After 37 years of marriage and more then 15 years of fostering over 100 children in Muskegon and Ottawa counties of Michigan.  Ralph and Marge Venema of Fruitport have joined Concern International Inc. (Fruitport) To direct its childcare projects around the world.

Touching the lives of others with love and encouragement is a way of life for the Venema family.  Ralph and Marge have been involved in the lives of children throughout their married lives.  Today with 11 children they stay very busy. The Venema's live on what was Ralph's grandparents' farm east of Fruitport, raising beef, chickens, and vegetables to feed their ever growing family.

Marge is a career homemaker. She keeps busy cooking, cleaning, canning and caring for their children, all of whom need hugs and or special words of encouragement. Marge also helps organize Ralph's time, trying to get the most out of a 24 hr. day, along with running the Concern office and the farm in Ralph's absence.

Ralph comes from a varied background; spending 20 years in manufacturing and industry. He worked as a machinist, tool and die maker, design engineer, supervisor and plant superintendent.  For several years he managed Venema Construction Co. building custom homes, remodeling and installing kitchens and bathrooms.

Ralph and Marge's passion for others and their love for children brings an added dimension to Concern International. Ralph has recently accepted the position as the Executive Director.  Ralph says that A title is only that, for there is and can only ever be one Director of Concern and that is his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Ralph will be working closely with other Mission agencies assisting indigenous people to achieve self-sufficency and self-support.  With the many responsibilities that Ralph has assumed, one of his major challenges will be that of Fund Raising. Not only for the ministries of Concern International but also for the support needed to raise his own family.