Grain of Wheat is an international Christian organization. We see each child becoming an ambassador of hope through Jesus Christ. Our mission is to reach the maximum number of children with the message of God’s love, and help them grow morally, socially, and spiritually through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. This is done in partnership with churches on the local level.
Who we are
Grain of Wheat is an international Christian organization. We see each child becoming an ambassador of hope through Jesus Christ. Our mission is to reach the maximum number of children with the message of God’s love, and help them grow morally, socially, and spiritually through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. This is done in partnership with churches on the local level.
‘We are called to be like Jesus. So, let us be like Jesus.”
“And if I can give love, if I can give hope, to any child, I can give him a future. If I can give him Jesus, I can give him eternity.’
Our name
Our name has both an historical and spiritual meaning. The founder of Grain of Wheat International, Jean André, was a Swiss businessman and director of one of the world’s largest grain shipping companies. Through his position, he was able to organize and fund opportunities for post-World War II European children to come to Switzerland. It was here that they were given the much-needed care that helped them recover from the trauma of war they had suffered. This was also a time that seeds of hope and love were sown into their hearts.
The spiritual meaning of our name lies in the story Jesus told about the farmer who sowed seed on various types of soil. Jean André used to say, ‘the good earth is like children, if you sow seeds of faith in their heart while they are young, those seeds will grow and produce a bountiful crop of fruit’. We believe personally knowing Jesus, is key to producing a spiritual change within children that reaches their family, communities, and even their country.
People behind Grain of Wheat
Board members Grain of Wheat International as of April 1, 2020:
Mr. Eric Lecomte – Chairman
Mr. Luc-André Neuenschwander – Secretary
Mr. Clément Friderici – Treasurer
Mr. Frans Koopmans – Member
Mrs Myriam Schaffter – Member
Remuneration policy
The board members of Grain of Wheat International receive no remuneration for their work for the foundation.
The salary of the director has been set in accordance with the applicable standards for non-profit organizations.
Grain of Wheat international foundation is registered in Switzerland since July 4th, 2006 and is recognized as an organization described in the section 501(c)(3).
Office
Rob Hondsmerk
CEO
+31 6 53 15 70 65
r.hondsmerk@grainofwheat.org
“Jesus’ Great Commandment was not only for adults but includes children as well. That’s why we believe in helping children to become disciples”
Pascal de Jong
Trainer/Coach
+31 6 22268160
p.dejong@grainofwheat.org
“Psalm 78 says that we should teach our children so that they would know God, put their trust in Him, and follow Him. To support others with that is where my heart is.”
Jean Pascal Richir
Ministry Coordinator
jp.richir@grainofwheat.org
“Our focus is on children, or should I say, faithful and responsible future adults? Proverbs 22:6 reminds us of the connection between both and statistics confirm it. I am honored to serve those who walk alongside children with this in mind.”
Katharina Kubli
Accountant
k.kubli@grainofwheat.org
“Psalm 78:5-7 teaches us how to trust in God and His commandments are passed down from one generation to the next. This chain of faith was broken, many parents are not believers and therefore cannot transmit faith to their children. The role of GWI is to restore this chain and it is a great honor and joy for me to be a part of this beautiful work.”
Elma van de Wijngaard
Personal Assistant CEO
e.vdwijngaard@grainofwheat.org
Mark 10:13-15
People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them.
When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.
Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”
Maximiliano Hernandez
Communication specialist
communication@grainofwheat.org
Mathew 18:3-5
“And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.”
