Focus Forward Ministries Board of Directors

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. 

 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 doctorate 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. 

Secretary

Nancy is a dedicated school teacher who became connected with Focus Forward Ministries after learning about a mission trip to an Indian Reservation. Since then, she has remained actively involved, finding joy and purpose in serving children and making a lasting difference in their lives. A faithful member of Peerless Road Church, she makes her home in Cleveland, Tennessee. Outside of ministry and teaching, she enjoys scrapbooking, dining out, and spending time with family and friends. 

Treasurer 

 Norm is a retired elementary school teacher and high school counselor with a lifelong passion for Christian service. His walk with Christ began while serving in the United States Air Force, where he worked as a secretary to the chaplain and managed the chapel’s finances as bookkeeper. That experience, along with more than 22 years as treasurer at his local church, provided a strong foundation in both ministry and financial stewardship. When invited by the president of Focus Forward Ministries to serve on the board as treasurer, Norm gladly accepted. With a deep love for Christian missions, he is honored to help advance the ministry’s work in such a meaningful way. 

Board Member
 

 John 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.

Board Member

 John 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 as a cardiac RN, high school biology teacher, and pastor of a small country church.

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.