John and Rachel are native West Michiganders. John grew up in the Witte Travel family and currently serves as the Dean of Students at Calvin University where he’s worked for more than 30 years. Rachel works part-time in the accounting department at Home Repair Services in Grand Rapids and is the bookkeeper at their home church. They have three adult children and an adorable mini goldendoodle. As past tour leaders, they love exploring the Netherlands and ensuring the best experience for Witte Travel group members!
For more information, contact John and Rachel at .
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.
The Blamers have traveled to Israel 16 times since 2000 and they have a passion for sharing God’s story. They have participated in biblical journeys, studied at Jerusalem University College, and led a number of groups through the land. Jeff and Karen are eager to help others grow in their faith through this life-changing experience. Jeff spent over 40 years in Christian education, including 26 as principal at Kalamazoo Christian Schools. He recently retired from his position as Vice President of Member Services for Christian Schools International. Karen is a semi-retired family nurse practitioner.
Frances Nelson is President of the National Federation of Music Clubs, and also serves as Vice President of the National Music Council and as an honorary music advisor for the Debussy Trio Music Foundation. She earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Piano from Mississippi College and a Master of Music Education Degree from Jackson State University. She is presently the Organist/Choirmaster at the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle in Jackson MS. In addition, she has served as a funeral chapel organist for 25 years, and is currently Chapel Organist at Sebrell Funeral Home in Ridgeland MS. She regularly works as a pianist and organist for weddings and recitals and collaborates with other musicians.
Luther and Cindy Oberhaus spent their first 40+ years as Ohio ‘Buckeyes’ and now live in Louisville, Kentucky. Retired now, Luther was a marketing executive for a regional meat company and Cindy worked in IT for the past 25+ years. Luther continues to direct a nearby Lutheran Church Choir (his first and forever true vocation), as well as leading a weekly Bible study. They have two grown children and two grandchildren. They have organized and led groups of varying size on tours to Germany, Spain, Italy, France, the Netherlands, and beyond. “We enjoy and encourage fellow travelers to explore and enjoy the culture of each unique country we visit. We are Lutherans but always inclusive other faiths.”
Bruce and Judy enjoy exploring the rich cultural heritage and the stunning architecture and soothing landscapes of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the country of their ancestors. They’ve hosted several bike-and-barge excursions throughout the country, and have made several other pilgrimages to the Netherlands for business and pleasure over the years. As a journalist for the Chicago Tribune, Bruce covered Pope John Paul II’s “Pausbezoek” to the Low Countries in 1985.
