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Watch Brooke’s story!

Brooke Tovar

For high school sophomore Brooke Tovar, faith has always been a part of her story—and it’s her love for others and her desire to serve that show how God is continuing to move through each generation. As a junior high leader at Hope Church, she is investing in the same ministry that helped shape her own faith journey.

Brooke’s story with Hope Church began years ago when her family moved into the neighborhood and noticed a new church being built just minutes from their home. “We thought to ourselves, ‘Once it's built, we should at least try to go,’” Brooke recalled. “We went on opening day. There was a big carnival, and we just really liked it.”

Since then, Hope has become much more than a Sunday stop; it’s become home. Brooke’s mom works at Hope and is a regular presence on stage during Sunday announcements. Her dad, once a practicing dentist, now teaches at Midwestern. “My parents mean the world to me,” she said. “They’re always there, no matter what I need.”

To Brooke, her faith journey really began to unfold during her time as a student in Hope Jr. High Youth. “The group was so impactful to my faith,” she shared. “I gave my life to Jesus in junior high.”
She recalled sweet memories of attending Jr. High Sunday service and camps, but what stuck out to her the most was seeing the dedication her leaders had to showing up and pouring out in students’ lives. Leaders like Casey made a deep impact in her faith. “Casey’s always been there in my life and she’s helped me through the thick and thin,” Brooke said.
Now, Brooke is stepping into that same role, serving as a junior high leader herself. “I want to invest my life—pour into the new generation to hopefully be like my leaders. I want to fill their cup as my cup was filled.”
Whether she's playing saxophone in band, performing in theater, or creating a new art piece, Brooke is blooming with passion. Her joy and care for others shine as she lives out the gifts God has given her. Especially as she shares His love with the next generation through investing in Hope Jr. High and walking faithfully with Christ at school!

Watch Mike’s story!

Mike Fu

When Mike Fu moved to Arizona last year, he left behind nearly 20 years of life in California. The transition wasn’t just a change in scenery—it was an act of faith. “God kept giving me verses about Abraham leaving his home,” Mike shared. “I felt Him saying, ‘You’re going to move.’” It was hard to leave behind the comfort and familiarity, but Mike trusted God's leading, taking a new job and starting over—alone.

After relocating to the Deer Valley area for work as an IT infrastructure engineer, Mike was driving one evening when he noticed a church sign for Hope. Curious, he decided to visit. “I came right after that to a service, and I really liked the worship and the message,” he said. “I also felt really accepted.”

Mike first came to faith in college after moving to California from Taiwan, where Christianity felt rare. “Coming to faith was a long process, and it’s still going,” he shared. Joining Hope, Mike has seen faith strongly lived out in community. “Going to church alone is difficult, but people at Hope really cared about me, they prayed for me, and invited me to join groups,” he said. “People adopted me as a church member and as a friend.”

Mike quickly got involved in the community. He joined People of Prayer where he has found encouragement and truth. “Someone once said to me, ‘We’re here for you, but God is the only solution.’ That really touched me,” Mike recalled . . .

. . . He also began training with the tech team, using his gifts to serve others on Sundays.
To Mike, being a part of Hope means being adopted into family. “At Hope you know you’ll be accepted, you’ll be adopted. I came here alone, but I really felt comfort and acceptance from people at Hope,” he shared.
From a college student finding Christ in California to a newcomer being embraced by Hope, Mike’s story is one of God’s faithfulness. God drew him in and is now using Mike to pour into others through his gifts!

Watch Brett’s story!

Brett Phillip

Faith for Brett Phillip didn’t just happen—it was planted early, nurtured over time, and reignited by the investment of others.

Raised in a strong Christian home, Brett’s faith foundation was shaped by parents who prioritized church, community, and God’s Word. “I was very blessed to be raised by two incredible parents,” Brett shared. “A lot of who I am today is through the osmosis of being raised by my dad and my mom.”

While his parents set a solid example of faith, from age 18 to 24, church was put on the back burner for Brett. Yet, God’s hand never left him. A spontaneous move to Portland, Oregon became a turning point. There, mentors welcomed him back into faith, and it was also where he met his wife, Mariah.

Now living in Anthem, Brett and Mariah were invited to Hope Church by his sister. From the moment they came, they were hooked. “It’s been really remarkable being a part of the Hope family,” Brett said. “When you have a community of people around you who truly want to know how you’re doing and how they can help, it is life changing.”

That community has been essential for the couple, especially as new parents to their one-year-old daughter Dylan . . .

