SPEAKERS

Igor is married to an amazing woman, Tanya, and they have one daughter, Solomia. Together, they have one great family interest: they lead family church services. Igor attended several educational establishments and studied theology, political science, and pedagogy. Most of his time was dedicated to studying Biblical resources and the implementation of Biblical books in order to develop individuality and society. Igor owns a large collection of vintage Bibles and other books, as a hobby. His work brings him great satisfaction, as he is both an instructor and a mentor to fellow ministers. In his free time, Igor is currently working on a trilogy of books. His books answer the question: How can an individual and society as a whole change if the Bible becomes a book with authority? Igor also has a blog "Christian Heritage" which is dedicated to the study of ancient Christian books and traditions, which were at the creation of modern civilization.

Rev. Ivan Leshchuk is passionate about education and Christian education specifically. He has many skills and experiences gained from his years of work at different educational and scientific organizations (schools, colleges, universities, mental health hospitals, and community-based organizations) in Ukraine as well as in the United States. Besides being a lecturer at universities, a scientific researcher, and getting a Ph.D., he's also been a church pastor, prison chaplain, mental health consultant, an author of books and newspaper articles, and both guest and host of radio/TV programs on educational topics. His daughters, Viktoriya and Mariya, are Sunday school teachers and successfully graduated from UC Berkeley University. His son, Johny, is currently thriving at high school and loves to play competitive soccer. Outside of his work, Ivan most enjoys spending time with his family and serving in any way he can at his local church.

Youth Pastor at Ark of Salvation Church. Immigrated with his family from Belarus to America in 1992. At the age of 18, Max had a deep desire to know God more and make him known. God opened a door for him to go to YWAM (Youth with a Mission). After coming back, he took up a youth bible study at his church that has grown to be a fully functioning youth ministry. At this point in his life, he finds himself married to a beautiful and God-fearing woman (Alina), a father of an amazing daughter (Camila), volunteering at Ark of Salvation Church, holding a Bachelors Degree in Business Management from Sacramento State University and finishing his Masters in Ministry from North West University. His vision in life is to love God and love People, wherever God sends him.

Erica is the mother of two beautiful girls and is married to her golf-loving husband, Jimmy. They are greatly involved in their church and have a passion for serving people. Erica graduated from CSUS with a Bachelors in Communication Studies and Masters in Social Work. She is currently a Social Worker in Sacramento County, working with foster youth. Erica leads the Junior High Ministry (JHM) at Missionary Gospel Church. Before this, she served in MGC’s high school ministry and was a Sunday School teacher. Erica has a deep passion for teen ministry and wants teenagers to know and feel that they belong and are welcomed in the church. Her desire is that teenagers would truly know Jesus and His grace. She teaches with passion, energy, and a lot of hand motions. She’s a lover of books, coffee, and tacos.