In Memoriam
2022 District Council Recognition
Fred J Vallo
3/27/1936 – 3/5/2021
Ordained: 2003
Fred was born in New Mexico and grew up in Riverbank, CA. He accepted Jesus into his heart as a young boy. Fred always felt the call of the Lord on his life, but it was not until l his later years that he pursued that call. Fred was a successful business owner, and at the age of 63, he committed to the call of full-time ministry. He attended the Berean School of the Bible. Fred and his wife, Judy (Janice), began their ministry in New Mexico before transferring to the NCN District in 2008. Fred returned to Riverbank, where he pastored Riverbank Assembly of God for 12 years. Fred leaves a beautiful legacy: 20 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, three daughters and, two sons-in-law. He was loved and admired by his family and friends. Especially by his dear wife of 63 years.
William W Wedgeworth
5/12/1929 - 3/20/2021
Licensed 1951 | Ordained 1955
50 Year Ordination Recognition: 2017
William (Bill) was born and raised in a dairy farmhouse in Traver, CA. Bill gave his heart to Jesus at 16 years old. One day while working the farm, Bill had a strong sense of the Holy Spirit’s presence. Bill knew that the Lord was calling him to the ministry. In 1948, Bill went to Glad Tidings Institute. While in school, Bill went to a Christ Ambassador (Youth) Convention in San Jose. There he met a pretty girl named Martha Ann Collins. They married one year later, in 1951, following Bill’s graduation. In 1954 they planted Williams AG while Bill worked full-time on a ranch. Bill and Ann also served at Lewiston AG, Carmichael AG, Biggs AG, and First Assembly of God in West Sacramento. Before retiring in 1995, Bill ministered at the Atrium, a retirement facility for active seniors in Carmichael, for 11 years. Bill was a hard worker with a gentle soul. After a stroke left Ann paralyzed, Bill wrote, “I was her caregiver 24/7 for 9 years. She was my last congregation.” Bill leaves a legacy of 3 children, 5 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren.
Ralph W Hiatt
12/13/1931 - 4/4/2021
Licensed 1955 | Ordained 1958
50 Year Ordination Recognition: 2008
Ralph was born and raised in Portland, OR. He accepted Christ as a young child. After high school, Ralph worked as a successful artist. However, that quickly ended when the warehouse burned down. The Lord spoke to Ralph, “Only one thing will last, winning a soul for Christ.” Ralph and Frances married in 1951. Ralph attended Southern California Bible College (Vanguard). After graduating in 1955, they pastored in Carmichael, Orangevale, and Colfax. In 1963, Ralph, Frances, and their 3 sons answered the call to go to Argentina where they served faithfully for 46 years! He served as Missionary-in-Residence at Bethany (1980-1981) and served as the Field Fellowship Chairman for 8 years. His impact on Argentina is immeasurable: he helped plant 43 churches, Teen Challenges, Global Universities campuses; and reached many 1000s of people through radio, television, and crusades with Filipe, Ralph’s ventriloquist puppet. After returning to the US in 2001, the Hiatt’s continued serving Argentina and on the NCN Missions Awareness Team. Frances passed in 2010. Ralph and Janie married in 2017. Together they made 3 trips to Argentina. He was faithful to the end and will be greatly missed.
