The River Conference of the Free Methodist Church

2023 Nominees

Get to know your nominees. Below are the individuals submitted by TRC’s Nominating Committee for our open committee positions for the 2023-2024 Conference Year. All terms are for three years, unless stated differently.

Board of Directors

Paul Bull (Lay Leader)

Paul Bull and his wife Diane have been married for 37 years. they have four adult children along with their spouses. They get to spend a lot of time with their entire family. May of last year they had their first grandbaby, and she is a true bundle of love! Paul is a realtor in Idaho and also a Track & Field Official, which he enjoys immensely. He loves sports, exploring Idaho’s mountains, fishing and camping and traveling with his family. At Deer Flat Church, Paul is on the Board of Directors, the Finance Committee, and the Missions Committee.  He is also a youth leader and has done that since his children were very young. Their youngest son is graduating as a pastor from Boise Bible College in May and is now working as a resident at Deer Flat Church where he started as a newborn 21 years ago. God is good!

 

Jose Garcia (Elder)

Pastor Garcia is the lead Pastor at Viento de Dios in Laredo, TX. He has served that congregation since 2015. He loves the Lord and His people and continues to be a champion of the citizens of Laredo.

 

David Gonzalez (Elder)

David Gonzalez is the Lead Pastor of Chandler, Arizona’s Light & Life Church. His father, Jose Gonzalez, pastored that church for nearly 40 years before he retired. Pastor David is a 3rd generation Free Methodist pastor, and is currently an Elder with TRC. David is  actively involved in his community and has been appointed to several commissions for the city of Chandler.

Pastor Gonzalez is blessed to serve along side his wife Tedi and son David Isaac whom are both actively involved in church ministry.

 

Ali Mitachi (Elder)

Rev. Ali Lweya Mitachi is married to Miriam M. Pendeza and are both from Democratic Republic of Congo. They have five children, four boys and one girl. Ali is the Senior Pastor of Portland Free Methodist Church Abilene Texas. He earned his Associate Degree in Industrial Technology. Ali is a lover of singing, praying and fasting, preaching, counseling, and helping who all are in need. Ali served TRC as the District Leader for North Texas for the last five years.

Kathi Terrell (Elder)

Pastor Kathi Terrell is Executive Director of Emmanuel Pines Camp. Kathi and her husband, Pastor Bob Terrell have six children who range in age from 33 to 13. They, along with their youngest daughter, Kaydence, now live in the cool mountains of Prescott, AZ. She has a background in office administration, hospice chaplaincy, and now ministry. Kathi enjoys full oversight of all camp/retreat operations. She received her ordination as a pastor in 2003 and ordination as an elder of the Free Methodist Church in 2015. Kathi has a bachelor’s degree in ministry. She is also currently the Ministry Coordinator and a member of the Emmanuel Pines Community Church Board of Administration in Prescott as well as The River Conference Board of Directors. Kathi enjoys spending time with her family, kayaking, camping, gardening, Jeep exploring and going to the beach.

Andrew Witterstauter (Lay Leader)

Andrew is currently a Director of Operations for a top-ranking Fortune 500 financial services company. He has over 20 years of financial experience and knowledge in applicable state and federal regulations. Andrew recently earned his Masters in Corporate Law and Sustainability from ASU’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law.

Although Christianity was instilled in him since birth, he lost his way and rebelled against family and church at the early age of 16.  In his early 20s, the Lord revealed He had bigger and better plans for his life! Andrew accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior on September 05, 2004. He now serves at Grace & Truth Church in San Antonio, Texas as Secretary. Andrew also leads and sings on the Praise Team. The things he loves most in life, is his relationship with the Lord, and both his family and family in Christ. In Andrew’s free time, he enjoys traveling the world and spending time at home with his pets.

 

Ministerial Appointments Committee (MAC)

Patti Snodgrass (Lay Leader)

Patti, and her husband Rick, raised three rambunctious sons, who in turn have given them the most amazingly perfect nine grand-children! Patti and Rick have been married for 43 years and Rick has been a pastor of various churches for all but three of those years. He is now working fulltime as the Director of Church Planting and Multiplication in The River Conference. Patti and Rick recently moved to north central Texas and are having a great time exploring their new state and community.

Patti has two big passions in her life. One, as a licensed and certified temperament counselor through the National Christian Counseling Association, she enjoys helping people discover and embrace how God designed them in their mother’s womb. To help people understand why they do what they do, or not do, and what their specific God given needs are, is very fulfilling for her.

