of the children we serve, but it also profoundly impacts the families who sponsor them. It is remarkable to witness what God can do through something as simple as child sponsorship.
Over the years, we have seen cycles of poverty broken, children freed from sickness, trafficking, and malnutrition, and entire generations given new hope. Above all, we have had the privilege of seeing the name of Jesus proclaimed and embraced by many who may not have otherwise had the opportunity to know Him and receive His grace.
It is a true honor to serve alongside International Promise Foundation and to support our partnership with H.E.L.P. Bangladesh. I remain deeply committed to ensuring that IPF continues to operate as a Christ-centered, financially transparent, and prayer-driven organization. I am continually inspired by the generosity and faithfulness of our supporters, and I could not be more grateful to be part of this incredible community.

Kate Muesing

Administrative Assistant & Sponsor Relations

I first traveled to Bangladesh in 2003, where I fell in love with the children and the vision of HELP Bangladesh. During that trip, God planted a dream in my heart—to one day serve in ministry and work with orphans. It was a calling I never let go of.
What I didn’t expect was the journey it would take to get there. Over the next 20 years, I earned a degree in Intercultural Studies, married my husband Chris, and became a mom to our three boys. Throughout those years, our family stayed connected by sponsoring children through IPF.
When IPF grew beyond what one person could manage, my cousin Jenna invited me to join the team and help with administrative work. It was an easy yes—and a beautiful reminder that God had been working all along, bringing my story full circle.
Today, I have the incredible privilege of connecting children with sponsors, returning to Bangladesh with the 2025 team, and soon bringing my own family to meet their Bengali family.
It is truly one of the greatest honors of my life to be trusted with this work and to serve alongside IPF.

Kathy Shipra Khan

Sponsor Supervisor

My name is Kathy Shipra Khan. I was born on 6 January 1986. I have completed my graduation.
I am a Christian and follow my faith sincerely. I joined Samaritan Children’s Home at the age of
5. I was enrolled in Samaritan Children’s Home in 1991 by my maternal uncle. This happened
because my father suddenly disappeared one day and never returned. Despite many efforts, he
could not be found. I lived at Samaritan Children’s Home from 1991 to 2006. During this time, I
received education, shelter, nutrition and other support, and guidance that helped shape my life.

I got married in February 2006. After marriage and completing my graduation, my husband and
I started a family business, named LIMBS Engineering Globex, where we manufacture
prosthetic legs for people with disabilities. Later, in 2020, I joined Samaritan Children’s Home as
a Sponsor Supervisor, where I work with sponsored children and manage donor communication.
I grew up in this organization, which holds a very special place in my heart. Because my home is close to my workplace, I am able to care for my family while also fulfilling my responsibilities
here with ease. Working with the children brings me great joy. It gives me a deep sense of peace, happiness, and calmness. My primary role involves working with sponsored children. I prepare their letters, organize their photos, create their profiles, and manage all their important information with care and dedication.

My husband also comes from a Christian family. Together, we live with strong faith in God and
teach our children to follow this faith in their daily lives. Lord has blessed my family with 2
loving children, elder boy & younger girl. For them, I am very grateful to the Lord.

By sponsoring children at Samaritan Children’s Home, you are investing in their future and
giving them the opportunity to grow into faithful and valuable individuals. The home is deeply
committed to the care, development, and well-being of every child. To us, you are truly like
heroes. May God bless you abundantly and bring fulfillment to all your dreams. Thank you

David Halder

Executive Director HELP Bangladesh

Many people gathered to hear the Gospel. My father and uncle were farmers, growing our food for our family needs. We all went to the local Mission School and then went to the college in a different town. We all had a very bitter experience when the Liberation War started with East Pakistan and West Pakistan in 1971. Finally, East Pakistan won the War and became a new nation called Bangladesh. After the liberation, I moved to Dhaka city for higher studies and stayed in a Christian Hostel where I met a British Missionary and with his spiritual help, I came to the Lord in 1974.

I joined a Bible Study group where I met Namita, my wife. We both became leaders of the group, but we felt that we need to go to a Bible College. God graciously opened a door for us to go to a Bible College in Melbourne, Australia in 1979. We graduated after 3 years of study with a major in World Mission. I found a part time job in Australia and completed my University degree.

