A Training Event for Everyday Missionaries.
Join us for a powerful two-day training event designed for everyday followers of Jesus who want to make a lasting impact in their communities, where they live, work, and play.
Each day will feature two inspiring main sessions, along with engaging breakout sessions led by experienced leaders on practical topics like neighborhood engagement, evangelism training, marketplace ministry, soul care, and developing a Kingdom DNA.
Whether you're new to outreach or seeking to deepen your connection to your calling, this event will equip and encourage you to live on mission in your everyday life. Come be inspired, equipped, and activated to reach your world for Jesus!
November 6-7, 2026
Altoona Alliance Church
Registration $49
One Day Pass $35
Group Rate (5 People) $200
Breakout Sessions
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Kary Garretson
Behind every statistic is a person—a name, a story, and a future God has not forgotten.
Addiction, trauma, abuse, broken relationships, and destructive choices are all around us, and too often, the Church sees the need but simply doesn’t know how to help.
Yet restoration is not separate from the mission of the Church—it is central to it.
Jesus moved toward broken people, saw beyond their circumstances, restored dignity, spoke truth, and led people into freedom and new life.
Then He entrusted that mission to us.
This is discipleship, and discipleship happens through relationship.
The Church cannot afford to be unprepared for the broken and hurting people God is sending through our doors and placing in our lives.
In this session, pastors, leaders, and everyday believers will be challenged and equipped to become a healthy, consistent presence in the lives of people experiencing brokenness or rebuilding their lives.
We’ll explore how to build trust and genuine relationships that reach beyond behaviors and circumstances to the heart of the person—loving without enabling, establishing healthy boundaries without withholding grace, speaking truth without rejection, and remaining present through setbacks.
Broken and hurting people are not a small, specialized population—they are in our families, communities, workplaces, and churches.
We need more than compassion and good intentions; we need biblical understanding and practical tools to confidently walk alongside people as Jesus brings healing, freedom, and transformation.
The Church was never called to simply open the door for broken people. We were called to walk them home.
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Bob Fuller
Every year, people leave treatment stabilized and hopeful—and then walk straight into the loneliest, most dangerous stretch of the journey. Recovery rarely fails for lack of information; it fails for lack of connection—and connection is exactly what the local church was built to give. In this breakout, Bob Fuller draws on his frontline work on a medically monitored detox unit, his leadership of a church-based recovery ministry, and his own road through recovery to equip everyday believers to reach and walk alongside those in the recovery community. You'll gain a clear-eyed look at what the treatment system can and can't do, why the weeks after treatment are the highest-risk window in a person's recovery, and three things a local church can offer that no program ever will. Best of all, you'll leave with practical, come-as-you-are next steps your congregation can take—no clinical background, big budget, or special program required—to become the bridge between the clinic and lasting life in Christ.. -
Mary Larson
How can the church love its neighbors from other nations in practical and meaningful ways? This breakout will explore how English as a Second Language (ESL) ministry meets tangible needs while opening doors for friendship and Gospel conversations. We’ll share the “why” behind ESL ministry, practical “how-to’s” for serving internationals in your community, and the fruit we’ve seen as seeds of faith are sown through everyday relationships.
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Amy Rainey
What would happen if the church mobilized individuals to share their unique gifts and training for the sake of transformation in a hard place in the world? In this session, we will explore how this is happening in Vietnam, and the impact it is having on the sending church.
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Joel Rainey
Learn how the GlocalNet family of churches can help mobilize you and your church to bring transformative impact to your city and the world.
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Kevin Tallaksen
Evangelism is not just a method, but rather a message. Join this breakout to learn how to effectively articulate the good news of Jesus, which, according to Romans 1:16, is the power of God.
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Kevin Tallaksen
One of the hardest parts of evangelism and sharing the message of Jesus is starting conversations. During this session, we will discuss practical strategies of starting conversations and how listening can effectively open the door to gospel conversations.
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Kevin Tallaksen
Some Christians don't share the gospel partially due to fear of what questions may be asked. During this session, we will look at real world questions that people ask Christians and how we can most effectively and Biblically answer them.
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In a spiritually diverse culture, it is important to understand the basics of other worldviews and religions. We will discuss an overview of religions in our culture and how to effectively engage them with the gospel.
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Kevin Tallaksen
Sharing your story is an effective, non-threatening way to engage people in spiritual conversations. Learn from this session how to share your story effectively and point others to Jesus.
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Kevin Tallaksen
The Christian's goal is not to make converts, but disciples. Learn how to effectively share the gospel of Jesus and bring others to a point of discipleship, not just conversion. We will talk through how we can walk with others in the process of evangelism to truly fulfill the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-30).
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Jonathan Weibel
God has strategically placed you where you are.
Front Yard Mission
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Jonathan Weibel
Love all who God brings into our path.
Front Yard Mission Track
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Jonathan Weibel
The four invitations of Front Yard Mission.
Front Yard Mission Track
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Steve Lutz
How to begin a great commandment movement from the ground up.
Front Yard Mission Track
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Jonathan Weibel and Steve Lutz
Recognizing the five most common obstacles to loving our neighbors and how to overcome them.
