Faculty Members
Dr. Julie Tofilon has a D.Min in Spiritual Leadership, an M.A. in Cross-Cultural Studies, and a Graduate Certificate in Counseling, all from Columbia Biblical Seminary. Along with her husband, Dr. Tofilon has written and published four books: Communicating Like Christ (2005); What Is A Godly Leader? (2004); Speaking Beautiful English (2005) -- a biblically and character-based ESL Curriculum, being used in China; and 52 ABCs of God's Character-- A Practical Prayer Guide For Everyday Life (2011). She and her husband have been ministering together for 28 years, serving as overseas missionaries in Indonesia, Turkey, and China, as well as in the U.S. among internationals. Their ministry has included pioneer church-planting in the Muslim world, Bible-teaching, TESL, evangelism, and discipleship. They have served in the local church as missionaries-in-residence, and she has led worship both overseas and in the U.S. Dr. Tofilon and her husband have two sons, ages 22 and 15, with whom they have enjoyed a close relationship. Her hobbies include writing and playing Christian music, playing sports with her family, taking walks with her husband and others, and reading.
Dr. Philip 'Jay' Jegede: Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration & Accounting (B.A), University of Tulsa. Master of Theology (M.Th.), Northwestern. Evangelist Phil's Master's degree thesis is titled, "Why Jesus is the Messiah". Ph.D. Christian Counseling, Northwestern. Doctorate dissertation "An Audit on the Books of World Religions." Dr. Evangelistphil is also the author of soon to be pulished book designed to revamp the concept of marriage and relationships, "Marriage By Devotion" (MBD) Before becoming an ordained Evangelist to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ all over the world, Evangelist Phil served in executive management and in various capacities. During his several years in Corporate America, Evangelist Phil served as:
Corporate Controller
Director of Finance
Chief Accountant
Strategic Business Consultant
Business Startup Consultant
Business Coordinator, the Salvation Army
President & CEO, PIJ Toys Inc.
Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Naturemed Laboratories (DBA Joytime Herbs)
President and CEO, Data Comptroller USA
Chairman of the board of Directors, First Natasha Foundation.
Dr. Philip Jegede is also the current chairman of the Board of Directors of WBRC Minneapolis, Minnesota
Dr. Rev. Rodney (Rod) Annis, Ph.D. has degrees in counseling psychology (B.A.), Christian education/church ministries (M.R.E.) and biblical studies (Ph.D.). His dissertation is titled, "The Biblical Articulation of the Mind and Thinking as Revealed in the Epistle to the Romans." He also has graduate studies in counseling (M.S. in Community Counseling, not completed) and pastoral studies (ABD D. Min.). He attended Tennessee Temple University, Temple Seminary, Pensacola Christian College Graduate School, and Mt. Mary College Graduate School. His ministry experience includes 13 years as a senior minister, 7 years in Christian school administration (as a Principal and Director of Weekday Children's Ministry), 3 years at an inner city rescue mission, and 2 years in youth ministry. Rod resides in Birmingham, Alabama with his wife and daughter.
Dr. Isaac Ozobiani, PhD., LCSW. Mental Health Counseling. Areas of interest involve the general area of social influence. Experiences include testing theories that are targeted at improving the human condition by influencing people to change their dysfunctional behavior and attitudes which may involve prejudice and other destructive vises. Dr. Ozobiani worked for the State of California in Sacramento for twenty years as the compliance certification supervisor for the State of California s providers of residential and outpatient drug programs. Dr. Ozobiani is also founder and Executive Director of ASDL, a youth mental health counseling non-profit organization in Sacramento, California, and with offices in Florida. Dr. Ozobiani is a life-long Christian and operates under the foundation of Biblical principles and practice.
