Speakers
Shema Family Conference
Jeff Brickle is an assistant professor of biblical studies at Urshan Graduate School of Theology in Florissant, Missouri. He received his associate's degree in music from Finger Lakes Community College in Canandaigua, New York; a bachelor's in religion, cum laude, from Harvard University; and a master's in urban ministry, summa cum laude, from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. He is currently a Ph.D. in biblical studies candidate at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. Ordained with the UPCI in 1988, Jeff served as a campus minister at Boston's United Pentecostal Church; assistant pastor and adult Sunday school instructor for North Shore United Pentecostal Church in Lynn, Massachusetts; and an instructor at Gateway College of Evangelism. Jeff and his wife, Kathy, who works at the Urshan-Gateway Library, have been married for twenty-four years and have four homeschooled children: Daniel (married to Ashley), Sarah, Hannah, and Leah. The Brickles attend The Sanctuary in Hazelwood, Missouri, and are actively involved in Bible quizzing.
Gary D. Ellis, Sr. is the pastor and founder of Abundant Life Outreach Center (ALOC). Over 21 years ago, he along with his wife and four children started the process of turning 119 Chapel Street into a light on a hill in the city of Clarksville, Tennessee. Pastor Ellis is a man of integrity and character and teaches these important attributes to his children, family, staff, and church. He is dedicated to the call of God on his life and to the vision that God has given him for Clarksville and the world. He and his wife homeschooled their four children, Gary D. Jr, Genesis, Shekinah, and Gabrielle, who are all now adults.
Yvette Ellis has been a wonderful strength and needed asset to the ministry of her husband, Gary D. Ellis, Sr. and the church body in Clarksville, Tennessee. She is a prayer warrior for Christ, an intercessor, and has a heartbeat for souls. She home educated their four children for twelve years, served in the children's ministry, youth ministry, nursing home ministry, and various other places of ministry where the Lord is willing to use her. Sister Ellis is a devoted wife and has been married to her husband for over 30 years. She is a woman deeply committed to her relationship with God and God's people.
David Huston is the founder of a growing apostolic assembly in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. He has traveled extensively,presenting seminarson Christian marriage and parenting, home group ministry, Biblical leadership, and home education. He is the author of numerous books and articles, including The Sons of Oil, The Real Message of John 3:16, and The Glorious Church. Visit Bro. Huston's website at www.GloriousChurch.com
Barbara Huston is a registered nurse by profession. She has spoken frequently on parenting, women's issues, and spiritual ministry. She serves alongside her husband, David, in their local assembly in Carlisle, PA. You can visit the Huston's home church website at www.WeAre CCF.org.
Steve Ryerson taught in both public and Christian schools for seventeen years. He and his wife Carol home schooled both of their sons through high school, starting officially with kindergarten in 1983. They are regular writers for the Home School Digest and founders of the Apostolic Home School Network. Bro. Ryerson is the national representative for home schooling for the United Pentecostal Church. Bro. & Sis. Ryerson teach seminars on Biblical parenting and having a Biblical worldview through New Mind Ministry. He is also a Marketing Associate for Wisdom's Gate Publishing.
Carol Ryerson, along with her husband of 36 years, Steve, home schooled their two sons from birth through high school. Their family now includes a daughter-in-law and two grandsons. An accomplished pianist who enjoys teaching piano in their home, Sis. Ryerson also thrives on helping home schoolers one-on-one. She and her husband write for the Home School Digest, and she write for An Encouraging Word periodical. Sis. Ryerson has long been interested in, and studied, the importance of health and nutrition.
Arthur Vanderhoff is a third generation Apostolic preacher, receiving the call of God as an 8 year old child shortly after receiving the baptism of the Holy Ghost. A graduate of Apostolic Bible Institute, his ministry has included home missions, evangelizing extensively throughout the United States and Canada, overseas mission trips, pastoring, and mentoring. He is currently involved in founding an elder-led, family integrated assembly in the Indianapolis metro area. He and his bride of 29 years, Julia, are blessed with four children, Arthur II, Benjamin, Luke, and Emily, all of whom are home schooled.
Bryan and Rhonda Bowling are blessed to be the homeschooling parents of three children: Nathaniel, age 19; Julia, age 16; and Ethan, age 11. They began homeschooling "on purpose" when Nathaniel was born and continually strive to disciple/educate their children for the glory of God. Bryan and Rhonda enjoy encouraging and mentoring new homdschool families, sharing what they've learned during their homeschool journey, and serving in their local assembly through worship leading and music ministry.
Kevin and Julia Bowling ~ picture and bio coming soon
Xample, from Clarksville Tennessee, is a group of devoted and gifted young Christians who genuinely believe that their lifestyle must be reflected in the songs they sing ~ and that the songs they sing must testify of their love for God. The group is made up of home school graduates Gary Jr, Genesis, Shekinah, & Gabrielle Ellis along with home school mom, Nia Kelly, Jennifer Perry, Nadar Cade, and Anthony Taylor. They have sung in many venues, both locally and around the country, including the Indiana Bible College Music Conference, and opening for CeCe Winans. Xample was the first place winner of the 2005 Gospel Music Association’s regional song and performances competition in the Urban Category and placed third in the GMA’s Music in the Rockies 2005 in the Urban Gospel Category. Each member of this group possesses a shared ambition. “To be ‘an example’ for today’s youth and declare without shame—that young people can live pure and holy lives and bring glory to God in both word and deed.” They currently have two CD's available.