Pastor Todd and Kara Parish both asked Jesus Christ to be their Lord and Savior in early childhood.  They first met in Sunday School when they were in junior high and have been involved in many ministries together since youth.  Their faith is very real and practical knowing what it is like to struggle personally to be conformed to the image of Christ. Their greatest delight is being faithful to God and have found God’s pattern in Jesus to be a perfect model to build a home and life upon. Todd joined the United States Air Force out of high school and spent the next twenty years serving the military and our Lord around the globe.  He and Kara have been married over 34 years and have been very active in Christian ministries.  Kara has been in music ministry her whole life and helps lead our worship services. She has exceptional piano and vocal skills and loves Christian music of all styles. She also teaches in the Women’s Bible Studies.  Todd holds a Master of Arts Degree in Christian Ministry from Wayland Baptist University and loves to preach, teach, and share in God’s Word.  Kara and Todd continue to minister together at Desert Valley Christian Fellowship in Tucson and love to “do life” with other followers of Jesus.

Pastor Richard and Pam Sempel

Pastor Richard and Pam Sempel is a Teaching Pastor in Desert Valley Christian Fellowship, Marana AZ where he serves with his wife Pam.

His testimony is one of God’s redemption and love saying. “I was indeed a product of my environment growing up in my South Central Los Angeles neighborhood. I lived a roller coaster lifestyle, a stint in the Navy that took me to many places including Viet Nam, returning to work as a Police Officer, Delivery Truck Driver, alcoholic and drug abuser. In 1969 I teetered on the edge of a life ending drug overdose. It was then that I cried out and surrendered my life to Jesus Christ.  I am a man truly delivered from the pit of hell. Since then I have spent over forty years ministering in prisons, nursing homes, half-way houses and my local church. It is my desire to pass on that precious gift of Christ which I have received and to encourage, challenge and train others to exercise their God-given gifts for the glory of God.

Pastor Richard and Pam diligently work alongside Todd and Kara in administering and shepherding the people and resources of DVCF.  Todd looks to him as his right hand man and recommends you try Pam’s delicious cookies. 🙂

Governing Elders Gene and Sue Balsamo

Gene and Sue Balsamo were a vital part of the founding Elders of Desert Valley Christian Fellowship in 2015. Their love for Christ was immediately evident as they conducted Bible Studies in their home and participated in many of the church functions. Their desire to see others come into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ was demonstrated as they lovingly ministered to others.

Gene and Sue came to Marana, Arizona in 2012 after spending their entire lives living on Long Island, New York. Gene came to the LORD in 1985 and Sue followed some years later.
They want you to know, “Jesus is the only way, the only truth and the LIFE.”

Gene went to be with the Lord in February 2023 and Sue remains active in her leadership role at DVCF as well as a respected contributor at Bible Studies, Home groups and in her supportive encouragement of others.

Governing Elders Ray and Lisa McClellan

Ray and Lisa McClellan have been married almost thirty years and have two grown children.  Lisa asked the Lord into her life at the age of 11 and Ray at 25.  Over the last 20+ years Ray and Lisa have been growing in grace and in the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.  God transformed their lives, marriage, and purpose for living.

Today Lisa serves in compassionate ministries and directs programs aimed at blessing our local schools with supplies, gifts, and encouragement to the teachers and students.  Ray is a governing elder in the church and supports a wide variety of activities, including men’s ministries, set-up/tear-down, people care,  and pastoral support.  Ray and Lisa are a great example of the transformation found in Christ.

Matthew and Melissa Vandiver became part of Desert Valley Christian Fellowship shortly after its inception in 2015 and have continued to be cherished assets to the church. Their love for Christ and a desire to see lives being transformed is evident in their lives and commitment to DVCF.

Matthew shares in the leadership of the Music team and Melissa is in charge of Children’s Ministries. Together they lead the Young Adult and Couples Ministries of the church.