Starting in July 2018, Cathy Penelton will serve as Canadian Executive Director for Global Shore Opportunities, while current director, Joti Wall, begins maternity leave. On May 29th, the GSO Board of Directors announced the transition.
“Cathy brings a personal interest in missions and a wealth of relevant experience to this position. She has the right skill set, experience and personality for this position, and brings with her a strong faith and a firm belief in prayer. We believe these qualities will enable Cathy to serve as Executive Director and take GSO through the next stages of its development.”
Cathy joins us from Redeemer University College where she worked as a Senior Admissions Manager. Alongside her husband, Paul, and her two daughters, Kennedy & Brooklyn, Cathy has visited GSO Guatemala several times and remained a sponsor and advocate over the past several years.
“My points of intersection with GSO throughout the years have given me a deeper look into the heart of this organization,” Cathy wrote in our recent monthly update. “I have watched it and its leadership grow and develop and witnessed some amazing and miraculous transformations in the lives of staff, students and short term team members as they encounter the transforming power of God.
“I have been so impressed by the way God continues to focus this organization and have been inspired as GSO has boldly stepped out and expected God to take their prayer-soaked plans and bless their strategic efforts to meet the educational and spiritual needs of students and families in Guatemala.”
“My prayer is that God will give us eyes to see people the way He sees them, ears to hear His voice, and courage to step out in faith when He calls us to action."
The Board of Directors also acknowledged Joti Wall’s significant contribution during her tenure as Executive Director. “Her faithful service has been and is very much appreciated. Thank you, Joti. May the Lord bless you richly as you embark on this new and joyous adventure.”
For her part, Joti wanted to express her gratitude for the opportunity to serve as Executive Director since December 2016. “Being a part of the Global Shore family for the past year and a half has been a tremendous privilege. We’ve built new partnerships, added new personnel, and seen the organization through transition and growth. Being a small part of the incredible work God is doing in Guatemala has been a great joy.”
“I’m thrilled for this next stage of life as Marc and I welcome a new member into our family this fall, and am excited to pass my role to someone as wonderful and experienced as Cathy. She is going to be a blessing to this community, and we will see her gifts and talents move this ministry forward.”
Great to know that GSO will continue in great hands!