Union Church Staff
To contact any of our staff, please use the form on the Contact Us page.
David Ginter
Senior Pastor
Pastor Dave was born and raised on a mink and trout farm just 30 miles east of Portland, Oregon in the USA and is the youngest of five siblings. His wife, Sheryl was born in Perth, Australia. They have 3 sons; Elton, who lives and works for a computer software company in Seattle, Washington, Ryan, who’s attending college in Los Angeles and Joshua who is a senior in high school and lives with them in Guatemala.
Pastor Dave has been in the ministry for nearly 40 years, serving congregations in the United States, Asia and the Middle East. It was while living and working in Cairo, Egypt that he gained first-hand experience with the culture of the Middle East and began to appreciate and research the Bible from a Middle Eastern perspective. His numerous studies and tours in the Holy Land combined with his determination to help Christians regain their “Biblical Literacy”, permeate his preaching and teaching with a remarkable depth of understanding of God’s Word.
René Gonzalez
Director of Youth Ministries
Rene has been a part of Union Church since June 2002 and oversees the various aspects of Youth Ministry, including teaching, developing programs, and planning weekly and special events.
Rene has a heart for teenagers and loves to see teens take an active part in Church life. He delights in seeing youth come to understand the heart of God for the very first time and realize that God has placed immense potential in each and every one of them
Apart from his love for Jesus, his wife Ginny, and teenagers, Rene enjoys playing sports. He thrives on competitive team sports and just about anything that takes place outside and involves not sitting at a desk! But if the weather doesn't suit you’ll find him enjoying a cup of coffee with friends, whether at a restaurant or at home. Reading, chatting with Ginny and during football season, lazy ‘football Sundays’ with friends are a favorite (Go Cowboys!).
"In case God may move your heart to invite Ginny and me for dinner, my favorite meal is linguini with Italian style tomato sauce, avocado, and garlic bread"
Well, if you want to know more you’ll just have to check out the Youth page and email him!
Micah Nelson
Associate Director of Youth Ministries
Micah arrived in Guatemala from the United States 2 years ago and began working with the Youth at Union Church in January 2008. It was while attending Mt Zion International School of Ministry that God lay upon his heart to become a missionary in Guatemala, following in the footsteps of his parents. A month after graduating, Micah arrived in Guate with God’s promise in Matthew 6:33 "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." And God has kept His promise, providing for all Micah’s needs as well as “some awesome experiences in ministry”! Micah has had the opportunity to work at the rehabilitation center in Canalitos and has also worked with gang members from Barrio 18 in Preventivo (a prison in zone 18).
Ana Lucia Herrera
Children’s Ministry Coordinator; Children’s Church, Sunday School and Special Events
Ana Lu was born and raised in Guatemala City, travelled to the United States to study at John Brown University, where she graduated 2 years ago. She is currently working in Marketing for a pet food company here in Guatemala.
Ana Lu is dedicated to serving the children here at Union Church. She first came to know Jesus when she was very small and still finds each day an exciting new adventure, discovering more of the Jesus who initially captured her heart and life! Her passion to continue her journey with Christ motivates her to share this knowledge and joy with the kids at Union church. She feels it an honor and privilege to be part of their journey.
“Together, with the UCG team, we have the privilege to see kids grow in the knowledge of God and with their relationship to other children. We welcome all kids and enjoy showing them God's love as we care for these precious children.”
Ana Lu also enjoys spending time with family and friends, listening to music, getting to know new places and people.
Heber Morales
Minister of Music and Worship
Gwendolen Gonzales
Kids Blast Coordinator
Christi Godínez
Executive Secretary
Cathy Pearse
President of Women’s Ministries
Mariellyn Hilgeman
Sunday School Superintendant
Sheryl Ginter
Publicity
Webmaster
Counseling Center
Leonor Dávila
Church Administrator
Kari Foncea
Counseling Center
Greg Malczewski & Joey Guzman
Small Group Coordinators