In Memoriam
2024 District Council Honors Nineteen Heroes of the Faith and their Ministry Stories.
Henry H. Chan
1/31/1950 - 1/12/2024
Certified 1991 | Licensed 1996 | Ordained 2013
Henry was born in Canton, China. He attended an Assembly of God elementary school in Hong Kong. The Chans came to the USA when Henry was in junior high. Henry attended the Chinese A/G in Oakland, with pastor and missionary Rev. Lula Baird, and was saved in 1965. He then helped Sister Baird to plant churches for Chinese people in San Francisco and Stockton, where he met his first wife, Helen. Henry worked for National Semiconductor and assisted Pastor Benjamin Sun at First Assembly of God in Fremont as a Royal Ranger Commander for over twenty years. Henry also served as an elder and translator for worship services. After retiring from his trade profession, Henry took courses from Bethany and Berean. After Helen passed away in 2007, he devoted his energy to ministry to Chinese seniors. He got involved with the Uplift Ministry at Harbor Light Church in Fremont with Rev. Terry Inman. Here, Henry met Lewy, and they married in 2011. Henry’s ability to read, write, and speak Chinese opened doors of opportunity. His rich spiritual heritage is a legacy to Lewy, his two sons, and his family.
Garland R. Covington
8/20/1933 - 10/27/2023
Licensed 1956 l Ordained 1959
50 Year Ordination Recognition: 2009
Garland was born and raised in San Antonio, TX. Garland preached his first sermon at 14. He attended Glad Tidings/Bethany Bible College (1951-1954). Garland and Evelyn married in 1954. The Covingtons served in AZ and ID before returning to NCN in 1961. Garland served at Assembly of God (New Life Christian Center) in Elk Grove (1960-1965), Assembly of God (Christian Life Center) in Lincoln (1965-1970), Alisal Assembly of God in Salinas (1970-1976), and Christian Center of San Jose, (1982-1998). Garland and Evelyn traveled to Alaska, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Samoa, and Guatemala, holding revival meetings, building churches, and doing various construction projects (1976-1982). Garland taught at Capital Bible College for twelve years and served as interim pastor at several churches throughout the NCN District. Garland also served on the NCN District Presbytery (1990-1996), World Missions / District Church District Mission Board (2001-2015), and numerous district committees – Bethany Park, Resolutions, Revisions, Benevolence, Sectional Leadership, and the 100-Year Historical Committee. Evelyn passed away in 2000. Garland married Joan Anderson in 2003. Everyone loved Garland, especially Joan, their combined four children, seventeen grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren, with two more on the way.
Calvin R. Davis
5/12/1927 - 6/5/2023
Licensed 1967 | Ordained 1973
50 Year Ordained Recognition: 2023
Calvin was born in Yoncalla, Oregon, in 1927. He attended Glad Tidings Bible Institute in 1944 and furthered his education with Berean. After marriage to Corene, he moved back to Oregon, where they spent many years of ministry. He received his License to Preach and served in four churches in the Oregon District: Bly Assembly of God (1967-1970), Berean Assembly of God in Springfield (1970-1982), New Hope Assembly of God in Vale (1982-1984), and Bethel Church in Pendleton (1985-1991). He also served as the Sectional Men’s Representative and Missions Representative. Calvin relocated to San Juan Bautista and transferred to the Northern California Nevada District in 1992. He served in Hollister until 1997. In 2012, Calvin joined Pastor Bill Clements at Antelope Christian Center. Calvin’s sweet wife, Corene, passed away on March 15, 2022. Pastor Clements describes Calvin as a mighty Pentecostal warrior of our faith! Calvin’s four children, three grandchildren, and one great-grandchild would agree.
