About Us

Jaime was born in the city of San Salvador, El Salvador, in March 1973. He holds degrees from the University of El Salvador (B.S.) and the New Orleans Theological Seminary. He immigrated to the United States to marry his wife, Maria Eugenia Zelaya, in 2006. He has worked professionally as a microbiologist and has served as a pastor for 10 years at the Hispanic Church of Alachua. He has two sons, Jaime Andres and Jaime Alfonso. He currently works as part of the technical team in the Microbiology Department at HCA in the city of Alachua and serves as a deacon at Parkview Baptist Church.

Ericka Ghersi-Holth - Secretary

Ericka came to the United States in 1996. She came to pursue her graduate studies. Worked for BGSU, UF, Stetson University and Santa Fe College. She leads a non-profit organization called Latina Women’s League and also works with Immigrant Hope as the secretary. She has a family and enjoys biking and swimming. 

John Edmands - Treasurer

John is a retired accountant with 40 years experience in hospitality, manufacturing, and higher education. Seeing the passion and commitment of Porter Horne, John wanted to support him in the endeavor of helping those in need, specifically those who are trying to make USA their home.

Bob Hargrave - Board Member, Creekside Community Church Elder Representative 

Bob and his wife Ellen served with Africa Inland Mission for 38 years. They spent 18 and a half years in Kenya in three semi-arid locations where Bob was engaged in agriculture and community development and Ellen was involved in education, discipleship and mentoring. They raised their three children - James, Ginny, and Becky there. All are now married with families of their own and involved in life and ministries in North America. After returning to the US in 2003, Bob worked with ECHO, a Christian non-profit organization, providing training and support for those engaged in agriculture and missions. Bob and Ellen entered retirement status with Africa Inland Mission in 2023 and enjoy engaging in ministry with Creekside Community Church. Bob is currently serving as an elder. 

Steve Gregg - Board Member Emeritus

Steve was a pastor at Creekside Community Church for over 30 years. He is married to Kim, a public school teacher and they lived overseas for 2 years teaching English, which gave them insight into the struggles of being an outsider in a foreign culture. “I’m grateful to see a ministry like Immigrant Hope being a source of hope and service to folks trying to navigate their way in a new home."