Longtime Missionary Winona Beukema Dies at 91

December 13, 2016

Longtime Missionary Winona Beukema Dies at 91

December 13, 2016

(Dec. 13, 2016 - by Harold Goerzen) Winona J. Beukema of Norwich Township, Mich., died on Saturday, Dec. 10, surrounded by her loved ones. She and her late husband, Robert “Bob,” served with Reach Beyond a total of 41 years before retiring in the U.S. in 1989. She was 91.

Winona and Bob Beukema

“Her health started declining a couple of months ago, and in the last few weeks her health deteriorated rapidly,” wrote her daughter Carolyn Wanky.

“We are so thankful that she had enjoyed 91 years of strength and generally good health and that there was not a protracted illness,” Wanky continued. “She was able to see each of her five children in the last couple of months and ended her time on earth at the home of her daughter Sue on the land she loved.”

Born on Aug. 4, 1925, in Big Rapids, Mich., Winona was the daughter of John and Reva (Sawyer) Westover and graduated from Big Rapids High School in 1943. Winona then attended Moody Bible Institute in Chicago where she met her husband, Bob, and they were married on Aug. 21, 1948.

A year later the Beukemas arrived in Ecuador to serve as missionaries with Reach Beyond before they had any children. They later served with HOXO in Panama. Bob was known for his resonant radio voice and was often referred to as the “Voice of the Andes.” He served primarily in radio and television programming, music and administration.

Winona Beukema: 1925-2016

The Beukemas lived in many places, but Big Rapids was always home. Winona was a member of First Baptist Church of Big Rapids as well as Wealthy Park Baptist Church in Grand Rapids, Mich. She loved to work outside in the woods and spent much time caring for her yard and garden.

Winona was preceded in death by her husband, Bob, of 52 years. He died on April 27, 2001. She is missed by two sons, Ronald and Steven; three daughters, Sue Ann, Anita and Carolyn; as well as 12 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service is set for 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 14, at First Baptist Church in Big Rapids.

Sources: Reach Beyond, Mohnke Funeral Home

Director of Church & Donor Partnerships

Position Summary: The Director of Church & Donor Partnerships strengthens Reach Beyond’s ministry by cultivating purposeful, trust-based relationships with churches, pastors, donors, and mission-minded individuals. Serving as a storyteller, encourager, and connector, this role invites the Body of Christ to join in God’s mission to reach those with little or no access to the Gospel.

Working closely with the Mobilization and Development teams, this person helps raise up new workers, strengthen church partnerships, and resource strategic ministry initiatives—always with a posture of discernment, prayer, and long-term stewardship.

Location: Colorado Springs or remote

Employment Type: Full time with employer-paid benefits, including medical coverage, retirement plan, and paid time off.

What This Role Does (Core Responsibilities)

1. Church Partnership Development

This role serves as a relational bridge between Reach Beyond, churches, and missionaries.

The Director:

Maintains strong relationships with existing partner churches and develops 2–4 new church partnerships annually
Shares the vision of Reach Beyond, helping churches understand and engage with the needs of the unreached
Equips churches with resources that support missionaries and foster long-term, healthy partnerships
Collaborates closely with missionaries as they engage their sending and supporting churches

2. Donor Ministry & Stewardship

This role views donor relationships as ministry and discipleship, not transactions.

The Director:

Manages relationships with approximately 12 key donor accounts
Walks alongside donors with discernment—guiding them through education, cultivation, solicitation, and appreciation
Communicates clearly about ministry priorities, impact opportunities, and project funding goals
Maintains accurate, timely records in the donor management system to ensure thoughtful follow-up and accountability

3. Representation & Engagement

This role serves as a public voice and relational presence for Reach Beyond.

The Director:

Represents Reach Beyond at 3–5 regional or national events annually, with intentional follow-up for every connection
Communicates the story of God’s work in Reach Beyond through stage presentations, small groups, and media opportunities
Participates fully in staff meetings, chapels, retreats, and organizational prayer rhythms

4. Reporting, Collaboration & Administration

This role balances relational ministry with faithful stewardship and teamwork.

The Director:

Provides quarterly written reports tracking progress toward mobilization and development goals
Works closely with the Mobilization and Development Directors to align efforts and communicate organizational priorities
Upholds organizational policies and maintains healthy, proactive communication across teams

You must be authorized to work in the United States.

We participate in the federal E-Verify program. See more information at:

https://reachbeyond.org/e-verify-right-to-work.pdf
https://reachbeyond.org/e-verify-participation.pdf

Why Join Reach Beyond? At Reach Beyond, we cultivate a culture rooted in relationship, collaboration, and dependence on God. Our mission is to see unreached people transformed in Christ through media, healthcare, and community development. As the Director of Church & Donor Partnerships, you’ll play a vital role in advancing God's mission and have the opportunity to grow personally and professionally while making a lasting global impact.

All applicants must be able to sign the Reach Beyond Statement of Faith.

Apply Now: Join us in fulfilling God’s calling to bring hope and transformation to the unreached. Complete the application here. Contact [email protected] if you have questions.