COVID

people in their homes with the keyboard on his lap and helping lead out in gathered singing. The expression of faith through song had a significant impact on his early Christian experience and the growth of his heart for ministry.

Deneil completed a bachelor of arts degree in mass communication with a minor in music at Northern Caribbean University, and then spent a year teaching and working as a radio and TV broadcaster at NCU before moving to New York to pursue graduate studies in broadcast journalism.

While in New York, Deneil continued to be engaged in ministry through music as a choir conductor and music director at church. This environment of service gave him a chance to continue growing in leadership and in his love for people and the Word of God.

After what felt to him like a divine series of events, Deneil was unable to shake the growing urge to enter full-time pastoral ministry. He prayerfully applied to the seminary at Andrews University, where he subsequently completed a Master of Divinity degree. While there, he joined the leadership team at La Porte Church in Indiana as an intern associate pastor.

After seminary, he was invited to serve as worship pastor at College View Church in Lincoln, Nebraska. His four and a half years in that role further confirmed in his heart the path of full-time service that God was leading him on, each piece of the journey building on the previous.

Shortly after moving to Lincoln, Deneil married Racquel Beckles. Racquel and Deneil met in a choir during their college years. They have since been blessed with a son, Jude, who is now two years old.

In January, Deneil and his family began their service pastoring the Lincoln Northside and Holland churches. They remain grateful for the ways God has led and committed to the path of service.

Pastor Clarke was ordained on Aug. 8, 2020 at the Northside Church in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Brien Wahlen

Brien Wahlen was born to Greg and Peggy Wahlen while they worked at Pacific Union College. He grew up in a family dedicated to service and ministry. His parents served in academy, college and pastoral ministry. Brien attended Adventist schools and graduated from College View Academy and, much later, Union College.

After academy Brien wandered away from God. He let go of Jesus and lost interest in church, Bible study, prayer and spiritual life. During this time, he began working for two Adventist painting contractors who befriended him. Brien didn’t realize it then, but God brought these men into his life to draw Brien back to Himself.

God brought another blessing to Brien, his daughter Layne. As a new father, Brien began to think about his spiritual responsibilities to his daughter.

One day his mother suggested he take Layne to Sabbath school at College View Church. He began taking her, but at first he would leave right after it finished. Soon, though, he began to stay for church. He listened to the sermons and heard the voice of Jesus talking to him through Pastor Keith Jacobson. Brien’s heart softened, and the Spirit called him to dedicate his life to Jesus.

After several years back in church, Brien felt Jesus calling him to the gospel ministry. He enrolled at Union College and graduated with his BA in theology in 2013.

Brien first served with the Kansas-Nebraska Conference at the Omaha Memorial Church as an associate pastor alongside Pastor Jerry Connell. While in Omaha, he formed a relationship with the Gallegos family, and especially with Sarah Gallegos. Their friendship grew into love, and they were married on May 15, 2015.

That summer they moved to Berrien Springs, Michigan, and Brien began his Master of Divinity degree at Andrews University. Brien graduated in December of 2017, and he was pleased to accept a pastoral position at the Alliance, Bridgeport, Ogallala, and Sidney, Nebraska, district.

Pastor Wahlen was ordained on Aug. 22, 2020 at the Alliance Church in Alliance, Nebraska.

Compiled by Stephanie Gottfried