Leaders

“You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

- Mark 10.42-45

  • Jeff Colby - guiding Elder

    Jeff and his wife, Rosa, have been a part of Harvest for over a decade. A CPA who works in the finance industry, Jeff leads a LIFE group and oversees volunteers and finances at Harvest.


    Family

    Rosa and I married in 1992. We have one daughter and one son (both now adults).


    Where and when did you trust Christ?

    1991; California.


    Favorite Book (apart form the Bible)

    Lord of the Rings.


    Favorite Food

    Real Mexican, Grandma's cinnamon rolls.


    Favorite Sports Team

    UCLA basketball.


    Favorite Bible Verse

    1 Corinthians 6.9-11



  • Nicole cox - MUSIC

    The daughter of a pastor, Nicole brings years of ministry experience into her role at Harvest.


    Family

    Married Devon in 2004. We have 1 son and 2 daughters.


    Salvation

    Saved in 1980 in Harvey, Illinois.


    Favorite Book (besides the Bible)

    Many favorites from C. S. Lewis to Amy Tan... anything that captures or speaks to my spirit.


    Favorite Food

    Italian.


    Sports Team

    Our family is an NBA family. We pick favorites every season... but my husband insists our loyalties stay with the Cleveland Cavaliers!


    Favorite Bible Verses

    John 1.1-18; 2 Timothy 1.7, Romans 12.1-2, 1 Peter 2.9.

  • Rick doctor - teaching Elder

    Rick, in addition to serving as a teaching elder at Harvest, leads a LIFE group online and helps with the student ministry.


    Family
    Married to Daizzee in 2010; 4 kids.

    When and where did you get saved?
    2007; Jacksonville, Florida.

    Favorite Book (besides the Bible)
    No favorite book, but I love fantasy and sci-fi. Most of my reading is done through audio books.

    Favorite Food
    All food.

    Sports Team
    Obligatory… the Jacksonville Jaguars.

    Favorite Bible Verse(s)
    He must increase, but I must decrease. - John 3.30
    So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.  - 1 Corinthians 10.31

  • Brett Maragni, guiding elder, lead teaching elder

    Brett and his wife Lacey are the blessed parents of four children. A native of southern Illinois, he is a graduate of Union University (B.A.), Southwestern Seminary (M.Div.BL), and Luther Rice (D.Min.). Preaching since his teen years, he has been a guest speaker at camps, retreats, college chapels, and various other venues. His writings are listed at soundoftruth.org. 


    Family

    Lacey and I married in 1995. We have four kids... two boys and two girls.


    Where and when did you get saved?

    Spring of 1986; Benton, Illinois.


    Favorite Book (after the Bible)

    No one favorite. My favorite author is the late Elmer Kelton, who wrote historically accurate Westerns, set mostly in Texas.


    Favorite Food

    Down home country cooking (especially from Lacey, my Mom, and my Mother-in-Law), Longhorn Steakhouse, Firehouse Subs, Cracker Barrel, and Cantina Louie's (chips and salsa all day long!).


    Sports Teams

    St. Louis Cardinals (MLB), San Antonio Spurs (NBA), Green Bay Packers (NFL)... I am an owner!, Jacksonville Jaguars (NFL, my AFC team), Soccer: Liverpool.


    Favorite Verse

    John 15:5… where Jesus said… “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing."


  • Michael Spong - Deacon, men's ministry

    In addition to serving as a Deacon at Harvest, Michael oversees our men's ministry, which consists of special events throughout the year.


    Family

    Gina and I married in April of 1998. We have two children, a boy and a girl.


    When and where did you become a Christian?

    As a young child in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.


    Favorite Book (aside from the Bible)

    No one favorite. I enjoy Russian novels - Tolstoy, Dostoevsky, as well as fantasy genre and historical biographies.


    Favorite Food

    Italian and Mexican.


    Sports Team

    Pittsburgh Steelers, Penn State Nittany Lions.


    Favorite Bible Verse

    Romans 8.28-39, Isaiah 6.1-8.

  • Gina spong - women's ministry

    With years of experience in ministering to women, Gina has a passion to see women discover the goodness and grace of God.


    Family

    Michael & I married in 1998. We have two kids... one boy and one girl.


    When and where did you get saved?

    Freshman year of high school at a Christian Rock Concert.


    Favorite Book (other than the Bible)

    My favorite genre is Christian books on growing in the disciplines.


    Favorite Food

    Anything chocolate.


    Sports Team

    Cleveland Cavaliers.


    Life Verse

    Deuteronomy 6.5... Love the Lord with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.

  • Armando Vivancos - LIFE Groups

    As leader of the LIFE group ministry, Armando's passion is to see believers discipled and transformed into the image of Christ and training other leaders who are committed to Harvest's Life Group ministry. 


    Family

    Married to Maria since 2008; 3 grown children and 3 grandchildren.


    Salvation

    Saved in 1982 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.


    Favorite Book (besides the Bible)

    Many favorites. Favorite authors are Tim Keller, Frances Schaeffer, C. S. Lewis, and J. R. R. Tolkien.


    Favorite Food

    Cuban, Italian; any pasta combo.


    Sports Team

    Mostly College Football


    Favorite Bible Verse

    Favorite? Hebrews 4.14-16

    Life Verse? Philippians 3.10, That I may know Him and the power of His Resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings, being conformed to His death...