David R. Davis
6/1/1949 - 11/1/2023
Licensed 1991 | Ordained 2013
David was born in Indio, CA. He was 20 when the Lord called him to ministry. David received his education through Anderson, Ball State, and Pepperdine University and was Ordained with the Church of God (Cleveland), where he served for over forty-three years. He served as Senior Pastor for twenty-eight of those years, and also in Christian Education roles. While serving as a principal in Southern CA, David hired a certain new teacher named Darlene, whom he later married in 1981. David was a college professor at Simpson University (1991-2000) in Redding and Berean School of the Bible. David was licensed with the AG in Southern CA. David transferred to the NCN District in 1992. He served on staff at Cornerstone Church in Red Bluff (1991-1993). In 1993, David was elected as the Senior Pastor of Christian Life Center in Redding. Many were saved, healed, filled with the Holy Spirit, and called to the ministry under Pastor David's leadership. His unwavering faith in God was evident. Darlene, their two children, three granddaughters, and a grandson (on the way) brought great joy to David.
James R. Firzlaff II
9/4/1964 - 3/5/2024
Certified 2014
James (Jimmy) was born in Spokane, WA and dedicated his life to Jesus in 1989. Jimmy started attending Trinity Life Center in Las Vegas in 1995. He married the love of his life, Jamie Gust (who grew up at Trinity), in 1998. Jimmy was actively involved in serving the church as the Youth Director and in Men's Ministries. He went to Berean School of the Bible. In January 2004, Jimmy and Jamie joined the staff of Trinity Life Center full-time. Jimmy's finance degree, his 19 years in the construction industry, and his executive management skills were put to good use when he became the Executive Pastor for Rev. Randy Greer. Jimmy's ministry duties included the City Impact Foundation and small group ministries, such as Loving Your Kids on Purpose, Balancing Life's Demands, Married with Kids, and Men's Ministries. Jimmy had a passion for seeing people live out their God-given destiny and daily walk in God's practical supernatural power. While Jimmy's passing was unexpected, and his larger than life personality is deeply missed, Jamie and their son, Trent, are clinging to the hope that they will see him again.
Eumid Freeman
3/19/1933 - 1/9/2024
Licensed 1956 | Ordained 1959
50 Year Ordination Recognition 2009
Eumid was born in Berryville, AR. He committed his life to Jesus in 1948 in Tracy, CA. Eumid had a strong desire to minister to military families. Eumid attended Southwestern Bible Institute in TX (1952-1955), graduated from Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary with a Bachelor of Divinity in 1964, and received a Master of Theology from Princeton Theological Seminary in 1975. While awaiting military orders, Eumid and his wife, Cletta, pastored in So CA and Oak Park Assembly in Pleasant Hill (1964-1967). In 1967, Eumind became a US Army Chaplain, serving faithfully for 21 years. He toured in Vietnam, Germany, and throughout Europe. He served in Zaire and the Ivory Coast. He was stationed in Texas, South Carolina, and the San Francisco Presidio. In 1988, Eumid and Cletta pastored Glad Tidings in Santa Clara (Good News Community Church) for nine years. In 1998, Cletta passed away. In 1999, Eumid remarried Rosemary and served as interim pastor at Calvary Church in San Pablo. Eumid retired to Lakeland, FL, in 2000. Rosemary, his three sons, and their families are blessed by his legacy.
Paul D. Hale
7/30/1943 - 7/2/2023
Licensed 1979 l Ordained 1981
Paul was born in Waldon, AR and raised in pastor’s home. The family moved to Ripon, CA, where Paul met a pretty girl named Carolyn in the 8th grade. They would later start dating and married in 1962. Ten years later, they both fully committed their lives to Jesus at Neighborhood Church in Modesto under Rev. Roy Blakeley’s ministry. Paul pursued his call and attended the College of Ministerial Education in OR (1976-1979). The Hales returned to Neighborhood Church, and Paul served as Youth Pastor (1979-1981). He served as lead pastor at Neighborhood AG in Corning (1981-1984) and Brentwood AG (1984-1990). Paul was also actively involved with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes in Corning and Brentwood for over ten years, where many young athletes came to know Jesus. The Hales transferred to AR in 1990 and planted their first Decade of Harvest church in Prairie Creek AR. Returning to NCN in 2000, Paul would fill the pulpit at many of our churches for eight years before retiring to back to AR. Paul left a legacy of unconditional love to many, especially Carolyn and their three children, thirteen grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.
