Archives: Team Members

Kristen Gillespie

Miqlat is a Hebrew word for “shelter”. When the Lord called Kristen Gillespie from her work in South Africa to Malawi this name was His purpose for bringing the ministry there. In the last 15 years two Miqlat Hope Centers have been built in two village areas outside of the city of Blantyre providing daily programs that bring “refuge (shelter) and hope” to about 450 orphans (vulnerable children). There are five aspects to their daily care: Nutrition, Education, Spiritual Development, Farming and Healthcare.

Now, by way of the Lord’s amazing provision through churches and individuals, Miqlat has been able to build Primary Schools at both Hope Centers over the past two years. The goal is to build 8 classrooms at each center. One of our orphans who started with us at Kogoya is now a teacher and has chosen to teach at our primary school because he knows how the Lord has worked in his life through MQ. There has been a remarkable change in these children over the years physically, mentally and spiritually. In giving them opportunities, I pray that one day they will be Christian leaders making a difference in their country of Malawi.

Here are some ways one can help Miqlat achieve the work the Lord as set before us:

Sponsor an orphan at $40/month

Contribute to Primary School classroom buildings and/or furnishings and books

Sponsor a teacher for $150/month

Donate to our higher education fund to help us send these orphans to college or vocational school
Funds to help buy a double cab truck ($20,000) needed as a replacement of the one so used for getting orphans to medical care and hauling daily food and supplies to HC
Need another well dug with a solar pump that can fill a storage tank at Kogoya HC and Primary School ($6000).

Thank you for the many years you have helped me develop and grow what the Lord has planned for Miqlat. Your prayers for the ministry are so strategic and powerful. How grateful I am are to you all.

Kristen Gillespie (Founder/Director)

Mike David

I am happy to serve as one of your deacons here at SonRise. More than 20 years ago the Lord placed a passion for photography deep in my heart; when I was nominated to be a deacon, I felt the Lord tell me, “now you pursue ME this way!” and that has been my approach while serving in this capacity. A heartfelt, detail oriented approach to serving and loving others, in service to our Heavenly Father.

As head of transportation, if you or anyone you know needs a ride for any reason, you can reach out to me or our deacon moderator, and I can personally drive you or arrange for one of our fellow deacons to get you where you need to go.

My outlook regarding photography, art and all creative endeavors has also changed; it’s all really an exhalation/expression of God’s design! May our Heavenly Father be glorified in all we say and do as we all strive to serve him in love.

Teresa Johnson

Teresa Johnson has attended SonRise for 30 years. She was married to her wonderful husband, Greg, here, 29 years ago, and they have raised their five children in the children’s and youth
programs. Teresa is active in the choir and handbell choir, and has helped with VBS for many years.

Gloria Williams

Gloria Williams and Lougene were married here at Sonrise on August 12, 2023.  

Prior to their marriage, we at Sonrise got to see and experience, up close, what a kind, caring, and loving servant of the Lord that Gloria is and now we are thrilled that she has been led to accept the nomination as Deacon.  To see the Lord call Gloria to a become a Deacon and Lougene an Elder, we know some beautiful times are in store

Mimi Leraas

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Karin Crawford

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Judy Saunders

It is an honor and pleasure serving our church family as a deacon. Bill and I have attended church here since our arrival in Fallbrook in 1982.

In that time, I have had the inexpressible joy of watching Bill, our daughter and son in law. and two grandsons come to faith in Jesus. When my mother moved here during the last four years of her life, she too became part of this wonderful church body. Our beautiful congregation has indeed blessed our family and is our family. My heart is grateful to be able to serve old and new friends, as we journey together with Jesus.

Kelly Ullery

My faith journey began 39 years ago when I was a young wife and mother. After hearing the Lord welcome me into his family, his love and grace changed the desires of my heart and my path.

God has since gifted me with opportunities to know him more through Bible study, prayer, mission trips, life’s peaks and valleys, and through serving others. God is good, and I am blessed beyond words.

James Brownell

I’ve been very blessed to be a SonRise deacon. When asked, I felt like an error or mix-up was made; but in the humbling words of the deacon moderator who nominated me, “God doesn’t call the qualified; he qualifies the called.” That’s when I quit making the calling about myself, but rather, glorifying God by doing His good work.

Debbie Hall

Our family moved to Fallbrook 30 years ago. I have five children and ten grandchildren. I came to SonRise about twelve years ago, with my son and grandson. It was an inviting church, and I have been here ever
since.

I’ve helped out in the Children’s Ministry programs and know the importance of an early Christian foundation for our young ones. As of now, six of my grandchildren have accepted Jesus as their Savior and have
been baptized. What a blessing!

When asked to become a deacon, I was surprised and didn’t really understand why they asked me. Through prayer, I could feel God leading me to become a deacon. It has been such a joy to get to know so many in our
wonderful church family, especially our beloved seniors. You have all blessed my life in so many ways.