In Memoriam
2021 District Council Recognition
Iakopo ‘Jacob’ Ilasa
4/22/1936 – 3/10/2020
Ordained: 2006
Jacob was born in American Samoa. He and Filiga married in 1963. Jacob gave his life to Jesus and was baptized in the Holy Spirit at a Morris Cerullo crusade in 1965. Jacob graduated from Vailoa Bible College in Samoa and Fulton Bible College in Fiji. When asked about his call to ministry, Jacob recalls, "God gave me a vision about my people and ministry." That vision included being a pastor and evangelist. Jacob pastored Samoan AG in San Francisco for many years. He continued to return to his homeland yearly and planted many churches there. Jacob was most proud of his family. After being told he and Filiga could never have children, the Lord blessed them with four miracle children who are all in the ministry. All the grandchildren and great-grandchildren are serving the Lord. And Filiga continues to preach.
Judy Santiago
7/17/1939 - 4/1/2020
Ordained 2018
Judy was born in Hayward, CA. Judy committed her life to Jesus at 6 years old. At 14 she heard the Lord calling her into ministry. Judy met her husband, Mike, when he came to visit her church during his Christmas break from Latin America Bible Institute (LABI). Judy attended LABI after graduating from high school. Mike and Judy married in July of 1959. Their ministry began with evangelism ministry in Wisconsin. They planted 3 churches on the East Coast before joining World Missions in 1966. Mike and Judy spent 20 years in Latin America, 20 years in Africa, and planted over 30 churches. Judy's passion was to equip leaders and reach women. She taught Personal Evangelism, Biblical Theology, and established many WM groups. At 80 years old she came out of retirement and went to Spain to continue missions work. Judy entered eternity doing what she loved to do. Judy’s family loved her deeply.
Bob W. Combs, Jr.
8/6/1933 - 4/2/2020
Licensed 1983
Robert (Bob) was born in Fullerton, CA. He gave his life to Jesus at the age of 10. He met his wife, Beverly, in college. Bob wrote, "As a young person, God was very real to me and gave me much guidance." God’s guidance was evident in Bob’s life. He was involved in a church quartet, radio programs, teaching Sunday School, and Royal Rangers. He served 16 years on the church board at Bethel Church, San Jose. God guided him to serve in the US Army and Reserves, to San Jose State University, and to work for Sondeno Construction Co. His construction background prepared him for a second career as a missionary builder. Bob and Beverly built numerous churches and schools in Belgium, Portugal, Cuba, Latin American, and the Caribbean. After 21 years, God guided them back to the USA, where Bob served on the World Missions Board (2004) and was actively assisting and advising District Affiliated Churches on building and construction matters.
Daniel E. Albrecht
9/22/1949 - 4/5/2020
Ordained 1974
Dan was born in Buffalo, New York. He received a BA from Central Bible College, a Master of Arts of Religion through Southern Illinois University and Western Evangelical Seminary and earned a Doctorate from Graduate Union Theological Seminary in Berkeley. Dan ministered in churches in Granite City, Il; Pasadena, TX; and Albany, OR before he and his wife Yvonne settled in Scotts Valley, CA. In 1981 Dan started teaching at Bethany University in the theology department. A colleague described Professor Albrecht as “a bona fide Pentecostal scholar and a deeply spiritual man.” A student said, “I remember his kindness, dedication to family, and his wealth of knowledge and Biblical insight.” Dan served on the Districts Christian Education Advisory Board. He was serving as Academic Dean at William Jessup University in San Jose. Dan’s family will remember his laugh, favorite quotes, theological discussions at dinner, and his adoration for his granddaughter, Isabella.
Bob L. Curtright
8/19/1936 - 4/9/2020
Licensed 1958 | Ordained 1968
Bob was born in New Mexico. As a junior in high school, he attended a camp meeting at Bethany, where God gave him a vision of preaching the gospel to every nationality. Later Bob returned to Bethany for formal training. He was the 3rd generation of AG ministers following his grandmother and father. Bob met his wife, Delores, in Maywood, CA. They married 3 months later. They started their ministry journey in South San Francisco in 1958, as Assistant Pastor for Bob's dad. They pastored in 3 churches in Southern CA after which they returned to NCN District in 1968. They served at First Assembly of God in Willits for 9 years. There the church built an educational building, debt-free. Bob pastored Assembly of God in Waterford for 20 years. He also served for 5 years as a District Presbyter. After retiring, Bob continued to be active in evangelism ministry and leading God’s Doorkeepers, a scripture evangelism ministry for prison inmates.
