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 Willie Ponds
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.
V. Renee Robinson Ponds
Communication & Event Director • ReneePonds@HopeHavenGospelMission.onmicrosoft.com
Hailing from Portsmouth, Va and raised in Greenville, Ms. She returned to Portsmouth in her teens, a devoted follower of Christ. Has been married to Pastor Willie Ponds for 17 years and is mother of 5. She attended Tidewater Community College working towards a degree in Early Childhood Education from 1983-1985. Mrs. Ponds brings her vast experience to community outreach, and her years of ministry experience. She is looking forward to working with the Lewiston and Auburn communities.