Hope Haven Gospel Mission
Hope Haven Leadership
The dedicated team at Hope Haven is committed to serving those in need with care and compassion. We strive to be the hands and feet of Christ while working constantly to ensure that the dignity of everyone we encounter is maintained and that physical and spiritual needs are met.
Pastor John Robbins
Current Executive Director • pastorjohn@hhgm.info
Pastor John Robbins has been engaged with Homeless Missions work for over 23 years. Pastor John joined Hope Haven’s team of dedicated staff in 2002, becoming the Executive Director of Hope Haven in 2012. Prior to coming to Maine, Pastor John has an extensive history serving others both through his work in the Armed Forces, and his ministry work. After serving 4 years active duty in the United States Marine Corps, and 11 years as a Naval Reservist, Pastor John chose a life of servitude, working for homeless ministries in Florida and Louisiana before making Maine his home.
Pastor John has a Master’s Degree in Ministry, with a Minor in Pastoral Counseling from the Andersonville Theological Seminary. His extensive service in the military and his theological training enhanced Pastor John’s leadership qualities which are necessary in order to effectively minister to those in need who seek care and compassion offered by Hope Haven Gospel Mission.
Beverly Robbins
Office Manager • revandbev@msn.com
Born and raised in Buffalo, NY, Beverly Robbins has been a believer in Christ since she was a young girl. A devoted military wife of 44 years, mother of five children, grandmother to fourteen children, Beverly works tirelessly to support others, both in the shelter and in the community. As Hope Haven's Communications and Events Coordinator, Beverly organizes and facilitates events at Hope Haven, allowing community members and volunteers the opportunity to support this ministry while offering hope and compassion to those who need it most. Beverly engages in a number of other philanthropic pursuits as well, and is the State Vice Regent for the Daughters of the American Revolution as well as the Vice President of the Androscoggin Historical Society.
Pastor Willie Ponds
New Executive Director • hopehavengospelmissiom@gmail.com
Hailing from Norfolk, Virginia, and nurtured in the Cavalier Manor area of Portsmouth, Pastor Ponds is a dedicated servant of faith, a proud veteran of the U.S. Army, and a former professional basketball athlete with a 15-year tenure in the NBA and FIBA leagues. Alongside his beloved wife, Verlene Robinson Ponds, they are blessed with a family of five children. His journey of service includes a significant tenure as Shelter Manager and Chapel Pastor at Union Mission in Norfolk, Virginia, for half a decade. His commitment to ministry continued at Trinity Rescue Mission in Jacksonville, Florida, where he served as Study Hall Coordinator, Bible Teacher, and Chaplain at Signature Medical Center from August 2007 until 2018.
Presently, he is the Assistant Pastor and Outreach Pastor at Faith Baptist Church in Auburn, Maine, serving under the guidance of Senior Pastor Jon Case. Pastor Ponds is well-equipped with a Bachelor’s degree in Theology, Christian Education, and Biblical Studies, focusing on both the Old and New Testaments, from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia; and finishing his studies with seminary school in Richmond, Virginia. His pastoral calling was affirmed through his licensing and ordination at Grove Baptist Church in Portsmouth, Virginia, under the mentorship of Dr. Melvin O. Marriner, Senior Pastor
Joselyn Griggs
Shelter Manager • hopehavengospelmissiom@gmail.com
Hailing from Caguas, Puerto Rico, and nurtured in the community of Springfield, Massachusetts, Joselyn is a testament to faith and family. A devoted follower of Christ, she has shared a loving partnership with her husband, Bruce Griggs, for a quarter of a century and is the proud mother of five. Her proficiency shines in her command of Microsoft Office tools, including Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Publisher. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Office Management, Joselyn’s leadership has spanned a diverse array of roles. At Hope Haven Gospel Mission, she has skillfully overseen operations in Security, Food Service, and Donations, meticulously managed financial records, and ensured the integrity of all monetary transactions. In addition to her financial acumen, she diligently administers the payroll and oversees all procurement for the mission, ensuring the organization’s needs are met with precision and care.