LOVING JESUS.
LOVING GOD'S PRESENCE.
LOVING NATIONS & GENERATIONS.
We exist because of Jesus. Our heartbeat is loving Jesus and loving people. We are an imperfect people from different nations, cultures, and backgrounds, but what brings us together is our faith and desire to pursue God's presence. Our passion is to see the nations worshipping Jesus.
LOVING GOD'S PRESENCE.
LOVING NATIONS & GENERATIONS.
We exist because of Jesus. Our heartbeat is loving Jesus and loving people. We are an imperfect people from different nations, cultures, and backgrounds, but what brings us together is our faith and desire to pursue God's presence. Our passion is to see the nations worshipping Jesus.
OUr leadership
Pastor Joseph Choi has been a Ministry Partner of Living Word International Christian Church for over 12 years and serves as Lead Pastor for New Beginning Community Church, which meets at Living Word. Over the years, he has assisted LWICC in multiple capacities, including serving as a guest speaker and restarting and spearheading the Men’s Ministry.
Pastor Choi has been in ministry since 2003, beginning as a youth pastor in Colorado, while at the same time running a full-time business for over a decade. He attended three seminaries: Golden Gate Theological Seminary, Denver Seminary, and completed his Master of Divinity at Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary.
Joseph Y. Choi is the author of New Beginning: I've accepted Christ - now what? A Discipleship Guide for New Believers, Hiring an English Ministry Pastor & Beyond: In an Asian American church context, and The Spiritual Growth Discipleship: Part 1 The Bible. He is married to Jackie Choi, and they have three grown children, Grace, Ashleigh, and Colin.
Pastor Choi has been in ministry since 2003, beginning as a youth pastor in Colorado, while at the same time running a full-time business for over a decade. He attended three seminaries: Golden Gate Theological Seminary, Denver Seminary, and completed his Master of Divinity at Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary.
Joseph Y. Choi is the author of New Beginning: I've accepted Christ - now what? A Discipleship Guide for New Believers, Hiring an English Ministry Pastor & Beyond: In an Asian American church context, and The Spiritual Growth Discipleship: Part 1 The Bible. He is married to Jackie Choi, and they have three grown children, Grace, Ashleigh, and Colin.
Joseph Choi
Interim Lead Pastor
Pastor Choi is known for his big “Jesus Victory!” cheer. A black belt in Taekwondo with an even stronger spiritual game, he’ll greet you with a huge smile—and love you to pieces.
Krystal-Joy Dunn
Youth Pastor
Pastor Krystal works with our middle and high school youth—but she does so much more. Often the passion (and the push!) behind events and projects, she’s the one who makes things happen. Church simply wouldn’t function without her. She loves encouraging the next generation alongside her husband, Nate… and she really loves hot cocoa.
Tanya Simiakos
Children's Pastor
Pastor Tanya is the gentle, deep soul leading our little ones at church. With imagination and love, she creates moments of wonder and fun while planting precious truths about Jesus in children’s hearts. She treasures dark chocolate, a good cup of tea, the Word of God, her husband, and her kids.
Isaiah Yrjola
Worship Pastor
Isaiah has a heart for worship and ministering to God’s presence. His experience across nations gives him a unique perspective on global worship. He also has a serious passion for one very important topic: specialty coffee.
Debbie Williams
Executive Assistant
Debbie brings joy wherever she goes, and her laughter and smile are contagious. She pairs that joy with incredible organizational skills, keeping administration, social media, and more running smoothly.
Connie Chisvo
Evangelism and Local Missions Coordinator
Connie is the welcoming smile you see when you walk in the door. She makes sure everyone has a place—literally, thanks to her calendar skills—and encourages everyone she meets. Passionate about sharing Christ (even with the Amazon delivery guy), she also loves cooking.
Vara Sampson
Audio Tech
Vara knows all things sound and music. From Bollywood to church life, he seems to have an answer for everything. On Sundays, we love watching him multitask—playing bass and mixing sound at the same time! But above all, his passion is serving God’s house and His people with all his heart.
Andres Castro
Production Director
Andres is our production manager, always bringing joy and excellence to everything he touches. If you can’t find him, just follow the sound of laughter—or the trail of cables.
Pirkko O'Clock
Communications Manager
Pirkko keeps everyone on schedule and in the know. Without her, typos would run rampant and no one would know what’s happening! Calm, collected, and indispensable, she makes sure church communications run smoothly. Her greatest loves? Her husband, Bill—and Finnish rye bread.
Hannah Mai Yrjola
Graphics & Web Designer
Mai is the ultimate multitasker on staff. From graphics and social media to admin and events, she somehow keeps it all moving—mostly on time! You’ll often find her with a laptop in hand, but her heart beats for Jesus, the nations, family, and raspberries.
Jose Flores
Building / Security Manager
Jose is the boss of the building—he knows everyone and everything going on. Holding the keys to the “city of Living Word,” he keeps us all safe, usually with a smile and a Coke in hand.
Ralph Challenger
Security
Ralph is the staff’s night owl—if you’re at church after 5 p.m. or on the weekend, he’s there. Somehow, he always has a smile and an encouraging word for everyone.
Mercy DaSilva
Accounts Receivable / Payroll
Mercy keeps the church’s finances in order and always stands ready in faith to meet the needs around her. She’s quick to respond, dependable, and a steady presence in everything she does.
Emebet Akalu
Accounts Payable
Emebet manages the church’s outgoing finances with care and wisdom. This quiet soul, always dressed in blue, can be found in the far corners of the building, ready with a warm hug and steady presence.
Angela Cooper
Care Ministry Coordinator
Angela leads our care ministries, always ready to offer help, pastoral support, or prayer. She has lovingly guided countless families through many seasons with compassion and grace.
Glenor Virgo-Heath
WMS Child Care Executive Director
Ms. G runs our Watch Me Sprout daycare with a big smile and a trail of little people following her everywhere. Need some flavor in your life? She’s your islander, known for her famous jerk chicken and banana bread.