I was called from the Lord to join with the Mission called Gospel Recordings. After two and a half years training in Sydney, we felt the Lord wanted us to go back to Bangladesh. So we returned in 1985 and established a small Mission named LRI Bangladesh (Language Recording International). As I continued working with LRI and distributing Gospel messages I felt I could do more for the suffering people beyond the Gospel distribution ministry. I shared and prayed this with Namita, and we both agreed to serve the distressed and adolescent children by establishing an orphanage, help in educating them. and see their smiling faces and joyful hearts. The dream came true in 1990, and we both are happy to serve the Lord with these children, as we became the parents of 475 kids.

I was born in May 10th 1956 in a Southern part of Bangladesh. It is almost 300 Kilometer from Dhaka. I am one of the 11 kids of my parents, grown up with another 7 cousins in a joint family of my Uncle. My father was an evangelist and going around in the country with a team to have group meetings where they sing and pray.

Many people gathered to hear the Gospel. My father and uncle were farmers, growing our food for our family needs. We all went to the local Mission School and then went to the college in a different town. We all had a very bitter experience when the Liberation War started with East Pakistan and West Pakistan in 1971. Finally, East Pakistan won the War and became a new nation called Bangladesh. After the liberation, I moved to Dhaka city for higher studies and stayed in a Christian Hostel where I met a British Missionary and with his spiritual help, I came to the Lord in 1974.

I joined a Bible Study group where I met Namita, my wife. We both became leaders of the group, but we felt that we need to go to a Bible College. God graciously opened a door for us to go to a Bible College in Melbourne, Australia in 1979. We graduated after 3 years of study with a major in World Mission. I found a part time job in Australia and completed my University degree.

I was called from the Lord to join with the Mission called Gospel Recordings. After two and a half years training in Sydney, we felt the Lord wanted us to go back to Bangladesh. So we returned in 1985 and established a small Mission named LRI Bangladesh (Language Recording International). As I continued working with LRI and distributing Gospel messages I felt I could do more for the suffering people beyond the Gospel distribution ministry. I shared and prayed this with Namita, and we both agreed to serve the distressed and adolescent children by establishing an orphanage, help in educating them. and see their smiling faces and joyful hearts. The dream came true in 1990, and we both are happy to serve the Lord with these children, as we became the parents of 475 kids.

Richard Halder

Associate Director HELP Bangladesh

I am Richard Niloy Halder and I have joined HELP Bangladesh in July 2022 with the role of Associate Director. I am humbled and grateful to the Lord and the Board of Directors for giving me the opportunity to serve the Lord by supporting the orphan children at HELP Bangladesh’s Samaritan Children Home.

Academically I graduated from BRAC University majoring in both Finance and Accounting; and later completed my post-graduation from North South University majoring in Management. As I have grown up with a very strong Christian ideology in my family, I have always wanted to build my career for Lord’s glory through serving and supporting the underprivileged community.

Previously, I had the opportunity to work with an international charity called “Justice and Care” as the Head of Finance, HR and Administration for over 6 years, where the goal was to fight against modern slavery by rescuing trafficked Bangladeshi victims from India, facilitate repatriation of the victims, providing them empowerment support for reintegrating with the community by starting income generating activity and finally providing legal assistance to the victims bi-lateral cases. During my work duration at JC, we were able to rescue over 500 Bangladeshi women and children who were trafficked to India and forced into modern slavery. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of managing grants from some of the most renowned donor agencies worldwide, including Global Fund, UNICEF, NORAD, DFID, Union Bank of Switzerland (UBS) and various individual donors. It’s worth noting that, even at the age of 32, I was entrusted with significant responsibilities within the realm of international charity work giving me the opportunity to grow and learn.

In 2022, I got married to Athena, my loving wife who has completed her graduation and is currently working for one of the largest local Export-Import companies of our country.

I have seen David from my childhood how he has been supporting the boys and girls at Samaritan Children Home by providing them all the needs to transform as a contributing member of the society. And now becoming a part of that journey is truly a blessing for me. I am deeply grateful to be a part of HELP Bangladesh, where I got the opportunity to serve over 400 orphaned children with love and dedication along with nearabout 80 staff members. This journey feels like a divine calling, where I witness God’s grace daily. Our mission at HELP Bangladesh encompasses education, nutrition, accommodation, and leadership skill development for these children, aiming for their holistic betterment. This endeavor wouldn’t be possible without the support of our donor partners and well wishers, and I ask for your continued prayers and assistance as we strive to make a profound difference in the lives of these precious children.