Front Yard Mission Track
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Dave Taylor
Every community has a generation growing up disconnected from the church. In this breakout, David Taylor will share insights gained from over 30 years of reaching at-risk and unchurched youth with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Learn practical strategies to engage the next generation where they are, build trust, and lead them toward a life-changing relationship with Jesus. Discover how your church can reach America’s unreached youth. -
Mark Frailey
The "how" in prison ministry has changed a great deal since Jesus mentioned prison ministry in Matthew 25:36. The need for prison ministry however has stayed the same. People impacted by our criminal justice system need Jesus now more than ever before. This workshop will address the many "needs" people who are incarcerated have. We will look at prison ministry in 2026 and talk about ways to reach those who are impacted by our criminal justice system. -
Tim O’brien
The goal for our time is to ease the pressure parents and youth leaders feel as they enter the world of adolescence with goal of introducing them to Jesus. The pressure can be to plan “perfect events” for students to attend; instead, we will consider how to engage students with no judgment, no expectations, and a desire to build meaningful, genuine friendships. Reaching students is like fishing; having the right equipment, bait, and hat helps. But if we desire to catch more fish, we need to spend more time by the rivers.
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Paul Stauffer
A "How To" training showing ways to use media evangelism tools.Connect people to the Gospel.
Connect people to The Church
Connect people to Help and Care.
Networking when you only have a few minutes to share.
Tools that are ready when-ever and where-ever you may be. -
Greg Laplante
We will de-mystify the intimidating prospect of disicpleship by first defining what it is Biblically, and showing how this isn't for the spiritually elite, but for all the average folks like you and me who call Jesus their Lord. -
Greg Laplante
I've got a lot to offer but what do I do with someone that I'm looking to disciple? What if I don't know what I'm doing or haven't been discipled myself? This session will help you get started no matter what experience you have so you can start spiritually multiplying your life in others! -
Kevin Dellape
People in crisis often reach out to the church for help with emergency shelter, rent and food assistance, gas money, etc. This breakout session will prepare Christians to understand what questions to ask, what help is and is not available in the community, and how to direct people toward assistance that will help them achieve stability and in the process point those in crisis to Jesus. -
Carrie Biddle
The children you teach were born with a terrible problem called sin. The Bible says that the Gospel is the "power of God for salvation to everyone who believes" (Romans 1:16, ESV). It is the answer to that sin problem. Many people and the curriculum they use just tell Bible stories to children. But when you apply the message of salvation in that story, it becomes a powerful lesson that can change lives forever! I will teach you how to prepare a life-changing evangelistic Bible lesson.
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Damian Williams
The marketplace isn't just a place to earn a paycheck; it’s one of the most strategic, untapped mission fields on the planet. This breakout session explores how to activate your workplace for spiritual impact and sustainable kingdom advancement. We will dive into practical strategies for identifying "persons of peace" in your professional circles and launching organic Discovery Groups that introduce colleagues to Jesus naturally. Furthermore, we’ll shift the financial paradigm by contrasting traditional donor-based funding with modern, venture-based business models designed to self-fund and scale long-term mission movements. Whether you are a corporate professional, an entrepreneur, or a ministry leader, this session will equip you to blend business excellence with apostolic impact.
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Dan Nold
What does it take to see the # of Christ followers in Central PA double by 2030?
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Alex Hildebrand
What you do matters. Your work matters to God, and it matters to the people around you. Whether you are a missionary, a stay at home mom, a student, a plumber, or a business leader, you are called to do good work in the Kingdom of God.
In this breakout session we will discuss...
-God's good design for all human beings to work.
-How every vocation is spiritual, not just "church jobs."
-How the gospel transforms our work.
-How our daily jobs play a part in Christ's restoration of the world.
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Justine Scott
Addiction is a fight that goes far beyond the substance — it’s a battle with pain, shame, and the weight of trying to rebuild your life. For many women, it’s tied to trauma, broken trust, and years of surviving instead of living. Recovery doesn’t end when the using stops; that’s when the real work begins — learning to trust again, forgive yourself, and believe you deserve a future. And for those coming home from incarceration, the struggle is doubled. But even in the hardest moments, there’s proof that change is possible. Strength grows in the same places where life once fell apart. So let's talk about it!
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Kyle Eisenhuth
Pastor Kyle will share about how God has been moving through the Bible club at Marion Center High School, through local church revitalization, and through a church plant in a nursing home.
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Katrina Laude
We want to reach out to those with a lot of issues, but most people in the church don't have the training to do so. Having a better understanding of the effects of trauma on the brain, learning how to set healthy boundaries, and setting appropriate expectations can change the way we understand people and interact with them, allowing us to better be able to serve those who have often not felt welcomed in the church.
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Sam Abraham
Gospel impact with cross-cultural missions.
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Jackie Greene and Courtney Blose
Is God putting something on your heart that feels unique? You know you are CALLED, but God’s not asking you to start a church. Let us encourage you to live into your unique calling by sharing what we have learned through our decades of experience. Jackie Greene and Courtney Blose are a mother-and-daughter team whose nonprofit, GAP Ministries, and business, Tiny Disciples Art & Play Studio, work hand in hand to bring quality experiences and services to their local community while being centered around Jesus.
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Micah Marshall
Reaching unchurched teenagers requires more than creating a great program and hoping they show up. In this seminar, we will explore practical strategies for building trust, meeting teenagers where they are, and creating a culture where students with little or no church background feel welcomed, valued, and ready to encounter Jesus.