Gordon D Storey
3/23/1947 - 4/26/2021
Licensed 1977 | Ordained 1980
Gordon was born in Glendale, CA. He accepted Christ in 1963 after watching the drama “Through Gates of Splendor.” After high school, Gordon joined the Air Force, where he recommitted his life to Jesus. Desiring to grow in his faith, Gordon went to the first church he came across. It was a Methodist church where he met Linda. They married in 1970. Gordon was filled with the Holy Spirit in 1974. When asked about his call to ministry, Gordon writes, “There was total unfulfillment when doing anything else. I had an inner knowledge that the ministry is where I belong.” Gordon graduated from Southeastern Bible College in 1976 and received his license in 1977. Gordon served in CA, Ohio, Kansas, and Arizona. He was a Teen Challenge Director in Cincinnati and Sacramento. Gordon pastored Aptos Assembly of God, Willits 1st Assembly of God, and Mt. Shasta Assembly of God. During his time in Mt. Shasta, Gordon served as a Presbyter and Executive Presbyter from 1990 - 1992. After retiring to Modesto, Gordon led the Seniors Legacy Group at One Church and taught at the Faith Home Teen Challenge. “Gordon left a great legacy in his children and his five grandchildren. We are blessed.” - Linda
Douglas M Fairrington
3/30/1931 - 5/9/2021
Licensed 1953 | Ordained 1954
50 Year Ordained Recognition: 2004
Doug was born in Perris, CA. He accepted Jesus when a friend invited him to church in Escalon in 1948. Later that year, God called Doug to full-time ministry during a youth camp. Doug attended Glad Tidings Bible Institute, where he met his love, Mary. They graduated and married in 1953. The Fairrington’s served as pastor of Half Moon Bay Assembly of God (1954-1955), Bethel Church in Grass Valley (1955-1959), Full Gospel Church in Morgan Hill (1959-1965), and Three Cities Assembly of God in Burlingame (1965-1988). In addition, Pastor Doug served as Sectional Presbyter (1971 -1979), Executive Presbyter (1979-1988) and became an Honorary Executive Presbyter / Executive Presbyter Emeritus for his years served. He also served as a Bethany Bible College Trustee for many years. Doug served as Pastor Emeritus at Destiny Christian Church in Rocklin, where his son Greg is the Lead Pastor. Doug and Rev. Mary also served the district as the managers of Mission Villa Housing and, in 2019, served on the District's 100 Year Historical Committee. Doug adored his wife, Mary, of 67 years, his 3 sons, their wives, 5 grandkids, and 4 great-grandchildren. During his last days, Doug quoted many scriptures assuring them of his “reservation in Heaven.” Hebrews 12:23
Jim F Argue
5/25/1936 - 8/11/2021
Licensed 1959 | Ordained 1960
50 Year Ordination Recognition: 2013
Jim was born in Niagara Falls, NY. Jim received Christ when he was seven, and God called him to full-time ministry as a senior in high school. Jim attended and graduated from Central Bible College in Springfield, MO. During his third year, he met and married his wife, Gloria. Following graduation in 1959, the Argues moved to Natchez, MS. They came West to Ojai, CA, in 1961. Jim pastored Calvary Temple in Oakland from 1963 to 1967. The Lord expanded Jim's territory as he served the NCN District as Youth Director from 1967 to 1972. In 1972 Jim founded Genesis Discipleship Training Center, a two-year leadership training program that ran for 22 years and graduated over 1,300 students. Genesis DTC was the first "Church-Based Bible Institute" to receive recognition for ministry credentials in the NCN District. Upon his "retirement," Jim and Gloria moved to Springfield, MO, where Jim continued to teach and travel with Youth with a Mission Schools as he had done for over 30 years. Jim's definition of faith is engraved in the hearts of many, including Gloria, their two children, eight grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren; "Faith is an unshakeable confidence in the character of God."
Larry L Holser
8/14/1950 - 8/30/2021
Licensed 1993
Larry was born and raised in Santa Cruz. Larry’s journey to Jesus began when he joined a free Karate class at the First Baptist Church in Santa Cruz. He discovered that Jesus wasn’t just for kids and “old people.” In 1970 Larry accepted Jesus, and he was baptized in water and the Holy Spirit. Larry met his love, Denise, in the youth group in 1969. They married in 1972. Larry was served as a lay minister for 20 years at Christian Life Center. He graduated from Bethany with an AA in Business Administration and BS in Christian Education. Larry felt called to start a church in the Seascape area of Santa Cruz. That work began in 1994. They merged with Santa Cruz Church (New Hope Community Church) in 1998, and Larry remained there until 2012. Before retiring to Chesapeake, VA, in 2015, Larry served as the Executive Director for New Life Community Services (Addiction Treatment Center) in Santa Cruz. Many have been impacted by Larry’s joy, kindness, and genuine love for others, especially Denise, their two children, spouses, and three granddaughters.
