I was born and raised in Ottawa. I studied at Aldersgate College here in Moose Jaw, from 1984 to 1988. It was there at college I met my wife, Tracey. After getting married we lived and worked in Regina, where I ministered at Northview Community Church, a Free Methodist Church, for 7 years. We have three children. In 1998 we moved to Courtice to minister there until January of 2010. I then began attending Tyndale Seminary to work on my Masters. Tracey and I felt the Lord leading us back west in the spring of 2011 and have joined the First Free Methodist Church family here in Moose Jaw. I am very excited to be sharing Christ’s love in this community of faith. I enjoy listening to music, biking, watching movies with the family eating our homemade pizza.

Let me introduce myself by first introducing my family. My wife Dyan and I have been married since 1999, and we have a son named Noah who had the foresight to be born on our anniversary so that we will never forget his birthday (or again enjoy a romantic anniversary). Noah is an awesome little guy, and he tends to spend his time playing video games and convincing older kids to play with him. My family is truly the best part of me.

Throughout my life I have enjoyed a great variety of experiences, from caving in Jamaica to playing with kids in the Dominican to building a library in Belize. I have held a dozen different jobs over the last 20 years, including clerk, receptionist, cadaver removal specialist (yes, I've seen dead people), pizza cook, courier, college administrator and professor, police officer, and most recently, pastor. Either I've never been very good at anything, or more likely, I have WAY too short of an attention span! I am a drummer, an aspiring guitar player, and a singer. I love martial arts, playing soccer and hockey, and watching Canadian football (go Riders). I don't know what else I could say about my interests, so I'll leave it there, and once we get to know each other, you'll figure out some of the rest.

Working at First Free Methodist Church has been an amazing experience. The staff are friendly and fun to be with, the congregation is gracious and full of joy, and it is just a great atmosphere to be in. God has blessed me with a church family that is caring, warm, and focussed on fulfilling God's desire, and I couldn't be happier than I am right now.

Feel free to stop by for a Coke and a chat. Whether you are trying to figure out the meaning of life, or just want to know what it was like to hoist the Stanley Cup on the #1 highway, I would love to spend some time with you!

If my facebook status could pop up above my head when you meet me it would say: Rachel Runnalls is so excited to hang out with youth again!  I love my two children, ages 2 and 4, but I’ve had a heart for teenagers since I was hanging out backstage with my un-churched friends in high school.  When I became a mom I thought I would have to shelve that passion for the next 13 years – God had other plans!

I have my Bachelor Christian Ministry from Briercrest College and Seminary and I’ve worked with all kinds of youth in all kinds of contexts: camps, church youth groups, Joes Place and Edmonton’s Youth Emergency Shelter.  I have a coolness factor of approximately zero but found in every place that my care and interest for each individual opened up amazing relationships and opportunities to share (with or without words!) God’s love for them.  I have a deep love for God’s Word and His power to bring light and hope out of darkness – and it’s my heart that every young person in Moose Jaw would catch a glimpse of that love for themselves through the ministry of the good people in the churches here.  My husband Logan and I are so grateful for the opportunity to bring whatever gifts and learning God has given us to join the ministry of Moose Jaw First Free Methodist.

My life as a child revolved around church activities like Sunday school, children’s church and kid’s club.  It was great fun where lasting friendships were formed and life patterns were established.  Once a teen, I was then involved helping out with these programs.  No surprise - the journey continued.  Now I find myself each day surrounded by children.

 I find children delightful.  They let you know if they think your sweater is ugly or your soup is salty.  They will laugh right out loud when they find something funny and sob openly at what might seem the smallest hurt.  They ask deep questions but usually accept simple answers. 

 It is my joy to pastor these little ones and a privilege to serve the Moose Jaw Free Methodist church.  My desire is that each boy and girl would come to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour, hide God’s Word in their hearts and commit to serve Him their whole life through.

Always ready with a smile, Lori is the one who keeps our office running smoothly and worry free.  Lori will be able to help answer any questions you may have about the church and its ministries.  Feel free to give her a call or stop by the office for a chat!

Phorn (pronounced Pon) is the lady who keeps our church looking good.  From mowing lawns to making the pews look respectable each week, Phorn keeps it all in order.  Incidentally, she is the most long term employee of the church, having worked here for more than 18 years!