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Tim McGarvey
College of Prayer Track
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Mike Davis
College of Prayer Track -
Chris Garretson
College of Prayer Track
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Ruth Davis
College of Prayer Track
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Ruth Davis
College of Prayer Track
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Matt Leverknight
College of Prayer Track
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Tim Harrison
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Ron and Jill Conzo
Just as Christ reached out to those in greatest need, James calls us to go to the hard places and care for the broken. Join us as we explore James 1:27 and discover what this means for the Church today.
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Vince Smith
Not everyone is called to foster or adopt—but everyone can do something. Learn how your church can wrap around families impacted by foster care and adoption through partnership with Keystone Family Alliance. Discover ways to mobilize volunteers, launch Care Communities, and make a lasting difference in the lives of vulnerable children and those who care for them. -
Carrie Biddle
Ministering to 11 to 15-year olds can be a challenge because they are too old for the children's ministry program and too young to be a part of the senior high youth group. Often they are left in programs that they are bored with or they are too young for the topics being taught. Spiritual growth often stalls or is a struggle during these ages! Child Evangelism Fellowship saw there was a need for this age group and created the Junior Youth Challenge (JYC). Learn how to reach the most overlooked age group in ministry with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
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Megan Schultz
Some conversations are hard to have, especially when mental health, personal beliefs, cultural differences, and deeply held values are involved. This workshop explores how to approach these conversations with honesty, empathy, curiosity, and confidence without avoiding difficult topics or allowing disagreement to shut down communication. Participants will learn practical strategies for listening well, asking better questions, communicating with compassion, navigating emotionally charged topics, and staying connected when conversations become uncomfortable. The workshop will address common barriers to meaningful communication and provide tools for talking about mental health and culturally sensitive issues in ways that promote understanding rather than division. -
Richard Cox
What would it look like for the whole Church to live on mission in every place we live, work, learn, and play?
Drawing from years of applying GlocalNet’s KDSC DNA—Kingdom, Disciple, Society, and Church—in his local context, Richard Cox will share a practical framework for seeking the Kingdom, making disciples who hear and obey Jesus, and engaging every domain of society as Jesus builds His Church.
Together, we’ll explore how churches can equip everyday believers to live as missionaries, collaborate across congregations, and serve their communities. Pastors, ministry leaders, and followers of Jesus will discover where they fit in God’s mission—and identify practical next steps toward seeing the gospel known and lived throughout their communities.
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Oscar Alvarez
The Spanish-speaking population across our region continues to grow, bringing with it incredible opportunities for gospel impact. Yet many churches feel uncertain about how to begin connecting across language and cultural barriers. In this breakout, Oscar Alvarez will share practical insight and encouragement drawn from years of ministry among Hispanic communities in both New York and Western Pennsylvania.Together, we’ll explore how any church—large or small, urban or rural—can begin building genuine relationships, extending hospitality, and creating pathways for discipleship that reach Spanish-speaking families. Discover how God is already moving among immigrant communities in our region and how you and your church can join Him in that work.
Meet the Trainers
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Pastor Micah Marshell
Micah Marshall is the Executive Director and founder of Refuge Youth Network, a non-profit based in Altoona, PA. Refuge exists to build a youth culture centered on the love of Jesus Christ. Through after-school and summer programs, as well as youth ministries across multiple campuses in Blair County, Refuge provides students with both spiritual direction and social support. Micah has been working full-time with teenagers for over 16 years—14 of those in Central PA, leading Refuge Youth Network. Under his leadership, Refuge has grown from one small campus into a thriving multi-campus organization with a dedicated team of staff and volunteers. He’s passionate about helping this generation see the value they bring to the world and to God. Along with leading Refuge, Micah is a frequent speaker at youth camps, retreats, conferences, and community events. He’s also an instructor at Gorilla House Gym in Altoona, PA and is passionate about helping people get healthy and strong. When he’s not speaking or coaching, you’ll probably find him hanging out with his wife Bethany, spending time with family, working out, or tracking down some good food.
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Dr. Dan Nold
Dan Nold serves as the longtime lead pastor of Calvary Church—a vibrant, multi-site “Church Without Walls” reaching communities across Central Pennsylvania. He began his pastoral leadership there in 1994, and since then the church has expanded to five locations spanning Boalsburg, State College, Millheim, Lewistown, and Tyrone . Dan holds a B.S. in Speech Communication from Bethel University, and both an M.Div. and D.Min. from Bethel Seminary .
A trusted spiritual voice across the region, Dan hosts the "More Than Bread" podcast, where he invites listeners to simply read, reflect upon, and lean into God’s Word, believing that life is found not just in hearing Scripture—but in letting it transform us . Known for his heartfelt teaching and pastoral leadership, Dan blends theological depth with everyday relevance—encouraging his congregation and online listeners alike to live in hope and trust, even amid uncertainty.
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Pastor Damian Williams
Damian Williams is an experience Kingdom leader in the church and marketplace. From 1996 to 2005 he planted congregations in Pittsburgh, Northwestern Wisconsin, and the Washington DC area. Since 2006 Damian is most recognized for his work with NFL teams and professional athletes. He is currently catalyzing a disciple-making movement in the United States targeting the migrant communities. He also serves as an advisor to leaders in professional sports, business, and government. He lives everyday with a passion to see the Gospel of Jesus Christ transform lives and nations. Damian received his B.S. in Community Ministry from Geneva College and his M.A. in Organizational Leadership from Regent University. He is the author of Forged in Steel: The Seven Time-Tested Leadership Principles Practiced By The Pittsburgh Steelers. He is most proud to be the husband of Grecia and the dad of Jerica, Markus, Grace, and Damian.
