Our Mentors

Marlin Genz

Marlin retired as a truck driver at 62. Now 80 years old, he recently heard about Matthew House at the Spirit of Hope Church where he is a member. Marlin enjoys being a mentor at Matthew House, getting to know each of the guys, and offering his support. "It feels good when the guys say 'thank you' with a smile and a shoulder bump."

Dave Cornell

Speaker, author, and trainer, Dave Cornell helps people overcome fear and cultivate courage so they can live a more productive, passionate, engaged life. Dave has been married to Amy for over 40 years. They have two daughters, one son-in-law and four grandchildren. They live in Fergus Falls and attend Bethel Lutheran Church where Dave serves as an elder. "Being a mentor at the Matthew House is a new area for me. I look forward to getting to know the guys and learning more of their stories."

Dr. David Bjork

Dr. Bjork grew up in Japan as the son of missionaries, returning to the US when he was 11, and moving to his grandparents’ farm near Cambridge, MN.  “My dad wanted us kids to grow up on a farm and experience the work ethic he grew up with.”  After high school, he attended Bethel University where he met Kathy, the love of his life and future wife.  He continued his education at the U of M Medical School, and upon completion of Internal Medicine training, joined the medical group in Fergus Falls where he practiced over 40 years, until his recent retirement. 

“Having 4 daughters go through the local school system helped us put down roots in the community. Kathy returned to teaching in District 544 when the kids got in to grade school.  The girls are now grown and gone, but we enjoy connections with them and our 6 grandchildren as often as we can. We have been active and worshiping with CrossRoads Church through our time in Fergus Falls and I have recently appreciated the opportunity to fellowship with the men associated with the Matthew House.”

Pete Conrad

Pete is one of the mentors at Matthew House. Having experienced some of the difficulties that the residents have gone through, Pete understands on a personal level the importance of mentoring and discipleship. Through the word and teachings of God as well as his own experiences, Pete is able to connect and empathize with the men of Matthew House who are working towards recovery.

“I would not be where I am today if it were not for the men and women who stepped up in my life to help give me some guidance,” says Pete. “I love working with these men!”

Pete strives to share the love of Christ with the residents and help them become the men that God has made them to be.