STAFF

MEET OUR STAFF

Sam Ashmore

Pastor

Sam is originally from Arlington, Texas, but has been in Sioux Center for 9 of the past 13 years. He is even becoming more Iowan than Texan as he enjoys so much about living in Sioux Center – knowing many people, walking most places (NEVER in winter though), and the slowness and contentment Sioux Center can bring. He loves living in Sioux Center!

More than that, He loves the people in Sioux Center, and getting to serve as Co-Pastor at Bridge of Hope alongside his wife, Gail. It is his dream! The love and grace of Jesus has transformed Sam, and he SO badly want others to know that love. To know the tender, patient, strong, trustworthy, and transforming love and grace of Jesus.

Sam has his Master of Divinity from Reformed Theological Seminary, and an undergrad in Theology with an emphasis in Biblical Studies and Missions/Evangelism from Dordt University (formerly Dordt College). Sam has taught in schools, pastored youth, and currently serves as Campus Pastor at Dordt University as well.

Personally, Sam’s wife, Gail, and him have two sons, Zion (6) and Judah (4). They are full of life and the most fun hang you will ever have! Sam is a HUGE Dallas Cowboys fan, and any other Dallas area sports team. He enjoys good coffee, earning credit card points, bouncing his sons WAY to high on the trampoline, and any place that has mountains or a beach (preferably both).

Gail Ashmore

Pastor

Gail is a Sioux Center native with a heart for the people here. She loves her roles as wife to Sam, mom to Zion and Judah, and pastor. Out of the overflow of what God has done in her life, she desires to shepherd others into a deeper relationship with God and the reality of His transforming love. In 2023, she completed her Masters of Ministry Leadership at Calvin Theological Seminary with an emphasis in Pastoral Leadership. Before joining Bridge of Hope, she served in pastoral care at Dordt University for three years. In her free time, you might find her playing Legos with her sons, running, reading Brennan Manning, sipping on coffee, trying new foods, or porch sitting with her husband Sam.

Gail is honored to partner with the body of Bridge of Hope. Through the preaching of God’s Word and care for the people, she seeks to enter into His vision and heart for the church. She is eager to witness how God brings Heaven to Earth through this body of people. Her prayer is that we would continue to belong with Jesus, be transformed by the abundant life He brings, and embody His love to the world.

Ruth Ruter

Church Administrator / Ministry Coordinator

Ruth grew up in Phoenix, Arizona. She came to Northwest Iowa to attend Dordt University. Following college, Ruth worked for Dordt's Printing Department as typesetter and layout artist. Once beginning a family, she began working at Covenant CRC in Sioux Center as the administrative assistant and was there for 25 years. She has worked at Bridge of Hope since the spring of 2012.

Ruth and husband Dave have lived in Sioux Center since marrying. They raised 3 kids who are now each raising families of their own—their oldest son Matt lives in Centennial, Colorado, with his wife and two sons; son Luke lives in Denver, Colorado, with his wife and three children; and their daughter Ellie and husband are raising their kids in Sioux Center.

In her free time, Ruth enjoys spending time with her family and friends, being involved in church, various ministries, the community, traveling and camping.

Ruth enjoys working at Bridge of Hope. She likes helping people and providing support where needed. She knows a common problem in churches is having things fall between the cracks and looks for ways to help avoid that from happening. She also values the unique opportunities this job provides to minister to others and is thankful she can offer support.

Kira Ouwinga

Youth Director

Kira was born and raised in Sioux Center, Iowa, and loves being a part of this small-town community! She graduated from Dordt with a major in Youth Ministry & Missions, as well as a minor in Sociology.

Kira and her family have attended Bridge of Hope for several years and Kira is also involved as a worship leader. In her free time, Kira enjoys spending time outdoors, hiking, kayaking, reading, playing games, spending time with family and friends, playing guitar/singing, cooking, and of course, working with the youth! She also has a heart for missions and loves to travel to see and explore more of God’s beautiful creation and the cultures within it. She has been to over half of the states in the U.S. and 8 different countries, plus plans to explore and visit many more! Spending time with kids has always been a passion of Kira’s, and she loves her role of coming alongside them and mentoring them in their stage of life. She loves serving joyfully in her role at Bridge & building intentional relationships with her students!

