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Hope and Healing in Faith

Empowering Native American communities through Christ's love.

Join Our Mission

Hope and Healing in Faith

Empowering Native American communities through Christ's love.

Join Our Mission

Faith & Religion Hub

Ministry in Action

Every journey has a turning point. For some, it’s a moment of loss. For others, it’s the quiet whisper that says, “There’s more than this.” At Focus Forward Ministries, we believe God places that whisper in every heart, the call to lift our eyes from the dust of yesterday and fix them on the promise of tomorrow.

On the wide plains of South Dakota, among the Lakota people, hope sometimes feels like a far horizon. Generations carry stories of hardship, and today’s families wrestle with the weight of despair. Yet into that struggle, Jesus steps, bringing light to dark places, healing to broken homes, and joy where sorrow once lived.

That’s why we serve. We bring meals, yes. We bring clothing, yes. But most of all, we bring Christ. Because the bread that fills the stomach will pass, but the Bread of Life fills the soul forever.

We don’t look back in regret. We don’t stand still in defeat. We focus forward, on Christ, the Author of hope, the Giver of life, the One who makes all things new.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at focusforwardtn@gmail.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.

Who is Focus Forward Ministries?

Focus Forward Ministries is the vision of Vernon Vandeveter, created to bring the love of Christ into Native American communities across South Dakota. We exist to serve families in both practical and spiritual ways—through food, clothing, prayer, discipleship, and friendship. Our calling is simple: help people lift their eyes from the weight of the past and fix them on the hope of Christ.

What are ways i can serve with Focus Forward?

Serving with Focus Forward means joining hands with us in practical love and spiritual encouragement. Here are some ways you can get involved:

Go and Serve – Travel with us on mission trips to South Dakota to deliver food, clothing, and the hope of Christ.
Pray Faithfully – Stand with us in prayer for Native families, team members, and the communities we serve.
Give Generously – Support the ministry through financial gifts that provide meals, resources, and discipleship opportunities.
Use Your Talents – Share your skills in teaching, music, construction, counseling, or simply being present with children and families.
Be a Voice – Spread the word about Focus Forward, inviting others to pray, give, and join the mission.

At Focus Forward Ministries, every act of service—great or small—helps lift eyes from the struggles of yesterday to the hope of tomorrow in Christ.

Where is FOcus FOrward ministries Located?

Focus Forward Ministries is based in Cleveland, Tennessee, with a heart planted deep in the Native American communities of the Pine Ridge Reservation and surrounding Lakota towns of South Dakota. From here we reach outward, delivering food, clothing, and the message of Christ across the Great Plains. While our home base is in Tennessee, our family of supporters and servants stretches across the nation, united by one mission: to focus forward on the hope found in Jesus.

Focus Forward Ministries

Vernon VanDeventer

President 460 Apache Trail NW Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 595-4872 vjvandev@charter.net

Vernon was born the sixth of six children into a family of ministry. His father was the Bishop (Overseer) in the State of South Dakota of a major denomination. He spent his childhood near the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota learning the customs and the heritage of the Sioux Indians. He attended grade school in Rapid City, SD. Vernon then continued his undergraduate and graduate work at the Black Hills State University in Spearfish, SD. where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in the social sciences and a master’s degree in education leadership.

He taught high school in Fort Yates, North Dakota at Standing Rock High School on the reservation. For a portion of his teaching career, he also taught junior high school in Manderson, South Dakota on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. He was soon promoted to principal of Kyle Community High School in Kyle, South Dakota and also Lonemen School (K-12). While working on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, he was honored by being awarded the Sioux name Matoewcuha which means “Charging Bear”. The name represents his determination and will to get things done as a leader. Vernon continued to work on the reservation until answering the Lord’s call into ministry.

Vernon became a Pastor in Vancouver, BC and Collingwood, ON. He then accepted a position with Tomlinson College in Cleveland, Tennessee (A biblical denominational college) and served as Vice President for Finance and Administration. Shortly after, Vernon was promoted to National Overseer for Western Canada. Today he resides in Cleveland, TN with his wife Jane. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with family, conducting weekly bible studies and coordinating efforts towards the mission so deeply close to his heart, Focus Forward Ministries.

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Phillip S. Maddux

Vernon VanDeventer

Vice President
The Retreat at Spring Creek
300 25th St NE Apt 5914
Cleveland, TN 37311
(423) 715-2946
Volsdrummer@gmail.com

Phillip was born and raised in Cleveland, Tennessee where he resides today. He is a member of God’s Family Fellowship in Cleveland, Tennessee where he currently serves as an Adult Sunday School teacher, drummer and coordinator of the Men’s ministry. He also is a revivalist who serves as drummer for Evangelists Bishop Chris and Annie VanAllman of Monteagle, Tennessee. He spent his teenage years playing drums for the Gospelaires Quartet of Athens, Tennessee traveling the southeast ministering in music. He has held many ministry offices in Pastoral staff such as Assistant to the Bishop, Men’s Group Director, School of Theology teacher, Camp Counselor, Transport Driver and Praise and Worship singer.