Their Young Families missional community has provided support in a chaotic season. “They say it takes a village to raise a child, and that’s what we have here,” Brett said.
As Brett has embraced his faith more, it has been exciting to see his family grow in Christ as well. His brother-in-law, Jordan, recently came to faith after joining a family Bible study started by Brett’s dad. “I couldn’t be more excited for him and my sister,” Brett shared, “Knowing we’re all in the family of Christ makes it even better.”
Especially now as a father, Brett is determined to pass on a faith legacy. “I would love for my daughter to grow up knowing that she is a valuable daughter of the king,” He said. “I want to be a better example for her so faith carries on not just to her but to my grandkids and her grandkids.”
From generation to generation, Brett is both a product of faithful investment—and a man carrying that torch forward.

Watch the Hailperns’ story!

Troy & Barb Hailpern

To Troy and Barb Hailpern, passing on faith isn’t a concept—it’s a way of life. From their children and grandchildren to young leaders at church and baristas at Elevate Coffee Company, the Hailperns have embraced God’s call to invest in the next generation.

Barb’s faith journey began in childhood, but it was at Hope Church where she says her understanding of Christian community truly deepened. “Coming to Hope was a whole new adventure; a whole new understanding of what church is,” she said. “Being part of Hope and wanting to invest in friends and family and expand my knowledge and prayer walk is a joy to me.”

For Troy, his faith took root when Pastor Paul married him and Barb in 2008. “Hope has been my only church,” he shared. “I’ve come to faith with the people of Hope.”

Together, Troy and Barb have built a life centered on ministry across generations. They lead a missional community called Journey for all ages and recently started a huddle including young missional community leaders. As the owner of Elevate Coffee Company, Troy also has a unique opportunity to invest in the younger generation with a staff made up of young employees, mostly under the age of 25. “It’s a very young team of employees, and it’s been a blessing—I really get to live life with them,” he said.

At the heart of their ministry is a simple but powerful value: invitation. “Everything is invitation,” Barb explained. “If you extend yourself and open your heart, there are so many people who just want to talk or just want a hug.”
That spirit of invitation starts in their family. The Hailperns have four children and seven grandchildren in both Phoenix and Denver, Colorado. They take every opportunity to invite their family to church and into their faith journey. Two of their grandkids in Phoenix, Aiden and Amari, have excitedly embraced that invitation.
Barb said Aiden and Amari, who are 9 and 5, constantly ask her to take them to church. “Amari comes running into the nursery ready to play and learn,” Barb explained, “That’s what he talks about all week, ‘Nana are we going to church on Sunday?’ And Aiden during worship has his hands raised, and he’s all in. It’s a beautiful thing, it just makes my heart sing.”
For Troy and Barb, faith is not confined to Sundays or church buildings—it’s woven into every relationship, every conversation, and every cup of coffee. Their lives are a testimony to what happens when faith is passed on with intention, love, and an open invitation.

Watch the Abrams’ story!

Mark & Sue Abram

With two children, 13 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren, Mark and Sue Abram have experienced firsthand the steady and abundant faithfulness of God through the generations of their growing family.

Mark and Sue were always dedicated to raising their family to know and love God. Their intentionality has shown through in many forms. From family camps and adventures, shared meals, group prayers, and intentional conversations, they’ve built their lives on Jesus.

“We were intentional about being around our kids,” Sue shared. “We knew being involved in their life, especially the younger they are, and planting truth is priceless.”

With 18 years of serving in children’s ministry together, this couple also knows that you can’t have faith without a little fun. Whether it’s taking high schoolers white water rafting in Colorado or singing silly songs at VBS, Mark and Sue prioritize joy. “It’s been our motto, even in children’s ministry,” Mark explained. “Make church a place where kids feel welcome, where they can have fun, and where they can be themselves.”

The Abrams have seen God’s faithfulness play out in powerful ways as their children have grown up to follow Jesus and serve others . . .

Their daughter Sarah is involved in ministry and foster care, and their son Jeff serves on the worship team at Hope.
And now, as they watch their grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow up in faith, Mark and Sue are seeing prayers answered and God’s promises fulfilled. Mark said it’s heartwarming to see his grandkids be courteous to others, lend willing hands, and have generous hearts. Their grandson, Jace, has even been volunteering with Hope Kids. “These are God’s promises,” Sue said.
Through it all, Mark and Sue have stuck side by side, united by faith. “Our life together as a married couple, we’re one unit, so we walk in that fashion,” said Mark.