Florence J Coryell
7/7/1926 - 10/2/2021
Licensed 1946
50 Year License Recognition: 1996
Florence is the longest continuous credential holder in the history of NCN District – 75 years!
Florence was born in 1929 in Richmond CA. She committed her life to Jesus in her Richmond home at the age of nine on Sunday, August 18, 1935. After high school, Florence attended Glad tidings Bible Institute in Santa Cruz, where she graduated and received her ministry license in 1946 at the age of nineteen. She was very active in her church, Full Gospel Temple in Richmond, with children's ministry, teaching Sunday School, directing the music ministry – playing the piano and organ, and eventually serving as the Assistant Pastor. Florence was also a full-time public school teacher. During the summers, she spoke at Camp Meetings and held Kids Crusades. In a letter, Florence writes, "Much of my work is done during the summer in small home missions churches that need help and can't get it because most evangelists won't go there." She passed away at the age of 93, having held credentials continuously since she was 19 years old. Florence was a faithful servant and a pioneer of the faith. Florence never married but loved her four nieces and nephews and treated them like her own grandchildren. She will be missed by her family including, her brother and sister-in-law, five great-nieces and nephews, and seven great-great nieces and nephews.
James R Githens
6/18/1930 - 10/10/2021
Ordained 1953
James "Dick" Githens was born in Douglas, Wyoming. He accepted Christ as a teenager and was baptized in the Holy Spirit in 1945. He met Dorothy (Dottie), and they married in 1950. The newlyweds pastored in Colorado for four years before relocating to Southern CA. They settled in Salinas in 1964. Dick was very involved in ministering in his local church through teaching and prayer. He had a passion for prison ministry. In 1997, Dick served with Match Two (M2 – a prison mentoring program) alongside Missionary Donnel McLean, who described Dick as one of the godliest men he had ever met. Dick spent countless hours ministering and counseling inmates in several different prisons. He was also involved with Monterey Bay Teen Challenge for many years. Dick and Dottie retired to Oakley, Kansas, in 2018, where he enjoyed small-town living. He particularly enjoyed visiting with his two children, eleven grandchildren, and thirteen great-grandchildren.
Jerry B Burks
10/31/1939 - 10/13/2021
Licensed 1972 | Ordained 1983
Jerry was born in Sand Springs, OK. Jerry had a tough childhood. When his mom died in a car accident, Jerry (13) went from foster home to foster home. As a teenager, he hitch-hiked to Quincy, CA. Jerry found himself at Christian Life Fellowship, where Pastor York introduced him to Jesus. “Mom and Pop” Sellers, a family in the church, took Jerry in. Jerry had a home and finished high school. Jerry met Lynda (daughter of missionary Johnathan McPherson) in the choir at Bethel Temple (Capital Christian Center) in Sacramento. They married in 1968. Jerry attended Northwest Bible College and Berean School of the Bible. Jerry served in Cornings and Willows. The Burks pastored the Chapel of the Pines (Truckee Christian Center) from 1971 until retirement in 2021 – 47 years! Jerry was described as “a quiet and reserved man by nature until you put him behind the pulpit, or given a chance to preach in any setting, then he became an outgoing man on fire for the Lord.” Jerry and Linda entered the presence of Jesus within an hour of each other. The family and friends miss them greatly.