Patti’s second passion is planning and hosting, along with her husband Rick, tours to the Holy Land. Patti’s hope and desire is to get as many people as possible to visit the most sacred piece of real estate on the planet. When people experience the Holy Land for the first time, when they walk in the footsteps of Jesus and of our biblical ancestors, it is life-changing for them. When people visit this ancient land, they never read their Bibles the same again; the scriptures go from black and white, to full living color! Patti prays she will be able to provide this incredible opportunity for many more people in the years to come.

Patti would rather be outdoors than indoors any time of year – if it’s too cold just give her a fire; if it’s too hot just give her a fan. She loves to travel and experience the many different cultures, food and people around the world. When it is possible, watching her nine grand-children play or pray or sleep, fills her soul beyond measure! Patti loves drinking strong, dark coffee and enjoys discovering and cooking new recipes. Patti’s bucket list is large, but if she could do just one thing, it would be to experience the Aurora Borealis in real time.

James Leman (Elder)

James grew up a missionary kid on a Indian Reservation in eastern Montana. This childhood helped shape his worldview and his desire to see people come to a life-changing knowledge of Jesus. He felt called into full-time pastoral ministry as a freshman in college, but it took another eight years for him to end up in a church setting. He is excited about pushing and challenging people to order their entire lives around Jesus Christ. His heartbeat is connecting those who currently know and passionately worship Christ, and those who are willing to live in authentic community, with those who have not yet had their lives transformed by Jesus. James is also passionate about his family. He’s been married to Abby since 1999. They are blessed with two sons, Sam and JJ.

 

Ministerial Education & Guidance Board (MEG)

Tim Auw
Bobby Cullen (Lay Leader)

Bobby Cullen has served as the Executive Pastor of Administration at Lighthouse Fellowship in Fort Worth since 2008.  Bobby started churchwork as an office assistant in 1990. After a couple of years, he became the financial secretary. When he was ordained as a deacon in 1994, he served as assistant pastor. Starting in 1996 he was associate pastor in Pasadena, Texas, for five years. Prior to Lighthouse, he worked on the conference staff for the Central Texas Conference of the UMC. During that time, he was the Deacon Registrar for the Conference Board of Ordained Ministry for six years and served on the District Board of Ordained Ministry for another six years. In addition to his work at Lighthouse, he serves as treasurer for two other non-profits: Friends of Maua Hospital and Veterans Freedom Retreat.  His wife Kellie is a Speech-Pathologist working in the Fort Worth school district. In their free time, they love being with family.

 

 

Tim Auw
Tedi Gonzalez (Lay Leader)

Tedi Gonzalez attends the Light & Life Chandler Free Methodist Church in Chandler, Arizona, and is married to Senior Pastor David Gonzalez. David and Tedi have one son, David Isaac. He too is actively involved in the community and serves as a worship leader at Chandler Light and Life. Tedi is an Academic Advisor for Smart Schools International where she brings her many years of experience working with young people. She is passionate about helping students succeed, and is blessed to support students all over the world to obtain their High School Diploma.

Tim Auw
Kyle Greenwood (Elder)

Kyle was confirmed as ordained elder in the FMC in 2021. He holds an MDiv from Asbury Theological Seminary and a PhD in Hebrew Bible/Ancient Near Eastern Studies from Hebrew Union College. After serving as Old Testament & Hebrew Language faculty for nearly a decade, Kyle now works with an international leadership development non-profit organization (DAIntl.org) in their Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership program, a 3-year accredited degree that is presently offered in four languages in nearly twenty countries in Africa, Asia and South America. Kyle has written three books and is currently working on a commentary on the book of Job. He regularly teaches at Denver Seminary as associated faculty of Old Testament. Kyle and his wife Karen will celebrate their 30th anniversary this July. Together they enjoy hiking, skiing, and exploring the world. They have three adult children.

 

Finance Team

Tim Auw
Bobby Cullen (Lay Leader)

Bobby Cullen has served as the Executive Pastor of Administration at Lighthouse Fellowship in Fort Worth since 2008.  Bobby started churchwork as an office assistant in 1990. After a couple of years, he became the financial secretary. When he was ordained as a deacon in 1994, he served as assistant pastor. Starting in 1996 he was associate pastor in Pasadena, Texas, for five years. Prior to Lighthouse, he worked on the conference staff for the Central Texas Conference of the UMC. During that time, he was the Deacon Registrar for the Conference Board of Ordained Ministry for six years and served on the District Board of Ordained Ministry for another six years. In addition to his work at Lighthouse, he serves as treasurer for two other non-profits: Friends of Maua Hospital and Veterans Freedom Retreat.  His wife Kellie is a Speech-Pathologist working in the Fort Worth school district. In their free time, they love being with family.

