7 minute read
Adult Presenters
Rudy Alvir Pastor, Red Deer
July 22, 7:00 PM Reflecting the Shepherd: The Heart of the Shepherd
Pastor Rodolfo Alvir- Abraham completed his Bachelor of Theology degree at Montemorelos University, Mexico in 1995, and his MDiv at Andrews University in 2009. He has worked in Mexico, USA, and Canada, serving as District Pastor, Conference Youth Director, and Ministerial Secretary. He is married to Alexandra Hichez, and together they have two children, Juan Jose (J.J.) and Sarai.
Pastor Alvir is a vibrant pastor with a very young heart. He likes preaching and also learning more about this communication skill. Pastor Rudy loves making new friends and spending long hours with old friends.
Joseph Batiancila Pastor, Edmonton Filipino and Ghanaian
July 24, 7:00 PM Reflecting the Shepherd: Sheep and Shepherd’s Relationship
Raised in an SDA family, I was baptized at age 11. I graduated from Mountain View College with a Bachelor of Theology, then participated in the 1000 Missionary Movement and Gospel Outreach. Arriving in Canada, I worked in a carpentry shop, but a few months later was called to pastor the Scarborough Filipino Church in Ontario. When I look at how the Lord has led in my life, I thank God. I enjoy camping, carpentry, gardening, tennis, participating in mission trips, church building, and evangelism. One of my favourite verses, Jeremiah 33:3, inspires me in challenging situations. God is always ready for the rescue.
Ghena Girleanu Pastor, Calgary Central
Ghenadie Girleanu was born in Moldova to a pastor’s family. In the spring of 1999, he arrived in Canada. Upon graduating from CUC with a Bachelor of Arts, Ghenadie was hired to serve as the youth pastor in Calgary Central Church. He currently serves there as the senior pastor. On August 5, 2007, he married his beautiful wife Beatrice, and together they’ve been serving the Lord since. They have two wonderful boys, Dominic and Liam. Ghenadie loves singing, reading, playing instruments, playing sports, and socializing with church family and friends. His favorite Bible promise is Philippians 3:20.
David Guzman Pastor, Fort McMurray
Pastor David Guzman, his wife, Tania, and their three girls, Maria, Natalia, and Elicia, presently serve in Fort McMurray. Led to the Lord by Ralph Robinson, David was baptized and dedicated his life to building God’s Kingdom. He and Tania are committed to living by example and encouraging others to live in the grace found in Jesus. Jesus’ statement, “the Spirit of the Lord…sent Me to heal…to proclaim freedom to all held captive (by trauma & addiction)” is what David bases his ministry on, and he shares the healing found in God’s love. Recently, Biblical Marriage, Family and Trauma Counselling have become his passion.
David Hamstra Pastor, Edmonton Central
July 25, 7:00 PM Stand Alone: Faithfulness to the Call of God Against the Pull of Other Voices
Pastor David Hamstra is from Minneapolis, Minnesota. He is married to Heidi, a Canadian, and they have four children. A graduate of Burman University (BA, 2004), he has ministered in the Alberta Conference from Fairview (2004–2008) to Fort McMurray (2010–2015). In January 2020, Pastor David returned from Andrews University (MDiv, 2010) — where he is pursuing a ThD in Theological and Historical Studies — to serve as lead pastor for Edmonton Central. As an aspiring pastor-theologian, his professional interests include multicultural leadership, conflict ministry, philosophy of history, and ethics. Pastor David also enjoys running, cooking, singing, and social media content curation.
