G. Duane Anderson was born in Independence, Missouri, and raised on the east side of Kansas City, Missouri. He attended East High School in Kansas City, received an associate’s degree from Graceland College in Lamoni, Iowa, and then received a bachelor’s degree in education from Central Missouri University in Warrensburg. Duane also was awarded a master’s in community development from the University of Missouri-Columbia.

Duane accepted church employment in 2005 in the Northwest of South American Mission Center. There he has served in roles such as missionary leadership development specialist, missionary coordinator, and leadership development specialist. Duane has held the office of high priest since 2002.

Before becoming a full-time minister, Duane directed volunteer programs in Mexico and Bolivia for various philanthropic organizations. He worked with both non-government organizations and religious organizations, including Outreach International, for more than 35 years.

Duane plans to continue to be a self-sustaining minister for Community of Christ and to research the anthropological and archaeological evidence of prehistoric cultures that settled in the Americas. He also loves golfing with his wife, Marlene Rose Brunner Anderson. Duane and Marlene have four boys and two grandsons.
 

Hector Javier Bardales has spent the last 32 years serving as a full-time minister for Community of Christ. Born in Concepcion del Sur, Honduras, Javier completed his primary education and worked in construction before becoming a minister.

Most recently, Javier served as president of the Central America Mission Center. He has traveled extensively in Peru, El Salvador, Guatemala, Colombia, Mexico, and the United States.
Javier enjoys fishing, caring for cattle, and spending time with his wife, Gilma, and their four children, Janet, Alex, Gilma, and Enrique.
 

Ronald M. Chiles was born in Independence, Missouri, and graduated from William Chrisman High School. He received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City in chemistry and received an MAR from Graceland University. Ron was employed for 25 years at IBM as a systems engineer and manager. He also worked seven years at ESRI, selling geographic information systems software.

Before accepting church appointment in 2003, Ron was the pastor of the Belton Congregation in the former Santa Fe Stake, the pastor of the Topeka Congregation in Kaw Valley District, and pastor of the Twin Rivers Congregation in St. Louis Stake. Ron served as counselor to the president in the South Texas, North Georgia, and Kaw Valley districts before serving as the district president in the South Texas District for nine years. In 2003, Ron was assigned to the Mid-Atlantic USA Mission Center as the president and financial officer. Ron holds the office of evangelist.

Ron and his wife, Glenda Currie Chiles, have four sons and seven grandchildren—four girls and three boys. Ron enjoys spending time with each of his grandchildren and is restoring a 1969 AMX touring sports car. Ron bought the car new and stored it for almost 17 years before beginning the restoration.
 

Simon Copa has been a full-time minister for Community of Christ since March 2000. He first came in contact with the church through the work of Duane and Marlene Anderson in Bolivia. From the beginning, Simon has championed evangelic witness and always has worked for the spiritual and numeric growth of church membership.

As a church planter, Simon helped establish four congregations in Bolivia (Sacaba, Tiquipaya, Chapare, and Collpa). The congregation in Sacaba continues to meet in Simon’s home, and each week his house is filled with up to 100 children who gather for Bible study. Simon’s hospitality has been extended to World Service Corps volunteers and visiting World Church ministers who needed a place to stay.

Simon is married to Bentura (Victoria) Quispe de Copa, and they have five children. Simon and Victoria look forward to many more years of ministry as they continue to serve the church.
 

Juan Javier Delgado was baptized at age 10 in Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico. Javier testifies that “it was the love that church members showed, giving attention to me and responsibilities right from the start that brought me to love the church and the Lord.” At a very young age, Javier began to dream of how he would be able to serve as a minister.

Before working for the church full-time, Javier was employed as a supervisor in the metal-smelting industry. He also helped as a congregational financial recorder in Saltillo, taught Sunday school classes, and was asked to supervise the building of a congregation in Jojutla, Morelos. This congregation was soon the focus of Javier’s ministry, and members began calling him “Don Javi,” a name that endures today. Javier directed Mexican reunions, worked with the Young Peacemaker’s Club, and served as the pastor and financial officer in Saltillo for years.

Javier was called to the office of high priest and began serving as president of the Mexican church. He began working full-time for the church in 1998 and recently retired as the financial officer for the Mexico-Texas (Mexico/USA) Mission Center.

Javier is an avid soccer fan, loves movies, music, and reading, and is known for his quick wit, gentle teasing, and generosity with his time and many talents. But Javier states that his true hobby is “trying to exemplify Christian love.”
 

Rona Dixon is married to Linbert Dixon and has six children and two grandchildren. She was among the first women to be ordained to the office of elder in Jamaica in August 2001. Rona also began working full-time as a minister for the church in 2001 and has served as a missionary coordinator for the Caribbean Mission Center for nine years.

Before working for Community of Christ, she was a teacher at the Chudleigh Basic School for children and was baptized into the church in the Chudleigh Congregation in Jamaica. Rona also was instrumental in leadership-development efforts and pastoral support for the Big Bridge, Jerusalem Mountain, Somerset, Chudleigh, and Deeside congregations.
 