Sarah Stoub

Sunday School Director

Sarah graduated from Calvin College with a BA in Elementary Education and has a Masters in Special Education from Dordt University. She has lived in 7 different states (Ohio, Michigan, New York, Connecticut, California, Florida, and Iowa) and has had a lot of unique opportunities to work with children and families. Some of her favorite jobs were a multilingual program for low-income families in Los Angeles and a program that brought children and seniors together in an intergenerational early childhood center housed in a nursing home! Sarah currently works at Sioux Center Christian School as a 2nd grade teacher. She has also served as a Stephen Minister, Children and Worship leader, and Vacation Bible School Director, as well as many years in the nursery and Sunday School classroom. She currently volunteers with two great organizations who help kids: All Kids Can, an organization that helps families with a need participate in sports and fine arts, and Royal Family Kids Camp, a camp for children in the foster care system. Her hobbies include reading, playing games, swimming, biking, hiking, scuba diving, and traveling. I also like to hang out with my 2 adult children, Rachel and Tyler. Sarah is very grateful for the chance to give her faith hands and feet here at Bridge of Hope and thankful for this amazing opportunity to serve.

Becky Ringsby

Worship Coordinator

I am excited to be serving as the Worship Coordinator at Bridge of Hope. I’ve been blessed to play a part in the worship of my home church almost my entire life, and I’m so grateful to continue being involved in this way here in Sioux Center.

I grew up in Ames, Iowa and attended Iowa State University and then Greenville University in Greenville, Illinois where I earned a music business degree (and met my husband, Erik!). I worked in Nashville, Tennessee for a year in the Christian music industry and then decided that I missed my home in Iowa. I was able to convince California-born Erik that living in Iowa isn’t too bad…I must have been right, because we’re still here! Erik and I have two daughters, Alayna (23) and Ally (20). We spent 22 years living and raising our family in Story City, Iowa until we made the move to Sioux Center in the summer of 2023. We are both blessed to work at Dordt University where Erik teaches in the Education Department, and I serve as the Alumni and Signature Events Coordinator.

Aimee Van Middendorp

Congregational Caregiver

Aimee was born and raised in Sioux Center, Iowa. She graduated from Unity Christian in 2001 and went on to Le Mars Beauty college. After graduating in 2003, Aimee went to work at Fine Design salon in Sioux Center for 3 and a half years. She then started her own salon, A Lasting Impression in 2006. Her 20 years working behind the chair have fed her passion for being a listening ear and helping the hurting.

Aimee married Jason Van Middendorp in 2006 and moved to his family farm west of Sioux Center. Jason works at Ver Hoef Automotive as a parts specialist. They have 3 kids, Kinzie, Bailey and Jayce, who are currently attending Sioux Center Christian. As a family they enjoy camping, volleyball, basketball(Hawkeyes!), golfing, and spending time with family and friends.

Aimee has been a part of Bridge of Hope since 2000. She joined and made profession of faith as a Senior in high school. Bridge is more than a church to her, it's her family. She is humbled and grateful for the opportunity to serve the members of Bridge of Hope. Galatians 5:13-14 "You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: Love your neighbor as yourself"

Judy Dirkse

Congregational Caregiver

Judy grew up in Oostburg Wisconsin. She graduated from Deaconess School of Nursing in 1966 and married her husband, Roger, 6 weeks later. She has 2 children, 5 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.

Judy moved to Sioux Center after her husband died in 1994 to be near her daughter.

Judy worked as a floor nurse at Sheboygan Memorial Hospital for 12 years and taught at the area Technical School for 14 years. Her last job as Children’s librarian at Sioux Center Public Library was her favorite and she regretfully retired at age 74 years.

Her prayer has been that she finish strong so she has been happy to accept the position of Congregational Care.

Cindy Groeneweg

Treasurer

Many years ago, probably eighteen+ years, Cindy Groeneweg began volunteering her time as Bridge’s treasurer. Cindy, who grew up in Sioux Center, and husband Brian and four kids, became members of Bridge of Hope in its early years of existence. She soon knew she could be of some assistance by simply volunteering to help with counting money and making deposits. There were no employees when she started—not even a pastor or secretary.

Her volunteer position grew over the years and today she plays a significant role in helping the Service Shepherds in numerous ways. Bridge is thankful that Cindy was a faithful servant behind the scenes for so many years and that this volunteer position is now a paid staff position.