BIO . . .

Dan and his beautiful wife Soiky, from Venezuela, have been married for fourteen years. They moved from Virginia Beach to New York’s Capital District in 2009. Dan graduated from the US Merchant Marine Academy (B.S., ’98) and Regent University (M.Div., ’08). He is a licensed church planting pastor for the CCCC denomination, is the author of the book Better For Life: Turning Financial Hardship into Your Finest Hour, and works as an engineer in the Albany area. Dan remains smitten by his loving wife and four adorable kids. The Jones family enjoys outdoor activities during New York’s warmer months, watching Christian movies in the colder months, and hosting Denver Broncos football parties for friends.

Check out Dan's book "Better For Life: Turning Financial Hardship Into Your Finest Hour." Available on Amazon.

FAITH STORY . . .

Growing up, my family attended a small Baptist church in Denver before moving to the mountains of Colorado where our church attendance dwindled. A director at a local Christian youth camp sponsored me to attend youth camps, which was my only real connection to Christianity. Without a church home or Christian mentor, I walked my own path in life without God from middle school years and though college. My mom convinced me to bring a Bible to my final year of college. From time to time I would read a Bible verse and imagine what it would be like if God loved me. I did not believe that God could love me, so all I could do was to wish that somehow He could. Late that year, God demonstrated His love for me as I reached my goal as a track decathlete. I broke down weeping on the field. For the first time in my life, I felt like God was for me and not against me, and that He wanted to help me do exciting things in life. God spoke to my heart that day, and I have felt loved by Him ever since. After college I found a church home, where I began learning of God’s great love for me that caused Him to send His Son Jesus Christ to save me from the power, the practice, and the penalty of my sin. Since then I have been through tough times and terrific times. But through it all, one thing has remained true: the God of the universe has kept me close to His heart. And He continues to transform me daily so I can live-out His exciting adventure for my life! I am passionate about connecting people with God so they can experience God’s love, be transformed by His grace, and discover the exciting adventure that God has awaiting them!

FAVORITE SCRIPTURE . . .

"And he said, “O man greatly beloved, fear not! Peace be to you; be strong, yes, be strong!”" –Daniel 10:19

BIO . . .

Randy is grateful to God for 29 wonderful years of marriage to his beautiful wife Sheila. He is also overjoyed with his two grown daughters, Rachel and Anna, both of whom are serving the Lord in ministry, and his 3 year old grandson Aiden. Although just a little guy, Aiden is Randy’s best friend! Randy is a minister at heart and enjoys staying busy by serving others. In addition to Arise, you will find him leading worship services at assisted living homes, and teaching the Bible on weekly radio broadcasts. From time to time, Randy also plays drums with the Travelling Talley’s Christian band when in the Albany area.

FAITH STORY . . .

My mother brought me to church from the time I was born. At 10 years old I made the decision to give my life to the Lord Jesus Christ and to be water baptized. At age 15 I began to play the drums, as my first instrument, at the Sandy Cove Bible Conference in northeast Maryland. Music has been a constant theme in my spiritual walk and ministry to the Lord. By 1985 my music career began when I started traveling with a Christian band as bass guitarist and drummer. During that wonderful season I was baptized in the Holy Spirit and received power to serve God and live a truly victorious life. What an amazing Gift from God! Before Arise, I helped plant two churches and a Christian school. I am thankful that God is now fulfilling another dream of mine - to help plant Arise. I am excited for all the amazing things that God has planned for this new church in Albany! May God’s perfect will be done!

FAVORITE SCRIPTURE . . .

Matthew 28:19-20: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” –Jesus Christ