Henri Dolcema has been employed full-time by Community of Christ since 1986. Before his service as a missionary specialist for the Haiti Mission Center, Henri received a degree in theology. He also was a painter and has taken courses in law, child psychology, and sociology.

Henri is married to Junia Andre and has three children and one grandchild. Henri’s parents and sister are also Community of Christ members. Henri is a seventy who is committed to providing dynamic and meaningful leadership to the people he so faithfully serves.
 

Elizabeth Else was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and raised in eastern Ontario. She has a daughter, Roxanne, and two grandchildren, Madelyn and Maxwell.

Elizabeth received her bachelor’s degree from Graceland University in Lamoni, Iowa, and a master’s in education from Western Washington University in Bellingham, Washington. She also received a CELTA (Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) from Cambridge University Cambridge/Yonsei.

Before starting full-time for the church in 1998, Elizabeth worked with International Student Services at a community college in Washington state. She also was involved heavily with worship planning, teaching classes, and serving as an assistant to the pastor of her congregation.

Elizabeth has served the East Asian Mission Center for 12 years. She has provided ministry in missionary education, leadership-resource development, and most recently as a missionary specialist.
She remains interested in cross-cultural education and experiences, reading, music, and travel.
 

John Etcheson, a native of Flora, Illinois, has an associate’s degree from Graceland College, and a bachelor’s degree in education from Central Missouri State University. John also has extensive training in management by objectives and has participated in a wide variety of leadership-development and time-management seminars.

Before accepting full-time ministry, John was a regional sales manager for PNV.net in Coral Springs, Florida. He received awards in sales and development and was active in the community through Rotary.

John served as president of the Brush Creek USA Mission Center beginning October 1, 2003. Before that, he served as a missionary specialist in the Southeastern Illinois Region. He holds the office of high priest.

John has loved traveling extensively throughout the United States. He also enjoys cycling, reading, hiking, and gardening. He and his deceased wife, Janet, have two children, Tim and Anne. They have two grandchildren, Taylor and Connor Etcheson.
 

Harry James Fielding is a native of Auckland, New Zealand. Before accepting World Church appointment in 1983, he was employed by the Auckland Education Board, New South Wales Education Department, and was a national minister for the church in New Zealand. Harry left high school at 15 years old and completed his university entrance exam at night school. He went on to receive a diploma in teaching and a master’s degree at the University of Auckland. Harry also went to seminary at St. John’s Theological College in New Zealand and completed a post-graduate diploma in theology at the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia.

Harry is a previous president of the Fourth Quorum of Seventy and was president of the Southeast USA Mission Center. Other assignments have included the Caribbean Mission Center, the Caribbean Region, an assistant to the apostle for the Haiti Region, the Australia Region, the South Pacific Region, the Australia-New Zealand Region, and assistant to the apostle in the Pacific Field.

Harry also has served the church as a presiding elder, school director, youth supervisor, building committee chairperson, district president, national church president, and an evangelism commissioner.

Harry married Adele Unger Fielding. They have two children, Katrina Joy Fielding and James Tane Fielding. The family enjoys fishing, snow skiing, camping, and hiking. Harry also is interested in poetry, songwriting, and the occasional plumbing repair with Bob Kyser.

Harry feels fortunate to have traveled and worked in many countries and wants to express that he would “do it all again in a heartbeat.” He is especially grateful to his best friend and wife, Adele, for her unreserved support as he has circled the globe.
 

Orval G. Fisher, a native of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, is the son of Ken and Isabel Fisher. He received a bachelor’s from Boise State University in 1975 and a master’s in mathematics in 1979.

Orval was awarded the designation of Certified Financial Planner by the College for Financial Planning in Denver, Colorado, in 1988. Before accepting full-time ministerial responsibilities in 1981, he was a math teacher in the Boise, Idaho, School District and served as pastor of the Boise Congregation in addition to being the bishop’s agent for the Boise District.

Orval holds the office of bishop and previously was president of the Tri-Stake Mission Center and then the Central USA Mission Center. He served as a member of the Presiding Bishopric from 1996–2002 as a counselor to the presiding bishop. Orval also served as a bishop of the Denver Stake and West Central States Region and treasurer of the North Central Region, USA and Canada.

He also has served as a presiding elder, district bishop’s agent, branch treasurer, youth camp pastor and director, youth leader, and church school director.

Orval is married to Susan Barker-Fisher. They have one daughter, Nicole, an attorney in Lee’s Summit, Missouri.
 

Ignes Kovas Frohmut is the daughter of Affonsas and Edith Kovas. She is married to Gerhart Frohmut, and they have four children and five grandchildren.