William J Robinson
5/31/1928 - 10/15/2021
Licensed: 1968 l Ordained 1974
William was born in North Ireland. When asked about his calling, William writes, “I received God’s call in 1954 after being healed from an illness that left me without much hope to live.” William graduated from Elim Bible College in London, England. William and his first wife, Grace, pastored in Ontario, Canada, and North Ireland Before coming to CA in 1974. Once here, they pastored Calvary AG in Folsom. In 1978, William pastored in North Fork, where the average attendance grew from 75 to 200. In 1983 they transitioned to Caruthers in Southern CA. Two years later, Grace passed away. In 1987, William and his new bride, Mary, served as Camp Pastor and Manager of the Redwood Camp in Garberville for a year. In 1989, God called them to Pine Grove. There William built Mt Zion Church, paid it off, and burned the mortgage! In 1996, William and Mary returned to North Fork, where they stayed until his retirement. William's greatest desire was "That we all come to the unity of the faith, and the knowledge of the Son of God, and to attain the fullness of Christ." Ephesians 4:13
Garwin L Haggard
10/20/1934 - 10/23/2021
Licensed 1960 | Ordained 1963
50 Year Recognition of Ordination: 2013
Garwin (GL) was born in Enid, Oklahoma. At twelve, a cousin invited GL to a revival meeting where he accepted Christ and was called to missions. GL went to Central Bible College, where he met Sally Waggoner, an MK. They married in 1958. GL also attended Phillips Graduate Seminary and Fuller Seminary. GL’s first pastorate was in Iowa - a step towards becoming appointed missionaries. Their first application was denied. However, the Lord orchestrated a meeting between the Haggards and J Philip Hogan, the AG Director of Foreign Missions. GL and Sally received their appointment and were the first missionaries to Botswana, Africa. During their 25+ years, GL established training centers and Bible schools in South Africa, Zimbabwe and, the Southern African region. GL also served as the Director of the International Correspondence Institute and the Missions Area Director. One of his first students, Raphael Habibo, was later elected as General Superintendent of Botswana. Retiring in 2000 to MO, GL volunteered with Fire Bible. GL’s legacy continues in what is now Africa’s Hope. GL’s three children, their spouses, six grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren miss him deeply.
Charlotte A Caudill
5/27/1924 - 11/5/2021
Licensed 1946 | Ordained 1970
50 Year Licensed Recognition: 1996
Charlotte was born in Stockton. She gave her heart to Jesus during grade school in Ceres. At fourteen, Charlotte saw a handsome boy and knew she would marry him. They married in 1941. Charlotte and Maurice were attending the Assembly of God in Quincy when God called them to be Pioneer Pastors (Church Planters). In 1945, they went to Sonora and put an Assembly of God sign on a vacant building downtown. Today it is home to the Café Church (Christian Heights AG Coffee Shop). The Lord called the Caudill's to pioneer in Chester, CA, followed by Carson City, Winnemucca, Elko, and Reno, Nevada. Charlotte was very active in the ministry with Maurice, including Bible teaching, prayer ministry, and driving parishioners to church. Like many, the Caudill's were co-vocational. In Carson City, they managed a hamburger joint where Charlotte made 7-10 pies a day. She also drove a school bus for 18 years. Charlotte's primary purpose in life was loving others and spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ with everyone – including her five children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren that total just under 100.
Melvia F Lynn
5/14/1928 - 11/11/2021
Licensed 1956
Melvia (Mel) was born in Heber, Arkansas. At 18, Mel joined the Navy. After two years of service, Mel relocated to Gustine, CA. He married the love of his life, Juanita Darnell, in 1948. Mel took Bible classes through Berean School of the Bible and received his ministerial credential in the Southern California District. After returning to Northern CA, Mel pastored in Westley from 1959 to 1962 and in Hilmar from 1965 to 1967. Mel served as an associate pastor in Gustine from 1967 to 1971. In 1971, Mel’s ministry changed, but his mission did not. Mel worked in prison ministry, sharing the love and hope of Jesus for four years. Mel was a devoted and honorable husband, father, grandfather, and friend.
Homer L Perryman Jr
7/11/1929 - 11/18/2021
Ordained 1968
50 Year Ordination Recognition: 2018
Homer Perryman was born in Mt. Pleasant, Texas. At the age of nineteen, when Homer was living in Salinas, he acquiesced to the persistent invitation of his friend Joe to attend church. During his second visit, Homer felt something inside say, “God loves you,” and he accepted Christ as his personal Savior. While in High School, Homer met Mary Lou and thought to himself, “That girl is going to be my wife.” They married two years later. Homer was active in evangelism ministry. In 1957, Homer and Mary planted Marina Tabernacle (Pentecostal Tabernacle). There were no available places to rent or hold church services, so they built one. Homer’s ordination was recognized and transferred to the NCN District in 1968. Homer and Mary went to Marina Assembly of God in 1977 and pastored the church until he retired in 1997. Homer and Mary impacted the city of Marina for 40 years! After relocating to Redding, they continued ministering together. Homer volunteered with Fishers of Men Ministry, Inc. Homer and Mary celebrated 72 years of marriage before entering the presence of the Lord, nine days apart from one another. They are greatly missed by friends and their six children, ten grandchildren, --- great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren.