Richard L. Hoover
3/27/1949 - 11/8/2023
Licensed 1973 l Ordained 1976
Richard (Rick) was born in Manitoba, Canada and raised in Brazil, where his parents served as Missionaries. Rick gave his heart to Jesus at the age of five, filled with the Holy Spirit at eight, and called to the ministry at twelve. Rick attended Trinity Bible Institute (1967-1968) and Central Bible College (1968-1972). Rick served on staff in Ceres, and at Bethel AG in Fremont, and taught at Fremont Christian School. Rick pastored in Happy Camp for two years before he and Sharon received their AGWM appointment in 1977. The Hoovers returned to Brazil, where they served faithfully for over 30 years. Rick taught in Bible schools and authored many books. He worked with Rev Bernard Johnson and saw thousands coming to know Christ. Rick had a radio ministry during the Decade of Harvest (1990s). He served as an interpreter for many guest speakers, including Rev Rick C Howard. On multiple occasions, the Hoovers experienced the Lord’s protection – Rick was held at gunpoint, endured a home invasion, and the family survived a horrific car accident, to name a few. Rick and Sharon retired to MO in 2018. His impact is vast, and his absence is deeply felt, especially among his family.
Richard C. Howard
3/12/1938 - 6/18/2023
Ordained 1961
50 Years Ordination Recognition: 2011
Rick was born in Toledo, OH. Rick was well known in the US and around the world for his powerful expository and prophetic teaching and his emphasis on grace. In Rick's early years of ministry, he and his wife, Anita, traveled as evangelists, launched college ministries, and served the General Council as the National College Ministries Director. The Howards transferred to the NCN District in 1967. Rick served as Lead Pastor at Valley Christian Center in Dublin for two years and 30 years (1971-2001) at Peninsula Christian Center (Rise City Church) in Redwood City. The words "A Church in the City, Reaching the World" are etched in the pulpit at PCC. Rick was active preaching in over 120 nations, and countless people are now in full-time ministry. Rick was a prolific writer, authoring 13 books, including his signature book, "The Judgement Seat of Christ". He was Adjunct Professor Bethany Bible College and Asia Pacific Theological Seminary in the Philippines, and taught at many higher-education institutions worldwide. Rick founded Valley Christian School in Dublin and Peninsula Christian School in Redwood City. After passing the torch at PCC, Rick continued to serve as the Apostolic and Missions Pastor. The Howards retired to TX, where Anita passed away in 2021. Rick was a spiritual father to many, including Jay and Teri Herndon, but none treasured him more than his two children, son-in-law, five grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
Deborah R. Johnson
7/27/1965 - 10/16/2023
Licensed 2011
Debbie was born in San Diego. In 1983, Debbie gave her heart to Jesus after hearing a missionary at the First Assembly of God church in Santa Monica. Debbie and Chris got married in 1990. Debbie pursued her lifelong call to ministry. She graduated from Champions College (2005), was Ordained with the Apostolic International Network in 2007, and served on staff at Calvary Temple (The House) in Modesto. There, she developed a weekly ministry, Beauty for Ashes. In 2010, Debbie started Without Permission, Inc. – a ministry to end sex trafficking through prevention, justice, and restoration in California’s Central Valley. Debbie provided educational training for law enforcement, school administrators, juvenile probation officers, and emergency medical staff. Debbie and Without Permission has trained over 27,000 community members. She has received numerous awards from state leaders, the FBI, and the US Congress. Debbie saw a need for families affected by trafficking and exploitation and started a Parent Partnership. In 2021, Without Permission partnered with a national organization operating in 22 states to end the culture of human trafficking. Debbie’s legacy will be carried forward by Chris, their three children, and daughter-in-law.
Siaosi P. Kaihau
1/23/1943 - 4/13/2023
Certified 1995 | Licensed 2001 l Ordained 2006
Siaosi (George) was born and raised in Tonga. George married Lesieli in 1968 and they raised five children. The whole family came to the United States in 1981. They attended a Methodist Church in Utah. In 1985, the family moved to Sacramento and began attending the AG Tongan Christian Community Center, where George committed his life to Jesus. As George and Lesieli's commitment to their church family grew, so did their hearts for ministry. George served as the Choir Director, Deacon, and Assistant Pastor to Rev Noah Unga. George served as the National Tongan Fellowship Men's Ministries Director in 1988. He also had a radio ministry. Pastor Maile Vi states, "George's zeal for ministry is evidence of his call." Lesieli was also very instrumental in George's pursuit of his call to ministry. They received their ministerial License and Ordination side-by-side. Lesieli passed away in 2017. After receiving his Ordination in 2006, George served as the Senior Pastor of Tongan Christian Community Center until his retirement in 2012. George was gentle, loving, motivated, and compassionate. His five children, twenty-three grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren are blessed by their legacy.