Ignes was hired by the church in 2001 after a long career of working with children at a church-owned daycare in Ferraz de Vasconcelos in Brazil. Beginning in 1982, the daycare helped needy families of Ferraz and Poa. Ignes had worked with church members and her husband to start the daycare. Gerhart was active in building the daycare. With Outreach International, the Frohmuts worked with the Department of Social Services of the state of Sao Paulo and with the Ferraz de Vasconcelos City Hall to help families. The center provided classes on cooking for the parents, health services, and handicraft instruction. It also implemented federal projects for teenagers between 15 and 18 years old. Today, that daycare is an educational institution—the Children’s Education Center for children ages 6 months to 3 years and 11 months old. In a volunteer capacity, Ignes remains the director and pedagogical coordinator.

She most recently served as the peace and justice/youth minister for the Brazil Mission Center. Ignes holds the office of elder.


Stanislav Gladysh has worked for the church as a full-time minister since January 2000. He served as a peace and justice minister in Borisoglebsk, Russia, and has been instrumental in establishing this ministry in other places in the Eurasia Mission Centre. He was ordained to the office of seventy in 2007.

Stanislav was born in the Urals region of Russia and is married to Lidia Gladysh. They have two children and two grandchildren. Stanislav received a bachelor’s degree in education and worked as a teacher, principal, a television station manager, and a bank vice president before accepting World Church employment.

Stan also has been a pastor and a leader of the Russian/American Friendship Club. He is a professional photographer and computer guru. He looks forward to spending time with his family and church friends in the years ahead.
 

Ted Griggs was born and raised in Sedalia, Missouri. He received a bachelor’s in education and marketing from Central Missouri State University in Warrensburg and did graduate work at Southern Missouri State University and the Community of Christ Seminary.

Ted was a public high school teacher and a director of vocational-education programs before becoming a full-time minister in 2004. He has been a pastor in El Dorado Springs, Missouri; Grand Rapids, Michigan; and a district president for the Rich Hill MO/KAN District.

For the last six years, Ted has served as the Michigan Blue Water USA Mission Center president and the Heart of Michigan USA Mission Center president. He and his wife, Barbara, have three children and five grandchildren. Ted enjoys model railroading, gardening, golf, and fishing.
 

Otis Hardy was born in McCormick, South Carolina, and raised in East Orange, New Jersey. He graduated from Saint Augustine’s College in Raleigh, North Carolina, in 2004 with a degree in organizational management. Before entering World Church appointment, Otis was a pastry chef, a community organizer, and a vibrant witness for Jesus Christ.

Most recently, Otis was assigned to African American Ministries and the Gulf USA Mission Center. He was a diversity specialist involved in advanced leadership studies. He holds the office of seventy.

Otis is deeply involved in the communities where he lives and works. He has been involved in the 54th National Day of Prayer, the North Carolina History Program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the First United Methodist Men, and HOBY Youth Leadership. He was a speaker to the Department of Correction inmates and has been a mentor at Moss Point High School and Middle School. Otis has been a member of the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce, the Black Student Union at Graceland University, Jackson County Rebuild, the Moss Point Planning Committee, STEPS, and Access to Justice. Otis has remained committed to serving causes such as the Mississippi Center for Non-Profits, and the Exodus Foundation, which helps young men and women attend college. He also served as president of the Jackson County Ministerial Alliance.

Otis has received honors and awards from the Cary, North Carolina, Chamber of Commerce, the AUG Radio and TV Station, Raleigh Community Work, the Saint Michael Catholic Church Community, and was invited to a dinner with President George W. Bush in 2002.

Otis is married to Wynella Aldridge Hardy and has four children and two grandchildren. He enjoys sports, reading, continuing to seek a deeper relationship with Christ, and building relationships with people.
 

Mary Jacks Dynes has served as a member of the Council of Twelve Apostles, the leading missionary quorum of Community of Christ. She was ordained to the Council of Twelve in April 2002 and most recently was assigned to the Canada/North Central (USA) Mission Field. She also served on the faculty of the Community of Christ Seminary.

Mary was the first female appointee of the church and has been a full-time minister since 1993. Her previous assignments include serving as a consultant and regional administrator for the Pacific Northwest Region and the Alaska Development Area, and as president for the Fifth Quorum of Seventy.

Before accepting appointment, Mary was a teacher/counselor at Ridgefield High School. She has a bachelor’s from Graceland University in Lamoni, Iowa, in Spanish, English, and American literature. Mary also has a master’s in counseling psychology from Lewis and Clark in Portland, Oregon, and a master’s in theology from the University of Portland in Portland, Oregon. She received a doctorate of ministry in May 2000 in the area of “Evangelism for the 21st Century” at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C.

Mary has served the church in various leadership positions such as presiding elder, women’s ministries leader, regional youth leader, and regional missionary outreach director.

Mary has two children, Benjamin and Liza, two granddaughters, Emily and Emma, and two grandsons, Ryan and William David, named after her late husband, David. Mary was raised on a small orange grove farm in Fair Oaks, California, where the organization, Mothers Against Drunk Drivers (MADD) originated. Mary remains passionate about traveling, gardening, sewing, painting with watercolors, and hiking. She looks forward to continuing to pursue ministries of evangelistic witness.


