Local Director
Marietjie van Straaten
If you haven’t met me yet, my name might give you a hint that I didn’t grow up in America but on a farm in the heart of South Africa's prairies. In South Africa, Marietjie is a common name, pronounced "Marie-Kee." My upbringing was deeply rooted in farm life, where I spent my days milking cows, gathering kindling for our stove, and appreciating electricity as a rare luxury.
After high school, I left the simplicity of farm life for the bright lights of Pretoria, where I attended the University of Pretoria. It was here that my life took a significant turn when I heard the gospel from Pastor Conrad Mbewe at a youth camp, leading me to a personal relationship with the Lord. My early dreams included becoming a missionary to Sudan, but God had different plans. I met the love of my life, Anton, and we eventually moved to Los Angeles, where he attended The Master's Seminary. We are blessed with two daughters, Naomi and Olivia.
For the past 22 years, God has placed a deep desire in my heart for children andchildren's ministry. From Northern California to North Dakota, I have been dedicated to leading and directing children's ministry, helping moms with toddlers find comfort, wisdom, and discernment from Scripture. My mission is to guide women and children towards knowing the one true God and to be saved through faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ.
I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be part of Child Evangelism Fellowship, where I continue to serve in the lives of children, teens, children's ministry workers, and moms. It's a joy and a privilege to help raise the next generation in the ways of the Lord.
Ministry Coordinator
Heather Gormsen
This past year, the Lord brought a tremendous blessing to our Northeast North Dakota team—Heather Gormsen, who stepped into the role of Ministry Coordinator in May. From her first day, Heather has shown a deep love for the Gospel, a sincere heart for children, and a joyful eagerness to serve. Her presence has already strengthened our ministry in beautiful ways.
Heather grew up in the northern suburbs of the Twin Cities with her parents and two older siblings. Although her mother faithfully brought her to church and AWANA, Heather looks back on her childhood and realizes she did not yet understand what it meant to follow Christ. She believed in Jesus but had not grasped the importance of repentance, life transformation, and the work of the Holy Spirit.
All of that began to change when she moved to Grand Forks in 2020 to attend UND. The Lord surrounded her with people who pointed her toward Him, led her to a church where she was convicted and awakened in her faith, and used that season to open her eyes to true repentance and surrender. Over the years, God has faithfully refined her heart and shaped her into a woman eager to serve Him wholeheartedly.
Before coming to CEF, Heather taught at HOPEful Beginnings as an assistant preschool teacher. There, she discovered how spiritually curious and open young children can be—how naturally they ask deep questions about God and the world He made. One little boy in particular asked so many questions about God’s character that Heather sensed the Lord stirring a passion in her to help children hear and understand the Gospel.
Heather joined CEF Northeast North Dakota in May and immediately felt welcomed, supported, and at home. While her new role doesn’t always place her directly in front of children, she loves equipping and encouraging others—helping volunteers, teachers, and missionaries plant Gospel seeds in young hearts.
One of Heather’s greatest passions is reaching boys and girls in our local schools. After seeing the impact of Christian education at the preschool level, she longs to bring the hope of Jesus to students who may not have access to the Gospel anywhere else.
This past fall, she had already partnered with wonderful volunteers in Hoople, and together they launched a brand-new Good News Club in January! From Go Clubs last summer to volunteers stepping forward this year, it has been incredible to watch God open doors in this community.
Heather invites you to join her in praying for the many communities and schools across Northeast North Dakota and Northwest Minnesota. There are countless children who still need to hear about Jesus, and Heather is excited to help lead the way in reaching them. We are deeply grateful for the joy, commitment, and faith Heather brings to our team. Please join us in welcoming her and praying for her as she continues to serve the Lord through CEF.