50 Years Ordained Ministry
James R. Braddy
Licensed 1967 l Ordained 1970
Rev. James (Jim) Braddy was born and raised in Illinois. In 1957, he gave his heart to the Lord and preached his first sermon at 12. Jim was active as a Youth Evangelist (1958-1964), when he received an Exhorter's Permit. Jim went to Central Bible College in Springfield, MO, where he met the very gifted Judi Witt. They married in 1967. Early on, Jim served as a youth/assistant pastor in Alaska, Sunnyvale, and San Diego, and as Director of Campus Life/Youth for Christ in Portland, OR (1979-1982). The Braddys were appointed U.S. Home Missionaries in Pelican and Wrangell, AK. In 1985, Country Center Church (Cornerstone Community Church) elected Jim as their Pastor. In 1991 Jim and Judi relocated to Bethel Church in Eureka before joining the NCN District Leadership team in 1992. Jim served as the Church Development and Education Director until he was elected Assistant Superintendent in 1997. He was elected Superintendent in 2004 and served 12 years. Immediately upon election, he was confronted with a financial challenge and later navigated the district through the closure of Bethany. Jim also served on various General Council Committees and the General Council Presbytery (1991-2017). He received an Honorary Doctor of Divinity from Epic Bible College in 2016. Jim served as the board chairman of Church Extension Plan and Bethany University. He served on several other AG Colleges and University boards. Today, Jim and Judi reside in ID. They have three sons and five grandchildren. The Braddys continue serving seasonally in Pelican Alaska and Heidelburg Germany, and anywhere else the Lord may send them. Jim and Judi have ministered to countless people as they traveled the NCN District and in 40 countries.
Fayrene R. Clark - Reese
Licensed 1970 l Ordained 1974
Rev Fayrene (Faye) Clark-Reese was born in Fort Cob, OK, and raised in Mesa, AZ. At five, she gave her heart to Jesus. Faye always knew God had a plan for her. Assuming that was a pastor's wife, Faye went to Southwestern Bible College to find her preacher. He wasn't there. She transferred to Arizona State University, and Faye taught school. In 1970, she entered full-time ministry as a Children's Evangelist. Rev Joe Wright hosted Faye's first Kids Crusade. In 1975, Faye was the first AG World Missionary appointed for children. She learned French in Belgium and taught at the Continental Bible College in Brussels. Faye worked with the International Media Ministries. She wrote the scripts and helped produce 108 children's "Boulevard des Enfants" videos, teacher guides, and workbooks. The public schools in Belgium and other French-speaking countries also used these materials. Faye traveled through Western Europe to train children's workers and establish children's ministries in local churches for 13 years. She returned to care for her mother in 1991. Faye served NCN as an evangelist (1991-2011), the N San Joaquin Women's Ministries Rep, and was among the first Female Presbyters to serve in our district (2008-2010). In 2013, at 76, Faye and long-time friend Cecil got married. After a storybook five months and seven days, Cecil unexpectedly passed away. Today, Faye has a new Mission Field in the Seniors' Community in Mesa, AZ, where she leads ecumenical Singalongs and teaches a Bible class.
Thomas G. Galovich
Licensed 1970 l Ordained 1974
Rev Tom Galovich was born and raised in the East Bay. Tom has a long line of Assemblies of God influence in his family: his grandmother, Flora Galovich, graduated from Glad Tidings Bible Institute in 1929! As a young boy, Tom gave his heart to Jesus while attending Calvary Temple, Oakland, under Pastor Oliver Foth. While attending Bethany Bible College, Tom met a cute co-ed named Linda Little. After marrying Linda and graduating Bethany, Tom served Youth Pastor and Music Pastor roles at Oak Park Christian Center in Pleasant Hill (1970-1971), Glad Tidings San Francisco (1971-1972), North Highlands Assembly (1972-1977), and First Assembly of God Chico (1974-1977). Tom was Associate Pastor at Foothills Community Church in Roseville (1977-1989). In 1990, Tom became Senior Pastor of Eureka First Assembly, and served there for 18 years. Tom was a Presbyter for the Redwood Section (1999-2003). In 1992, Tom became a Chaplain for Redwood Acres Race Track, then later for the Police Departments in Eureka County (1993) and Humboldt County (2001). Tom and Linda served at Trinity Life Center in Sacramento (2008-2014). In 2015, Tom became the pastor of Valley View Church in Lincoln, where he continues to serve. Linda, Tom's helpmate in life and ministry, passed away on May 9, 2023. They are blessed with four children and ten grandchildren.