Orel Jean-Baptiste was baptized at Croix-des-Bouquets, Haiti, as a member of Community of Christ in 1973. He soon was named president of the Youth Organization and began serving as a deacon. Orel married his wife, Marie Cleomie Emile, in 1976. They have six children.

Orel received a scholarship to study music. When he completed the coursework, he was named director of music for the congregation. In 1983, Orel served as the pastor of Benevolla Congregation, and in 1996 he became a full-time minister. He served most recently as a missionary specialist in the Haiti Mission Center and has loved “working for the advancement of the Lord in this church for more than 23 years.”
 

Dale Jones served as a full-time minister for 32 years. Before accepting full-time World Church responsibilities, Dale was a special-education music teacher in Independence, Missouri, and worked in the music office at the Auditorium. He also was the assistant to the Kansas City Stake bishop and youth minister in the Santa Fe and Detroit International stakes. Dale accepted church appointment in 1978 and become an executive minister for the Detroit International Stake, where he was born and raised.

Dale moved to the Kansas City area in 1983 and became an executive minister and youth minister. He served as assistant to the bishop in Santa Fe Stake until 1990. Beginning in 1990, Dale assumed many responsibilities in Kansas City Stake as an executive minister and again, as assistant to the bishop. Dale was ordained to the office of bishop in 1993. He became the bishop for Kansas City Stake in April 1993, an associate stake bishop for Tri-Stake in 1998, and was the bishop for the Southwest Region from November 2000–December 2003.

At the beginning of 2004, Dale was named financial officer for the Heart of Texas USA and Coastal Bend USA mission centers. He was also the financial officer for the Rio Grande USA Mission Center in 2006 before being assigned to the Florida USA Mission Center in 2006. In Florida, he was the financial officer and continued to share his gifts as a youth minister.

Dale attended Graceland College in Lamoni, Iowa, and received a bachelor’s in music. He received a master’s from Central Missouri State University in music, and in 1998 passed the CPA exam. Dale also holds a Master of Arts in Religion from Park College in Parkville, Missouri. Over the last 30 years, Dale has remained committed to youth ministry by not only being a Christian-education director, but in writing and developing study materials for youth. He is the recipient of the Community of Christ International Youth Service Award.

Dale is married to Janice Elaine Resch Jones. They have one daughter, Jennifer Jan Jones (married to James L. Jones), and two grandchildren, Zadie and Vonn. Dale counts computers, music, and reading among his hobbies. He enjoys date nights with his wife and writing and singing contemporary Christian music.
 

Derek J. Judd, a fifth-generation member of the church, is a native of Enfield, England. He received his primary education from Glendale Grammar School in London. He qualified as a chartered accountant and moved to Swansea, Wales, where he joined the international accounting firm of Deloitte, Haskins, and Sells (now PricewaterhouseCoopers). He was an audit partner in the firm from 1976 until he left in 1989.

Before accepting World Church appointment in 1989, Derek served in several church leadership roles including the pastor of the Skewen and Penllergaer congregations, treasurer of the church in the British Isles, and assistant to the British Isles Region bishop. He has been involved with the British Isles church reunion grounds, Dunfield House, since its purchase in 1965, serving as auditor, board member, treasurer, and management committee chair.

In 1985 he was a founding member of Camp Quality UK, a charity providing holidays for children with cancer. Derek served as a member of the board until 1997 and as treasurer until 1995.

Derek is married to Gloria James Judd, who holds the office of priest and has served in several ministerial roles, including co-pastor of her local congregation. Derek and Gloria have two daughters, Cheryl Ann Fox, who is married to Andrew Fox, British Isles Mission Centre financial officer; and Suzanne Frohmut, who is married to Wagner Frohmut, former World Church youth minister in the Europe Region. Derek and Gloria have four grandsons: Daniel and Matt Fox, and Reinhardt and Carwyn Frohmut. Derek is grateful Gloria has been able to travel with him. They have been a blessing to the communities where they were called.

Derek has served the church more than 20 years, and his list of positions held ranges from branch youth leader, to branch and district treasurer, to pastor of different churches. He also has served as camp director/staff member of numerous camps, member of the British Isles Region Cabinet and Temple School instructor. The Europe Region was added to his assignment when he became an appointee minister. In addition to supporting the developed churches in the Netherlands, Germany, and Norway, he felt privileged to be involved in the establishment of the church in Russia, Ukraine, and Hungary. Derek was involved in the revival of the work in France and was involved in attempts to plant churches in Bulgaria and Poland. Derek also has served as a member of the World Church Finance Board and the Conference Organization and Procedures Committee.

He is a keen sports fan and has supported the Arsenal soccer team since he was a boy. Gloria and Derek love to go to the beach, whether it is the beautiful Gower Coast close to their home, or faraway shores. In his retirement, he will continue to serve as a self-sustaining bishop, as an assistant to the mission center financial officer, and as pastor of the Penllergaer congregation.
 