Calvin E Beard
5/7/1947 - 11/24/2021
Licensed 1967 | Ordained 1969
50 Year Ordained Recognition: 2019
Calvin was born in Marysville, CA. He accepted Christ as Savior in 1962 under Jack Reddick’s ministry and received a call to ministry as a high school senior. Calvin graduated from Bethany Bible College in 1967 with a Major in Music and a Minor in Christian Education. During Calvin’s senior year, he married Lori. Calvin’s gift in music opened doors to singing solos at Bethany and the Cal State’s Annual Spring Concert. Calvin served as the Music Director at Valley Assembly (Redwood Christian Center) in Felton. In 1985, as associate pastor at Maranatha Assembly (Carpenters House) in Modesto, Calvin served as a Building Superintendent and oversaw the construction of the new facility. Rev. Chuck Adams credits Calvin for getting the job done. Calvin also served in the Arizona and Southern CA Districts. Calvin retired in 2010. However, as he was able, he continued to serve in music ministry and taught adult Sunday School classes in the greater San Joaquin Valley. Calvin’s legacy continues through his family and loved ones.
Sammie A Glass
11/10/1951 - 12/19/2021
Licensed 2014
Sammie was born in Modesto, CA. Sammie grew up in the Catholic and Methodist churches. However, she did not come to the knowledge of Jesus as her Savior until 1982. Shortly after, the Lord completely healed her blinded left eye. Sammie, Burt, and the three children attended Central Assembly of God (Harvest Church) in Ceres. As a family, they were baptized in water and filled with the Holy Spirit! Sammie felt God leading her to Youth Ministry and had a strong desire to learn theology in order to accurately help young people and new believers in their walk with the Lord. So she enrolled in NCN's Pathway program and graduated. Her love for youth developed into lifelong relationships, which included making quilts for their newborns. Due to miraculous healings and subsequent transformation, Sammie wanted hurting women to know there was a different way and she developed a passion for women's ministries. Sammie also worked as a bookkeeper and property manager. Burt and Sammie ministered at Central Assembly in Ceres, Northside in Turlock, and most recently, as Pastor in Macdoel. Sammie was always ready to serve and minister to others, including Burt, their children, their blended families, and six grandchildren.
Charlie W Gibson
4/26/1935 - 12/20/2021
Licensed 1974 | Ordained 1980
Charlie was born in Damascus, Georgia, the youngest of eight children. Charlie was one of only two siblings to survive to adulthood. The family moved to Tranquility, CA, where Charlie gave his heart to Jesus at age twelve. He rededicated his life at age seventeen and felt the call to ministry. Charlie was well educated, earning a B.A., M.Ed, and Ed.D from the University of LaVerne, and theological training through Far East Advanced School of Theology, International Correspondence Institute, and Berean. Before entering ministry full-time, Charlie served as a deacon, adult Sunday School teacher, and musician. Charlie and Bennie Sue, his wife of 68 years, were committed to Christian Education. Their first assignment was to the Assembly of God high school in Suva, Fiji. Then school administrators in Brussels, Belgium for missionary children. (1975-1981) After returning to the states, Charlie served as a school administrator in Fresno. In 1982, he served as a staff pastor in Novato. In 1985, Charlie served as School Administrator at Florin Christian Academy in Sacramento and, in 1989, at Calvary Temple in Modesto. Charlie and Bennie retired to Vancouver, WA, in 2006. Charlie has touched countless lives through his passion – Christian Education.