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Pastor Tim McGarvey
Pastor Tim McGarvey has served as the Senior Pastor of Altoona Alliance Church since 1998, bringing over three decades of pastoral experience since beginning ministry in 1987 at Critchfield C&MA and Butler/Freeport Road (now Crosswinds Alliance). A proud native of Mahaffey, PA, Tim graduated from Toccoa Falls College with a B.A. in Pastoral Ministries and now leads a church deeply engaged in spiritual transformation and community outreach through innovative practices like College of Prayer Ministry, Soul Care, Project 2819 and ESL ministry.
Under his shepherding, Altoona Alliance has experienced remarkable renewal—paying off its mortgage 18 years early, increasing baptisms, revitalizing small groups, and fostering unity with other city churches to saturate their region with the Gospel . Tim lives in Altoona with his wife Brenda; they are proud parents of four sons (Andrew, Ryan, Branden, and Bryce), four daughters-in-law, and five grandchildren. When he's not preaching, he loves riding his motorcycle, kayaking, hunting, fishing, golfing, or disc golfing, reading, and embodying a “prayer, care, share” lifestyle in all he does.
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Heather Manges
Heather Manges, the Executive Director of Wright Place for Kids under The Nehemiah Project and a certified member of the Maxwell Leadership Certified team, she is uniquely positioned to guide you on your journey to find your purpose and catalyze life transformations. Heather Manges is dedicated to creating safe, Christ-centered environments for children and families in Central Pennsylvania. She is also the founder of Titus 2 Ministry, a discipleship community focused on mentoring, encouragement, and spiritual growth among women. Before stepping into full-time ministry leadership, Heather spent years as a Walmart Store Manager, where she developed her skills in team building, leadership, and operations. She now channels that experience into her work as an Executive Director with the John Maxwell Team, equipping leaders with biblically grounded principles to influence their communities for Christ.
With a heart for empowering others, Heather combines practical leadership training with relational discipleship, helping individuals and communities grow in faith, unity, and purpose. With over 25 years of experience in the corporate world managing complex operations and leading teams of up to 300 associates, Heather possesses the expertise and resources needed to elevate your leadership and personal growth. Trained under the mentorship of John Maxwell and his distinguished faculty, she brings a wealth of knowledge on leadership development, professional skills, and personal growth.
Imagine the possibilities of a life lived with intention and clarity. Heather’s workshops and coaching sessions provide a roadmap, equipping individuals and teams with exclusive strategies tailored to enhance productivity and performance. Her transformative approach, coupled with a heartfelt commitment to empowering others, can set you on the path to discovering your true calling.
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Amy Rainey
Amy has engaged in community development with Glocal Ventures, Inc. in Vietnam since 2014. She is the Director of International Engagement for Lift Global, Inc., a non-profit based in Shepherdstown, WV. Her training includes certification in International Public and NGO Management from Cornell University. She is passionate about introducing people to the world and helping them find ways to use their unique skills for the Kingdom. She and her husband, Joel, live in Shepherdstown, WV, and have three amazing kids.
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Pastor Mark Frailey
Rev. Mark Frailey is the founder and Executive Director of Go ReEntry, Inc. Mark has worked as a pastor, police officer, special agent, and chief of police. Twenty-one years ago he found himself on the other side of the bars. God took the mess Mark created and turned it into a powerful prison ministry. After 10 months of incarceration, Mark started a lawn care and handyman business called His Workmanship. For the next 15 years Mark mentored over 50 employees, all who were formerly incarcerated. Mark has been an active member and leader in the Pennsylvania Prison Society for the past 18 years. Since his incarceration, Mark has graduated from the Department of Corrections Training Academy and has become a State leader on the Pennsylvania Re-entry Council (PARC). He serves on State and County criminal justice and re-entry boards. In 2020 Go ReEntry was founded based on the "GO" in John 8:11 and Luke 10:37. Since then, Go ReEntry has impacted almost 800 lives for Jesus. There has been countless faith in Jesus' commitments followed by many baptisms. Mark and his staff are in several county correctional facilities each week teaching ReEntry Strategies, a faith-based program designed to help people go home, stay home, and be successful. Mark and his wife Betsy live in Bellefonte and have 6 children and 7 grandchildren.
GoReentry.com -

Kevin Dellape
Kevin Dellape is the founder and director of Backyard Ministries, a “presence” ministry to families living in public housing and other low-income neighborhoods. Kevin and his wife Lisa founded the ministry in 2013 with a heart to help those in need find hope in Jesus. Since 2013, Kevin and Lisa have been blessed to see God’s powerful presence at work in more than two dozen low-income neighborhoods in central and western Pennsylvania. Before going into neighborhood ministry, Kevin worked for 25 years as a Christian school teacher and administrator and as an adjunct history professor at Penn State University and Saint Francis University. Kevin and Lisa reside in Altoona, PA.