Kabulo Kabongo was born in Lubumbashi in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He was a teacher before committing his life to working for Community of Christ as a church planter.

Kabulo is married to Beatrice Kabulo Yumba, and they have five children. Kabulo has served as a congregational secretary, president of the district youth program, district president, and as an adviser to the pastor of his congregation. Most recently, he was the coordinator of missionary works as a seventy in the South Central Africa Mission Centre.

Kabulo is an avid football (soccer) fan and loves reading, but his main interest remains serving “as a minister to God.”
 

Leslie (Les) Kelly was born in Chatham, Ontario, Canada. His family moved to Florida when he was 13 years old, and he attended one of the oldest congregations in the deep South—Coldwater Congregation. He graduated from Milton High School in Santa Rosa County, Florida. Les attended Graceland College in Lamoni, Iowa, for one year before finishing his education at the University of Florida and graduating with a bachelor’s in chemistry. He also did graduate work in clinical psychology.

Les was a Certified Quality Engineer with the Monsanto Corporation, working in textile nylon fibers before transitioning into management with the plastics division. At age 55, Les opted for early “retirement” from Monsanto to work for the church, but he continued to do consulting work as a Quality Engineer, specializing in international quality standards and as a Quality Auditor.

Les was the pastor of the Coldwater Congregation, and later served as pastor for the Milton Congregation. He was a counselor to the President of the Pensacola District for three years, and then served as the district president for three years. After becoming a full-time minister for the church in 2001, he was assigned to the Southeast USA Mission Center as the associate director for the Center for Church Planting. Les recently has been the director of the center, as well. He holds the office of evangelist.

Les is a prolific traveler, going to destinations like Mexico, Canada, England, Germany, France, Italy, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. He also has been involved with the Santa Rosa Educational Foundation and was a member of the Florida Schools Advisory Council representing Industry. He received the Commissioner of Education State of Florida Award for contributions to the Advisory Council.

Les is married to Serena Doris Kelly. They have four children and two foster daughters. They have three grandchildren. Les’ most recent passion is the Pensacola area Audubon Society. He is an avid birder and has volunteered to help the State of Florida Forestry Service survey 300,000 acres of Blackwater River State Forest for the next three years to establish the number of bird species. Les also enjoys deep-sea fishing, woodworking, and gardening.
 

Richard (Rich) E. Kohlman has dedicated his life for more than 30 years to being a full-time minister for Community of Christ. He served most recently as the staff pastor at International Headquarters in Independence, Missouri, from 1996–2009 and was secretary for the Order of Evangelists the last nine years. Rich holds the office of evangelist.

Before accepting appointment in 1978, Rich worked five years as a school social worker for a special education district in Illinois. He also worked more than three years with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. A native of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Rich received a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Graceland College in Lamoni, Iowa, and a master’s in social work from the University of Denver in Colorado.

Rich’s previous church assignments included bishop of the Pacific Southwest Region and bishop of Far West Stake, headquartered in St. Joseph, Missouri. He has served as a branch president, a missionary coordinator, a district young-adult leader, and a camp pastor. In addition, Rich was involved in several civic activities in St. Joseph. He was a member of MO-KAN Regional Food Bank Board, serving as secretary for two years and vice president for two years; a member of the Green Acres Board, a county home for the elderly; and a member of the Downtown St. Joseph Sertoma Club, where he was an officer, serving two years on the board of directors, two years as vice president, and one year as president. He also worked on committees for the St. Joseph Habitat for Humanity project.

Rich is married to Mary Emma Thompson Kohlman. They have two children, Simeon and Jeremy, daughter-in-law, Emilia, and two grandchildren, Jasmin and Eduardo. Rich’s hobbies include bicycling, hiking in the mountains, and golf. Rich and Mary will continue their ministry as they ride their bicycles on the high trails in Colorado.
 

P. Samuel Sundar Kumar started working for the church in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, in 1972 as an administrative assistant. From 1973–1977, Sam attended seminary at the United Theological College in Bangalore, one of the foremost seminaries in India. His studies included social work, sociology, world religions, and theology in an Indian context.

In 1977, Sam was ordained to the office of elder and began full-time church appointment. He was assigned to be the mission president for South India. In 1982 he was ordained to the office of seventy, and from 2004–2010, Sam served as a president of seventy.

Sam married Rupavathy (Rupa) in 1978. They have two children, Cordelia and Daniel, and two grandchildren, David and Kevin. Sam and Rupa were partners in their ministry in the Asia Mission Field, developing and starting CORDI (Community Organization and Resource Development in India). They also launched projects that help battered women, aim to restore the dignity of women, and help to rehabilitate the communities in which they live and work. World Accord has been a key partner in these projects.

At one time Sam was known as the “garbage padre” because he swept the streets in a white robe and witnessed of the love of Jesus Christ. Sam identifies with the Dalit, or “untouchable caste” of his father, and states that “salvation is humanization.” Sam says: “I did my best, but I could have done better.”
 