David Arzouni
7/1/1948 -- 1/1/2022
Licensed 1973 | Ordained 1975
David (Faouzi ibin Hussein, ibin Mahmoud, ibin Muhammad) was born in Dakar, Senegal, West Africa, to Lebanese Muslim parents. Faouzi grew up in extreme poverty, absent parents, and Islam. But Jesus radically changed his life! Faouzi was hungry for God. Missionaries brought him to the United States to study at Bethany Bible College. Faouzi knew he would return to Africa as a missionary. At Bethany, he met his future bride, Linda Tilus. They married in 1971. After graduation, the Arzounis pastored in Weaverville (1973-1976). The church grew significantly during these few years and became a General Council affiliated church. Faouzi returned to Africa with Linda at his side for the next 44 years! They served 16 years in Ivory Coast and 28 years in Mali, West Africa. Faouzi was involved in evangelism, church planting, leadership training, and construction at the Bible Schools in both countries. In Mali, Faouzi implemented unique ways of ministry, including training young village men to do agriculture, irrigation, masonry, etc. His efforts paved the way for a “Live Dead Off the Grid” team, which continues there to this day! Faouzi and Linda returned to the States in 2019. Faouzi’s legacy continues to live on in Linda, his two children, spouses, three grandchildren, and individuals worldwide.
Dorothy D Tarr
5/25/1931 – 1/11/2022
Licensed 1983
Dorothy (Dolly) was born to AG Ministers in Minnesota. She accepted Christ at 11 during a Sunday Evening Service. God called her to missions at the age of 14. Dolly first met her husband, Del, at Lake Geneva Bible Camp when she got locked out of her room. Del came to her rescue. A few years later, in 1954, they married. Dolly and Del served in West Africa from 1955 to 1973, teaching at Bible Schools and developing curriculum. Dolly also taught classes for women and cared for the sick. Dolly spoke French and Moré (Mossi language). She built the first library at West African Advanced School of Theology in Lomé, Togo. Dolly played the piano, accordion, and sang high soprano. Dolly was well educated. She went to North Central Bible College, MN, Southwest Missouri State University (BA), and Assemblies of God Theological Seminary (MA) in MO. The Dell’s taught in the missions department at AGTS for nine years before moving to CA to start California Theological Seminary in Fresno. They conducted seminars throughout the world for missionaries and pastors. In 2003 the Dell’s settled in Rocklin and volunteered at Captial Christian Center in Sacramento. The Tarr family’s “Tiny Champion” made a tremendous kingdom impact.
Robert R Smallwood
10/10/1933 - 1/21/2022
Licensed 1954 | Ordained 1957
50 Year Ordained Recognition: 2007
Robert (Bobbie Ray) was born in Apache, OK, and grew up in Delhi, CA. Bob was saved at Good Tidings Assembly in Delhi under the ministry of Brother Painter. Doris Fliflet-Lemos, missionary to Brazil, was instrumental in Robert receiving the call to ministry. Robert developed a deep burden for souls and attended Glad Tidings Bible Institute (the first class from the Scotts Valley campus). Robert met Norma Jean at GTBI. She was a pianist and had a beautiful soprano singing voice. They married immediately after graduation in 1952. The Smallwoods pastored for ten years at Camino Community Church in Camino (1954-1964). During this time, Robert worked construction and built two parsonages. In 1964, the Smallwoods returned to Delhi to pastor Good Tidings Assembly, where they remained for 34 years until Robert retired. He served as a Trustee at Bethany Bible College. Robert was a hard worker. He loved his community. Robert often gave his money and resources to needy people. He loved his church. Good Tidings was larger and more active than all eight churches in town. Bob deeply loved Jesus, his late wife of 65 years, his sons, and grandchildren.
Vance E Reynolds
11/2/1933 - 1/27/2022
Licensed 1958 | Ordained 1963
Vance was born in Marmaduke, AR. The family came to CA in 1948. In 1952, Vance gave his heart to Jesus. He attended a Tent Revival in Madera and met Billie Lou. After a short courtship, Vance proposed at the front of the church. They married that same year. Vance had devoted his life to ministry, building, and pioneering churches. Vance and Billie pioneered the Assembly of God in Alderpoint (1960-1964), and First Assembly of God in Orleans (1966 -1969). In addition, Vance pastored ten District Affiliated churches in NCN; Dunsmuir, Loyalton, Arbuckle, Cottonwood, Bowman, Willow Creek, Fairmead, Canby, South Fork, and New Life Assembly of God in Hayford. He retired in 2009. Vance served as District Presbyter of Lassen Plumas Section (1975 to 1976). Vance was co-vocational. His jobs ranged from working on the Bay Bridge to the sawmill and logging camps. Vance would say that his mission field was always the ground he was standing on! He led many to Jesus. Vance’s precious wife of 69 years preceded him to heaven by three months. The Reynolds love and devotion have touched many, including their 7 children, 24 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild.
