Meet our founder

Pastor Willie J. Watt, Jr.

Pastor Willie’s passion and drive is to help the youth and people that truly need help get their life back on the road to success.

For over 16 years, Willie J Watt Jr has been a noteworthy leader in the West Michigan community. You may know him from his work as the Founder and Executive Director of Escape Ministries in 2008 and in the midst of Covid in 2020 started Lifeline Ministries. He has been a great resource for teens and young adults and their families. He was ordained as a Commission Pastor when he was a member at Christ Memorial Church. During his tenure with Escape Ministries in 2012, he orchestrated and launched a program to give 500 youth a second chance to restore themselves and their education. In 2013, he started a youth summer jobs program with the City of Holland. Now known as Career Connections, the program to this day continues to provide 40+ youth every year with jobs, skill development, career exposure, and mentoring relationships. Early on in Willie’s ministry career he also founded the Open Arms ministry which has fed over 3,000 families in Ottawa County and met their basic needs. After Willie resigned at Escape Ministries in 2020 he felt that the Lord had opened another door for him and this time, the drive to help change the lives of many homeless and displaced people is at the heart of his calling through Lifeline Ministries.

Meet Our Board Members

  • Marife Vander Schuur

    ADMINISTRATIVE & OPERATIONS SUPPORT AT LIFELINE MINISTRIES

    Lifeline Ministries is important to Marife because God called her in this season of her life for this purpose of being the hands and feet of Christ with Pastor Willie and the rest of the people who believe in its mission which is to give hope and encouragement to those who seek the truth and love Jesus.

  • Pamela Simmons

    Minister Pamela is both a wife and mother. Prior to her being called out by the Holy Spirit to minister the gospel of Jesus Christ, Pamela served as a Corporate Secretary, Financial treasurer and mentor for women, a minister in the Van Buren County Correctional Facility. Certified Recovery Coach.

    The mission of Lifeline Ministries enables her to share the same passion to reveal this life-transforming truth of Jesus Christ to hurting people who are hungry not just in our community but all over the world.

  • Willy Moore

    Retired from Trendway. A father and a loving husband. Loves to help those in need. Always giving a willing hand. Willy got involved building the huts and I felt a desire to help the ministry in any way he’s able to do.

  • Paula Welsh

    Paula Welsh boasts an illustrious career spanning 25 years in corporate America, where she made significant contributions at Nissan Motor Corp. and Electronic Data Systems. Following her corporate tenure, she embarked on a remarkable journey as an owner and innkeeper of a charming Bed & Breakfast in Union Pier, MI, where she dedicated 21 years to creating memorable experiences for guests. Beyond her professional endeavors, Paula generously volunteers her time and expertise to assist with research projects, grant applications, and crafting impactful letters, showcasing her unwavering commitment to community service and advocacy.

  • Jeanne Martinez

    A long-time healthcare professional with a passion for end-of-life care, she began volunteering at 15. She has a strong desire to help others and actively contributes her time and talent to the ministry. She values personal connections, views everyone as a potential friend, and uses her communication and problem-solving skills to support the ministry. Committed to advocating for the homeless, she emphasizes learning, transparency, and collaboration to strengthen the ministry's mission. In her free time, she enjoys reading and spending time with her furry friends.

  • Hope Watt

    A dedicated army veteran with combat experience in Afghanistan, currently pursuing a degree in social work to further her passion for assisting those in need. She finds fulfillment in supporting others, often collaborating with Pastor Willie to extend a helping hand. Together, they nurture a loving family consisting of three cherished daughters, two loyal dogs, and one affectionate cat.