Raymond A. Schiek
5/10/1926 - 5/31/2020
Licensed 1951 | Ordained 1955
Raymond was born in Seymour, CT. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps during WW2. Later, Raymond attended Southern California Bible College (Vanguard) where he met his wife, Mary Ellen. They began their life and ministry together in CT. But when they returned to Southern CA, Raymond continued his education and earned his Master of Education at Pepperdine University. That was the beginning of his lifelong ministry in Christian Education. Raymond transferred to the NCN District in 1978. He served as a teacher, principal, and school administrator in various cities and schools within CA. The additional cities where he served were Manteca, Pacheco, and Sacramento Trinity Christian School. After retiring from full-time ministry in 1991, Raymond and Mary Ellen remained in the Sacramento area. Raymond continued to serve at Trinity Life Center as a greeter and remained involved with the counseling ministry. He was greatly admired by his students and his peers. Raymond will be missed by his three sons, 8 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren.
John A. Cosby
3/21/1937 - 7/3/2020
Licensed 1979 | Ordained 1981
John was born in Pampa, Texas. He gave his life to Jesus in 1968 in Portola. After 24 years in the Squaw Valley Fire Department, John and his wife Lois answered the call to ministry. Together they received their education through Berean. John served as a Board Member, Men's Fellowship Director, and taught adult Sunday School in Loyalton. John held revivals in Arbuckle, CA, and McDermit, NV. In 1988 after a revival on the Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation in Owyhee, NV, John reported, "The tent was almost to capacity" (500 people). They experienced "a glorious outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Souls were saved and people filled with the Holy Spirit. Many were healed and delivered." John and Lois also ministered in Nixon, NV, and Portola, CA. They pastored in Oroville for 10 years before retiring in 1999.
Jerry D. Stroup
8/5/1939 - 8/15/2020
Licensed 1958 | Ordained 1964
Jerry was born in Oklahoma. He was baptized in the Holy Spirit at 15 and called into ministry. Jerry pastored his first church at age 19 in OK. He received a BA from Central Bible College, a Master of Divinity, and a Doctor of Ministry from Oral Roberts University. In 1969, Jerry spent 4 years serving with the National Sunday School Department. He and his college sweetheart, Karen Frazier, came to CA in 1990 and planted a church in Grass Valley. They spent 27 years in ministry before Karen passed away from cancer. Jerry married Wanda Prinzing and continued pastoring for 8 years before losing her to cancer. In 2008 Jerry and Barbara Miles married. After 54 years of pastoring, Jerry changed fields: He and Barbara engaged in evangelism ministry in Central America, the Philippines, India, Argentina, Macedonia, and Zambia. In 2015 they settled in Yuba City, teaching a Bible Class and leading prayer meetings. Jerry was also a gifted pianist and a faithful man of prayer.
Linda L. Baker
3/27/1953 - 8/17/2020
Certified 2012
Linda was born in Grangeville, Idaho, where she met and married Bob. Linda was saved, baptized, and filled with the Holy Spirit in 1972. She attended Lewis and Clark College and Global University. Linda and Bob came to CA in the early 80s. Linda served where she was called. This included working for Kay Allen at Calvary Temple in Concord and United Christian Broadcasting as a Guest Coordinator and Associate Producer. As a widow in her 40’s, the Lord called her to Jerusalem. With her youngest son still in college, Linda spent 15 years working with Life Publishers, and the Bible Society as a graphic arts designer, for children’s church curriculum in Hebrew. While living with cancer for over 3 years, Linda continued this work, even from her bedside in ID. Linda's four children, 15 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren cherish her love and faithfulness to God's call.
