May 29, 2026

Jorie, Kelly, and Alexandra joined together to share the challenges and blessings of being the wives of pastors. They also talked about the importance of having a supportive community of likeminded peers, which is what they are launching in “The Friendship Table”. 

The three women shared their personal journeys and the difficulties they have faced, such as feeling isolated, carrying the burdens of ministry, and dealing with criticism from church members. They emphasized the need for a safe space where pastors’ wives can openly share their struggles and joys, and support one another.

The discussion highlighted the value of peer groups and the role they can play in providing encouragement, prayer, and a sense of community for those in ministry leadership roles.

Pastor Leo Castro of Eternidad Christian Center  is leading a building project for his church that is being funded through innovative community efforts. The church, which serves an ethnically diverse congregation with a large Hispanic population, is undergoing a three-phase renovation process.

Phase one is complete, and phase two is underway, which involves renovating the church’s patio to create a community event space. Phase three will focus on building a new sanctuary. To fund the project, the church is relying on the talents and skills of its congregation, with members volunteering their time and expertise in construction, cooking, and other areas.

The church is also hosting monthly fundraising meals cooked by its talented chefs, which are open to the community. This unique approach to funding the building project reflects the church’s commitment to serving its diverse community.

Pastor Phil McKay shares his journey of faith, from being saved at a young age to serving as the pastor of Calvary Chapel Reno-Sparks. He discusses the importance of having a multi-generational congregation and the church’s vision of “walking authentically with Jesus” and “giving hope” by sharing the Gospel.

Pastor McKay emphasizes the church’s role in engaging with the local community and collaborating with other pastors to make an impact in the city.

Mark and Tracy Froese have been pursuing a vision for over 30 years to create a retreat center.

Now, God has made their dreams come true in a retreat property called Whispering Pines on 20.8 acres in the Sierra Nevada range.

Their goal is to provide a peaceful, restorative place for pastors, ministry leaders, and others to rest, reconnect with God, and receive inner healing and spiritual care. The retreat center can accommodate up to 15 people overnight, with additional space for larger groups during the day.

The couple have a heart for serving the Christian community and want Whispering Pines to be a place of refuge, restoration, and renewal for those in ministry.

Marvin Neal, the co-founder and executive director of Sierra Nevada Teen Ranch, shares his personal story of overcoming a troubled youth and finding purpose through his faith in God.

After experiencing a life-changing encounter in prison, Marvin dedicated his life to ministering to at-risk youth, helping them find a path to success through counseling, education, and career guidance.

The Sierra Nevada Teen Ranch provides a safe and nurturing environment for these young people, guiding them towards a relationship with Christ and equipping them with the skills and support they need to become productive members of society.

Joined by his wife and co-founder Jan Neal, their unwavering commitment to this mission, despite facing obstacles and opposition, is a testament to their faith and the transformative power of God’s love.

Kim Ellsworth shares about the Perspectives ministry, a 15-week course that provides biblical, historical, cultural, and strategic perspectives on the global Christian movement.

The course is designed to equip and inspire believers of all backgrounds to engage in God’s mission, whether through going, sending, welcoming, mobilizing, or praying.

The course covers topics such as the biblical basis for missions, the history of Christianity’s global spread, best practices for cross-cultural engagement, and strategies for effective ministry.

The goal is to help participants understand their role in God’s plan for redemption and to provide them with the knowledge and tools to effectively participate in the Great Commission.

NOTE: Perspectives is hosting a Ministry Leader’s Luncheon, which will take place at Sparks Christian Fellowship on Monday, May 18 at Noon. It’s complimentary for the attendees, and the ministry’s regional director (Justin Chang from San Francisco) will be there to share the vision of Perspectives. Pastors and leaders can email PerspectivesNorthernNV@gmail.com to RSVP.

Mike Cutler explains the ministry of International Students, which aims to reach out to international students studying at universities in the Reno, Nevada area.

Mike shares his personal story of how he became involved and the various ways the ministry supports and connects with international students. This includes providing housing, organizing social activities and outings, and creating opportunities for spiritual conversations and discipleship.

The ministry seeks to welcome these students, many of whom come from countries with little Christian presence, and share the love of Christ with them, with the hope of impacting their lives and their communities back home.

Mike highlights the significant opportunity this ministry provides to engage in local missions and make a global impact.