Gary W. Logan was assigned to the Asia Mission Field as the East Asia Mission Center president, in June 2004. A full-time minister since 1974, Gary holds the office of high priest. His previous assignments include director of Congregational Ministries at International Headquarters in Independence, Missouri; president of Tri-Stake Mission Center, Kansas City Stake, and Denver Stake; pastor of the Stone Church Congregation; and executive minister for Center Stake in Independence.

Gary holds a bachelor’s degree in administration from Park College and a master of divinity degree from St. Paul’s School of Theology. He also has studied at the Illif School of Theology and the University of Arkansas. Since becoming an appointee with the church, Gary has conducted workshops and seminars throughout the domestic field on topics such as congregational vision and mission, scripture study, biblical interpretation, peace and justice issues, spiritual formation, conflict resolution, ethics and values, church administration, youth programming, and pastoral care. He continues to be active in community programs and interfaith events such as Clergy for Justice United, Interfaith Peace Alliance, and Kiwanis. Gary also has served on the board of directors for CAPA and SHARE, Inc.

Before full-time church employment, Gary worked for the USDA in quality control and was a social worker/recreation director at the Richardson School for the Developmentally Disabled. Gary envisioned, created, and directed for 10 years Camp MOJA, a camping program for the developmentally disabled.

Gary co-authored the workbooks Making Vision Happen and Making Mission Happen with Leonard Young and has developed numerous resources for camps, retreats, and workshops. He has written bulletin and newsletter editorials for more than 20 years under the pen name, The Arkansas Traveler, and has served as an editor for several publications.

Gary is married to Lynn Christine Dyer Logan. They have two children, Kelly and Kyle. Lynn works with the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation for the State of Missouri. She and Gary have served their local congregations in several leadership capacities. They enjoy traveling and cooking with friends. Gary also tries to make time for snow skiing, jogging, gardening, and reading science fiction.
 

Kenneth (Ken) L. McLaughlin is a native of Columbus, Ohio. He began serving the church as a full-time minister in 1989, after previous careers that included being a high school social-studies teacher, a lawyer, the assistant attorney general of Ohio, and an administrative law judge in Ohio.

Ken graduated summa cum laude from Ohio State University with a bachelor’s in education. He then graduated with honors from Park University with a Master of Arts in Religion, and received a Juris Doctor from the Moritz College of Law at Ohio State University.

Ken is a high priest who most recently served by accepting assignments from the First Presidency and focusing on ministerial education and processes related to the development of vital resources and services to support the church’s worldwide mission.

Ken served as a member of the Council of Twelve Apostles from 1994–2005. As a member of the Twelve, he headed the missionary and administrative work in the Western Mission Field and was director of the Co-Missioned Pastor Initiative. Past assignments also include apostle to the Western USA and Canada Mission Field, the Pacific Field, president of the Ohio Valley Region, Youth Ministries (including SPECTACULAR and the International Youth Festival), and Asian American Ministries.

Ken is married to Suzanne Trewhitt McLaughlin, an assistant professor of Christian education and director of contextual education for the Community of Christ Seminary of Graceland University. They have two children, Kathryn Hoyt and Matthew McLaughlin. Both Ken and Suzanne are active in the community. Ken’s past activities included serving as a trustee of the Eastwood Village Civic Association, being a board member for Hope House and Child Placement Services, and an active member of the Ohio Democratic Party.

After his retirement from World Church appointment, Ken was named director of corporate development for Outreach International. He also continues to enjoy writing hymns, painting, and landscaping.
 

Gail E. Mengel served Community of Christ for more than 19 years, starting as director of Women’s Ministries from 1990–1998. In 1988, she became the first woman ordained to the Council of Twelve and served as a general officer for more than seven years. In June 2005, she was named the first ecumenical and interfaith officer for the denomination and served until December 2009.

Gail was born and raised in Independence, Missouri. After attending Graceland she married Stan, and they have three children, Greg (wife Misti), Todd, and Stacey (husband Fred Keenan), and two granddaughters, Sarah and Grace Keenan. The family lived in Ohio, where Gail served in many capacities including stake women’s ministries commissioner and associate pastor in Barberton, Ohio.
She was ordained an elder in 1986 and a high priest in 1995. Gail has always been active in community and civic organizations. Recognition for her service includes a life membership in the PTA. Gail ran three successful campaigns, winning four-year terms on the Board of Education in Fairlawn, Ohio.

Gail has written and served as senior editor for Guide for Retreat Planning, A New and Right Spirit, Sustaining Faith, and With Equal Regard. Gail wrote a chapter in Count It All Joy, and helped in the writing of Sisters in Christ.