Charles T. Crabtree
10/20/1937 - 8/23/2020
Licensed 1960 | Ordained 1962
Charles was born in Nova Scotia and raised in Maine. Charles and Ramona met during their college years. After Charles graduated from Central Bible College, the two married in 1958. Together they started on the evangelistic field in the US and Canada until Charles was elected as pastor of 1st AG in Des Moines, Iowa in 1963. They transferred to the NCN District in 1974 where Charles pastored Bethel Church in San Jose for 14 years. In 1988 he became Decade of Harvest Director for the General Council, during this time 2,940 churches were planted. In 1993, Charles was elected the Assistant General Superintendent, a position he held for 14 years. In 2007 Charles went to Southern New England as the President of Northpoint Bible College. Charles and Ramona retired in Roseville in 2013. He passed away at age 82, after authoring 8 books, preaching thousands of sermons, and impacting millions. He was a statesman, a disciple, and a friend.
Charlotte A. Hartman
5/20/1926 - 9/4/2020
Licensed 1950 | Ordained 1953
Charles was born in Live Oak. He was the 3rd of 13 children. Charles joined the Army Air Corps at 18. One night while standing guard on Luzon Island in the Philippines, Charles received his call to ministry. After safely returning home, he attended a Youth for Christ rally in Santa Rosa, where he met Carolyn Hope Mallory. They married in 1948. Charles graduated from Glad Tidings in 1950. He served as a staff pastor in Novato, for 10 years. Starting in 1960, Charles was a senior pastor in Healdsburg, Orleans, Paradise, CA, and Elko, NV. In 1985, Charles served on staff as the Deaf Pastor at Capital Christian Center in Sacramento until his retirement in 1991. Charles also served as a Christ Ambassador Sectional Rep and Fellowship of Pioneers committee member. While considering his life, he said, "I am peacefully satisfied that I have done what the Lord called me to do."
Frank (Francisco) Velasquez
10/22/1948 - 10/5/2020
Licensed 2002
Frank was born in Eagle Pass, Texas. He was one of 12 children. Frank and Gloria married in 1974. Frank gave his heart to the Lord in 1975. After receiving a word from the Lord in 1978, Frank described his call to ministry as "a longing I can't erase from my heart." Frank prepared for ministry and graduated from Global University. Frank was active in church ministries: Men's Ministries, Sunday School teacher, Deacon, Board Member, Audio Tech, and a Spanish Translator. He also served as a full-time staff member for Teen Challenge in San Jose. Frank was a dedicated staff pastor. He was described as a "man of many helps". He served in three churches: First Assembly of God in San Jose, Legacy Community Church in Los Gatos, and Cutten Community Church, in Eureka. Frank was a compassionate and loving man, devoted to God, his wife and family, his church, and community.
Tinsley C. Stetson
3/24/1945 - 10/1/2020
Licensed 1992 | Ordained 1996
Tinsley was born in Monterey, CA. He and Nancy met in 1963 and they married in 1969. Tinsley gave his life to Jesus in 1974. Four years later the Lord called him into ministry. Tinsley was involved with the “Fellowship of Christian Cowboys / Cowboy for Christ " ministry as an evangelist. The Lord opened doors for Tinsley to preach at horse shows and racetracks, rodeos, jackpot ropings, high-school rodeos, and fairs in CA. He ministered in the county jail as well. He and Nancy ran a therapeutic horseback riding program for disabled children. Tinsley served as a staff pastor in Grass Valley, Paradise, and Yreka. In 1993 they answered the call to be Lead Pastor. First, at Ruby Mountain Chapel in Wells, NV, followed by Garberville then Mariposa. His daughter, Ginger, wrote in part, “Amazing man, so loved by everyone. He was always telling people about Jesus! He will be deeply missed.”
Rick A. Baldwin
6/1/1953 - 10/30/2020
Licensed 2015
Rick was born in Fresno. He gave his life to Jesus at 8 years old. Rick committed to marrying someone “of strong faith, who would dedicate their life to serving the Lord.” Sherry was that girl. At 18 they married, and Rick signed a professional baseball contract. He played for seven years, primarily with the NY Mets. He and Sherry were considered the team’s "Bible Scholars." Rick shared his faith and prayed with many players regularly. In 1979 Rick and Sherry came back to CA and made their home in Modesto. Rick was a ministry volunteer for 23 years at Neighborhood Church before receiving his credential with the AG. In 2011 Rick became the Campus Pastor at One Church - St. John's Chapel in Modesto. Music Ministry and Sports Outreach were among his passions. Rick was a joyful and kind man, with a deep love for Jesus, people; and his beloved Sherry, their two children, and three grandchildren.
