STEVEN STERN

Steven Stern founded GWMAW in April of 2022. Adoption has showed up consistently throughout his life. He was blessed to find out that he had a half-sister who had been placed for adoption when he was in junior high. Steven and Chelsea have been married since 2009 and completed a domestic adoption in 2013, welcoming their son Samuel. Then again, in 2018, they completed an international adoption from Colombia to bring home their three daughters Valeri, Adriana, and Dulce Maria.

Steven got his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Augustana College in 2009. He worked for a few years in pharmacy management before feeling called into ministry. He completed his Master of Divinity from Lincoln Christian University in Lincoln, IL. Since 2012, he has served in full-time pastoral ministry through the local church. 

When he isn’t working at church or on the non-profit, he enjoys spending time with his children, wife, and friends. He enjoys baking projects, working out, reading and watching movies.

Chelsea Stern

Chelsea Stern joined GWMAW from the beginning, after God made clear that it would honor Him and bless others. Chelsea gained an early awareness of adoption through a childhood friend. Having seen what a blessing adoption was for both their friends and family Chelsea and Steven decided to start their family through adoption. Two adoptions and four children later, she is excited to help others bring children into their “forever homes.”

Chelsea has an Associate in Applied Science and currently works for a sleep lab. She enjoys that her job is flexible and allows for a lot of family time.

Outside of work, Chelsea enjoys coffee with friends, exercising, and would be classified as a foodie.

Steve Surratt

Steve Surratt joined GWMAW after meeting with his seminary friend on a visit.  Steven Stern shared a vision with him that struck a chord with not only Steve but his wife Lisa. Steve has a passion for ministry and serves as Pastor of the First Christian Church – Mt. Sterling IL and the Clayton Christian Church – Clayton IL.  He is also the founder of Hope Through Faith Ministries, Inc. a non-profit that “Helps Build Healthy People, Health Churches, and Healthy Communities.”  GWMAW fits perfectly in HTFM’s mission statement and Christian Beliefs.

Steve received his bachelor’s degree in General Studies at Western Illinois University and his master’s degree in counseling from Lincoln Christian University.  That is where he met Steven Stern in 2010.

When he isn’t working at church or on the non-profit, he enjoys traveling with his wife Lisa of 20 years and broadcasting sporting events in his local community of Mt. Sterling.

Carol Nelson

Carol Nelson has been a board member of GWMAW since it started in April of 2022. She is passionate about and understands the importance of helping families bring their kids home. Carol has been in charge of the Missions and Outreach team at her church for over a decade, working closely with both domestic and international organizations. 

Carol has also led multiple classes on personal and business finance. She is very familiar with creating budgets, handling multiple bank accounts totaling over $300,000 in assets and serving as chairwoman of her church’s council. 

Carol and her husband, Dean, live in Charleston, IL and enjoy spending time with their grandchildren and great-grandchildren in their free time.