A highlight for Gail was directing the International Conference of Women with 4,700 women from 28 countries in 1993. She also headed a delegation of 10 church members to the United Nations’ Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, China, in 1995. In 1996 Hillary Clinton invited her to become a member of the White House Women’s Conference Circle. She was selected as a US representative to the Ecumenical Decade Festival in Harare, Zimbabwe, in 1998. In 2009 she was a guest lecturer in a program, Women Making a Difference, sponsored by the Sue Shear Institute at UMKC, the Center for Leadership at Park University’s Hauptmann School for Public Affairs, Park University, and the Mid-America Regional Council.

Gail served as the denominational representative to Church Women United and was a member of the CWU Board from 1995–2003. In 2004 she became the 18th national president of CWU and served from 2004–2008. She directed an Ecumenical Women’s Conference in 2008 for more than 1,000 women from 20 denominations at the Temple and Auditorium. Gail served on the Justice For Women Working Group of the National Council of Churches for 17 years and was a member of the Advisory Council of the Center for the Prevention of Sexual and Domestic Violence, now known as the FaithTrust Institute. In April 2006, Gail was elected to the Board of Directors of the institute. She was reelected in 2009.
 

Emile Teihotaata-Mervin was born in Tahiti and began working full-time for the church in the French Polynesian Mission Centre in 2002. He previously served as a pastor of a local congregation, and directed many youth and children’s camps. Emile also served as the mission center president in French Polynesia from 2002–2008.

Before working for the church, Emile was an elementary teacher and director of a youth center in Tahiti. Emile used his gifts to reach out to troubled youth at the center and in his one-on-one ministry with the people in his community.

Emile previously served the people of French Polynesia as an evangelist and is sought by many for his pastoral presence and ministerial spirit. He is a wonderful host who enjoys cooking and conversation. He generously has opened his home to many church people who have come to Tahiti. Emile has two children and four grandchildren.
 

Edward (Ed) A. Merz was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He holds the office of bishop and retired in August 2009 from just over 20 years of full-time church appointment. His most-recent assignment was as ministry specialist in the Central and Michigan USA Mission Field from April 2007–2009.

Ed previously served as Southern Great Lakes International (Canada/USA) Mission Center financial officer, the Michigan Region stewardship commissioner, the bishop for Detroit International Stake and Michigan Region and chair of the Earth Stewardship Committee for the World Church. He also served as a district and branch president and youth minister before accepting appointment as a minister.

Before his service to Community of Christ, Ed was an assistant nursing home administrator at the Sannes Skogdalen Nursing Home in Soldiers Grove, Wisconsin. His educational background also led to several years of field and lab research as a wildlife biologist for the Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

Ed received a bachelor’s degree in biology from Graceland College in Lamoni, Iowa, and a master’s degree in biology from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. He was licensed as a nursing home administrator in 1981. In 1991, he received his Master of Arts in Religion degree from Park College.

Ed is married to Madeline R. Aichele Merz, a priest and stewardship commissioner who has worked as activities director at a facility for the memory-impaired. They have two children, Andrew and Leah. Ed is passionate about ecological-justice ministries, bird-watching, and fly-fishing.
 

Stephen Ukiwe Oleka is married to Esther Ihuoma and has four daughters. His children were born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria. Two of his daughters are enrolled in a local university. One daughter recently passed her Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination, and his youngest daughter is in junior secondary school. Stephen is proud to have daughters who have excelled in school.

Before becoming a full-time minister, Stephen was the proprietor of the City Stenographic College in Olodi Apapa, Lagos. Stephen also served as director of evangelism at the Lagos Congregation.
He has been serving as the counselor to the pastor and enjoys singing, dancing, and family outreach.
 

Rex J. Sandidge holds the office of high priest and is serving as financial officer for the Cedar Valley-Nauvoo USA Mission Center.

Before accepting full-time employment as a minister in 2005, Sandidge was a lead systems engineer for the Harris Corporation, Broadcast Communications Division. He was a member of the Society of Broadcast Engineers and the Phi Kappa Phi National Honor Society. He is a native of La Grande, Oregon, and received degrees from the Central Technical Institute in Kansas City, Missouri, and from Central Missouri State University in Warrensburg. Rex also received his master’s in education from Southern Illinois University.

After accepting employment with the church, Rex served as Nauvoo District president from 1996–2003, the Nauvoo District Reunion director for four years, and completed MEADS classes.
Rex is married to Julie Sandidge. They have two children, Alan and Susan, and three grandchildren, Noah, Emma, and Jack. Rex and Julie have traveled extensively worldwide. He also enjoys reading, baseball, camping, and gardening.
 

Marion Atkinson Smith accepted full-time World Church employment in 1998. A native of Ontario, Canada, she attended the London Teachers College and received a degree in elementary education. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in history and English from the University of Windsor.

Before her career as a minister, she was a teacher and taught every grade from first to adult education. Marion worked for the auditor general of Canada as a trainer and manager for management and communications. She also was a trainer for the United Nations. It was during this time that she became involved in women’s prison ministry and other justice issues that she saw firsthand as a member of the audit team for Corrections Canada. She still is deeply involved in local community organizations that work toward restorative justice.