Grady C. Windham
3/24/1943 - 11/6/2020
Licensed 1978 | Ordained 1982
Chaplain Grady was born in Vallejo. At the age of 12, he gave his life to Jesus. In 1962 he met and married Leah. Grady was well educated. He received a BA from Bethany Bible College, MPA from Pepperdine University, MDiv from Fuller Theological Seminary, and a MAC from National University. Grady taught at Epic Bible College for 15 years. Grady served in the Southern CA District before coming to the NCN District in 1988. He worked in the bus ministry and taught Royal Rangers in Auburn. He then pastored churches in Calistoga, Sonoma, Indian Valley, Stonyford, and Wheatland. In addition, Grady was a CHP patrol officer, then a Sergeant. He started the Highway Patrol Chaplaincy program and was a chaplain for 18 years. Grady and Leah were also emergency foster parents to 74 abused children. Grady loved his family, serving Jesus, and old cars.
Bertha Bernica Cordova
9/16/1939 - 11/29/2020
Certified 1975
Bernice was born in Salinas, CA. Bernice was part of the Northern Pacific Latin America District before joining the NCN District in 1976. Bernice was co-vocational. During her lifetime she worked as a bookkeeper for Santa Cruz University and then went on to work for Carmel Valley Packing.
Bertha was a hard-working mom always someone who you could depend on. She cared for her parents Mariano Cruz and Cirila Cruz until God took them to Heaven. Surrounded by her family on November 29, 2020 she left us to join her husband Carlos C. Cordova.
Felicidad Sato Dizon
3/7/1933 - 1/4/2021
Licensed 1967 | Ordained 1977
50 Year Recognition: 2017
Felicidad (Fely) was born in the province of Romblon, Philippines. Fely gave her life to the Lord during a Morris Cerrulo crusade in 1959. She graduated from Bethel Bible Institute (BBC) and Far East Advanced School of Theology (APTS) in the Philippines. Fely met Tanqilino at Bethel Bible Institute and they married in 1975. Fely was a pioneer. She pioneered and pastored Malinta Bethel Church in the Philippines for 9 years. Fely and Tanquilio moved to the US in 1971. Again, Fely pioneered and pastored Grace Temple in Watsonville. She also co-founded the NCN Filipino Fellowship and continued to assist small churches in the Philippines. Fely served faithfully before retiring in 1993. Fely was well-loved by everyone, especially her family.
Rufino Hipol
4/19/1935 – 1/21/2021
Licensed 1957 | Ordained 1959
50 Year Recognition: 2007
Rufino was born in Tarlac, Philippines. He accepted Christ at 14. In 1975, Rufino married his Bethel Bible School sweetheart, Nelita. Rufino valued education. He received a BA and BSE from Pacific Colleges, a Master of Arts in Education from Baguio Colleges Foundation, and a Doctor of Divinity from International Seminary. Rufino’s 23 years of ministry in the Philippines included Pastor, Academic Dean, College President, Director of Christian Education, Director of Home Missions, and General Secretary. God called the Hipol’s to the US in 1979. They started a ministry to the Filipino Americans in the South Bay. Seeing the need for the Fil-Am church, they planted Full Gospel AG in San Jose in 1984. Rufino pastored there until 1997 and again from 1999 to his home going. Rufino was also active in the District. He served on the World Missions Board / DCDM Board for 21 years. He was elected as the President of the Fil-Am Christian Fellowship in 1994. Rufino was highly respected and greatly loved.
Bradford Ashley
6/1/1968 - 2/17/2021
Licensed 2016
Bradford was born in Oakland. In 2007 he “met Jesus.” He said, “I accepted his offer to forgive my sins, and I felt a great weight lift off of me, and I felt true peace for the first time in my life.” He wanted everyone to experience this. Bradford was a graduate of Teen Challenge (TC), and Global University. He became a staff member at Teen Challenge. While at TC, Bradford started attending Sequoyah Community Church in Oakland. His leadership abilities and calling were evident. Bradford was asked to establish the Men’s Ministries Director at Sequoyah and to serve as Director. He also continued to volunteer at the TC Men’s Center every week. He was involved in the TC jail ministry and other outreaches. Bradford’s colleagues described him as trustworthy, intelligent, faithful, dependable, teachable, authentic, and a servant-hearted man. Bradford helped men to be better husbands, fathers, and followers of Christ.