He graduated high school at Bradley Central High School in Cleveland, TN and has a Master’s degree in Biblical Theology from Piedmont School of Theology in China Grove, NC. He spent many years with Mohawk Industries as a National Account Manager and is now employed with Lazboy (England Furniture). In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family. His hobbies include fishing, camping and riding motorcycles. His desire is to spread the Gospel and fulfill the great commission in example through the Word and by being the hands and feet of Jesus.

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Nancy Glover

Vernon VanDeventer

Norman Wojcik

Secretary

I am a school teacher who first became involved with Focus Forward Ministries after learning about a mission trip to an Indian Reservation. Since that time, I have been actively engaged with the ministry, finding great joy in helping children and making a difference in their lives. I am a longtime member of Peerless Road Church

Secretary

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Norman Wojcik

Vernon VanDeventer

Norman Wojcik

Treasurer

I am a retired elementary school teacher and high school counselor with a lifelong passion for Christian service. My walk with Christ began while serving in the United States Air Force, where I worked as a secretary to the chaplain and managed the chapel’s finances as bookkeeper. That experience, combined with over 22 years as treasurer at my local church, gave me a strong foundation in both ministry and financial stewardship. When the president of our ministry invited me to serve on the board as treasurer, I gladly accepted. Christian missions have always been close to my heart, and I am honored to support this work in such a meaningful way.

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Focus Forward Ministries

John gann

Dr. John White

Board Member

John Gann brings decades of experience in ministry, business development, and community engagement to the Focus Forward Ministries board. A graduate of Lee University, where he studied Christian Education and Bible, John has dedicated much of his life to connecting people with Christ-centered resources. He currently serves in Partner Engagement with Partners for Christian Media/Come On Let’s Go and as Director of Business Development and Marketing with Tri-State Property Inspections.

John’s career journey has also included service as a Benefits Consultant with North American Senior Benefits, helping families prepare for end-of-life needs with compassion and care, and as Director of Advancement for Come On Let’s Go, a storytelling initiative pointing seekers to Jesus. With a professional background spanning media, insurance, and sales, he blends business expertise with a deep commitment to the gospel.

Originally from Forrest City, Arkansas, John now resides in Cleveland, Tennessee, with his wife. He is grateful to use his gifts and experience to further the mission of Focus Forward Ministries and share the hope of Christ with Native communities.

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Dr. John White

Board Member

Dr. John White serves on the board of Focus Forward Ministries, bringing a unique blend of medical, scientific, pastoral, and educational experience. He is the owner and lead molecular geneticist at Axiom Biolabs, where he applies his expertise in genetics to research and innovation. His professional background includes work

Board Member

Dr. White holds an A.S. in Nursing, a B.S. in Biological Science, an MBA, and a Ph.D. in Molecular Genetics. Beyond the lab, he operates Serenova Cattery, a specialty breeder of Siberian Forest Cats prized for their hypoallergenic qualities.

A devoted family man, John is married to Anya, the Assistant Director of Rehabilitation at Life Care, and together they are proud parents of Robert, valedictorian of Cleveland High School in 2020 and now serving with Bradley County EMS, and Anastasia, who will soon graduate with both her high school diploma and an A.S. in Forensic Science. The White family worships at Peerless Road Church of God of Prophecy, where faith and service remain central to their lives.

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Hope and Healing in Faith

Hope and Healing in Faith

About Focus Forward Ministry

Our Mission

Capturing moments of faith and community spirit

Welcome to Focus Forward Ministries

Kȟolá

Welcome

Faith & Religion Hub

Ministry in Action

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact Me

Questions or Comments

Focus Forward Ministries

Get in Touch!

Social

Focus Forward Ministries

Vernon VanDeventer

Vernon VanDeventer

Vernon VanDeventer

Phillip S. Maddux

Vernon VanDeventer

Vernon VanDeventer

Nancy Glover

Vernon VanDeventer

Norman Wojcik

Norman Wojcik

Vernon VanDeventer

Norman Wojcik

Focus Forward Ministries

John gann

Dr. John White

Dr. John White

Dr. John White

Dr. John White

Dr. John White

Hope and Healing in Faith

Hope and Healing in Faith

About Focus Forward Ministry

Our Mission

Capturing moments of faith and community spirit

Welcome to Focus Forward Ministries

Kȟolá

Welcome

Faith & Religion Hub

Ministry in Action

Frequently Asked Questions

Subscribe

Contact Me

Questions or Comments

Focus Forward Ministries

Get in Touch!

Social

Focus Forward Ministries

Vernon VanDeventer

Vernon VanDeventer

Vernon VanDeventer

Phillip S. Maddux

Vernon VanDeventer

Vernon VanDeventer

Nancy Glover

Vernon VanDeventer

Norman Wojcik

Norman Wojcik

Vernon VanDeventer

Norman Wojcik

Focus Forward Ministries

John gann

Dr. John White

Dr. John White

Dr. John White

Dr. John White

Dr. John White

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