Watch the Anthonys’ story!

Jordan & Sarah Anthony

When Jordan and Sarah Anthony first moved to Phoenix, they were simply looking for a home that made sense for their growing family and Jordan’s business. What they found at Hope Church was something much deeper.

Jordan and Sarah’s path to Hope wasn’t linear. After moving to Phoenix around 2019, homesickness eventually pulled them to Ohio, their home state. However, it didn’t take long for them to realize Arizona was where they were meant to be. It was during a house-hunting trip that Jordan first drove by Hope.

After attending for a few Sundays, the couple decided to make Hope their church. “We’ve tried a lot of churches and it just hasn’t felt right as a family,” Sarah said. “Hope is the first church that’s felt like home,” expressed Jordan. Even their four-year-old son, Duke, asks them on Sunday mornings, “Are we going to church today?”

From Pastor Paul personally visiting Jordan’s business and inviting him into his life, to Sarah being welcomed with open arms into Women of Hope, the Anthonys quickly felt a strong sense of belonging at Hope. “Being a part of Hope means belonging,” said Sarah.
As they’ve become more rooted at Hope, Jordan and Sarah feel they’ve grown from simply attending church to truly living as disciples of Jesus. “You constantly hear the word ‘disciple’ here,” Jordan said. “That’s at the core of what Hope is trying to do. To create disciples of all ages.”
Jordan’s faith journey is a picture of God’s patient pursuit across generations. Though he was raised in the Catholic Church, faith faded from his life as he grew older, until God used people like the McFarland family and Sarah’s father to reignite a spiritual spark. “The more time I spent around them, I got a better understanding of faith and Jesus,” Jordan said. “As I opened up to faith, it was everywhere.”
This past July, Jordan got baptized by his father-in-law, standing in a rainy pond in Ohio. Beside him? His seven-year-old daughter, Liza, choosing the same path.
Sarah sees it clearly: “My parents couldn’t have given me anything better than leading me in the right direction. I’m beyond grateful for that, so we do that for our children.” From teaching her children about Jesus to serving in kids’ ministry, Sarah knows seeds are being planted just like they were in her.
Faith is growing in and through the Anthonys. They are a true reflection of God’s faithfulness at work from generation to generation!

Watch the McArthurs’ story!

Ian & Davilyn McArthur

Davilyn and Ian McArthur came from different backgrounds, but their journeys of faith were shaped by the same faithful God. What began with others pouring into them has now grown into a life of investing in a younger generation.

Davilyn grew up in church life. Her parents, Shawn and Kathy, moved their family from the Midwest to Phoenix when she was young. With extended family far away, the church became her family. When they joined Hope, Davilyn jumped right into the youth group as a high school freshman, eager to learn. “It was a great place to be,” she recalled. “Through mentors and community, I learned about God’s love and what it meant to follow Jesus.”

Her faith grew through the steady presence of people who poured into her: youth leaders, pastors, and friends who created space for questions, growth, and discipleship. “I had so many people influencing me and sharing truth about God with me,” Davilyn said. That environment shaped her into someone who invited others in. Friends from school were welcomed into the community she loved, drawn by the confidence and joy she carried.

Ian’s story unfolded a bit differently. He grew up attending church with his grandmother, but after she passed away, faith faded into the background. “She was the rock that kept us going,” he said. Years later, after meeting Davilyn at a wedding (and knowing right away she was someone special), he was reintroduced to life with Christ.
“When I met Davilyn, I got back into faith,” Ian explained. “Then I met Pastor Paul, and I was poured into by him and others.” Ian recalled going to an old missional community led by Paul, where he began to rediscover who God was through relationships and honest conversations.
Now, as a married couple, Ian and Davilyn are pouring into young adults through a missional community they lead called Rooted.“There are so many people in Phoenix without family nearby,” Davilyn said. “Our driving force is wanting to care for others and be their family too.”
When asked about his favorite part of leading Rooted, Ian said, “Seeing the group grow and everyone become a family. It’s been great to see everyone get along and build that community.”

Watch the Kungs’ story!

The Kung Family

Yiu Man and Katherine Kung grew up around faith, but it was when their daughters started asking about God that they decided it was time to go back to church, and that’s when Hope entered their story.

Yiu Man and his wife, Katherine, moved to Arizona from New York in 2017, looking for a better place to raise their young family. They now have two daughters, Kaylie and Charlotte. It was Kaylie’s curiosity in God that sparked the Kungs search for a church.