Marion has served the church in several roles, including pastor and Ottawa district president. She holds the office of high priest and most recently was a development-focus minister and congregational consultant for the Canada East Mission Centre.

Marion has four children (Arthur, Adam, Barbara, and Calvin) and eight grandchildren. She is passionate about reading and writing—everything from non-fiction to short stories to poetry.
 

Jan (Johnny) Waldemar Stabno was born in Poland and raised in Germany. He graduated from the Postal Service Trade School in Germany in 1964, attended Graceland College in Lamoni, Iowa, one semester, and attended the Selly Oak School of Mission in Birmingham, England. Later, Johnny received a master’s in religious studies from Park College in Parkville, Missouri.

Before accepting full-time employment with the church, Johnny was in the German Air Force and worked in Civil Service for the Federal Postal Department in Germany. In the summer of 1970, Johnny assumed the role of national minister in Germany for Community of Christ. Additional assignments included financial officer for the Caribbean Mission Center, assistant to the apostle for the Caribbean, Mexico, and South Central States (USA) Mission Field, bishop for Omaha-Council Bluffs Stake, and president for the Caribbean Mission Center. His most-recent assignment was assistant to the apostle for the Africa and Haiti Mission Field.

Johnny is married to Jennifer L. Stabno. They have four children, Andreas, Julie, Jessica, and Jasmin. They have 10 grandchildren. Johnny is an evangelist and stays busy volunteering for the church and Lions Club, hiking, mountain climbing, and continuing to travel.
 

Carolyn Tew, a native of Butte, Montana, became a Christian in 1978 and became a member of Community of Christ in 1980. She was baptized and confirmed with both of her sons, Michael Tew and Eric Tew. She has 10 grandchildren.

Carolyn received a bachelor’s in music education before becoming a full-time minister. She was instrumental in implementing a 24-hour residential program for women discharged from prison and was called to the office of elder during this time in her life. She also has served as a youth choir director, pianist, and vocalist in many congregations in the Montana area.

Currently, Carolyn’s special interest is exploring the principles expressed in “Yearning For God”—finding new ways to center herself in Christ through meditation and prayer. She is also the pastor of a small congregation, focusing on an apartment complex for the disabled. Carolyn continues to volunteer to bring church services and Bible studies to nursing homes.
 

John Williams was born and raised in Des Moines, Iowa. He attended Graceland University in Lamoni, Iowa, for two years before receiving a bachelor’s in aerospace engineering from Iowa State University in 1961. Upon graduation, John worked for McDonnell Aircraft in St. Louis, Missouri. He was employed in the Aerodynamics Department in the Missiles and Space Division.

John and his wife, Janet, have been married 46 years. They have two children, Andrea Ward and Aaron Williams. They have three grandchildren. John and Janet enjoy camping, working in the yard, and playing with their grandsons. John also builds model trains.

Before serving as a full-time minister, John was a pastor for several congregations, a financial officer, and a member of the St. Louis Stake High Council from 1985–2003. He has served as a counselor to the mission center president and as a counselor the bishop. John has been on the SPECTACULAR staff for 23 years. He started as a basketball referee and currently serves as the treasurer.
 

Leonard M. Young has served as a member of the Council of Twelve Apostles, the leading missionary quorum of Community of Christ. He was ordained at the 2000 World Conference and most recently assigned to the North Atlantic (Europe/USA) Mission Field, which includes the British Isles, Europe, Russia, and the Ukraine. Previous assignments included Ecumenical and Interfaith Ministries, Young Adult Ministries, Graceland Campus Ministries, and Urban Ministries.

Len became a full-time minister in 1982. He began serving in the Michigan Region and then as director of Field Resources at World Headquarters. He served as president of the High Priest Quorum from 1998–2000, and a member of the Standing High Council from 1996–2000.

Before accepting his ministerial responsibilities, Len spent 10 years in public education, serving as a teacher in Missouri and Kansas. He attended Graceland University in Lamoni, Iowa, and received a bachelor’s in history. He completed graduate work at Central Missouri State University in Warrensburg and the University of Missouri-Columbia, culminating in a doctorate in educational leadership in 1981. He also has completed coursework in theology and scripture at the St. Paul School of Theology in Kansas City, Missouri.

Len is the author of numerous books and articles, including Communities of JOY: New Experiences in Congregational Living, Making Vision Happen, Making Mission Happen, and Spiritual Leadership: The Path to Transformation.

Len is active in numerous volunteer organizations and from 1989–1996 served as board president for Camp Quality, a non-profit organization that provides camping and support programs for children with cancer. He also is a professional registered parliamentarian and is a past president of the National Association of Parliamentarians.

Len is married to Margaret Ann (Peggy) Nikel Young. Peggy is an evangelist, serving as the spirituality and aging minister at The Groves retirement center in Independence, Missouri. They have two children, Brian and Amy, and one grandson, Aiden, and one granddaughter due in August.