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Dr. David Ervine
Rev. Dr. David W. Ervine has been in pastoral ministry for over 45 years serving both in America and in Germany, teaching in high school, universities, and churches. He has been counseling in pastoral work, schools, and as an addiction counselor working in residential programs for over 17 years. He is currently the director of counseling at Day One Ministries and a therapeutic counselor for Pyramid Healthcare.
Dr. Ervine has a passion for communicating the truths of God’s Word and how it relates to lives and the struggles one faces. He will challenge you to think critically and, more importantly, biblically.
He has a Bachelor’s degree in Bible and educational development, a Master’s in education, Bible, and psychology/counseling, and a Doctoral degree in Biblical studies and counseling. He has experience working as both a Biblical and clinical counselor.
In addition, Dr. Ervine has over 300 hrs. of continuing education in psycho-analysis, addiction counseling, and psychology.
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Dr. Richard Cox II
Richard Cox II is a fourth-generation missionary in the Wesleyan Church and the founding pastor of Overflow Church in Altoona, Pennsylvania. Called to missions at age five, Richard first imagined a global calling, but as a teenager serving with his family in Africa, he began to sense God's call to reach North America. With degrees from Kingswood University, Wesley Seminary, and a D.Min in Church Planting from Asbury Theological Seminary, Richard brings theological depth and passion for multiplication to his ministry. Over the past 12 years, Overflow has become a sending church committed to disciple-making, leadership development, and planting new churches—including Renew Church and The Cord Church—focused on bringing the Gospel to the 290,000 people in Central PA without a church home or relationship with Jesus.
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Kevin Talkansen
Kevin has been active in evangelism for the last 15 years starting weeks after being saved. Kevin has a passion for training others in evangelism, specifically as an overflow of our heart towards God in everyday life and also listening well to others first. After working 10 years in the Global Supply Chain Management field and serving as an elder in a local church, Kevin founded Permeate Evangelism Ministries and is now in full time ministry. Permeate Evangelism has a vision to create a culture of evangelism within the Church and is active in running regional and local trainings, social media content, and to "go and do" alongside churches as we reach the community with the gospel. For more information on Permeate Evangelism and how they can support your local church in the area of evangelism, go to Permeateevangelism.com.
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Pastor Alex Hildebrand
Alex is a pastor and creative dedicated to helping people grow in their knowledge and love of Christ. He serves as the Teaching & Discipleship Pastor at First Church of Christ in Altoona, PA, and is a co-founder of Archippus, a ministry which equips followers of Jesus to fulfill the good work which God has called them to. Alex lives in Altoona with his wife and three daughters, and together they love their church and city.
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Pastor Chris Garretson
Chris Garretson is the Lead Pastor of Redefined Community Church in Martinsburg, PA, an independent church plant launched in June 2022. An unconventional church planter with a deep love for the local church, Pastor Chris is passionate about seeing community churches thrive as Jesus intended—working together to accomplish great things for the Kingdom of God. His heartbeat is real discipleship in action and helping people break free from whatever holds them back, so they can walk in their full potential in Christ. Along with his wife, Kary, Pastor Chris leads Redefined Community Church and together they are raising four children: Caleb (19), Micah (13), Gabriel (12), and Eliana (8)
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Pastor Jackie Greene
Jackie Greene is the founding pastor of G.A.P. Ministries (God Answers Prayer), a Christ-centered recovery and outreach ministry based in Clymer, Pennsylvania, grounded in Ezekiel 22:30—“standing in the gap for the hurting and broken” . After discerning a call to ministry later in life, Jackie balanced working full‑time and attending Flame classes at Kingswood University for eight years before being commissioned in the Wesleyan denomination and later ordained by Elim Fellowship in 2019. Before stepping into full‑time ministry, she earned an Associate’s in Business Administration from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and served for two decades as the administrative assistant to the Vice President of University Advancement at IUP.
Through G.A.P. Ministries, Jackie brings Christ‑centered hope, healing, and wholeness to her community through programs like Celebrate Life (a weekly recovery group), Encounter Women’s Weekends, grief and widow support groups, life coaching, prison ministry, prayer gatherings, special events, seminars, and motivational speaking. She and her husband Jim, who serves alongside her in the ministry, are deeply committed to reaching the hurting—especially those who might never step through a church door Gapministries.
She is the author of Pathway to Life, a book that shares her passion for helping people experience freedom, healing, and new life in Christ. -

Pastor Vince Smith
Vince and his wife, Beth, have 3 biological children and 3 adopted children ages 11 through 29. They have fostered 35 children since 2009, been instrumental in starting sponsorship programs for 4 schools in Africa, and founded the Centre County Orphan Care Alliance in 2008. Vince has a degree in Animal Science from Penn State University. After college, he worked as a herdsman for a registered Angus farm in York, PA before going into full-time ministry in 1997. He served as a pastor for 25 years. Vince is an advocate for kids from hard places. He has a strong desire to bring Pennsylvania's churches together to tackle the needs of orphans and vulnerable children locally and globally. He has had the privilege of serving Keystone Family Alliance as it has expanded from Centre County to now 30 counties, with the vision of expanding to all 67 counties in Pennsylvania. The Smith family lives in Millheim, PA with their beef cows, sheep, chickens, dogs, and cats.
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Ron and Jill Conzo
Ron and Jill Conzo have been married for 21 years and are the proud parents of six children. Together, they have a deep passion for discipleship, evangelism, and caring for the vulnerable in their community.
