Our Staff
Our Staff
Bob Mink (Senior Pastor)-I was 33 yers old when I came to Moreno Valley in 1984 to plant what became Discovery Christian Church. It seems like the city, our church, my children, my wife, and I have all grown up together through the years. And while many people have come and gone and there have been many changes, my vision to be a part of a growing church that reaches out to people and encourages them has never faded. The greatest challenge and reward of my work is to understand the Bible so that I can present it in a way that others too will want to apply it to their lives. I think being a Christian, going to church, and getting into the Bible should be fulfilling and fun. My wife, Jan, and I have been married for over 30 years and we are the proud parents of two children, Audrey and Rob. Beyond my work with the church I have a passion for golf.
Don Maresh (Associate Pastor)-My wife and I have been a part of Discovery since early 1985. We came from Orange County in 1984 and discovered this church within months and have been thoroughly blessed. I have been leading worship since 1986 and have been on staff since 2001. Our children (Joe and Tarah) grew up at Discovery. My responsibilites include leading worship, pastoral care, and facilities maintenance. I love what I do and wouldn't trade my job with anyone. I enjoy playing music, watching Seinfeld re-runs, taking hikes (usually with our dog, Kramer) and watching sports. My favorite teams are the Dodgers, Lakers, and Rams. I hope you will come visit with us. I would love to meet and encourage you through strong sincere worship.
Bryan Sands (Pastor of Student Ministries)-I have been on staff at Discovery, working with students, since 1998. I grew up in this church and had the privilege of working here as an intern while I attended college. After graduation I began full time ministry at Discovery, and the rest is history. I love the students and this call God has put on my life. When I'm away from the "office" I love to play basketball and surf. I'm a much better baskeball player than surfer, but I love them both. I enjoy watching the Lakers and especially attending their games (so if anyone has tickets...) as well as reading.
Velma Foreman (Director of Children's Ministry)-I began attending Discovery in 1987. The weekly messages created a thirst for Bible knowledge and challenged me to put God's words into action in my life. This cemented my feet in God's Word at Discovery. In 1990, I began volunteering in the nursery department when my youngest daughter was an infant. I volunteered in several areas of children's ministry but found my niche when I began volunteering as a fourth grade Sunday School teacher in 1998. Over the next ten years, I continued to serve as Sunday School teacher in the children's ministry program. In 2009, I was blessed with an opportunity to join the Discovery staff full time. I am absolutely excited about helping children build a strong biblical foundation and grow to become strong Christians as they study the bible and learn about God. Outside of Discovery, I have a passion for gardening and spending time with husband and my two adult daughters.
Joe Anderson (Church Administrator)-I was born and raised right down the road in Riverside and moved to Moreno Valley in 1982. My wife and I have been members of Discovery since 1985. We came for the children's ministry, because we found we couldn't be involved in worship while caring for our children at the same time. We stayed because of the love we were shown by all who attend this church. I am the proud father of four adult daughters. I have been involved in ministry since the first day I arrived and also served for several years as an elder and church leader. After a 27 year career in aerospace, God and the Discovery leadership called me into a full time staff position in 2007. They say that my experience in business and project management would benefit our church body, but, I believe our staff and congregation will benefit my service and walk with God. I am blessed and honored to serve God and His people through this congregation. Not many people can say that they have their "Dream Job", but, I can.
Brett Ryan (Assistant Pastor of Student Ministries)-Before joining the staff at Discovery, I was involved in student ministries since 2003 and a youth pastor for the past two and a half years. I am blessed and grateful that God has put this calling on my life because there is nothing else I'd rather do. I love playing a role in the lives of students and all the crazy stories and memories we share. When I'm not in the office, I love to hang out with my friends, play hockey, and snowboard. I have a passion fo rthe Anaheim Ducks and the USC Trojans. I love going to games and watching them on TV. My favorite foods is pizza. My favorite Bible verse is Romans 12:1 "Therefore I urge you brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God--this is true worship."
Lucy Casillas (Nursery Department Director)-I have attended Discovery since 2002 and through the ministry have been very blessed. Each week I look forward to hearing the Word of God, and I am encouraged to apply what I learn to my daily life. Right from the beginning I volunteered in children's ministry and various other areas. In 2009 I was blessed to join the Discovery staff and am excited to teach our children in the Nursery Department about God, and how much Jesus loves them.
My husband, Jerrry, and I were married at Discovery and our son, Anthony, is "growing up" in the church. I enjoy spending time with my family, going to Bible study, decorating cakes and cookies, scrapbooking, and card making. When I think about my life this verse. without a doubt, jumps into my mind. "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a furture." (Jeremiah 29:11). Life is good, and I owe it all to God!
Sheri Erickson (Preschool Director)-My husband, Greg, and I began attending Discovery several years ago because of the great student ministry program. We stayed because we recognized it was God's Word we had been hearing and our depth and understanding continued to grow each week. We now have four grown children and seven grandchildren who love and trust the Lord. I became involved in preschool ministry twenty years ago realized this was my calling. From there I went back to school focusing on early childhood education and started my own home childcare business. I continue to work with children daily, aspiring to "Train up a child in the way he shoud go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." (Proverbs 22:6). I believe the most precious thing we can teach our children is to love and trust the Word of God. Then we can help them grow in their own personal relationship with the Lord. "And the Lord shall help them, and deliver them; because they trust in Him." (Psalm 37:40). How awesome is that!
Lori Aleman (Director of Women's Ministry)-My husband, Albert, our son, Aaron, and I started attending Discovery in 1998 after first visiting on Christmas Eve. It was a simple candlelight service where everyone joined in singing carols and Pastor Bob told the Christmas story. We liked the atmosphere and how welcoming everyone was. After that, we began attending Sunday worship celebrations to hear the messages and experience the worship. We loved it! The music was great and Pastor Bob's messages were organized and well researched. We thought, "This will be the perfect place for us to grow in our faith." Actually, with all of the youth activites available, our son got involved sooner than my husband and I. He has been blessed by being able to grow up under the leadership of the children's and student ministry programs. Over time, my husband and I became more active by attending Bible studies and participating in volunteer work in various areas of the church. Walking along this path, my journey has now led me to become a member of the church staff as the Director of Women's Ministry. What do you need to know about me? Well, I love to laugh and have fun, but I also like to serarch for meaning and depth. I guess it depends on what day you catch me. I can't wait to see what God has in store for us on the road ahead and for Womens' Ministry at Discovery.