Lehman E. Myatt
Licensed 1963 l Ordained 1974
Rev. Lehman Wyatt was born in Arkansas and moved to Oregon at 11. Lehman loved the outdoors. During his high school summers, he worked for the Forest Services. At 15, Lehman visited an AG church. It was his first time hearing a message in tongues and an interpretation. Lehman’s Baptist mother explained what he had witnessed. Lehman accepted Jesus a few weeks later. During the youth service, a guest missionary made a call to ministry. Lehman knelt and simply said “Yes” at 18. Lehman met his good friend, Cliff Traub, there in Myrtle Creek, OR. Lehman and his beautiful new bride, Lois, went to Bethany Bible College in 1959. Lehman accepted his first pastorate at Northside Assembly in Salinas. There were eleven people, including the Myatts, on their first Sunday. Two years later, they reached their goal of 100 people in the 60-seat sanctuary. They went on to pastor at Valley Trinity Church in Pinole, Evangel in Sparks, NV, Fairfield AG in Fairfield CA, and Assembly of God in Ukiah, where they served for 30 years! Lehman served as a District Presbyter for the Lake Mendocino section and Executive Presbyter of Region 6 for nine years. Lehman is grateful for his musically gifted wife, who also served on the Women’s Ministry board for 20 years. Today, Lehman and Lois are enjoying retirement in TX. They have three married children, nine grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren. And they celebrate 65 years of marriage.
Ellis K. Parker, Jr.
Licensed 1966 l Ordained 1974
Rev. Ellis Parker was born in Gridley, California in the home of his relatives. He was in the third grade when Jesus came into his heart during a revival preached by evangelist Robert Fiero. Ellis attended Bethany Bible College majoring in Music and Bible. After graduation, he served the Assembly of God church in Taft (1966-1967). During a season of fasting and prayer, Ellis and Shirley received a new direction from the Lord, and Ellis and Shirley went on the road as musical evangelists. Later, they pastored in Oregon (1967-1982). They returned to California and pastored in Yuba City (1983-1985) and Elko, Nevada (1985-1990). God's presence fell on this church and people started coming in droves, they soon added a second service to fit everyone. While in Elko, Ellis served as the Section Presbyter. They served 2 more years in Oregon and then back to NV to pastor in Gardnerville (1992-1999). They served in New Mexico (2000-2006) and in Ruth, CA (2006-2008). Through all of life's ups and downs Ellis and Shirley never quit, God walked along with them every step of the way. In 2007 Shirley passed away. Ellis went on to pastor Biggs Assembly (2008-2021). Today Ellis resides in Bosque, NM with an enduring legacy--all their children and grandchildren are serving the Lord!
