About GME
Our Board & Team
Meet the People Behind the Work
Robert Johnston
President & Managing Director
I am married to Jonita and a father of two incredible young adults. I have a passion to teach the word of God so that people are encouraged to grow deeper in their relationship with the Lord. I graduated from Horizon College and Seminary in 1990 with a diploma in Theology and I am currently completing an undergraduate degree in Christian Studies.
Over the years, I have had the privilege of being involved in various leadership roles, including youth ministry, Christian Education and small group networking.
Currently, I own my own financial services business called Seed Financial Services. God has provided through my work as a financial adviser so that my wife and I are able to give ourselves fully to the work of GME on a volunteer basis.
Through all the busyness of life, the Lord has established in me a passion to go deeper in our relationship with Him. There is more to life then the distraction of career and temporal (material) things.
Dave Kuarsingh
Finance Officer
I am a husband to my wonderful wife Krista, and a father of two amazing young men, Joshua and Caleb. I was born in Trinidad but grew up in Winnipeg where I graduated from the University of Manitoba in the 1990's with a major in Economics. Recreationally, I enjoy biking and hiking with whomever will go with me.
I have always had a passion for the Word of God. My favorite verse is in the book of Hebrews:
“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates to dividing soul and spirit, joints, and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart (4:12)”.
I love using Scripture to dig into the root and heart of spiritual matters. Over the years I have served on a church board, led worship, and have been involved in children, youth, and young adults’ ministries.
I am very excited to be part of GME, a ministry that strives to support and partner with laborers called to serve the body of Christ.
Julie A Desjardins
I am a writer and editor working toward publishing my first novel(s) and short story. Our family of three lived in northern Manitoba for almost twelve years. In October 2021 to my husband’s hometown in northern Ontario before moving to Portage la Prairie in June 2022.
As a former registered nurse, I am passionate about encouraging others to live holistically. Taking time to care for our physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual lives enables us to thrive in the life that God has given us. It could be said that life is "dose dependent" - the more you put into each area, the more you get out. We honor the Lord when we take care of what He has blessed us with.
Every believer will go through difficult and painful seasons. Learning to walk by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7) is easier when we bear one another’s burdens and encourage each other in the Lord. Scripture tells us that as the body of Christ we are called and equipped by the Holy Spirit to do just that (Hebrews 10:24,25). My desire is to encourage and support other believers to run their race of faith with endurance.
I am excited about how God is using GME to partner with missionaries and organizations to help build His Kingdom. Serving and supporting others is an opportunity to partner with what Holy Spirit is doing around the globe as we anticipate and await the return of our soon coming King. Maranatha Lord Jesus.
Paul Desjardins
Director
Originally from a small northern town, I moved to southern Ontario where I met my wife. After our son was born, we felt God calling us to northern Manitoba where we lived for almost twelve years before moving back to my hometown in northern Ontario.
In the late 1990’s I felt God calling me to become serious about my relationship with the Lord Jesus and to learn how to be led by the Holy Spirit. The result of this journey has led to times of challenge and struggle but more importantly, to great growth, change, and trust in the Lord. The years of testing are important and lay a strong spiritual foundation. It is in the desert seasons that we learn to walk by faith and not by sight. I believe strongly that God is always “working in the undertow". As Charles Spurgeon so eloquently put it: “when you cannot trace His hand, you can trust His heart”.
I love having the opportunity to share my testimony and speak into the lives of those that God brings across my path. I am also thankful for the opportunity to serve alongside some dear friends to help realize the vision that God has placed on their hearts with GME.
Gerald Wiebe
Director
I am blessed to be a father to 4 grown children, grandfather to 13, and great-grandfather to 4. I was born in Winkler, Manitoba but we moved at least 15 times and I attended 14 different schools all within southern Manitoba. With all the moves, I had the opportunity to make many friends and I think this has made it easier to continue making friends wherever I go because I never had tight roots to any one place. I met my wife when I was only 13 years old while attending a Bible study at her parent’s house; I knew then who I wanted to marry.
I was a farmer for 31 years growing crops such as vegetables, grain, and edible beans (navy, pinto, and cranberry beans). Now I spend my time as a bit of a general handyman doing everything from pickups, deliveries, yard maintenance, and house construction. I enjoy cycling and going south for the winter.
In the past I have been involved with youth ministry, church boards and Christian schooling, and I am honored to be able to serve the Lord through my involvement with GME.
When I got married my father told me to follow the advice of Scripture:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5,6)
This has become my life’s motto. Faith has taught me that just like Joseph, if we continue to serve the Lord no matter what the obstacles, God will accomplish His purpose in our life.
If I could be remembered for one thing, I pray that I would be remembered as a servant who puts aside his own agenda for the benefit of others.
Our Legacy
Doug & Alice Johnston
GME was founded in 1985 (as Gospel Missionary Enterprises) by Doug & Alice Johnston when they caught a vision for a work that was started on the island of Jamaica, West Indies.
During his life Doug Johnston was a hard working and faithful laborer in work of the Lord. After graduating from North West Bible College (Vanguard) in 1968 he served as pastor for three rural congregations in Alberta and Manitoba before returning to his home town of Portage la Prairie, MB to assist in the construction of a new church building. Over the years Doug loved to help where ever he was needed, usually this involved a building project, serving as a leader in Boys Brigade or teaching Sunday School. In 1980 he courageously began taking his wife and three boys on summer missions trips to the remote areas of Jamaica. During these trips he and his family established a Sunday School, held VBS schools for children and eventually constructed a "Nursing Station" to help care for the physical needs of those in the area.
Alice Johnston was a woman of God who loved and served people. She defined what it meant to care for others and placed the interest of others above her own. She lovingly gave up her profession as a nurse to care for her three young boys. Later in life she demonstrated the servant attitude of the Lord by washing other's feet and became a Foot Care nurse in Portage la Prairie, MB. She served others sacrificially, giving everything to provide for the needs of others. Alice also possessed a sharp intellect and graduated the top of her class in nursing school at the St. Boniface Hospital. Even until her death she would diligently work on the most difficult cross-word puzzles she could find.