Board of Directors

Fred and Julie Spica

We live in Caledonia, Michigan and we are very honored to be involved in the Children’s Home in Bangladesh and on the IPF board of directors. Before becoming involved with the Children’s Home, Fred had many years of business experience and entrepreneurship. He was co-owner of the Bun Basket Bakeries with his brother Robert for 20 years. Julie was a counselor at Pregnancy Resource Center and also leader at Bible Study Fellowship.
We began financially supporting the Samaritans Children’s Home in 1998 but God tugged on our hearts to actually go and see first hand what God was doing in this ministry. In the year 2000 we took our first trip, followed by 16 more trips over the years. Some of the trips included our children and spouses and later grandchildren. God has placed a passion on our hearts for caring for underprivileged children and sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ around the world. We have been involved in other ministries around the world, however the Samaritans Children’s Home has been the most efficiently run, high integrity Christian organization overseas we have ever known.
Fred and I have 3 adult children, married to wonderful spouses who love and serve the Lord. We also are blessed with 9 grandchildren and one great grandchild on the way. We have been attending Resurrection Life Church in Grandville, MI for 17 years.

Jacob Kape

My name is Jacob Kape, and I am honored to serve as a member of the IPF Board. For many years, I supported this mission from a distance—hearing stories and sponsoring a child alongside my wife, Jenna. However, everything changed when I experienced the Children’s Home firsthand during my first trip to Bangladesh in 2014. That visit deeply impacted my perspective and strengthened my commitment to this work.
Since then, I have had the privilege of returning multiple times, and each visit continues to reaffirm the calling and purpose behind this ministry. I often say, “If there is a plane going, I’ll be on it,” because of the deep connection I feel to the children and the mission.
Professionally, I previously served in the United States Army, including deployment in Operation Enduring Freedom. Today, I serve as a Project Superintendent with the Kalamazoo County Road Commission, where I apply a strong foundation of leadership, planning, and problem-solving to my work each day.
Everything truly came full circle for me when I began to see my own children interacting with—and falling in love with—the children we support. Watching that connection form has been incredibly meaningful for our family. During our most recent visit, we captured a special photo of my wife and me with our two daughters, alongside Moshi and Snigdha. Moshi was just five years old when Jenna first became his sponsor. Today, he is married to Snigdha, who also grew up in the home, and they are now expecting their first child.
Moments like this are a powerful reminder of the lasting impact of this program. This photo represents more than a single story—it reflects the generational change that is possible through faithful support. It is a testament to lives transformed, cycles of poverty broken, and the hope that continues to grow for years to come.
Serving on the board is a responsibility I do not take lightly. I strive to bring both my personal experiences and my heart for the children into every decision, offering insight that helps ensure we are meeting their needs with wisdom, compassion, and integrity. It is a privilege to play a role in the work God is doing through this organization and in the lives of the children we are called to serve.

Diane Christianson

I am Diane Christianson. I am recently retired as a tax manager at a CPA firm for 35 plus years. I have been the accountant for IPF since its inception. I bring my expertise in dealing with nonprofit organizations and assist in keeping IPF compliant with all the government regulations and requirements for nonprofit organizations.

In my retirement, I use my accounting experience to assist my church and my passion is teaching and discipling adults to help them grow in their walk with the Lord. I love to learn, read, snuggle with my dog Freckles and enjoy traveling, especially day trips to explore the beautiful state of Michigan.

Father Loc Trinh

My name is Loc Trinh and I am an ordained Catholic priest. I have been a priest for 28 years and I am currently serving Holy Family Parish in Caledonia Michigan.

I was invited to serve on IPF Board as a spiritual guide to help us stay true to IPF’s mission and its values. I went on my first trip to Bangladesh in November 2018 and loved every minute of it. I felt blessed being there experiencing the joy that the children exuded during my visit. I am looking forward to the next visit.

In my spare time I enjoy traveling, playing Pickleball, tennis, golf, hiking, and walking on the beach. I love trying different foods and enjoy gathering with family and friends.