“Kaylie asked a lot of questions about God and we didn’t really have answers,” Katherine explained. “So we were like, ‘We’ll take you to church and you can find out yourself.’”

Their journey to Hope Church began from a simple errand.

“A couple of years ago, we were driving to Party City to get balloons, and I saw Union Park. It looked so different, like something from the South.” Yiu Man shared. That moment led the Kungs to explore the neighborhood further. When they returned to tour a home in Union Park, Yiu Man noticed Hope Church nearby. Their first visit was for the 2023 Christmas service.

Since then, Hope has become a meaningful part of their family’s life. “The people—everyone’s really friendly,” said Katherine. “They’re great with our kids.” The Kungs eventually moved into Union Park, placing Hope Church right on their daily drive.

The Kungs have joined in on the community, attending retreats, helping with spring cleanings, and joining in the potlucks. “My hope is that we make Hope Church part of our family, so the girls will find close friends here and grow in faith together,” said Yiu Man. Katherine added, “I want them to want it for themselves.”
That desire already seems to be taking root. “I like Sunday school,” said Kaylie. “I like singing the songs that I know,” added Charlotte. When asked why they want God in their lives, Charlotte simply said, “Because He loves us.”
Yiu Man is excited for his girls to continue growing in the Hope family, and especially for them to find community through Hope’s youth groups. For him, passing on faith is his highest priority. “The thing that matters most for me is not that they get good grades or that they’re ‘nice’ people—it’s that they believe in God and they walk with Jesus,” he said.
What started with a child's curiosity and a trip to Party City turned into something so much bigger! With Hope Church as a part of their story, God is growing the Kungs to be a family rooted in faith.

Watch Ginny’s story!

Ginny Wheeler

As a mother, grandmother, and leader of Women of Hope, Ginny Wheeler invests deeply in the lives of those around her, helping faith take root and flourish across generations.

Though she’s only been attending Hope for a few years, Ginny quickly became a vital part of the community. Shortly after arriving, she launched the missional community Women of Hope, which has become a space where women of all ages grow in faith and friendship. Ginny is also a mom to two children and a very proud grandmother of four.

“My grandkids are my favorites!” Ginny shared with a smile. Two of them, Landon and Kenley, attend Hope alongside her.

Growing up, Ginny never went to church with her parents. Today, placing God at the heart of her family is one of Ginny’s deepest priorities.

Ginny recalled a cherished memory of giving her granddaughter, Kenley, her first “grown-up” Bible. “Right before her birthday she called and said, ‘Grandma, you got me my picture Bible and my junior high Bible, and now I have so many questions, is there a grown-up Bible?” Ginny shared.

With much excitement, she searched far and wide and found Kenley a beautiful turquoise leather Bible. “She called me to tell me it is the most amazing gift I’ve gotten her. She stayed up reading it till 3 a.m,” Ginny said.

“Generational faith doesn’t happen overnight,” she explained. “You have to invest a lot of time and care and learn about your kids. Love is time. They could know the whole Bible, but if they don’t see you trying to be more like Jesus, it’s not going to happen for them.”

Beyond her family, Ginny pours that same heart into Women of Hope. Each week, women of all generations gather to grow in faith and community under the guidance of Ginny and Betsy Allen. “I’ve led many groups and classes, but these women are the most amazing I’ve ever seen,” she shared. “It’s a safe place to be.”
Ginny has loved watching women care for one another, pray together, and lift one each other up through Women of Hope. Seeing older women in the group walk beside younger women has been an especially sweet aspect of the community. “It just warms my heart,” she said.
Whether she’s cheering on her grandchildren or mentoring women, Ginny’s faithful commitment to nurturing generational faith shines brightly through her life!

Ruby Schmoyer

Through the intentional investment of others, Ruby Schmoyer came to know of God’s love in high school. Now, as a college student, she faithfully shares that found love with the youth of Hope.

Ruby grew up surrounded by faith—but not always the kind that reflects the caring heart of God. “A lot of growing up and my faith was very shame based,” she shared. “Where if you wear the wrong things or say the wrong things, you misrepresent Christ and are not going to heaven.”

As the oldest daughter, the oldest grandchild, and one of 40 cousins, Ruby felt the weight of being the “guinea pig child” in her family, where words of love weren't often heard.

Everything began to shift during high school, when Ruby became a camp counselor in Minnesota. Through friendships, mentoring, and a healthier picture of Christian community, her understanding of God—and herself—began to transform.