Robert H Creel
10/7/1936 - 1/28/2022
Licensed 1959 | Ordained 1961
50 Year Licensed Recognition: 2009
Robert was born in Graceville, FL. He was one of 13 siblings. Serving Jesus was all Robert knew. Robert graduated from Southeastern Bible College, where he met his "sweet darling," Rebecca Bunson. They married in 1957. Robert served as associate and senior pastor in Alabama and Georgia. In 1961 the Creels became World Missionaries. They served for 15 years in Togo and Senegal, West Africa. In 1977, the Lord called them to be witnesses to the Greeks. Over the next 14 years, Robert served as the Director for Greek Bible School, Decade of Harvest Director for Greece, and Greek Field Chairman. He was the Area Representative for the Middle East – North Africa and established the Bible Schools' core curriculum. In 1991, the Creels became US Missionaries. Robert taught at the Greek Center for Biblical Studies in Oakland and the North American Greek Conferences. He also served on the NCN World Mission's Board. In addition, Robert and Rebecca served with US MAPS and RV Volunteers. Robert was instrumental in translating the Fire Bible into Greek. The Creels never retired. This "giant in ministry to the Greeks" was loved by all who knew him, especially Rebecca, his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Flynn S Rowley
1/25/1940 - 1/29/2022
Licensed 2003
Flynn was born in San Mateo, CA. At a very young age, Flynn felt a call to ministry and planned on marrying a preacher. At 16, Flynn fully dedicated herself to Jesus. Flynn met her husband, Ken, at Bethany. After one date, the Lord spoke to them, independently, that they would marry. That happened in 1966. The Rowleys spent a couple of years in the Southern California District pastoring and doing evangelistic ministry before transferring to NCN in 1972. Flynn and Ken worked side-by-side at Arcata AG in Arcata, Westhaven Community Church in Westhaven, Bethel Temple in Marysville, Family Christian Center in Patterson. In 1982 they were called to Christian Life Center, Lincoln, where they served for 33 years. Flynn was very involved in the ministry as the youth director, choir director, worship leader, and teaching children. Flynn also preached, taught Sunday School, and provided various training. One week before Pastor Ken learned of Flynn's illness, he retired from the church in 2015. Flynn was a godly woman, deeply loved the Lord, and faithfully served. She is greatly missed, especially by Ken, their two children, spouses, two grandchildren and her brother.
Paul W Seaberg
9/11/1928 - 1/30/2022
Licensed 1950 | Ordained 1958
50 Year Licensed Recognition 2001
Paul was raised on a farm near Kingsburg, CA. As a young boy, Paul's parents hosted missionary, Harold Jones, for four months which profoundly influenced Paul. Paul felt that being a missionary to Africa must be the most wonderful thing in the world! Paul committed his life to Jesus at seven and was filled with the Holy Spirit at 13. He graduated from Southern California Bible School, where he met Jewyl Stowell. They married in 1950. The Seaburgs relocated to Northern California, where Paul attended Seminary and Sacramento State College. Paul and Jewyl served as pastors in West Sacramento and Ione for 6 ½ years. Paul was the principal of Sunnyvale Christian School and minister of education at First Assembly of God in Sunnyvale for seven years. Then, 23 years after the original call, Paul and his family headed to Africa as Missionaries-Teachers! (An uncommon appointment outside of Europe). From 1972 to 1974, the Seabergs founded a Bible College in Sierra Leone, West Africa. In 1975 they moved to South Africa. Paul assisted with developing and maintaining the International Correspondence Institute ministries and were area directors before their "retirement" in 1997. Paul is deeply missed by Jewyl, his five children, families, and friends.
