abideCR 2023: guest speakers

Aaron is an Eastern Iowa native who has traveled the world on mission. He is passionate about sports and nature but these are merely platforms to fulfill his purpose of glorifying God and to make disciples. Aaron is on staff with Fellowship of Christian Athletes and serves as both Eastern Iowa FCA area director as well as regional director for ministry advancement. He is also on the speaking circuit for Perspectives on the World Christian Movement. He is married to his high school sweetheart and is a father of 4, with #5 on the way! 

Brandon is the Lead Pastor of Stonebridge Church (EFCA) in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He holds an MA in Biblical Exegesis from Wheaton College Graduate School and a BS in Business Administration from the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. He also serves as an instructor for the Charles Simeon Trust Workshops on Biblical Exposition. He and his wife Carissa are both originally from Nebraska and have four children.

Jay started his college career at Purdue University, but transferred to St. Cloud State University after meeting his future wife, Jen, at Newport Beach, California, on a CRU summer mission project. After graduating and marrying in 2003, Jay was accepted into a discipleship program with Pastor Tommy Nelson in Denton, Texas. In 2004, Jay and Jen joined CRU staff and moved to Puebla, Mexico, for a year-long mission trip. Upon completion, they returned to Texas, where Jay began his first full-time ministry position and seminary at Dallas Theological Seminary. Jay also served in various pastoral positions in Texas, California, Minnesota, and Washington, currently serving as Lead Pastor at New Covenant Bible Church in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He lives in Marion with Jen and their two kids.

Trisha has been serving in the Cedar Rapids community for the past 16 years. She has had the privilege of working closely with many Cedar Rapids businesses, ministries, and organizations. The personal and professional journey that God has used to prepare her for such a time as this includes career leadership roles that range from non-profits to Fortune 500 entities. With a unique and diverse skill set, Trisha is “wired” for envisioning possibilities, tackling challenges, modeling servant leadership, and sharing her passion “to do everything for the sake of the Gospel.”