Troy and Allison Wiers

We are Troy and Allison Wiers! We have been married since 2004 and are the proud parents of 3 children – Ryan, Austin, and Lexi. We love to spend our time with our family and friends, and you can often find us camping, fishing, golfing or attending various sporting events. Between work, church, school, and play, life is definitely busy… but we love running around like crazy people and wouldn’t have it any other way!

My name is Troy Wiers and I am currently working as a Global Compensation Manager in the Human Resources department at Amway. I’ve spent the last 23 years in various business roles for Amway and Meijer. In my work and personal life, I strive to take a balanced perspective to all decisions, and with God’s guidance will also try to consider all sides of an issue to provide the best input to decisions being made for the IPF organization. I also look forward to bringing experiences from the 3 other non-profit organizations for which I have served.

My name is Allison Wiers and I am currently working as the Development Associate at South Christian High School and as an Administrative Assistant at Kent Butchers’ Supply. It’s amazing to see how God works and being introduced to IPF through the Kape’s has been a life-changing experience! Our kids have developed a love for children at the home, especially the ones we sponsor. I am hoping I will have the opportunity to travel to the home soon, so I can see in person all the children that have impacted our lives.

We feel privileged to have been asked to be members of the IPF board. Our family has sponsored kids at the Children’s home through IPF, and we currently sponsor 3 children; Kheya, Nipu, and Johnson. Troy and Ryan had the opportunity to visit the Children’s home in November 2019. It was a true blessing to see how God is working at the home. It will definitely be the first trip of many to see our friends and brothers and sisters in Christ in Bangladesh!

Beth Spica

Hello! I’m Beth Spica, a founding member of International Promise Foundation. I became involved in IPF alongside my late husband, Rob, as we shared a deep calling to serve God’s children in Bangladesh through meaningful, relationship-centered sponsorship and support. After Rob’s passing in 2023, continuing to serve on the board has become a meaningful way for me to honor his legacy and the vision we carried together.
I am a co-owner of Spica Properties and bring years of experience in business and development, which I’m grateful to use in supporting the mission of IPF. I have sponsored children through HELP Bangladesh since 2004 and have made many trips to visit the children’s home, building relationships and seeing firsthand the impact of this ministry.
I am blessed with four adult children and ten grandchildren, who bring so much joy to my life. It has been especially meaningful to watch my family begin to experience and connect with this mission that has meant so much to Rob and me.
I remain passionate about serving others and continue to be inspired by all that God is doing through International Promise Foundation.

Don and Lisa Ziemke

Greetings! We are Don and Lisa Ziemke. I, Don, am the president and owner of Great Lakes Convenience, Inc., which operates a couple of convenience stores with gas, food services and also a meat market/growler station. My wife Lisa is a retired IT consultant who now spends her time volunteering for Hospice of Michigan and Kids Food Basket. We bring to IPF 35 years of experience in business, building and accounting as well as our desire to be servants of God. I have served on the Grand Rapids Catholic Central Development Board and Holy Family Councils. We are active members of Holy Family Catholic Church where I am part of the Knights of Columbus.

We have been involved with IPF for almost two decades with child sponsorship, in projects for IPF and numerous trips on behalf of IPF to Bangladesh including ones with our children. A big part of our purpose in life is paying it forward, leading by example, and helping others, especially the Children’s Home through IPF.

Lisa and I have been happily married for 34 years and have been blessed with three adult children. In our spare time you can find our family enjoying a round of golf, water skiing and doing almost any other outdoor activity we can do here in Michigan. We love to travel and are looking forward to visiting the Children’s Home again soon.

Matt and Amy Bertotti

Hi there! We are Matt and Amy Bertotti. We have been married since 2006 and have 4 wonderful kiddos~ Adeline, Amelia, Ava, and Christian. Matt is the Director of Business Development at United Utility Supply and Amy is the Director of Utilization Management at Priority Health. As a family we love to spend time outdoors, especially in the summertime in Michigan. You will often find us on the shores of Lake Michigan boating or relaxing on the white sandy beaches.

We became involved with IPF in 2022 when Amy and Adeline took their first trip to the Children’s home. One step on the property and we fell in love with the staff and children and now sponsor two children! Amy plans to use her medical background as a Registered Nurse to provide guidance and advice to the Children’s home by serving on the IPF board!