About Us
At Faith Excursions For Everyone, we are passionate about combining the beauty of the great outdoors with the power of faith. Our organization offers a wide range of faith-based outdoor excursions, providing opportunities for individuals to connect with nature while deepening their spiritual journey.
Whether you are interested in hunting, fishing, hiking, kayaking, foraging, camping, or seeking a spiritual retreat, Faith Excursions has something to offer everyone. We firmly believe that spending time in nature can be a powerful way to experience God’s presence and gain a deeper understanding of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
One of our core missions is to make faith-based excursions accessible to all, regardless of their circumstances. With this in mind, we actively raise funds and seek public and community support to provide all-expenses-paid Faith Excursions to youth with special needs and those from low socio-economic backgrounds.
Our dedication to inclusivity ensures that everyone has an opportunity to participate and experience the wonders of nature while growing in their faith. Through guided discussions, teachings, and spiritual reflection during our excursions, we strive to bring God and the Gospel to the forefront of each experience.
We invite you to join us on this incredible journey of faith and nature. Whether you are seeking to deepen your spiritual connection or looking to provide transformative experiences for youth in need, Faith Excursions For Everyone is here to guide you on a path of discovery, renewal, and joy.
Come and be part of our faith-based outdoor excursions, where the beauty of creation meets the power of faith, and hearts are touched and transformed. Together, let us embark on an unforgettable adventure, drawing closer to God and embracing the wonders of the natural world.
Statement of Faith
At Faith Excursions, we believe:
The Trinity
We believe in one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. They are co-equal and co-eternal.
Salvation through Christ Alone
We believe that salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, lived a sinless life, died on the cross for our sins, was buried, and rose from the dead on the third day. Through His sacrificial death and resurrection, He provided the only way for humanity to be reconciled to God.
Authority of Scripture
We believe that the Bible, both the Old and New Testaments, is the inspired and infallible Word of God. It is the final authority in all matters of faith and conduct. The Scriptures are living and active, relevant for today's world and for guiding our lives.
Non-Denominational
We are not affiliated with any specific denomination or tradition. We welcome individuals from diverse backgrounds and beliefs, united by our faith in Jesus Christ.
Meet Our Board
Roger Bennett
President & Treasurer
Raised in Romeo, MI, Roger Bennett has been a dedicated member of St. Clement Catholic Church since 1976. After graduating from Romeo High School in 1994, he faced a life-changing decision between pursuing ministry or embracing fatherhood. Opting for the latter, Roger embarked on a path of service in public education.
At Western Michigan University, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education, with endorsements in physical education and special education. Before completing his college journey, Roger married his high school sweetheart, Jessica, in 1999. Their family expanded with the arrival of Brooke in 2002, Natalie in 2004, and Luke in 2006. The birth of each child affirmed that fatherhood was indeed part of God’s plan for his life. Returning to Romeo after student teaching in Comstock and Detroit, Roger began his teaching career in special education at Romeo Middle School and Romeo High School, where he also coached football and wrestling. During these four and a half years, he pursued higher education, obtaining a master’s degree in education and then a specialist’s degree in school administration. In January 2005, he transitioned to become the assistant principal at Romeo Middle School, and in 2009, he was appointed principal of Amanda Moore Elementary School in Romeo.
Throughout his educational journey, Roger has prioritized leadership, advocating for students with special needs, and promoting social and emotional learning. After his faith, his dedication to his role as a husband and father are his highest priorities. His passions include, health and wellness, exercise, travel and all things related to the great outdoors, especially hunting whitetail deer and fishing for Steelhead.
Spiritually, Roger’s faith has been a constant source of strength and growth throughout his life. He has deepened his relationship with God through prayer, attending mass, and regular Bible study. A significant catalyst for his spiritual growth has been a small group of men with whom he has met weekly since 2017, sharing in the study of the Bible and supporting each other’s spiritual journey.