“That’s where I first started to hear God loves me,” Ruby said. “The love and passion my friends at camp had for Christ was so different. They truly loved me and saw me and were so passionate for Christ.” Through the community she found at camp, Ruby’s relationship with God truly began to blossom.
Last year, Ruby moved from Minnesota to Arizona to attend GCU. As a freshman, she got connected to Hope when a friend offered her a ride to service, coincidently on a Picnic Sunday. Her conversations that day made a lasting impression. “I have never felt so plugged in immediately at a church,” she said.
Ruby spared no time in getting involved, as she joined Hope’s Junior High Team this past January. What started as a desire to connect with community became a calling to pour into younger generation. For Ruby, serving junior high students is more than a role—it’s redemption.
“A lot of the hardships and struggles I went through and didn’t have support with were in middle school,” Ruby said. “To now be able to help middle schoolers work through hardships and continue to be like, ‘No, I love you and I’m here,’ especially when some don’t ever hear that is so important.”
Ruby’s caring heart for others is a clear reflection of her genuine love for God and a beautiful testament to those who invested in her.

Watch the Hansens’ story!

The Allens & Hansens

For the Allen’s, growing their family on the firm foundation of Jesus was never a question; it was a promise.

When Brad and Betsy Allen’s daughter, Jessica, was baptized, they committed to raising her to know and love Jesus. That commitment became the cornerstone of their family life: praying together, reading Scripture, staying active in church community, and showing up for one another in both fun and faith. “The foundation of our life and our marriage has always been our faith,” Betsy shared. “We truly wanted her to have that.”

Now, watching Jessica raise her own family in the same spirit brings deep joy. She and her husband, Brian Hansen, are parents to two young girls and are actively passing on the legacies they were given. “It was easy for me to understand there’s a God who loves us unconditionally,” Jessica said, “because I had parents who loved me unconditionally.”

Brian’s foundation came from his single mom and the example she set of selfless service. “She raised three kids and worked nights as a nurse,” Brian explained, “I basically got to see every day what it meant to put other people first. I think that’s why I have a commitment to service.”
The couple is committed to raising their children in God’s love. From daily Bible reading to bedtime prayers, they are teaching their daughters that faith isn’t just for Sundays—it’s the framework for all of life.
As they intentionally pour God’s love into their biological family, they also extend their hearts and time to the next generation in their Hope family. Jessica is the leader of Hope Kids, and Brian serves on the board and worship team.
“Hope feels like home,” Brian said. “It’s the first place I felt I had a family. I owe so much to this church, because of it, I have my wife, my family, my developed career interest and focus on service. It’s hard not to want to share that with other people.”
And for Brad and Betsy, watching their granddaughter point to a picture in her kid’s Bible and say, “Jesus,” they know a legacy of faith is continuing. “I truly see faith passing from generation to generation,” Betsy said.

Rob & Debbie Sutter

Rob and Debbie Sutter have been part of the Hope Church family for three years. When they moved to Arizona after raising their family in California, Rob and Debbie sought a welcoming, friendly church that wasn’t too big and felt like family. Their son, who already lived in Phoenix, found Hope and invited his parents to join him. Rob and Debbie quickly felt right at home — and they wasted no time getting involved!

Rob serves on the Hope Board and the Hospitality Team and preaches at Hope. Even while working as an orthodontist in California, Rob helped in various capacities as a teacher, board member at his kids’ school, and an elder at his church. Rob knew that when he and Debbie found a home church in Arizona, he wanted to serve similarly. Though Rob never expected to fall in love with preaching, he has found that he really enjoys it. He is also grateful to be able to use his prior board experience to share wisdom and discernment with the Hope Board.

Debbie leads a women’s hiking group to share her love of the outdoors with others. The group meets each Tuesday when the weather is nice and offers an opportunity to hike, fellowship, and enjoy God’s nature together. Debbie is thankful for Hope and all the opportunities to get involved and meet new friends.
Something Rob and Debbie both love about Hope is that it attracts a wide range of people of different ages and backgrounds — especially kids and young families! They’re excited to see how the church rises as a beacon of hope in the community after the new multipurpose building is finished. They hope the added space will draw more people from the surrounding neighborhoods in to enjoy the welcoming community that initially attracted them to Hope... and has kept them coming back ever since!

Brad & Betsy Allen

If you’ve ever attended a Sunday worship celebration at Hope, you’ve probably had the distinct pleasure of meeting Brad and Betsy Allen. They have been part of the Hope family since it started — and long before that, too!