Robert D Sheddan
9/26/1941 - 2/6/2022
Licensed 1972 | Ordained 1974
Robert (Bob) was born in Lufkin, TX. At eight years old, Bob knew he was called to missions. He attended Southwestern Assemblies of God College (University), where he met Barbara Carrington. The couple married in 1963. Later, Bob continued his education at Bethany Bible College and received his Masters Degree from Assemblies of God Theological Seminary. Bob served at AG churches in Oakland, and Modesto, and as senior Pastor in Folsom. In 1975, Bob’s dream became a reality as he and Barbara became missionaries. They served at the Assembly of God Bible College in Lisbon, Portugal, and then at Monte Esperanca Bible Institute in Karuizawa, Japan, and pastored in Tokyo. Bob was the president of Immanuel Bible College, Cebu, Philippines. In 1996, the Sheddan’s returned to Modesto, where Bob served as the school administrator and assistant pastor at Neighborhood Church. In 1999, Bob became Pastor in Lakeport, where they served until Bob retired in 2005 to TX. Over the last 16 years, Bob continued teaching and pastored a small church. Bob was a gifted musician and is remembered as one who gave his all to ministry.
Jonathan D Maremont
4/9/1951 - 2/16/2022
Licensed 1987 | Ordained 1990
Jonathan (Jon) was born in Chicago, IL. Growing up, Jon described his life philosophy as “dynamic apathy.” (He didn’t care much about anything.) As a young man in college, Jon lived the hippie lifestyle. One night while Jon was getting high, another student told Jon about Jesus. The seed was planted, but it wasn’t until ten years later that Jon fully surrendered his life to the Lord. A friend invited him to go to church in AZ. The message pierced his heart, and Jon committed his life to Jesus! For the first time, Jon began to care! He cared about Jesus and His word. Two months later, Jon enrolled at Western Bible College. Jon and Virginia got married on April 4, 1982, and had three children. They pastored churches in AZ, IN, and NV. Jon worked with singles and did premarital counseling. Jon taught the Bible to the homeless through a feeding ministry. He was a teaching pastor at Boulder City AG, NV. Jon cared for the people of Henderson, and in the fall of 2020, Jon and Virginia launched a church, Henderson Hope. (Yes, at age 69, in the midst of the pandemic, they launched a church!)
Sandra Thomas
7/13/1937 - 5/8/2021
Spouse of: Rev. G Lee Thomas
Ruby K Huffman
3/7/1937 - 5/19/2021
Spouse of: Rev. H Eugene Huffman
Mae M Hodges
8/29/1916 - 7/26/2021
Spouse of: Rev. John W Hodges
Delta L Bratcher
12/13/1927 - 7/30/2021
Spouse of: Rev. Paul J Bratcher
Mary Spurgeon
6/23/1952 - 7/30/2021
Spouse of: Rev. Trace Spurgeon
Janice J Vallo
3/29/1938 - 9/4/2021
Spouse of: Rev. Fred J Vallo
Anita Howard
10/17/1943 - 10/3/2021
Spouse of: Rev. Richard C Howard
Billie Lou Reynolds
8/20/1933 - 10/5/2021
Spouse Rev. Vance E Reynolds
Lynda Burks
5/8/1947 - 10/13/2021
Spouse of: Rev. Jerry B Burks
Jackie Klinsky
6/25/1928 - 10/28/2021 Spouse Rev. Edward L Klinsky
Mary Perryman
6/6/1932 - 11/27/2021 Spouse Rev. Homer L Perryman Jr.
Verna Grams
9/19/1929 - 12/6/2021
Spouse of: Rev. Melvin A Grams
John W Boyd
4/3/1933 - 12/17/2021
Spouse Rev. Mary Boyd
Janet Seau-Toilolo
5/30/1943 - 2/17/2022 Spouse Rev. Nick F Toiolo
Bette Fields
4/24/1930 - 12/18/2021
Spouse Rev. Eugene E Fields
Patricia A Oehler
8/29/1945 - 2/2/2022
Spouse Rev. William J Oehler