The inspiration for Faith Excursions For Everyone emerged from a profound synthesis of conversations within his small group, transformative spiritual experiences in the great outdoors, and a clear calling from God. Through Faith Excursions For Everyone, Roger is committed to combining his love for nature with his passion for faith, creating meaningful experiences that introduce Christianity to others and strengthen the faith of those already engaged in the journey.
Pastor Steve Barkey has dedicated his life to Christian ministry, having served as a Youth Pastor from 1994 to 2003 and intermittently from 2003 to the present day. In the summer of 2003, Pastor Steve, along with his wife Sharon and their two daughters, Brianna and Brooke, embarked on a transformative journey to Washington, Michigan. There, they founded Orchard Ridge Church, a humble congregation that started with just 25 members gathering in a residential basement.
Over the course of 18 years, Orchard Ridge Church operated as a portable congregation, holding services in local schools. Their unwavering commitment to faith and community led to a significant milestone in September 2021 when they realized their dream of opening their very own church building on 23 acres in Washington Township.
Pastor Steve’s deep love for Christ is evident in his dedication to serving the Romeo/Washington community in various impactful ways. He is a passionate follower of Jesus and has a profound appreciation for the transformative power of small group discipleship ministry.
In his free time, Pastor Steve finds joy in various interests and hobbies. He has a deep appreciation for music and theater, enjoys traveling to MLB ballparks, indulges in the hobby of baseball card collecting, and proudly supports MSU Spartan athletics. He is also an avid fan of the Cincinnati Bengals.
Curt Rienas
Vice President
Raised in Romeo, MI, Curt Rienas’s spiritual foundation was built at the Armada Methodist Church where his mother served as the choir director and father was on the church board. After graduating from Romeo High School in 1995, he went on to play football at Grand Valley State University where he was team captain and preseason all-american.
At Grand Valley State University, Curt earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, Physical education, and secondary education. Curt married the love of his life, Laura, in 2000. They have two daughters, Kayleigh and Addison. Returning to Romeo after student teaching in Allendale, Curt began his teaching and football coaching career at Romeo High School. While raising a family, teaching science and physical education and coaching football Curt obtained a master’s degree in education. In 2003 Curt was named head coach for Romeo’s varsity football program. Throughout his tenure as football coach Curt has put building strong relationships and building character above winning. In 2015 Curt helped lead the Romeo Bulldogs to a Division I state championship the first in school history.
Curt was selected by the Romeo Baccalaureate Committee to be the 2015 keynote speaker where he shared his testimony and faith filled words of inspiration with graduating seniors and their families. Curt started a youth group at Romeo High School in 2016 and he started a men’s group that same year. Those experiences played instrumental roles in deepening Curt’s faith and helping him grow closer to God.
After his faith, his dedication to his role as a husband and father are his highest priorities. His passions include, helping students/athletes find their special gift, disc golf, and fishing.
After many conversations and trips to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula with Roger the inspiration for Faith Excursions For Everyone continued to take shape. Curt’s services as board member is essential for the organization’s success and without Curt Faith Excursions For Everyone wouldn’t exist.
Jessica Bennett
Secretary
Jessica was raised in New Haven, where she attended Saint Francis of Assisi Church before moving during her junior year to attend Romeo High School. She continued to grow in her faith at St. Clement Catholic Church in Romeo, where she remains an active member today. Jessica graduated from Romeo High School in 1994, where she was a standout athlete, playing basketball and earning recognition as a four-time All-State softball player.
She went on to continue her softball career at Western Michigan University while pursuing a degree in secondary education. In 1999, Jessica married her husband, Roger, and it was during this time that her faith began to deepen and flourish. Together, they raised three children – Brooke, Natalie, and Luke – instilling in them the same strong values and commitment to faith.
Jessica began her teaching career at Capac Community Schools, where she made a significant impact both in and out of the classroom. She coached softball and basketball, served as a class sponsor, and led the National Honor Society. Her passion for health and wellness also led her to become a Level 1 CrossFit coach. She further shared her love for sports by coaching youth softball in the Romeo Softball League, where she had the special opportunity to coach her own daughters.
