We are excited to introduce to you the Summer Staff who will serve alongside our Children's and Youth directors and volunteers this summer.
ELEMENTARY SUMMER STAFF: Heidi Buller & Jesse Micu
Heidi Buller was born and raised in Fresno. She is a licensed cosmetologist who graduated from beauty school in October, 2016. She currently works in a salon as a hairstylist twice a week. Heidi is very passionate about bringing the gospel to children. She has served in her church as a preschool teacher for 3 years. She grew up doing several Good News Clubs in public schools across Fresno. Heidi enjoys getting outside and enjoying the Lord's work of art. She is looking forward to seeing kids be so eager to learn the Word of God and come to church each Sunday. Heidi cannot wait to serve God more through this amazing ministry! You can be praying that Heidi trusts more and more in God's plan for her life.
Jesse Micu is a born-and-raised Fresnan. He attends Fresno Pacific University, and will receive a B.A. degree for Church Music in August. Jesse has been involved in youth and worship ministries for several churches around the valley, most recently as the Junior High Ministry Director at The Bridge Church. Through the summer, Jesse is looking forward to how God will use his experiences and passions to love and bless children. He is hoping to acquire more guitar students and have time to perform locally with friends and family in coffee shops. Jesse is recently engaged to Sarah Cuevas. Jesse would appreciate prayer for full-time employment following the completion of his university education.
JR. HIGH SUMMER STAFF: Emily Alkire & Matai Lealaimatafao
Emily Alkire is excited to serve as a Junior High Summer Staffer! She grew up in Clovis and has been going to FPC since her birth. Being part of the church from an early age has contributed so much to the person she is today. Emily is really looking forward to serving in a church that feels like home. She is currently a sophomore at Wheaton College in Illinois, majoring in Business/Economics and English. At Wheaton, she serves as a discipleship study group leader and an event planner on student government. She calls herself a coffee-obsessed book nerd who loves her dogs a little too much. Emily is looking forward to building relationships with the Jr. High students while helping them progress in their faith. Emily would appreciate prayers for her heart to grow closer to God as she grows closer to students in the Jr. High youth group and for sustained energy. She can’t wait to see what God holds for her this summer!
Matai Lealaimatafao is seventeen years old and recently graduated from Sanger High School. He was born in Fresno, raised in Sanger, and currently lives in Clovis. Matai is a gifted track athlete as he has been named a two time 110 meter hurdle league champion, 300 hurdle league champion, a 110 meter hurdle section champion, 300 meter hurdle area champion, and a two-time Masters Championship Qualifier. Matai loves to run because it makes him feel free and he enjoys being with his peers. Matai will attend Fresno Pacific University this fall with a Track scholarship. Matai would love to double major in theology and sports medicine. He would enjoy being a youth pastor like his father because he believes youth are key in societies and the world's future success. Matai loves his Samoan culture. The Samoan way is “mua mua le atua” meaning family, love, and respect. He loves putting his family first no matter the situation; and will do anything for them. He was taught these ways at a young age; and would love to pass them on to the younger generations and his children.
HIGH SCHOOL SUMMER STAFF: Kaylene Norvell & Zach Oaks
Kaylene Norvell grew up in Fresno and started attending FPC when she was in the 4th grade with her parents and two older brothers. She just finished at Clovis Community College and will be attending Fresno State this fall as a junior, majoring in Liberal Studies with a concentration of Child and Family Sciences. Since Kaylene was in Jr. High, she has served at this church as an elementary Sunday school teacher, VBS leader/game coordinator, summer intern in the Dominican Republic and a high school advisor for the past 3 years. Honestly, in her spare time she loves binge watching Netflix and laying with her 3 cats or hanging out with friends and family. This summer Kaylene is most looking forward to building relationships with the high school students and helping them grow in their faith, and to grow in her faith as well. Kaylene would love prayer for handling the responsibilities as a Summer Staffer and balancing her other part-time job at Dress Barn. She is recently engaged to Douglas Joseph Durbin, which involves lots of planning! She loves this church and the support, love, and encouragement many of you have poured into her. She's forward to a life changing summer filled with the love of Christ and joy of serving!
Zach Oaks is excited to be working with high-schoolers this summer! He was born and raised here in Fresno. He loves to travel and play music, and life is even better when he gets to do them together. Zach just returned from attending the Torchbearers bible school in Erseke, Albania and will be returning there in September to serve as the Resident Advisor for new students. He is looking forward to connecting to the youth this summer and watching them grow in faith and understanding of who our glorious God is more and more. Zach would appreciate prayers for his family's financial situation, for him to be responsive to the Holy Spirit’s work this summer and beyond, and for God to continue preparing his heart for returning to Albania this fall.