 

Tim Auw
Marla Hamilton (Lay Leader)

First and foremost, Marla loves the Lord with all her heart, mind, soul and strength and is learning to lean on His teachings every day. She lives in Lavon, Texas with her husband, Kevin, and has been married for 27 years. They have two sons, a daughter-in-law and three amazing grandkids. Marla graduated from the University of Phoenix with a bachelor’s in Finance and is a Certified Internal Auditor. Currently, Marla is completing her master’s degree in Forensic Audit Analytics. With experience as an Internal Auditor and a Budget Analyst for the City of Garland, Texas, she currently works as a Sr. Internal Auditor for Toyota Manufacturing North America in Plano, Texas. She was raised Southern Baptist but found their Church Home among the Free Methodist teachings located at the Rockwall FMC and has been a member with her family since 2002. She is the current Treasurer of the church and a member of the Praise and Worship team. When not at Church, at work, or playing with grandkids, she and her husband enjoy adventure motorcycle riding and exploring different off-road trails throughout the States as often as possible.

Tim Auw
Magda Ruano (Elder)

Magdalena and her husband Salomon have pastored Iglesia Damasco in Caldwell, Idaho since 2006. They have one daughter, Belen, who is a huge blessing in their lives. She migrated with her par-ents and six siblings from Mexico at the age of four. Magda grew up in a catholic home but a supernatural healing of her mom brought them to the feet of Christ. She saw that healing with her own eyes which impacted her greatly. Magda has been active in the church her entire life. From the moment she accepted Jesus into her heart, Magda knew that she would be happiest in His service.

Nominating Committee (1-Year Term)

Tim Auw
Tim Auw (Lay Leader)

Tim was born and raised in Japan, one of seven children to missionary parents. He is a lifelong Christian and recently celebrated 49 years of marriage to his wonderful wife, Karen. Together, they have been blessed with two children and five grandchildren. Tim served on the board of administration at West Valley FMC, as well as, Deer Flat FMC. He has worked with youth ministries and served on pastor’s cabinets. He loves to serve the Lord, and enjoys his work as TRC;s MEG Coordinator. Tim is currently attending Deer Flat Church in Caldwell, Idaho.

 

Mark Douglas (Elder)

Mark is married to Judy.  Their oldest daughter Megan lives in Colorado Springs with her husband – Kevin and two sons – Logan and Colin.  Their youngest daughter Sara lives in Abingdon VA. Mark was born and raised in Charleston, WV. He also called Moundsville, Huntington, Ravenswood, and Ripley, WV home before a stint in Parkersburg, WV. After leaving Parkersburg, he and Judy had an extended stay in cites of Reynoldsburg and Zanesville Ohio.  In April 2019, they relocated to Pueblo, CO.

Tim Auw
Tedi Gonzalez (Lay Leader)

Tedi Gonzalez attends the Light & Life Chandler Free Methodist Church in Chandler, Arizona, and is married to Senior Pastor David Gonzalez. David and Tedi have one son, David Isaac. He too is actively involved in the community and serves as a worship leader at Chandler Light and Life. Tedi is an Academic Advisor for Smart Schools International where she brings her many years of experience working with young people. She is passionate about helping students succeed, and is blessed to support students all over the world to obtain their High School Diploma.

Julie Gray (Elder)

Julie Gray has a life-long love for the Church, and a passion for the Bride of Christ to be a healthy instrument of transformation in the world.  Her 30+ years of ministry in diverse and multi-cultural churches have expanded that passion to include people of every language, nation, tribe and race that will be gathered around the throne of God. Her education includes time at Central Christian College of Kansas, Seattle Pacific University, Fuller Theological Seminary, Free Methodist Ordination coursework, and a Certificate in Spiritual Transformation from the Transforming Center, in Wheaton, IL.  Julie is currently Sr. Pastor at Phoenix Life Church, married to Marvin for 32 years, and loves to spend time visiting her kids and grandkids scattered across the country.