In 2012, Jessica returned to Romeo, teaching health and physical education at both the middle and high school levels. She holds a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Concordia University. While raising three highly active children involved in competitive sports, she stepped back from coaching for a time. Once they were grown, she returned to the sidelines as an assistant varsity basketball coach and currently serves as a strength and conditioning coach, powerlifting coach, and assistant varsity softball coach.
Jessica draws daily inspiration from her family and their shared faith journey. Watching Roger bring the vision of Faith Excursions for Everyone to life has been both inspiring and affirming of God’s love and guidance. She has also supported the Romeo High School Fellowship of Christian Athletes and is excited to be part of Faith Excursions for Everyone, looking forward to the meaningful impact it will have on many lives.
Bernie Osebold
Trustee
Bernie Osebold was raised across several regions of the Midwest and South, spending his early childhood years in Georgia before moving to Indiana for his middle and high school education. Originally planning to attend Purdue University, Bernie’s path shifted when his family decided to return to Michigan—a change that proved providential. Shortly after returning, he met the love of his life, Megan, and together they began a journey rooted in faith, family, and service.
Bernie attended Michigan State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in engineering. Megan also attended MSU, and during these formative years, Bernie began to sense a deeper calling beyond his original career plans. Though trained as an engineer, he felt a persistent pull toward teaching and a desire to positively impact public education. Following graduation, Bernie returned to school to pursue teaching certification and later earned a master’s degree from Wayne State University.
Over the course of his career, Bernie has served students at every level of education—elementary, middle, and high school—developing a leadership style centered on service, innovation, and growth. In 2016, he was appointed principal of Romeo High School and began a journey to help create a high school that changed the way teachers teach and students learn.
Alongside his professional journey, Bernie’s strongest desire was to be a husband and father. He and Megan have been blessed with five children: Molly, Charlotte, Barrett, and twins Henry and Jack. Fatherhood has profoundly shaped Bernie’s life, continually reinforcing his commitment to lead with love, patience, and purpose.
Spiritually, Bernie was raised in the Catholic Church, but through Megan’s family and their involvement at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Richmond, Michigan, he found a faith community that more closely aligned with his personal beliefs. While there, he was deeply engaged in the life of the church and served as president of St. Peter’s Board of Education. After joining the Romeo High School staff, Bernie and his family moved to the Romeo community and have since joined Grace Lutheran Church. In 2017, Bernie and a group of close friends began a Wednesday morning men’s Bible study, which has become a cornerstone of his spiritual growth, accountability, and deepening relationship with God.
Bernie’s love for the outdoors also developed later in life. Though the sportsman’s lifestyle was not part of his upbringing, returning to Michigan opened his eyes to the beauty of God’s creation. Fishing, hunting, and spending time outdoors with family and friends have become cherished pursuits, offering both renewal and reflection.
Above all, Bernie strives to live a life rooted in faith, family, and service—seeking to grow as a husband, father, educator, and man of God while encouraging others to do the same.
Jeremy Yarbrough
Trustee
Jeremy was born in Utica, Michigan, and attended Shiloh Temple with his parents and siblings. God has had His hand on Jeremy since the day he was born.
Jeremy’s family later moved to Romeo, Michigan, where he began fourth grade at Hamilton-Parsons Elementary School. After graduating from Romeo High School in 1995, Jeremy’s entrepreneurial spirit came to life when he co-founded JNL Excavating with his father and brother.
In 2006, Jeremy married the love of his life, Christy. Together, they have three daughters: Nora, Kate, and Meg. In 2015, Jeremy and Christy founded Yarbrough Insurance Group.
In his spare time, Jeremy enjoys spending time with his family at rodeos, sporting events, and in the great outdoors. He has bow hunted across the western United States in pursuit of elk, mule deer, moose, and antelope. Nothing makes Jeremy feel closer to God than backpacking alone deep into the Rocky Mountains, pursuing His creation with a bow in hand.
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