Dr. Robert L. Varnam has served the Lord throughout the United States in pastoral ministry for 42+ years in urban and rural churches and six denominations. Robert has been active in community: Chamber of Commerce, President/board member; fire departments fire fighter, officer, chief officer, chaplain. He holds Fire Service Instructor Certificates in Alaska, and was a chaplain in Alaska Wing, Civil Air Patrol. He ministers with Interim Ministries of the American Baptist Churches USA. Dr. Varnam earned a B.A., California Baptist University; M.Div. American Baptist Seminary; M.S. Instructional Technology, Rhode Island College; and D.Min. The Graduate Theological Foundation. Dr. Varnam has been an adjunct instructor: University of Alaska (Fire Science); Rhode Island College (Communication). Dr. Varnam has three adult sons and two granddaughters.
Gary Fortney, MA in Christian Ministries from Wheaton Graduate School, serves as a on-line adjunct faculty member for Grand Canyon University and as an Education Program Director for Arizona Department of Education. In this capacity the applicaant facilitated classes in Christian Worldview, Old and New Testament History classes. Mr. Fortney has also administered Christian Schools where he lead chapels and the spiritual life of the school.
Rev. Hilario Tabangin. Master's degree (MA) Education, Philippines Christian University. Master's of Divinity (M.Div) Union Theological Seminaries, Philippines. District Superintendent The United Methodist Church, Philippines June 2010 - May, 2011. Instructor Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines 1992-1994. Lecturer and School Chaplain, Wesleyan University, Cabanatuan, Philippines. Relocated to the United States in May of 2011.
Bianca Gibbs was born in New York and raised in Connecticut. M.A Early Childhood and Elementary Education, and B.A in Psychology, Hampton Univrsity. She attended New Hope Baptist Church in Danbury, Connecticut from her youth and is a life-long member. She attended Immaculate High School in Danbury, Connecticut. During high school she published a poem, The Passing Breeze in Time. She graduated high school in June 1995 and in the fall pursued college at Hampton University in Hampton, Virginia. She has been teaching children in Virginia for the past eight years. She is a member of Immanuel Worship & Deliverance Ministries, International of Norfolk, Virginia where she serves as a missionary and intercessor for the church.
Mr. John Rafidi, MA Biblical Counseling. Theology Adviser. Areas of interest involve counseling, discipling, helping others, and enjoying the life he has in Jesus! Experiences include teaching the Bible to children, Bible study to adults, informal and formal discipling of high school and college age students. Mr. Rafidi has interned with three Christian Counselors. He is currently serving as discipleship intern in his church. Mr. Rafidi was saved by God's grace just after high school, when he went on a mission trip to India. Apart from the Word, there are two other sayings that Mr. Rafidi lives by: 1. Preach what you practice and 2. People don't care that you know until they know that you care. It is his mission in life to love God and love others through teaching them the Word and how to live it out in everyday life."
Jo Lynn Kraina earned her Master of Divinity (M.Div) in Practical Theology from Regent University in Virginia Beach, Virginia. B.A. in 2000 from Southeastern Bible College of the Assemblies of God in Lakeland, Florida, graduating with honors. She is currently completing her Ph.D. in Biblical Studies. Ms. Kraina has worked in ministry since 1980, having served in the capacity of Worship Leader, Evangelist, Associate Pastor, Minister of Prayer and Healing, Director of Christian Education and Youth Pastor. Her passion is to train people for ministry and to help them find their gifts and walk in their calling and anointing. She has launched several successful businesses and has shared Christ in the marketplace, as well as in the political arena. She has authored several sermons and articles for "From the Pulpit" column in the Weirton Daily Times, and has authored two new books: "Riding on the High Places of the Earth", and "America, Israel's Sister and God's Chosen Nation."
Rev. Samuel N. Torres. M. A. Theology, Glasgow University Scotland, United Kingdom 1995. B.A. Ministry, Silliman University, Philippines. B.A. Psychology, Silliman University, Philippines. North Bicol Conference-UCCP CONFERENCE MINISTER 2008-2010. Senior Pastor, Community Church of Las Pinas, Philippines, 2001-2004. General Secretary, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, Bicol Crusade 2010-2011. National Secretariat, UCCP Program Associate, Ministries, Development and Integration Program 2004.