James F. Rossi
Licensed 1970 l Ordained 1974
Rev. James (Jim) Rossi was born in OH. He attended eleven schools during K-12. Jim was saved at nine. He felt called to ministry at twelve. In college, he determined that he was called to be a Missionary to Europe. Jim met his bride, Darlene (Dar), at church in So CA. They married in 1972. Early in ministry, Jim served in various Pastoral roles and as a Bible Teacher. Jim has extensive schooling, including two Bachelor degrees, a Master's Degree, a Diplôme and a Ph.D. (c) candidate at the Vrije Universitite of Amsterdam, The Netherlands. In 1985, AG World Missions appointed Jim and Dar as missionaries. Jim spent nearly 20 years teaching Old Testament, Theology, and Ethics at Continental Theological Seminary in Belgium. The Rossis relocated to the Netherlands in 2005, where Jim was Vice President of Azusa Theological Seminary and Professor of Bible and Theology. He started a church-based Bible School in Hilversum. The Rossi’s assisted in planting a church. It grew from 12 to over 850 people when they retired in 2017. Jim also served as the Field Moderator for three years. Jim has taught more than 30 subjects for 10 Colleges, Universities, and Seminaries, including Capital Bible, Bethany Bible Colleges, and Global University. He has developed student notes/guides for each course. Jim has mastered Biblical Hebrew and is proficient in French. In retirement, Jim continues to teach Bible classes at their church, a care home, and a home group. Jim and Dar have three children, ten grandchildren (two with Jesus), and one great-grandson.
Douglas Shaw
Licensed 1970 l Ordained 1974
Rev. Douglas Shaw was born and raised in India. He accepted Jesus at age 16 during an evangelist crusade being held at the A.G. Church, of which Mark & Huldah Buntain served as Pastor. In high school, Doug felt the call of God and joined the evangelist outreach team. In 1986, after graduating from the University in Calcutta, Doug moved to the USA to attend Northwest University in Kirkland, WA. In 1970, Doug attended his brother's graduation from Bethany Bible College. There, he met a striking blonde named Susan. One year later, they were married. Doug earned his M.A. and Ph.D. from the Graduate School of Theology, Berkley. Doug's early years of ministry involved working as an assistant pastor ministering to the youth and leading the evangelism outreach at Valley Christian Center in Dublin. he then moved to Southern California and served for 18 years as the President/CEO of International Students, Inc., a ministry sharing Christ's love with international students and equipping them for effective service. Doug had a staff of 450 and over 20,000 volunteers. Doug saw thousands of students from various religions and backgrounds come to Christ and grow into disciples. Doug has authored and edited over 70 publications on communicating the Gospel to those of different backgrounds. Doug's 7th book of stories and testimonies will be published soon. Today, Doug is an advisor to the executives of a ministry that works in 30 countries in the 10/40 Window, including India. Doug and Susan, their adult children, and nine grandchildren reside in Colorado Springs, CO.
Herman D. Shaw
Ordained 1974
Rev. Herman Shaw gave his heart to God in 1951 in Mountain View, CA. One year later while at Bethany Park Herman was filled with the Holy Spirit. In February 1953 Herman decided to take his new faith in God to the next step and be baptized in water at Gospel Lighthouse Church, Palo Alto. Unknown to Herman, God had big plans instore for him, this church and the Palo Alto Area.
While attending Gospel Lighthouse Church Herman met and fell in love with young widow Mary Jo Martindale. After a quick courtship this young couple married and started to pastor the very church that Herman was baptized in. While settling in to being a new husband, father and pastor over a growing church, Herman was Pastored and Mentored by former NCN Superintendent Joseph Gerheart. In 1975 Herman and Mary Jo saw a great need for a Godly day care center in their area. This dream launched the Peninsula Day Care Center at Gospel Lighthouse Church. During the almost 40 years that it was open the Peninsula Day Care Center served over 400 children and 30 adults. Upon his retirement from Gospel Lighthouse Church, Herman and Mary Jo still served at the Peninsula Day Care Center until Mary Jo's death in 2010 spreading God's love to those attending.