As foster parents, Jill and Ron have experienced firsthand the challenges and opportunities within the foster care system. Their journey has fueled a commitment to support not only children in care, but also foster families and the caseworkers who serve them.
Jill currently serves as the Blair County Coordinator for Keystone Family Alliance, where she partners with local families and churches to raise awareness and build support for the child welfare system. Whether through church ministry or community outreach, the Conzos are dedicated to being the hands and feet of Jesus—bringing hope, healing, and the love of Christ to those who need it most.
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Paul Stauffer
Paul Stauffer came to faith in Christ at the age of 12 and has carried a passion for making the Gospel known ever since. As a young adult, he wrestled with doubt in the midst of a secular education, but through the encouragement of a diverse Christian community and the grace of Christ, he grew in both faith and conviction. During college, Paul became active with Campus Crusade for Christ (now CRU), later serving nationally with its multimedia ministry, Paragon Productions, and then with DiscipleMakers, a campus ministry dedicated to raising up student disciples.
Returning to his hometown of Altoona, Paul built a career in graphic design and marketing while also serving in ministry as a youth pastor and pastoral elder. Over the years, he has served on the board of Child Evangelism Fellowship, helped launch a CRU ministry at Penn State Altoona, and today remains deeply engaged in local discipleship and outreach. He serves on the board of Lighthouse Men’s Fellowship, leads a weekly family Bible study, and is chaplain for Trail Life USA Troop PA-3252. Paul is an active member of Altoona Alliance Church, and he continues to share the hope of Christ through KNOWtheWAYaltoona.com, an online ministry designed to make the Gospel accessible to his community.
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Bob Fuller
Bob Fuller lives at the intersection of the clinic and the congregation. He serves as a Certified Recovery Specialist and recovery counselor at Oil Region Recovery, a treatment campus offering medically monitored detox, residential care, and outpatient services. There he works on the detox unit—walking with people through the earliest and hardest hours of recovery—while pursuing his CADC. He is also the Recovery Pastor at the Church of Genesis in New Castle, PA, where he leads The Neighborhood—a family of outreach ministries that includes a food pantry, a thrift ministry, and Pass It On, a Christ-centered recovery ministry built on the conviction that people in recovery are among the best equipped to help others find it. With more than thirty years in pastoral ministry and a partnership with the Penn York District of the Wesleyan Church, Bob brings together clinical training, a pastor's heart, and the credibility of lived experience as a person in long-term recovery. His passion is helping ordinary churches become the connection that turns treatment into lasting transformation. Bob holds a B.A. from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania and completed graduate work at Asbury Theological Seminary.
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Pastor Jonathan Weibel
Jonathan and his wife, Suzy, live in State College, Pennsylvania, and have two grown daughters. Jonathan has been a youth pastor, church planter, worship leader, singer/songwriter, podcaster, and recently recorded his first comedy special. He and Suzy raise and show Bernese Mountain Dogs, and they love living in their neighborhood. Jonathan lives by the credo, “If you are not having fun, you aren’t doing it right.”
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Kary Garretson
Kary Garretson is a passionate speaker and writer who boldly proclaims the truth of who God is and the freedom He offers. Shaped by God’s unrelenting faithfulness in her own life, Kary teaches with compassion and clarity, drawing from her experiences as both a pastor’s kid and a pastor’s wife. Her heart is to see the church unbound from religion and God’s people walking fully in the purpose, freedom, and abundant life He has designed for them.
Kary and her husband, Chris, have been married for 14 years and together planted Redefined Community Church in Martinsburg, PA, in 2022. In 2024, she launched Made for More Women’s Restoration Home, fulfilling an 18-year dream to create a place where women can encounter the complete freedom Jesus brings. Alongside raising their four children—Caleb, Micah, Gabriel, and Eliana—Kary continues to invest her life in calling others to deeper wholeness and greater Kingdom impact.
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Tim O'brien
Tim O’Brien is the Senior Area Director for Young Life Central Pennsylvania. Originally from Bay Village, Ohio, Tim moved to Altoona in 1985 and has called it home ever since. He’s been married to Gwyn since 1987, and they’re proud parents of two adult daughters and two grandsons.
Tim first connected with Young Life in 1978, and that introduction to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ changed everything. He’s been on staff with Young Life for over 40 years, helping introduce students to Jesus through meaningful relationships, weekly outreach clubs, Bible studies, and discipleship. Young Life has been reaching kids in Central PA for more than 50 years, and Tim’s team, comprised of dedicated staff and volunteers, is committed to ensuring every student has the opportunity to hear about God’s love.
Want to learn more or get involved? Visit centralpa.younglife.org or contact Tim at 814-317-9954.
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Dr. Joel Rainey
Joel Rainey is the Lead Pastor of Covenant Church, an evangelical congregation in West Virginia’s eastern panhandle, just outside the Washington, D.C. metro area. He has served as a pastor, missionary, church planter, and denominational executive for more than 30 years, with experience engaging diverse cultures across five continents. Joel is a published author and regular contributor to national conversations on faith and public life. His writing has appeared in Christianity Today, The Washington Post, and Lifeway, and he has represented evangelical perspectives in media outlets including The Baltimore Sun, Al Jazeera, and The New York Times.