Bernis J. Stringer
3/17/1951 - 2/17/2021
Certified 1993 | Licensed 1997 | Ordained 2002
Bernis (Bernie) was born in Eureka. Bernie and Patti met on a blind date in February 1975. They married 7 months later. Bernie accepted Jesus in 1984 at Auberry Assembly of God. Bernie had struggled with alcohol and the Lord delivered him that day. Bernie’s job (building pipeline tunnels) took him to Gilroy and they attended First Assembly of God in Gilroy. Bernie was involved in street evangelism and Royal Rangers (RR), and he began ministerial studies at Global University. In 1995, Bernie was appointed as the Sacramento Valley RR Section Commander. He was also a RR Missions Coordinator, and RR Instructor Trainer. In 2000 he was appointed as President of the Frontiersman Camping Fellowship (FCF). He served as Associate Pastor at Skyway AG in Paradise for nine years, and as the Interim Pastor. In 2002, Bernie and Patti moved to Downieville, where he served as Lead Pastor for nineteen years. Bernie was “READY.” Ready for anything! Ready to work, play, serve, worship, live, and obey God’s word. (RR Moto)
Yolanda Raman
8/14/1948 - 2/22/2021
Licensed 2019
Yolanda was born and grew up in Cooper, Texas. Her “Granddaddy” called her “Mockingbird” because of her love for singing. Yolanda developed a passion for Worship. After graduating from Texas College in 1970, Yolanda moved to Stockton. Her mom asked Stephen to show Yolanda around town. Yolanda describes their meeting as "electric." In 1974, Stephen brought Yolanda to church, where she accepted Christ. They married in Fiji in 1976. Settling back in Stockton in 1978, Yolanda saw the need for a Hindi-speaking church. Together, Stephen and Yolanda planted Anugrah Full Gospel Fellowship. The first home mission church to the Hindi community. In addition, Yolanda earned M.Ed from the University of the Pacific. Yolanda ministered in New Zealand, Australia, Canada, and Fiji. Yolanda led worship, coached other worship leaders, held women's seminars, led children's ministry, and was the church's secretary and treasurer. Yolanda deeply loved Jesus, Stephen, their three “miracle children,” their spouses, and two grandchildren. Her family notes, "Yolanda left us solid foot-prints to follow."
John T. Duran
10/28/1942 - 9/27/2020
Certified 2007
John was born in Delano, CA. After High School, the family moved to San Jose. John and his wife, Hope, met on a blind date in 1962. In 1977, John’s sister-in-law invited him and Hope to Mt Pleasant Christian Center (Twin Palms) in San Jose. Both John and Hope gave their hearts to Jesus that day, although neither one knew that their spouse was also at the altar! John immediately plugged into the church, being discipled and volunteering where he could. John pursued education with Global University. He taught Bible studies and served on the church board. John became the “Prime Time” (Seniors) pastor. He did Pastoral counseling and hospital visitations, which was John’s passion. Even in his wheelchair, Hope would bring John to the hospital so he could minister. John served for 30 years at Mt Pleasant Christian Center and 1 year at Calvary AG in Milpitas. Hope, his 3 children, 10 grandchildren and, 8 great-grandchildren, love and miss him deeply.
Deceased Spouses
Mary Ann Richardson
2/17/1945 - 6/14/2020
Spouse of: Ronald L Richardson
Rosemary Withers
5/17/1956 - 9/19/2020
Spouse of: John A Withers
Dallas A Phillips
8/24/1937 - 6/21/2020
Spouse of: Judy Phillips
Lois E Wilson
1/10/1935 - 12/12/2020
Spouse of: Everett A Wilson
Judy Belarmino
8/16/1949 - 8/25/2020
Spouse of: Antonio A Belarmino
Jeanne Dea
4/16/1958 - 12/25/2020
Spouse of: Darrell Dea