William E. Kowalski
12/22/1936 - 12/13/2023
Licensed 1962 l Ordained 1964
50 Years Ordination Recognition: 2014
William (Bill) was born in Saskatchewan, Canada. At 14, Bill enrolled in the Royal Conservatory of Music and played for the German Pentecostal Church, where his dad was the pastor. Bill married Ruth in 1957 and they had 64 years of life and ministry together. Bill graduated from Canadian Northwest Bible College. He was Ordained with the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada, where he spent 24 years of ministry. Bill also served in Michigan, where he was the D-Cap for the German District, and Idaho, where he was a Presbyter for four years. Bill transferred to the NCN District in 1987. Here, he pastored Westside Assembly, Lodi (1987-1991), and Valley Worship Center, Lodi (1991-1996). Bill relocated to British Columbia for a brief time before returning in 2003. Bill served as interim pastor for Calvary First Assembly in Stockton for several months before ministering as an Evangelist in Southern Nevada (2003-2007). In 2007, Bill served at Family Christian Church in Henderson as the Senior Pastor until his retirement in 2010. Bill’s rich tapestry of a well-lived life will continue to inspire faith in many, especially his four children, spouses, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Lawrence G. Lewis
4/26/1935 - 6/17/2023
Certified 2019
Lawrence (Larry) was born and raised in Santa Monica. He married Florence, his High School sweetheart in 1954. Larry served in the US Air Force, during which he met a Pentecostal family. As a result, Larry and Florence gave their hearts to Jesus. The Lewis' had planned to move to Holland when the Lord called Larry to ministry. He remained in the States and was licensed with the Southern Baptist, where he served for over 20 years. After being filled with the Holy Spirit, Larry and Florence made Harvest Church in Elk Grove home. There, Larry served as a Deacon, Life Group leader, Small Group Coach, Senior Ministry, and Visitation. At age 84, Larry believed God still had more in store for him and wanted to be prepared. So, Larry received his credentials with the AG! He remained serving at Harvest Church with Pastor Perry Kallevig. Larry inspired all who knew him with his unwavering faith, commitment, and deep appreciation for God. Larry’s family, Florence, their two living children, son-in-law, six grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren, are grateful for their lifetime together.
John W. Mays
2/21/1944 - 3/1/2024
Ordained 2005
John (Johnny) was born in Russellville, AL. Johnny married Judy in 1970. In 1971 he was the bass guitar player for the country music singer Merle Haggard. One night on tour he found a Gideon Bible in his hotel room and Johnny gave his heart to Jesus. Johnny graduated from Missionary Baptist College (B.A. in Theology) and Friends International Christian University (D.Min in Pastoral Theology). Johnny was first ordained with the United Evangelical Churches. He shared the gospel in Nairobi, Thailand, Ireland, and the Isle of Man. He smuggled Bibles into the USSR and pioneered churches in London, England. Johnny pastored in OR, engaged in radio ministry in NC, pioneered churches, and provided counseling with the Department of Corrections in CA and NV. In 2005, Johnny's ordination was recognized by the AG and he pastored Valley Christian Center in Dos Palos (2005-2013) and Full Gospel Church Los Lomas in Watsonville (2014-2018). In 2018, Johnny retired and moved to Lodi. Johnny was a beacon of God's grace and love to all who knew him, but none more so than Judy, their six children, eighteen grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.
