Pastor Devo was born and raised in the beautiful country of South Africa. He graduated from Helderberg College (an extension campus of Andrews University in SA) with a Bachelors degree in Theology. In 2000 Devo entered the full time ministry as a pastor in Johannesburg, SA, where he was associate pastor in 3 churches.

Devo has always had a passion for working with youth and in July 2001 came to La Sierra University to do graduate studies. He worked as Assistant Chaplain at LSU until he was called as Youth Pastor for La Sierra University Church in January 2002. He earned a Master of Arts in Religion in 2005.

Devo has a passion for making the gospel relevant to young people. He believes that the local church can and must strive to enable young people to internalize and express faith in Jesus Christ in a way that: (1) is relevant to their culture and which they can own; (2) provides holistic meaning (i.e. in every realm of their lives); and (3) is consistent with the revelation of Jesus Christ attested to in Scripture. He hopes that the message of Grace will not only assure youth of God's unconditional love and acceptance, but also inspire them to get involved in ministry in our community and the world.

Apart from finding fulfillment in spending quality time with people, Devo loves all kinds of sports activities (cricket, golf, tennis, soccer, etc.), listening to good music (especially U2!), playing his guitar and enjoying the company of great friends. His favorite past time, however, is enjoying time with his wife, Leilani and daughters Lia (3) and Amelie (1).

"Grace finds beauty in everything"--U2 in their song "Grace"

Pastor Sam Leonor was raised in Central America where his parents were part of developing health care missions. Among others he attended Southern College in TN where he earned a secondary education degree. He worked as a youth pastor in Asheville, NC before attending Andrews University where he earned a Master of Divinity.

He is married to Shelley. He has a daughter, Alexandra (born in 2000), and a son, Micah (born in 2003). http://web.mac.com/sleonor

Sam has a passion for making church life meaningful. He wants to see people attach themselves to communities of faith that are healthy, growing and full of love. He believes that, like the Apostle Paul, people can experience dramatic personal change when they come in contact with the Gospel. This happens when Jesus the Christ and His teachings are lived out through the body of Christ. He is devoted to the Adventist church and to exploring contemporary Biblical spirituality. His enjoys ministry that focuses on faith that engages culture deeply and emphasizes justice.

Pastor Dave was born to missionary parents in Zimbabwe Southern Africa, one of five siblings. And so the concept of ministry was engrained into his DNA from a very early age. He says he can’t remember a time when he did not want to be involved in ministry. He is passionate about ministry and wants to be involved with people for Jesus sake.

Dave was in his first church at age 21 and has had the honor of ministering in the Adventist Church on two continents over the past 33 years. He and his wife, Cheryl, are delighted to be a part of the La Sierra University Church family and pledge themselves to minister to all its peoples in a way that the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ can be clearly felt in this place. Dave’s burden is that this church will be a safe place for spiritual growth and Christian development.

Pastor Dan Smith spent his childhood living in Thailand where his parents were missionaries. He received much of his early education through home study programs and attended Far Eastern Academy in Singapore. His varied experiences overseas give him a unique understanding of the diversity represented at La Sierra University Church.

He returned to Berrien Springs, Michigan to complete his high school diploma and attended Andrews University where he completed his B.A. in Theology and earned his M.Div. and D.Min.

One of his major goals is to win the next generation to Christ. The major themes of his ministry include exploring the character of God, gaining a deeper understanding of Grace, fostering passion for God, the Church, and Mission, and developing small group ministries.

His wife Hilda works as a health literature indexer for the Glendale Adventist Medical Center. They have two sons, Alex - 15, and Eric - 13 as of 2006.

Pastor Smith's hobbies include golf, reading, and music.

Favorite Verse:
"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10 NIV

Chip Spier was born and raised in Southern California. He attended Lynwood Academy where he began to study organ with Stanley Ledington. Within two years he became an organist for the Southern California Conference playing for campmeetings and evangelistic meetings. Following graduation he attended La Sierra College, now La Sierra University, where he majored in religion and biology. While at La Sierra he was organist for the Collegiate Sabbath School as well as one of the vespers organists.

After graduating from La Sierra, Chip continued with graduate studies at UCLA where he received a masters degree in physiology. He spent 32 years at Rancho Amigos Medical Center as a senior research investigator in pulmonary medicine. During this time he also did graduate work at Cal State Long Beach receiving a graduate degree in handbells. He also continued his organ studies with Richard Purvis, well-known composer and resident Organist-choirmaster at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco.

Chips was senior organist, choir director and Minister of Music at Vallejo Drive Church in Glendale where he was a member for over 40 years. He developed the Handbell Institute at that church and has been a clinician in Area XII for the American Guild of English Handbell Ringers. He has directed handbells for over thirty years.

He is married to Jeannifer, an assistant manager and senior cashier in Temecula. His hobbies are cooking, eating and travel. His favorite texts: Psalm 133:1 and Isaiah 40:31.

Stuart Tyner serves as Pastor for Family Ministries at the La Sierra University Church in Riverside, California. His responsibilities focus on the exciting dynamics of young families, including personal spiritual growth, marriage, parenting, spirituality in the workplace, and community building

Tyner is the author of five books: Searching for the God of Grace, published in 2006 by Pacific Press; The Colors of Grace in Our Homes, 100 creative ideas for family worship; Walking On the Edge, a series of interactive Bible studies for Adventist students who attend public high schools; The ABZs of Adventist Youth Ministry, an encyclopedia of youth ministry philosophy and strategies for ministry; and Summer Ministries. He is the editor of a number of books and resources, including, Shall We Dance: Rediscovering Christ-Centered Standards, and the Potentials project for the North American Division Office of Education. He created the curriculum plan for GraceLink, the General Conference children's Sabbath School lessons. He is a frequent contributor to denominational publications, including the Adventist Review, Ministry, Signs of the Times, and the Journal of Adventist Education.

This year (2007), Stuart and his wife, Karen, celebrate their 41st wedding anniversary. Karen is a registered nurse for a hospice program in Riverside. The Tyners have one daughter, Erin, who is married and serves as a pastor in North Carolina; a married son, Matthew, who is a Physical Therapist also located in North Carolina; and another married son, Benjamin, who is pursuing a doctoral degree in modern European history.