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Carrie Biddle
Carrie Biddle serves as the Local Director for Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF) South Central Pennsylvania, passionately leading efforts to bring the Gospel to children across Blair, Huntingdon, and Bedford counties through Good News Clubs, 5-Day Clubs, and special Party Clubs. In her role, Carrie empowers volunteers, churches, and communities to engage young hearts with the Good News in safe, relational, and Biblically centered environments. Known for her heartfelt leadership, Carrie combines vision, compassion, and a steadfast commitment to evangelizing and discipling the next generation.
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Pastor Sam Abraham
Sam was raised in a Christian home, while his wife Rekha was the first convert in her family from Hinduism to the Christian faith. Over the last 30 years, they have been engaged in and leading a house Church plant movement in India and abroad. God has used them to plant hundreds of house churches and raised thousands of indigenous missionaries from diverse unreached people groups.
Sam and Rekha served the Lord amid fiery trials and severe persecutions from religious extremists who oppose the gospel. However, they have seen and experienced the hand of God moving through their crisis-filled life and ministry. Tribulations have brought them closer to the Lord, and they have learned to navigate through intense spiritual warfare at every step of the way.
In 2016, they had an emergency exit from India, and they have been living in the US since then. Their ministry is continuing with the same vision and passion for lost souls. They are currently pastoring at the Inspire Wesleyan Church, a multiethnic Church they have planted in Rochester, NY.
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Dave Taylor
David Taylor has been the Director of The Door Student Services for 23 years. He has over 30 years of experience reaching at-risk youth with the gospel of Jesus Christ. He has served as a youth pastor, a senior pastor, and an interim pastor in 9 churches. The Door Ministry has led over 1,000 teenagers to Christ and helped thousands more through innumerable life crises. With a love for the local church, David’s desire is to see it equipped as a mission to America’s unreached youth.
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Steve Lutz
Steve Lutz has served in vocational ministry for over 20 years. He has led in urban and suburban contexts and in both small church plants and large established churches. Steve became a leading national authority on college ministry after publishing two books on the topic of College Ministry in a Post-Christian Culture (2011) and King of the Campus (2013), which led to extensive speaking, consulting, and coaching with leaders on four continents. Steve has been a church planter, started several ministries within churches, and generally gravitates to the innovative and entrepreneurial side of ministry. He currently serves as a consultant with Bartel & Bartel, Ltd. and helps lead the Front Yard Mission initiative. For bookings and consulting contact steve@frontyardmission.com
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Greg Laplante
DiscipleMakers College Ministries
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Pastor Kyle Eisenhuth
Kyle Eisenhuth loves his family, which consists of a wife named Mollie, a daughter named Phoebe and a dog named Bridget. Kyle is an ordained pastor in the Global Methodist Church. He earned a Master of Divinity degree from Asbury Seminary and a Business degree from Liberty University. Kyle has served First Methodist Church of Marion Center for over four years.
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Pastor Katrina Laude
The Reverend Katrina M. Laude has served as an ordained pastor within the United Methodist Church for over 15 years, primarily serving in rural and small-town communities. During that time, she has worked with Celebrate Recovery, prison ministry, and people in addiction recovery or struggling with mental health issues.
Katrina continues to work with those on the margins through a ministry she co-founded in Indiana, PA, called The Remnant Faith Community. The ministry is geared toward those who are “the remnants”—people who feel left behind or forgotten. They meet on Friday nights for dinner and non-traditional worship.
Katrina also serves as pastor of three rural churches on Sunday mornings. She is a certified Freedom Coach, a Christian life coach focused on trauma, through The Freedom Movement with Karrie Scott Garcia. She is currently studying to become a story work coach, helping people recognize pain in their stories that continues to affect them in the present day.
Katrina lives most of the time with her mother in Indiana, PA, and spends a lot of time with her two grown sons and three grandsons.
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Justine Scott
Justine Scott is a Certified Recovery Specialist and the Case Manager for the women’s sober‑living facility at Go ReEntry. Drawing from her lived experience with addiction and incarceration, she brings deep empathy, accountability, and unwavering hope to the women she serves. Her work is rooted in the belief that reentry is not just a transition — it’s a chance to rebuild with dignity, purpose, and support. As a mother of three boys and a wife to a deeply supportive husband, Justine’s life is anchored by strong faith and a commitment to giving back. She uses her journey as proof that transformation is possible, and she dedicates her career to helping others find the same strength, stability, and second chances.
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Courtney Blose
Courtney Blose is the owner of Tiny Disciples Art & Play Studio, a business that she was called by God to start. Over the past 8 years, Courtney has seen God write His story in every detail of her business in ways that she could have never imagined. Her testimony is proof that saying yes to God will change your life and the community surrounding you.
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Megan Shultz
Megan Schultz holds a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University and is currently working toward her licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Over the past several years, Megan has developed a strong foundation in supporting individuals, families, and couples through life's challenges. Megan's diverse experience spans working with adolescents and adults, addressing issues such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, trauma, religious issues, and life adjustments. She is passionate about working with clients on what they are experiencing. She also loves bringing mental health awareness to the Blair County community and working with churches on how to better serve their congregants. Taking her clinical experience and training, Megan is passionate about giving individuals language and tools to help their peers, congregants, and neighbors when they are going through difficult times, teaching others on how to best support one another during difficult seasons in life.