Donald E. McMurray
6/11/1931 - 4/29/2023
Licensed 1958 l Ordained 1961
Donald was born and raised in Spokane, WA. He joined the U.S. Navy after High School. Donald committed his life to Jesus in 1952 during a voyage to Japan. He was baptized in the Holy Spirit at First Church in Oakland when his ship was at port in 1953. Sensing God was calling him to full-time ministry, Donald attended Bethany Bible College, where he met his bride, Ruby Wofford. They married in 1955. Donald served as Associate Pastor in Mill Valley and New Life Church in Marysville. Donald was the Senior Pastor at Lakeport Assembly of God (Lakeport Christian Center) (1960-1962) and First Assembly of God (New Hope Community Church) in Gilroy (1972-1986). The McMurrays also spent several years as Assemblies of God World Missionaries teaching and evangelizing in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Thailand, and other Southeast Asian countries. Donald retired in 2012 and continued to serve with Rev Malcolm McPhail at New Hope Community Church in the Seniors and Missions Ministries. Donald will be greatly missed and always loved by Ruby, his daughter, and his granddaughter.
William J. Oehler
4/4/1938 - 1/22/2024
Licensed 1975 l Ordained 1978
William was born in Salinas and grew up in Fairmead. After returning from the Navy, a friend invited him to church, where he met Jesus. He started attending the Southside Assembly of God in Madera, where he would one day pastor. William met Patricia (Pat) at the church and eventually won her over. They married in 1965. William attended Berean and was credentialed in Southern California. William and Pat were a ministry team. William was the preacher, and Pat played the piano. William pastored five churches in So Cal before transferring to NCN in 1984. The Oehlers spent ten years in the South San Joaquin section. They evangelized and served in pastoral ministry at the Southside Assembly of God in Madera (1984-1993). In 1993, the Oehlers relocated to Marysville, where William pastored Zion Life Center until his retirement in 2003. William loved people and continued evangelizing whenever an opportunity arose. William and Pat had 57 years of marriage and ministry together. Pat passed away in 2022. The four children, spouses, ten grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren carry their love and legacy into the next generations.
Bonnie S. Pace
7/24/1935 - 7/6/2023
Licensed 1999
Bonnie was born in Mexico, MO, and grew up in the church. She gave her life to Jesus as a young child. Bonnie attended Southwestern Assembly of God, Bethany Bible College, and Berean. Before receiving her credentials, Bonnie served in the ministry with her husband, Charles, for 30 years. Music was her passion – playing the piano, leading the choir, and lots of singing. They served at Aptos Assembly of God, Christian Life Center in Santa Cruz, and Bethel Church in San Jose with Rev. Charles Crabtree. Here, Bonnie served as the Pastoral Care Coordinator, continued singing in the choir, and visited the sick. Bonnie also served as the Executive Secretary to the NCN District Secretary-Treasurer, Rev. Donald Annas. After retiring in 2000, the Paces volunteered with RV MAPS in Roseville, CA, and Springfield, MO. Bonnie eagerly traveled to wherever the RV MAPS team was called. Charles passed away in 2015. Bonnie had a servant’s heart, a contagious smile, and found joy in almost everything around her. Bonnie impacted the lives of many. But none more so than her two daughters, sons-in-law, two grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.
Tottie M. Taito
12/19/1947 - 3/2/2024
Licensed 1997 | Ordained 2004
Tottie was born in Fuaamotu, Tonga. He and his beautiful bride, Faiekina Kaloni (Faye), married in 1982. Tottie served in pastoral ministries in Southern California before transferring to the NCN District in 2013. The Taito’s came to Milpitas and was elected to be pastor of the Christian Worship Center International. While pastoring, Tottie also assisted Mount Calvary Family Center in East Palo Alto for a few years. Tottie was a student of The Word. He spoke often of the importance of rightly dividing the word of truth. Tottie graduated from Azusa Pacific University (M.A. in Pastoral Studies) and has a Ph.D. Tottie was well respected and served on the World Tongan Fellowship (12 years), the U.S. Tongan Fellowship, and the NCN District Fellowship. Tottie impacted lives around the world and had many spiritual sons. The love and life lessons Tottie has shown Faye, his four children, and grandchildren are a legacy they will strive to uphold.