Tim Auw
Mike Kreuch (Lay Leader)

Mike Kreuch is a retired school teacher born and raised in Spokane, Washington. He has attended First Free Methodist Church for 50 years, holding numerous leadership positions within the church. He has also been active in Columbia River Conference programs. He has served as lay delegate in both the CRC and River Conference. His history with the northern churches and knowledge of its members will be useful in finding qualified persons to fill upcoming conference leadership positions. Mike has been married to his wife, Debbie, for 48 years. He has two children and four grandchildren.

James Leman (Elder)

James grew up a missionary kid on a Indian Reservation in eastern Montana. This childhood helped shape his worldview and his desire to see people come to a life-changing knowledge of Jesus. He felt called into full-time pastoral ministry as a freshman in college, but it took another eight years for him to end up in a church setting. He is excited about pushing and challenging people to order their entire lives around Jesus Christ. His heartbeat is connecting those who currently know and passionately worship Christ, and those who are willing to live in authentic community, with those who have not yet had their lives transformed by Jesus. James is also passionate about his family. He’s been married to Abby since 1999. They are blessed with two sons, Sam and JJ.

 

Rick Snodgrass (Elder)

Rick has planted, pastored, and mentored pastors for over 35 years. He mentored Conference Superintendents, and as Assistant Superintendent, mentored 17 pastors in the PNW Conference as well as many others outside the denomination. He and his wife Patti planted churches in Vallejo CA, Redmond WA, Mt. Vernon WA, and Nampa, ID. They live Granbury Texas where Rick serves as North Texas Regional Leader, and serves the River Conference as Director of Church Planting and Multiplication. Rick serves on the board of ImpactX, a multiplication movement where he has coached and mentored several micro church and impact community leaders. Rick also coaches business owners and CEOs in organizational health as a way staying connected to the secular market place where the voice of Jesus needs to be heard. He works hard every day to walk out his life purpose to, “be living proof of a loving God to a watching world”. Ricks primary educational in-fluences were Northwest Nazarene, Seattle Pacific, Western Evangelical Seminary, Regent and Fuller. Rick and Patti have been married for 43 years, have three sons who are married and serving Jesus and have been blessed with 9 grandchildren.

Ryan Stoops (Elder)

Ryan Stoops is the Lead Pastor at Deer Flat Church in Caldwell, Idaho. Ryan is a native of St. Louis, Missouri and studied at Missouri Baptist University, from which he earned his undergraduate degree and Master of Business Administration. Ryan previously served as the Student Ministries Pastor at Crosspoint Church in St. Louis for 10 years where he oversaw children’s ministry, youth ministry and C3MI Leadership College. He and his wife, Katy, have been married since 2001. They are the proud parents of two children, Eli and Lilly-Pearl.

 

Heather Uttley (Elder)

Born and raised in east Ohio, Heather relocated to Washington in 2004 to minister with Youth Dynamics, a parachurch non-profit ministry. In 2012, Heather responded to God’s call to pastoral ministry, serving seven years in FM churches in Washington, first at Arlington FMC and then at Seattle’s First FMC. She holds a BA from Taylor University and an MDiv from Seattle Pacific Seminary. In 2019, she and her husband/co-pastor, Clay, and their two sons relocated to San Antonio, TX to plant Tapestry Church, where she also works co-vocationally as a communications freelancer for FMCUSA, The River Conference, and Wesleyan Holiness Women Clergy.

Secretary/Treasurer (1-Year Term)

Deb Baggett (Lay Leader)

Deb serves as Conference Administrator & Secretary/Treasurer. She  graduated from the University of Wyoming with a B.S. degree in Management Information Systems in 1986. Immediately after college she began working in the financial industry. She held several security licenses and eventually became the Director of Marketing of a Denver-based financial advisory firm. After over a decade in that industry, Deb resigned to be with her two boys to help them navigate their way through middle and high school. She became a career volunteer at that point. Deb served as the President of the Green Mountain High School Football Boosters for three years, then shifted her efforts to Denver School of the Arts and volunteered in their theater program. Deb also served as Treasurer of River Church in Lakewood, CO for eight years. She grew up in the church and gave her life to Jesus as a young person. Deb loves to serve the Lord and now has the privilege of working as The River Conference’s Administrator. Deb and her husband  John enjoy living in Wyoming and all that it has to offer. They love to hike the mountains with their dog and are avid travelers. Their oldest son, Joseph, is an Army Airborne Ranger and their youngest son, Alex, is an actor and lives in The Hague, Holland with his beautiful wife Sophie.