HOLLAND, MI (WHTC-AM/FM) – The challenges are there for Todd Krygsheld.
About six weeks ago (Mar. 1, 2021), he took over as the Executive Director of Escape Ministries, filling a position that had been held on an interim basis by Bob Ellis since the resignation last fall of Pastor Willie Watt. Although he has had experience as a chaplain at the Ottawa County Jail and the Holland Rescue Mission, as well as a lead pastor at Ebenezer Reformed Church in Holland, Krygsheld is aware that he brings a different dynamic to Escape than that of Watt.
“A lot of our students have experienced trauma and adverse childhood experiences,” he said on “WHTC Talk of the Town” during a recent appearance. “Most of our kids would probably score six or higher on that, but what I know to be true is that positive is the trump card in that. Whatever trauma you’re bringing, I may not understand it fully, but I know that, as we walk together, grow together, learn together, and hold each other, crying with each other, laugh with each other, that is a significance that is life-changing.”
Krysgheld is emphasizing doing things “higher, wider, deeper and longer” as he assumes operational leadership of the non-profit organization “dedicated to intervene in the lives of youth who fall between the cracks of community resources and help them successfully navigate to a positive life experience through Gospel-rooted relationships,” according to an Escape Ministries statement.
