Joe grew up in Minnesota and worked on the railroad until he answered his call to ministry. Going back to school he started working as a youth pastor. Excited to do Church in a new way by Loving God, Serving People, and Leading others into a relationship with Jesus, he set off to plant Arise Church.

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Avery grew up and went to school in Huron, SD where she met and married her now husband Darrian. They moved to Aberdeen to attend Northern State University and Avery pursued and graduated with a degree in Digital Media with an emphasis in Graphic Design. Avery gave her life to Christ in high school and since then has always wanted to serve the Lord using her creativity, which is where she found her place on our staff. Her and her husband also serve as small group leaders for our Emerge Youth!

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Sarah Huffman grew up in Fergus Falls, MN where she attended high school and later received her Associate’s degree from Minnesota State Community and Technical College. From there, Sarah spent some time traveling to serve on a mission trip in Ireland to work with kids and families. During this time she felt confirmed in her call to ministry and soon after was able to connect with Arise Church where she now serves as the Executive Pastor. Since moving to Aberdeen, she has earned a Bachelor’s degree in Christian Ministry through Trevecca Nazarene University. In her spare time, Sarah loves spending time with friends and family, serving with Emerge Youth, reading, watching movies, and drinking coffee!

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Born and raised in Aberdeen, Cameron has always had a connection to the Hub City. He likewise has always had a connection to God, growing up in church and being actively involved in studies and media teams at several through the years. Despite having this background, however, he's been on a wild roller coaster of a faith journey that God's been utilizing to make him into the man he should have been a long time ago. Coming to Arise for the first time near the beginning of 2021 was one of numerous things God has used to accelerate this growth.

In his free time, Cameron enjoys nearly any activity—indoors or out—as long as it includes his family and friends, though he isn't opposed to a day alone here and there, too. He makes music, is an avid Fortnite fan, and gets a literal kick out of longboarding, to name a few things. Having only an idea about what the future may hold, he continues to work on his walk with God, grow relationships, and enjoy hobbies near home. He hasn't spread his wings much as far as travel is concerned, but he's thoroughly enjoying Midwestern life in the meantime and doesn't foresee leaving any time soon.

A "West River" product, Brian's early life was spent on the Indian Reservations in western SD. Moving to Brookings, SD to attend SD State University (Go Jacks!!), he met his wife, Debra, and was active in his local church. He answered the call to ministry and moved to Aberdeen in 2001 to become the pastor of Aberdeen Wesleyan Church (now Hub City Church), where he served for 12 years. Brian and Debra have 12 kiddos and 3 grandkids. In his "spare" time, he enjoys watching Chuck Norris movies, reading history/biographies, and listening to classic 80's rock (yes, he's a Boomer...).

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Ryan grew up in Wilmore, Kentucky, a small town outside of Lexington. After graduating high school, he moved to South Dakota to be in near extended family. He is now attending NSU pursuing a degree in elementary education and a minor in special education. Ryan began attending Arise Church in the summer of 2020 and has helped out as a volunteer small group leader at Emerge Youth since its creation. Ryan feels called to be an elementary teacher and he is currently the K-5 Director for Rise Up Kids. 

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Hope grew up in Aberdeen, SD graduating from Aberdeen Central. She has a beautiful daughter who recently made her a grandma to a perfect little boy! She has battled numerous health conditions throughout her life. The newest one led her to Arise Church where she reconnected with her faith. Having always had a connection with children, the call to teach and love them was an easy decision. In her free time she enjoys volunteering to help others, crafting, gardening, reading, watching movies and making memories with family and friends. 

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Alissa grew up in Fergus Falls, MN where she worked as a RN for many years in many different areas of nursing. Unfortunately, Alissa has been battling Rheumatoid Arthritis for 5 years which has eventually led her to retire from her career in nursing 3 years ago. Alissa and her family were called by God to move to Aberdeen, SD where she desires to serve within the church and community in any capacity. Alissa is married to Luke (Arise Worship Pastor), and they have 3 beautiful children Simon, Liam, and Eden who are their pride and joy. Alissa is excited and honored to use her organizational and communication skills as the Office Manager at Arise Church. In her spare time she enjoys: reading a good book/Bible, camping, crocheting, needle felting, watching a good movie with her husband, going out for coffee with friends, and traveling.