Archives: Hosts

Dr. Joel R. Beeke is president and professor of systematic theology and homiletics at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, a pastor of the Heritage Reformed Congregation in Grand Rapids, Michigan, editor of Banner of Sovereign Grace Truth, and editorial director of Reformation Heritage Books. He has written or co-authored over one hundred books, edited another one hundred books, and contributed thousands of articles to numerous publications. His PhD is in Reformation and Post-Reformation theology from Westminster Theological Seminary (Philadelphia). He is frequently called upon to lecture at seminaries and to speak at Reformed conferences around the world. He and his wife Mary have been blessed with three children and seven grandchildren.

Mindy Miller (Sales Director at Witte Travel) and Eric Kuhn invite you to experience Croatia. Mindy and Eric have traveled widely and enjoy exploring new destinations with the camaraderie of a Witte group. City High alums with degrees from U of M and GVSU, Mindy and Eric have four daughters between them, a dog, and a cat. These outdoor enthusiasts appreciate experiencing new cultures, landscapes, and perspectives. They will ensure everyone has a great time, offering suggestions for activities, travel guidance, and the comfort of traveling with Witte. They welcome you for an unforgettable experience!

Rev. Jim Pollard is hosting another tour to Oberammergau, Germany to see the famous Passion Play. Jim is a Michigan native and has been a pastor for more than 20 years. Having served churches in Lake Geneva, WI, Harbor Springs, MI,
and now Grand Rapids, MI, he loves to travel and host tours. “I took 26 people to see the Passion Play in 2010, and it changed my life. From the dramatic entrance of Jesus on a donkey, to the crucifixion and resurrection, I was mesmerized.” It is an honor to host this tour once again and share this incredible experience with more people.

John and Rachel are native West Michiganders and enthusiastic national park visitors. John grew up in the Witte Travel family—son of the founder and owners Henk and Thressa—and currently serves as the Dean of Students at Calvin University where he’s worked for 29 years. Rachel works part time in the accounting department at Home Repair Services in Grand Rapids and is the bookkeeper at their home church, First CRC.

Ken Bratt is a retired professor of Classics at Calvin University and a specialist in Greek and Roman archaeology. Over the past 30 years, he has led 24 trips of student and adult groups to Greece, Turkey, and Italy.

John and Kathy are avid travelers. They enjoy visiting new places, experiencing different cultures, and meeting new people. This is their second European bike tour and they invite you to see the Netherlands from a bike.

Karin Maag was born and brought up in Montréal, Canada, so this tour brings her back to familiar sites! She has served as director of the Meeter Center for Calvin Studies and professor of History at Calvin University since 1997. Her area of specialty is the social history of the Reformation, but she enjoys all areas of history, and has gladly shared her knowledge and expertise with CALL participants every semester since 2000! In her spare time, she enjoys swimming, riding her bicycle, baking, choral singing, and reading historical fiction.