Pastor Don Reeve

Born in the fishing town of Campbell River, on Vancouver Island, British Columbia and raised in Barrie, Ontario and Surrey BC, Don Reeve became a follower of Christ at a young age through the godly example and Christ honoring testimony of his parents. Don had the privilege of having his father as his own pastor for most of his growing up years, including the moment in grade eight when his father baptized him.

During his high school years, Don wrestled with the implications of following Jesus, and finally in grade ten recommitted himself to the Lord. Two years later, his dream of many years of pursuing a medical career was interrupted as God led Don to attend Northwest Baptist Theological College and Trinity Western University. During these years of study Don married his high school sweetheart Linda. After completing two bachelor degrees, Don began his masters program, only to have God once again interrupt plans, this time with an invitation to become the senior pastor of Sparwood Fellowship Baptist Church in British Columbia. Sparwood Fellowship was a struggling church plant that became home to Don, Linda, and their newborn daughter. The years in Sparwood were not only times of blessing for the whole church family, as the church grew and became an established and flourishing church, but also for the Reeve family as they welcomed their second child, a son who completed the family.

After several years Don left Sparwood and returned to school to complete his masters degree through Northwest Baptist Seminary which is part of ACTS in Langley BC. Following this Don returned to pastoral ministry, this time to an established but struggling church in Armstrong BC. Again God blessed as First Baptist grew to become a vibrant multi service, multi staff church. After almost seven years in Armstrong God led Don to accept a new roll as lead pastor of Oxford Baptist Church in Woodstock Ontario. In December of 2008 the Reeve family moved to Ontario, and in January of 2009 Don began his ministry at Oxford.

When Don is not busy leading in his roll at Oxford, he can usually be found with a hammer in hand. Don enjoys all facets of building and renovating as well as spending time with his family. He cheers for the Packers, Steelers, and Canucks and remains glad that one of the stipulations of coming to Ontario was not having become a Leafs fan.

P astor Jason Gervais

Jason was born in Montreal and grew up in central Ontario. He was raised in a Christian home, accepting Jesus as his saviour at an early age. During his teen years, Jason came to a deeper understanding and stronger commitment in his faith. He was baptized in water during this time, as well as first sensing God calling him to ministry.

Jason started his theological education at Master’s College and Seminary in Peterborough, and completed a BRE at Tyndale University College in Toronto, graduating with highest honors. He has ministered in a variety of interim and short-term positions, primarily with young people, and has remained active in his local church. He has recently begun pursuing full time pastoral ministry in response to God’s leading in his life. Jason is passionate about the Word, teaching, and seeing lives really changed.

In his spare time he enjoys reading, drawing, cycling, and drinking coffee. Jason has been married to his lovely wife, Jaylene, for ten years this May. They have three daughters: Eliah (6), Avrielle (4), and Vienna (1).

 

Pat Longworth, Director of Administration & Communication

Pat joined the team at Oxford Baptist as a staff member in August 2006 and comes with over 30 years of office experience. Pat has been a member at Oxford Baptist Church for 37 years. Pat and her husband Bob of 41 years reside in Port Dover. She has 3 children and 8 grandchildren. She loves to read, study, long walks and listening to the waves.

 

 

 

Sharon Pharazyn, Director of Children's Ministry

Sharon enjoys discovering how our Lord wants to reveal His Word and truth through everything in our lives- relationships, working, playing, studying and the world around us! She is married to Andrew and has three children: Joanna, Michael and Grant.

God has a big story – and kids are part of it! There is so much joy in the journey - of getting to know Jesus and sharing Him with children, leaders of all ages and families! Jesus took the children in His arms, put His hands on them and blessed them (see Mark 10:16). My hope is that you and your children experience the love of Jesus through the people at Oxford Baptist Church. I pray that Jesus will become real to each child and they will accept His love and return it to Him! For that is the relationship that changes everything!

 

Elizabeth Martin, Director of Worship

Serving as pianist and vocalist in church when she was 10 years old, Elizabeth has been a part of Oxford Baptist since the Fall of 2000. Elizabeth is a registered music teacher and conductor who has a B.A. in music and an active teaching career. She has been married for 16 years to John Martin who is a dairy farmer. Elizabeth and John have 4 children aged 14,12,11 and 10. Elizabeth enjoys reading, horseback riding, and watching her children's activites when she is not practicing, teaching or rehearsing.

"They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings as eagles. They shall run and not grow weary; they shall walk and not faint."

Isaiah 40:31