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Pastor Oscar Alvarez
Oscar Alvarez, along with his wife Theresa, is passionate about seeing Spanish-speaking communities across Western Pennsylvania experience the transforming power of the gospel. After years of ministry in Brooklyn, New York, God called them to the Pittsburgh region to serve the growing number of Hispanic families in and around the city. That call eventually led them into partnership with Iglesia Alliance, where they’ve been praying, serving, and planting new churches among immigrant communities in Monroeville and beyond.
Now, the Alvarezes are helping to plant a new Spanish-speaking church in Altoona, continuing their mission to see every person have the opportunity to hear and respond to the good news of Jesus. Oscar’s heart for ministry is simple and humble—“Let’s just do whatever we have to do. I’ll clean the toilets if I have to, so long as God gets glorified.”
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Ruth Davis
Ruth Davis has been an International Worker with her husband Michael, ministering with the Christian & Missionary Alliance for 38 years, both in Brazil and Protugal. Their principal task was church planting which englobed a myriad of other ministries for Ruth, among them College of Prayer, a resource that has a goal of reaching a lost world by a vevived church. She has also led prayer and discipleship groups, taught children, practiced hospitality and given piano lessons.
Here greatest joy is to see people around the table particularly her family, three children, their spouses, and 8 grandchildren. -

Mike Davis
Mike Davis has served as an International Worker with the Christian and Missionary Alliance for 38 years in Brazil and Portugal. His ministry has focused mainly on church planting.
While serving overseas, Mike has been involved in several ministries, including music, American football, field leadership, preaching, and teaching at a Bible institute. He has also served with the College of Prayer International. Mike attended Toccoa Falls College (BA) and Alliance Theological Seminary (MPS).
Mike is married to Ruth, and together they are passionate about seeing new workers sent to the nations to share the love of Jesus Christ and salvation through His name.
They have three married children and eight grandchildren who live in Brazil, Texas, and Pennsylvania. They live in Hollidaysburg, PA. -

Mary Larson
Mary Larson is the wife of Altoona Alliance Church Assistant Pastor Brett. They have been serving at AAC since 2023. Mary has served in Children's ministry and Kids Camp (VBS) each year. She has served as a member of the AAC Missions Committee. Mary currently serves as the Director of the Altoona English and Culture Club, an English as a Second Language (ESL) program supported by about 6 churches, hosted at AAC every Monday night from 6pm-8pm. She is passionate about international missions and hopes to provide friendship and care to our international neighbors through the programs provided by AECC. Mary is mom to 4 daughters attending Great Commission School, where she serves part-time as librarian and sub teacher. Mary was born and grew up in Georgia. She has creative talents in art and baking.
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Pastor Matt Leverknight
Matt Leverknight is a native of Western PA, a graduate of Grove City College, and a former insurance underwriter who has pastored the Portage Alliance Church in Cambria County since 2024. His deepest desire is to see the Good News proclaimed and take root in the hearts of every person in the 814 region.
FAQs
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A: Yes! While we highly recommend attending both days to get the full experience—including all four main sessions and the widest variety of breakout workshops—you’re welcome to attend just one day. The cost for a single day is $35, and you’ll still have access to two main sessions and three breakout sessions with multiple workshop options.
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A: The Saturate 814 training event will be hosted at Altoona Alliance Church, located at:
3220 Pleasant Valley Blvd, Suite #1
Altoona, PA 16602The church is easily accessible and has plenty of parking available on-site.
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Suggested Hotels for Saturate 814 Hampton Inn Altoona
📍 140 Charlotte Drive, Altoona, PA 16601
🛏️ Saturate 814 Event Rate: $149/night
🔗 View & Book -
A: The Saturate 814 training event is the result of a regional movement of churches working together in unity. It was organized by Pastor Richard Cox and is an overflow of what God has been doing in Altoona and across Central Pennsylvania.
In 2017, a group of Altoona pastors began gathering weekly for prayer, asking God to bring awakening to their city. This led to the formation of the Blair County Pastors' Network. In 2020, these churches launched Saturate Altoona, a city-wide worship gathering held every Sunday night in June at Heritage Plaza. More than 40 churches and a Christian nonprofit joined together to proclaim the Gospel and display unity in the heart of the city.
To expand the vision beyond public worship gatherings, Saturate Training events began in 2023 as a way to equip and mobilize everyday missionaries. These events bring together pastors and leaders from across the region to share tools, resources, and encouragement for Gospel work. As the vision expanded across Central PA, the event was rebranded as Saturate 814 in 2025, reflecting collaboration throughout the 814 area code.
Mission Statement:
Churches working together in unity without conformity so that everyone has repeated opportunities to hear and respond to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.Our Core Values:
Unity of the Local Church
Celebration without Competition
Shared Kingdom Resources
Gospel Saturation
Saturate 814 exists because of the Spirit-led unity among churches and leaders who believe we can do more together than apart.
Location: Altoona Alliance Church
13220 Pleasant Valley Blvd, #1
Altoona, PA 16602
Suggested Hotels for Saturate 814
Hampton Inn Altoona
📍 140 Charlotte Drive, Altoona, PA 16601
🛏️ Saturate 814 Price at: $149/night
🔗 View & Book
For More Information
Contact Richard Cox
📧 richard@lovealtoona.com
📞 (814) 577-6196