Steve and Jo Bishop
YWAM Holmsted Manor Location Leaders
Steve and Jo have been leading the work at Holmsted Manor since September 2012. Before they were married, Jo was a PE teacher at a girl’s school and Steve was a bricklayer (which explains the industrial quantities of tea he consumes). Both were involved with youth work and it was their involvement in that which led them to train at All Nations Christian College in the mid 90’s. This time at All Nations started a chain of events that led them to join Youth With A Mission, starting with a DTS in Buenos Aires, Argentina in 1999. After eight years in Buenos Aires they returned to the UK to join the team at Harpenden for a number of years, before taking up the opportunity to take on the leadership here at Holmsted Manor.
Steve & Jo speak Spanish fluently and have three grown-up daughters. Jo is the strategic thinker: she’s always got a list to hand, whilst also being very pastoral. Steve is less organised but loves to challenge the status-quo. He’s a networker and enjoys opportunities to speak to anyone who’ll listen. Both Steve & Jo have a history of developing teams and growing leaders and they genuinely love what they do!
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Esther (UK)
Esther did her DTS in Biarritz, France in 2019, and officially joined the team at Holmsted Manor in 2021. Completely bilingual, she spent most of her early years in Argentina and so has developed a love for great food and spending quality time with people. She loves surfing, creativity and has a gift for making others feel seen and at home. We love her heart to both work hard and play hard! -
Raphael & Jess (Germany & UK)
After meeting at Holmsted Manor, Jess and Raph got married here in 2019 (their wedding reception was in the dining room!). After finishing school, Jess did her DTS here and joined the team in 2014. She carries a real passion for working with those on the margins of society, doing regular work with the homeless and vulnerable communities in Brighton. A creative type, Jess also heads up our Communications team. Raph did his DTS back in 2008, leaving his job as a builder to start a journey with YWAM that took him from England to Argentina, Brazil, Switzerland, the USA and back to the UK again! A “full of life” character, Raph will often be found encouraging young leaders to step out into their potential! He loves watching VfB Stuttgart playing football almost as much as he enjoys playing guitar and leading worship. -
Rachel (USA)
Raised in Colorado, Rachel lived a number of different US states including Tenessee, Wyoming and Alabama before moving across the pond to do her DTS here at Holmsted Manor in 2021. A true joy-bringer, Rachel's infectious laughter and love of fun means she's the life and soul of any party. As well as celebration, Rachel also brings tenderness and love to everything she does, and we are so grateful to have her as part of our team! -
Lilly (USA)
Lilly did her DTS in January 2020 and joined us on staff shortly afterwards! She enjoys being outside, hiking and exploring around God’s creation. A gifted baker, she also loves spending time creating in the kitchen and says that ‘food is her love language’! Lilly has a gentle presence and has a knack for making others feel at home. -
Franziska Stilz (Germany)
Franzi did her DTS in 2017 and returned a year later as staff. A lover of fun, she’s always up for an adventure, especially if it involves baked goods (she’s a pastry chef by trade). A lover of language, Franzi loves learning herself and teaching others! She keeps busy as she serves the community in all sorts of ways including hospitality, cooking, maintenance and DTS! -
Nate (USA)
Meet Nate! Raised in Minnesota, USA, he left in 2007 to do his DTS in Kona, Hawaii and has been in and out of YWAM ever since. He loves coffee, reading books and listening to other people's stories. A hardworking and gentle soul, we are so thankful for the enthusiasm and warmth that Nate brings to all that he does! -
Caleb (UK)
Meet Caleb! We are so excited to have him joining our staff team! His love for fun, games and practical jokes brings so much laughter to our community. He enjoys water sports, all things outdoors and is seriously committed to making good steaks! -
Kim S (USA)
Kim studied history at university, before changing locations and completing DTS at Holmsted Manor in September 2015. She’s been an integral part of the team here since August 2016. Gifted in the area of textiles, Kim has a creative flair that is expressed in all areas of her work! With her eye for detail and planning, Kim helps make sure things happen well! -
Paula (Argentina)
After doing her DTS here in 2019, she has since joined our team all the way from her homeland of Argentina. She is a big enthusiast of art, discipleship and all things caffeinated; you will often see her with a cup of Maté in hand! She loves people, has a gifted eye for detail and a very infectious laugh! -
Meghan (USA)
Originally from California, Meg moved to the UK to do her DTS in 2021. After some time at home to complete her art degree, she joined us on staff in 2022. A true creative soul, she brings beauty to everything she does, bringing her incredible talents to serve on our Communications team. We're so thankful for her kindness, wisdom and the fun that she brings to our community! -
Jacob (Guernsey)
In 2020, Jacob left his native island of Guernsey to come to Holmsted Manor to do a DTS. As an islander, he loves water-sports like surfing (but he also just loves sports in general!) Always up for a challenge, he once ate an exorbitant amount of sugar-free gummy bears for ‘the sake of science’. Jacob is quick-witted, kind and incredibly hard working, and we’re thrilled to have him here at Holmsted. -
Lucy (UK)
In 2001, Lucy completed her DTS and has been involved with YWAM ever since, living in South Africa and Uganda before returning to the UK. In 2013, Lucy joined the team at Holmsted Manor, and has been involved in all sorts of areas of work and life in our community. In 2018, she began pioneering YWAM ministry in Thanet, on the south-east coast of England.