E. Dawson Wheeler Jr.
12/2/1941 - 2/12/2024
Licensed 1965 l Ordained 1972
50 Year Ordination Recognition: 2015
Dawson was born in St. Louis, MO, and raised in CA. He was a pastor's kid. Dawson had a personal revelation of Jesus as a young teen. In 1959, Dawson heard the audible voice of God calling him to preach the gospel. He went to Bethany and met his love, Jeanette. They married in 1961. Dawson was a soul winner. The Wheelers traveled in their trailer to every state west of the Mississippi River, holding over 100 revival meetings. And they evangelized in eleven countries. Dawson wasn't particular about where God called him. (He once wrote an eloquent letter to the district, urging new evangelists to accept every opportunity to share the gospel, even in small locations!) The Wheeler's pastored at the Christian Center in Alderpoint and also pioneered the church in Ruth Lake (1973-1975), before pioneering Calvary AG in Gardnerville, NV (1975-1986). Dawson pastored First AG in Chowchilla (1986-1987), St. Johns Chapel of the Valley in Modest (1987-1991), Assembly of God in Loyalton (1991-1996), and Rohnerville AG in Fortuna (2000-2012). Dawson served on several District Committees – NV Missions Committee, World Missions Board, and Presbyter for eight years in the Redwood Section. After retiring to Turlock in 2012, Dawson continued winning souls. Jeanette, their four children, eleven grandchildren, and one great-grandchild are blessed with a rich legacy.
Joseph Yong
8/6/1936 - 9/17/2023
Ordained 1965
50 Year Ordination Recognition: 2015
Joseph was born and raised in Malaysia as a Buddhist. In 1958, Josheph’s aunt arranged for a Missionary to share his testimony with Joseph. He and his siblings accepted Christ that day. Joseph attended the Bible Institute of Malaysia and served as a youth pastor and evangelist. Joseph met Irene in the evangelistic field. They married in 1964. The Yongs pastored in West Malaysia and planted several churches. In 1975, Missionary Lula Baird invited Joseph to serve as a missionary to the USA. He answered that call, and from 1976 to 1988, the Yongs pastored the Chinese Christian Center in Stockton. Joseph served at the Gospel Center Rescue Mission and Lakeview AG in Stockon until they planted the International Christian Fellowship in 1995. He remained here for 23 years. Joseph served in ministry for 62 years—46 years as a missionary to Stockton. Joseph was a man of prayer, loved people, and was a student of scripture—especially the Tabernacle, the rapture, and the second coming of Jesus Christ. Irene, their three sons, spouses, three grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren miss Joseph deeply.
Hannah Yoon
9/15/1931 - 4/14/2023
Licensed 1988 l Ordained 1994
Hannah was born and raised in Korea. She gave her life to Jesus at 13 and was baptized in water in Seoul during the Korean War. Hannah knew she was called to the ministry and she had a vision of herself preaching and of people being saved, which confirmed that calling. Hannah graduated from the Methodist Theological Seminary in Korea. She served as a Chaplain and actively served in the churches by teaching, counseling, and doing music ministry. Hannah also served as the Director of Education for the Methodist Denomination in Korea for two years. In 1968, Hannah and her husband John came to the United States. In 1974, Hannah was filled with the Holy Spirit in Santa Clara. Hannah took Berean courses and joined the AG. By 1982, she and John were in Milpitas, where John was pastoring Gospel Mission Church. In 1985, they came to serve at the Korean Sacramento Full Gospel Church. Hannah continued teaching, preaching, counseling, healing ministry, leading cell groups, and the music ministry. Hannah and John retired and remained in Sacramento in 2003. John passed away the same year. Hannah’s three children and extended family loved and miss her deeply.
We honor these seven spouses for their faithful service to The King.
Judy Steinhauer
5/10/1944 - 4/29/2023
Spouse of: Rev. Robert Steinhauer
Linda Galovich
6/24/1948 - 5/19/2023
Spouse of: Rev. Thomas Galovich
Marcela Lagundino
9/4/1936 - 10/11/2023
Spouse of: Rev. Isaias Lagundino
Mary Ann Cole
6/1/1933 - 11/9/2023
Spouse of: Rev. Glen Cole (Deceased)
Nardo Natnat
2/3/1946 - 7/24/2023
Spouse of: Rev. Shirley Natnat
Richard Owen
4/22/1938 - 12/8/2023
Spouse of: Rev. Mary Owen
Judith Mayton
6/22/1943 - 2/25/2024
Spouse of: Rev. Kenneth Mayton