Raymond W. Shelton
Licensed 1963 | Ordained 1967
Rev. Ray Shelton was born in Alameda and grew up in Weed. At a young age, Ray’s mother led him to the Lord. Ray’s family moved to Sacramento, where Ray met JoAnne at Glad Tidings in his early teens. At 15, Ray knew he was called to ministry. At 17 he proposed to JoAnne, and enrolled at Bethany Bible College (BBC). Two years later (1962) Ray and JoAnne married. During Ray’s junior and senior years at BBC, Ray served as Assistant Pastor to Rev. Ray Oliver in Salinas. After graduation, the Sheltons returned to Glad Tidings in Sacramento and served as Assistant Pastors. In 1966, Galt AG elected Ray their Senior Pastor. In 1968, Ray served in college ministries at BBC and Reno, NV. After some time in So CA, Ray and JoAnne returned to NCN and pastored at the First Assembly of God in Chico (1978-1990), Christian Life Center in Santa Cruz (1990-1995), and Live Oak Assembly (The Father’s House) in Live Oak (1995-2003). Ray served the NCN as a Presbyter (1981-1987), BBC Board of Trustees, and a Chi Alpha Director. Since retiring, Ray has worked among the Native Americans, served as resident Pastor at the JH Ranch in Siskiyou County (faith-based adventure ministry), and on the Shasta Indian Nation Tribal Council. Most recently, Ray served as Interim Pastor at Skyway AG in Paradise (6/22-12/23). Ray and JoAnne have three married daughters, seven grandchildren ages 1-34, and four great-grandsons.
Ernest L. Spears
Licensed 1970 | Ordained 1974
Rev. Ernest "Ernie" Spears was born in San Jose and grew up in Hughson, CA. His family attended the Hughson Full Gospel Assembly of God and Ernie gave his life to Jesus at the age of nine, during a revival meeting. In 1955, at another revival meeting, Ernie (11) met a cute girl, Norma (8), when her father preached the revival service. With their parent's permission, they married in 1963 in the Hughson church. After a tour in the military, Ernie returned to Hughson with the intent to start a business. However, God called (a reluctant) Ernie to pastor the church. When Ernie asked God, "Why me?" God said, "Because you'll stay." The church elected Ernie as their Senior Pastor in 1972. Fifty-three years later, Ernie is still preaching, and Norma is still on the piano. Early on, Ernie began connecting the church to the city and its leaders. Ernie was the president of the Hughson youth baseball program and initiated the Fruit n Nut Festival in 1988, which continues to raise funds for the Senior/Community Center. Ernie launched the Hughson Ministerial Association (President 1973-2024) and served as police chaplain for 17 years. Ernie served on several District Committees and Boards: Sectional Youth and Christian Education Representative, District Youth Board, District Insurance Board (1973-1997), Presbyter of the Central San Joaquin Section (1997-2009), and Region 4 Executive Presbyter (2009-present). He served one year as the District's General Presbyter. Ernie and Norma have been married for 61 years with two children, four grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
Dennis R. Sylvester
Licensed 1970 | Ordained 1974
Rev Dennis Sylvester was born in Modesto and raised on a dairy farm near Empire. Dennis professed faith in Jesus at age 7. Everyone expected Dennis to follow in the family business, but at age 13, he was Baptized in the Holy Spirit and he responded to a call to ministry at his church's annual Missions Convention. After graduating from Bethany Bible College in 1971, Dennis served on staff with Rev. Roy Blakeley at Neighborhood Church in Modesto. Pastor Roy's niece, Sherryl McGaffee, caught Dennis' attention. They married in 1973. On their first wedding anniversary, Dennis became the senior pastor of a little country church, Capay Assembly of God (1974-1989). The church grew and went through three debt-free building programs. For 18 months in 1981-1982, the Holy Spirit descended upon the church in revival fashion. This remains the highlight in 50 years of ministry. In 1989, the First Assembly of God in Madera elected Dennis as their pastor. Following the tragic loss of their 16-year-old son in an automobile accident in 1999, Dennis became a Chaplain for the Madera County Sheriff's Office and the Madera Police Department. In 2010, Dennis led the church in building a new facility on 10 acres of land. Again, all debt-free. Dennis also served on NCN's Sectional Leadership Committees. Today, Dennis and Sherryl continue to pastor First Assembly. 2024 marks 35 years! Dennis continues to serve as a Chaplain. The Sylvesters love their three adult children, daughters-in-law, and eight grandchildren.