The Iowa-Missouri Conference welcomed four new pastors this fall season.
Pastor Joshua Hester began pastoring the Waterloo/Hawkeye district in September, after graduating from Andrews Theological Seminary. Before attending Andrews, Joshua pastored for two years in the Iowa-Missouri Conference for the Council Bluffs, Bedford, Exira and Atlantic churches, after graduating from Union College in May 2016. Although he enjoyed his time at seminary, which included meeting and marrying his wife Mayra, Joshua is excited to return to pastoral ministry and get back in the field.
Pastor Mitch Elrod and his wife Beverly recently came to the Iowa-Missouri Conference after spending three years in the Kansas-Nebraska Conference, where Mitch served three churches in central Kansas. The Elrod’s will be serving the Ava, East Branson and Oak Grove churches in south Missouri. Mitch brings a lot of energy, as well as a wealth of pastoral and chaplaincy experience, to his new assignment.
Pastor Ieti Faletogo started his journey in full-time ministry in the Joplin, Neosho and Carthage churches. Ieti spent the last eight years working at the James White Library, located at Andrews University, while working his way through a bachelors and master’s degree. Before his time at Andrews, he served as a lay pastor while working in the corporate work in Hawaii. He is joined by his wife Felila and their youngest daughter Athaliah in their new role.
Pastor Mark Magnusson joined the Iowa-Missouri Conference in October, after spending the last six years serving in Chadron, Nebraska for the Kansas-Nebraska Conference. Before entering ministry, Mark spent time in Michigan and Florida in the construction business. Mark has a passion for helping individuals grow in Christ. He is joined by his wife Claudia and their German shepherd Ramses.