Brad and Betsy were part of the team that helped move Paul and Carol into their apartment during Paul’s internship with Community Church of Joy in 1987, and they have been friends ever since. Be sure to ask them to tell you the full story about the move sometime (if you’re wondering… it involves pouring rain and squeezing an oversized couch through a window).

After reminiscing on decades of memories, Betsy said, “We go so far back that we consider Paul, Carol, David, Nathan, and April part of the family.”

When Paul had the vision to start Hope Church in 2009, Brad and Betsy were among the first to know about it. When he asked them to consider being part of Hope’s Core Team, there was no question — Brad and Betsy were in! Brad recalls saying, “What took you so long? We would have joined you years ago!”

Brad and Betsy have both faithfully served at Hope from the start. They’ve been involved in countless ways and are always willing to lend a helping hand. Betsy’s kind, loving spirit has been the heartbeat of Hope Kids and Vacation Bible School since the beginning. Brad’s insights as a part of the Design and Construction Team have contributed to making Hope the warm, welcoming gathering space it is today.
When asked about her involvement with Hope Kids and Vacation Bible School, Betsy said, “It’s such a joy to see a church truly fulfill its mission of reaching the next generation. If I can help a child with their faith walk, nothing is more important than that. It is of eternal value.”
Betsy also says watching her daughter, Jessica Hansen, lead Hope Kids feels like a full circle moment. “It’s a blessing to do ministry with her,” she says. She’s also excited to watch her granddaughter, Johanna, and all the little ones at Hope grow up, get involved, and become the next rising generation of leaders!
When asked about his favorite memories at Hope, Brad reminisced about watching the community volunteer their time and efforts to build the barn and renovate the Hope House. He’s also excited about the new building and kitchen rapidly rising from the ground to provide additional space for Hope Kids, the wedding ministry, and church events, like picnics.
“We’re bursting at the seams, and we’ll be able to do so much more with a bigger space,” said Betsy. “Not only will we be able to better serve our Hope family, but we’ll also be able to reach more of the community.”
Brad and Betsy are looking forward to retirement in the next few years when they can be even more involved at Hope. “We feel like we’re getting older… but getting better!” said Betsy. “We want to be involved in our community as much as possible.

The Marty Family

We started the Growing Families Community after growing our own family and sensing a need for friends in a similar season of life. We wanted to provide a space for young families to support each other while building their families with a strong foundation on the Lord. In our group, we’ve witnessed the power of prayer after seeing God miraculously bless families with babies. We’ve also seen the power of community by providing meals to each other after bringing babies home from the hospital and while sharing in the joyful chaos and messiness of life with kids.

Ryen Gabuya

Something you’ll quickly learn about Ryen? He’s authentic, driven, and committed to his faith journey. And that journey hasn’t been without its twists and turns. When asked about how he came to Hope Church, Ryen’s story is one of gradual growth, stepping out of his comfort zone, and finding a deeper sense of purpose.

Ryen shared, “I moved here from Southern California about five years ago. At first, my mom kept inviting me to go to church with her, and I resisted. But during high school, my views started to change. I realized there’s more to life than just sports, school, or friends. There’s a bigger purpose, and that purpose comes from God.”

Eventually, Ryen attended Hope worship celebrations with his mom, but he’d slip out as soon as possible. However, over the last year, something shifted. “I started stepping into the community of Hope,” Ryen said. “I used to sit in the back with my mom, but now I sit in the front with all my friends. I’ve built strong relationships with people here, and it’s made a huge difference.”
Major turning points for Ryen included joining Hope’s High School Missional Community, helping with Vacation Bible School (VBS), and the young adult mission trip to Compton. “VBS was where I really started to feel connected. Being around the kids and the leaders, seeing how God was working in their lives — it was incredible. I realized how important it is to put others above myself.”
Ryan credits leaders like Carlo, Austin, and Caleb for helping him step into leadership roles within the junior high ministry. “They’ve been a huge influence in my life, especially as I’ve started leading junior high kids. When the opportunity to lead came up, I knew it was where I needed to be.”
In addition to his involvement at Hope, Ryen is studying at Grand Canyon University with the goal of becoming a physical therapist. He believes his faith journey has made his calling clearer. “This past summer really highlighted the gifts God’s given me — being personable, uplifting others, and bringing energy to the people around me. That’s what I want to carry into my career in physical therapy.”
When asked what he’s learned from serving and connecting with others, Ryen said, “It’s amazing how helping others can become second nature. I don’t even think about it anymore — it’s just what I love to do. Being in a community of like-minded followers of Jesus has changed how I act, how I talk, and how I think. It’s life-changing.”
Looking ahead, Ryen is excited to continue serving and growing within the Hope community. “I’m so grateful my mom kept inviting me to church! Hope has been such a blessing to me, and I know God has great things ahead!”