Gary Hodder President, AB Conference
July 18, 11:00 AM Sabbath Morning Church Forgiven Like Peter
For the past four years, Gary has served as the President of the Alberta Conference. He graduated from CUC (Burman University) and Andrews University. Born and raised in Newfoundland, Gary served a total of fifteen years in that Province — as Pastor of the St. John’s Church and President of the Newfoundland Mission. In Ontario, he served as College Park Senior Pastor and Secretary of the Conference. In addition to his current role as President, Gary has pastored in the Alberta Conference at Edmonton Central, Sylvan Lake & Rocky Mountain House, and Medicine Hat. He is married to Almyra, and they have five wonderful children — Shawn, Natasha, Joshua, Tyson, and Stephanie. Hobbies include woodworking, ATV’ing, and Investing. Gary enjoys his ministry and considers it a privilege to be in God’s service ministering to His people.
Anthony Kern, Pastor, Airdrie and Beiseker
Anthony Kern is the pastor of the Airdrie and Beiseker churches. Anthony was baptized as a Seventh-day Adventist in May 2008. His passions are for his family and seeing others grow in their walk with Jesus. After recently returning from the seminary this year, he and his family are ecstatic to be back in Canada! Married to Cassandra for nine years, they have two beautiful and adventurous daughters, Lydia and Amelia. In his free time, Anthony enjoys running, golfing, and playing hockey.
John Murley Pastor, Edmonton South
Adult Church Service July 25, 11:00 AM Reflecting the Shepherd: To the Least of These
A native of Newfoundland, John has pastored for 24 years, 11 of those as Senior Pastor at Edmonton South. Prior to accepting a call to Ministry, he served 5 years as a Registered Social Worker and 5 years as a Senior Investigator for the Government of Newfoundland/ Labrador. John holds a Bachelor of Theology, a Diploma in Police Sciences, certification in Child Abuse Investigation, and training from the RCMP and Royal Newfoundland Constabulary. John and Marilyn, his wife of 32 years, have two sons, AJ & Shane, and enjoy two grandchildren, Kate & Emma. John’s hobbies include golfing and Ham Radio. He holds the call VE6GJM as well as V01SDA.
Sharing the Christ - centred message of hope and wholeness
Moises Ruiz, Assistant Pastor, Red Deer and EPIC
July 21, 7:00 PM Reflecting the Shepherd: Welcome to the Inner Circle
Moises Ruiz has been pastoring since 2007, following God on many adventures along the way. He has a passion for working with youth through music, service and communicating the Bible in creative ways. One of his greatest joys in life is watching the light come on in someone’s eyes when they catch a glimpse of God’s awesome plans for them. In his spare time, Pastor Moises draws inspiration from playing and recording music, camping, and spending time with his family. Since 2014, Moises has worked to empower young adult leaders in Red Deer, Alberta, and plant Epic Church with the goal of involving and training all members in service. He and his wife, Katelyn, share a love for their son, Zion, and a passion for creating communities where people can fall in love with Jesus.
James Wesley Pastor, Lethbridge
July 19, 7:00 PM Reflecting the Shepherd: In the World, Not of the World, Always For the World
James Wesley has spent almost his whole life on the Canadian Prairies, and is a rain or shine Edmonton Oilers fan. Now with that out of the way, here is the important information you need to know about him. James has fallen in love twice. Once, at an early age, with Jesus leading to his baptism in Winnipeg at the age of ten. The second time to his wife, Chiara, at a camp meeting, less digital than this one, which led to their marriage in 2013. He has been enjoying falling deeper in love every day since.
Terrence Horrell Senior Pastor Calgary Bridgeland/Cornerstone
Born on the beautiful twinisland country of Trinidad and Tobago, Pastor Terrence Horrell is a third-generation Adventist. He was educated in our SDA school system from elementary through university. Pastor Horrell and his beautiful wife, Kathy, have been married for thirty-seven years. They have two children, Arieanne, and Aron (deceased), and two grandchildren, Bella and Braeden. A Senior Pastor in Trinidad for fifteen years, Pastor Horrell joined the Alberta Conference and served the West Edmonton congregation as their Senior Pastor for thirteen years. Currently, he serves as the Senior Pastor of the Bridgeland Church. He loves the Lord and looks forward to His coming.
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