Dave & Gayla Jensen

Dave and Gayla Jensen have been with Hope since its very beginning. The impact of their steadfast service can be seen throughout the church — from the children in Hope Kids to the trees planted around campus!

Dave and Gayla have been married for 31 years. The two met in a singles group when they attended Community Church of Joy, where they met Pastor Paul. Their love began to blossom after they went on a mission trip with their group to Mexico, and they were married not too long after by Paul!

When Paul felt called to start Hope, Dave and Gayla faithfully followed. “We really liked the idea of his vision,” Gayla said. “He’s always seen opportunity in the growing Northern Valley (Norterra) to have a church there that can connect with the community.”

After Hope purchased its current building, Dave stepped up to help with the landscaping. With over 30 years of landscaping experience, he designed the water features in the backyard and helped with the overall layout of the property. The most meaningful project to Dave, however, is the prayer garden in the side yard he was inspired to create in honor of his late mother. Dave’s mom always enjoyed coming to Hope and felt welcomed and loved like extended family.
Dave continues to use his God-given skills in landscaping at Hope as he serves on the Design & Construction Team for the Building Hope campaign. He is one of 11 church members who make up the team.
“The Hope expansion project has many church members using their talents, and that’s what inspires me continually,” Dave said. “Seeing their love for the Lord just encourages me to do more and help out in any way I can.”
Meanwhile, Gayla has been serving with Hope Kids and can’t wait for the new multipurpose building! “Oh, I’m excited,” Gayla said. “The little area we have is just not big enough for these kids. Larger classrooms and play areas will be so nice, with space to grow and to do so much more.”
Dave and Gayla’s grandson has been a part of Hope Kids over the past few years. Gayla said she’s always wanted her grandchildren to feel God’s love, and Hope has provided that for her grandson moreover. “I love seeing his happy face and him so energetic with the Lord — it’s awesome,” Gayla said. “I can see him being so loving and caring with others here at home and in our neighborhood.”
When asked about their future, Dave and Gayla both said they feel they are serving where God has called them. How grateful we are for their generosity and faithfulnes

Casey Howard

Something you’ll learn about Casey Howard after getting to know her? Casey is steady, reliable, and consistent. And, to no surprise, consistency was a big topic of conversation when asked about her involvement with Hope over the past six years… and the astronomical growth of the junior high ministry.

Casey said, “In the beginning, three kids came to our Wednesday groups. We continued to trust the Lord and stayed consistent, which attracted both kids and leaders. Austin has invested so much in us. We have formed a close bond and experience life together regularly. It makes it easy for others to want to be a part of it, too.”

Summer Team is no different. Casey has been a part of Summer Team since the beginning and says her consistent involvement has helped her grow personally and spiritually. “I think getting close with a group of likeminded people who want to serve and love each other well is attractive to anyone — that is the appeal of Summer Team. I’ve learned that God will teach you so much if you stay consistent and have a heart to serve.”
While Casey has a heart for the Hope community, she also has a passion for international missions. This summer, she had the opportunity to go on a life-changing mission trip to Ecuador with one of her professors and a group of students and alumni from Grand Canyon University to offer free English classes to the community.
“It was eye-opening to experience a new culture — it was something I have never done before. Everyone in Ecuador was so joyful and hospitable. Seeing how kind people were to us and each other was special.
In the future, Casey dreams of living in a third-world country with limited access to the Gospel long enough to build deep, lasting relationships with the community. She’s also looking forward to continuing to serve with her fiancé, Caleb. The two were engaged this past September!
When asked what she learned from her time in Ecuador, Casey said, “God taught me how to love people different from me. You can see joy, kindness, and the Holy Spirit in someone without understanding them. Love transcends every language.”

The Mayer Family

Luke and Livia Mayer have been attending Hope Church since last summer after connecting with Pastor Paul at Grand Canyon University… not once, but twice!

In August 2022, Luke, who is a professor at GCU, met Paul at a faculty event. At the time, Livia, who is from Switzerland, was in the middle of a long, drawn-out process of obtaining her student visa to study at GCU. Luke said, “Paul said he would pray for Livia’s paperwork to come through.” Livia almost wasn’t able to start school in the fall, but then, at the last minute, their prayers were answered… her paperwork came through, and she could start classes!

Several months later, in March 2023, Livia met Paul on campus at GCU (completely unaware her husband had met him several months earlier). Paul gave Livia his business card and a voucher to Elevate Coffee Company. When she came home and told Luke about her encounter, he was surprised — this was the same person he had met last fall!
Luke grew up as a missionary in Africa, and Luke and Livia have traveled worldwide on trips with Youth With A Mission (YWAM). They actually met on a mission trip in Mexico! Because of their passion for ministry, finding a church that supported community was important to them.
Luke and Livia joined the Young Couples Community in August 2023 before ever attending a worship service. They both appreciate that Hope fosters community. They love getting to know others in the church in a real, authentic way by meeting to eat and experience life together.
Luke and Livia have felt supported by the Young Couples and Growing Families Communities before and after becoming parents to their daughter, Zaniya, this past June. Livia was touched by how willing people were to help. “Davilyn organized a baby shower for us, and Emma, Steve, Ian, and Lexi jumped in to help. Brittany started a Meal Train for us after Zaniya was born, and people just brought us meals. It was so nice. I’m not used to people being so friendly and helpful,” she said.
Luke said, “We really appreciate our community. They helped us a lot when we had our baby and when we moved apartments right after she was born. We once needed a dolly to move a fridge, and one of our friends dropped everything to bring us one. We don’t have any family nearby, so it means a lot.”

The Sawyer Family

Michael and Brittany Sawyer met while leading Norterra Canyon Wyldlife in 2014. They got married in 2019 and have since faithfully served at Hope Church in several ministries. This last year, they welcomed their daughter, Ember, into the Hope Family!

While attending college in Santa Barbara, Michael was introduced to Hope Church by becoming a member of Summer Team. He joined the team his freshman summer in 2011 and again for his next summer break. Michael’s favorite memory from Summer Team and his early involvement at Hope was getting to lead youth like Austin Schleier and Davilyn McArthur who are now in roles of leadership at Hope.

“I’ve been able to watch all these kids grow up, and now, I get to watch them rise up and lead students who are also leading and giving back,” said Michael. “It’s really neat for me to look at people like Austin, who was kind of a ‘punk’ kid, and now here he is, ten years later, investing in so many people and fully committed to Hope’s mission.”
Michael moved back to Phoenix after graduating college and continued to pour into youth through Wyldlife, a Young Life ministry for junior high students. He met Brittany while leading Norterra Canyon Wyldlife in 2014. After her experience with Young Life and starting college at Grand Canyon University in 2016, she felt drawn to find a Christian church. Michael’s invitation to Hope came at no better time!
The two began dating in 2017 and were married soon after in October 2019.
“We were both serving and doing what we loved, and it was one of those things where you look to your left and look to your right, and you see who’s in it with you — that really was our love story,” said Michael.
Michael and Brittany have been serving as a couple since. They continued to lead Wyldlife until 2021, have been a part of Hope’s Staff Team, and have been a part of the leadership teams for the Young Couples and Young Families Communities. As a couple, they’re both still passionate about building relationships with youth, young adults, and young families in their community.
“I feel like serving and experiencing life-on-life ministry with people is kind of in the DNA of our relationship,” said Brittany. “It’s what initially brought us together.”
Michael and Brittany have found support through Hope and its community of parents during this new season, as their daughter, Ember, is one of several babies who has recently joined the Hope Family. “We haven’t been a church with lots of babies around before, so it’s been a fun and refreshing season,” said Michael.
“It’s been sweet how God has brought so many moms with babies really close to Ember’s age into my life,” said Brittany. “I feel like God brought this group of parents together to be able to encourage each other, and also to reach out to other families in the church and community.”
Moving forward in ministry, Michael and Brittany’s dream is to bring hope to their new neighborhood, which they moved to in July 2023.
“We’d like to bring Hope’s values and way of doing ministry out into our neighborhood,” said Brittany. “To build a tight-knit community where our kids will be able to walk to each other’s houses and the parents can just drop in at any time — having the opportunity to do life-on-life ministry like that is really powerful.”

Carlo Dimalanta

“Through Summer Team, I’ve been able to grow and stretch in ways that will impact my life forever. The relationships that I have grown with my peers and students are so real and authentic, and it’s all because of God’s work in the middle of it all. God has done amazing things during my time on Summer Team, and I firmly believe that I’m going to see his work be done even beyond the summer, and that’s something I’m really excited about.”