ENCOURAGE
EDUCATE
EQUIP
ENCOURAGE
EDUCATE
EQUIP
Keynote Speakers
Viktor, born in Yekaterinburg, Russia, has dedicated his life to building and strengthening the Church. At just 19 years old, he founded a Christian community in his hometown, which has grown into a thriving ministry. Today, he serves as bishop of the Ural Union of Churches of the Christian Evangelical Faith and as senior pastor of New Life Church in Yekaterinburg—one of the largest Protestant congregations in the region. With a background in Religious Studies, Philosophy, and training from the Bible Center in Uppsala, Sweden, Viktor’s ministry is deeply rooted in theology, Christian contemplation, and church history. Alongside his wife Diana, an opera singer and leader in women’s and family ministries, Viktor has raised four children and continues to inspire believers with his passion for presenting the eternal truths of the Gospel in a way that speaks to the modern heart.
Dr. Sherry Ifft is an ordained missionary of Covenant Church in Dallas, where locally she serves on the Intercessory Prayer Team. She is the president and founder of Children’s Ministry International and has served and trained leaders to work with children and teens in 104 countries, teaching at Bible colleges, conferences, and leading seminars. Sherry holds two Doctorates (Doctor of Ministry degree in International Leadership Training and a Doctor of Theology in World Missions) from Phoenix University of Theology and two Master’s Degrees from McNeese State University and Lafayette Christian Bible College. Sherry is passionate about worshipping Christ and serving Him. In 1994 she was awarded the Excellence in Ministry to Children and Families Around the World Award from International Network of Children’s Ministries.
Workshop Speakers
Yelena Terzi, Ed. S, NCSP has over 15 years of experience in children’s ministry. Also, she has over eleven years of experience as a School Psychologist in public education.
Education: B.A. in Psychology, minor in Child Development. Ed. S in Education with an emphasis in School Psychology. California State University, Sacramento.
mg.aosyouth@gmail.com
Maksim immigrated with his family from Belarus to America in 1992. At the age of 18, Max had a deep desire to know God more and make Him known. God opened a door for him to go to YWAM (Youth with a Mission). Upon his return, Max took up a Youth Bible Study group at his church that has grown to be a fully functioning youth ministry. At this point in his life, he finds himself married to a beautiful and God-fearing woman, Alina, serving as the Youth Pastor at Ark of Salvation Church, holding a Bachelor's Degree in Business Management from Sacramento State University and finishing his Masters in Ministry from North West University. Max's vision in life is to love God and love people, wherever God sends him.
Lyudmila.Kotsura@gcccharters.org
Lyudmila is deeply passionate about nurturing children in their faith and helping them grow in their relationship with Jesus. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies (2007) and a Master of Arts in Higher Education Leadership (2017).
Lyudmila currently works as an elementary school teacher and has been serving as the Director of the Kids Ministry at LOGMC since 2012. Prior to this role, she dedicated 12 years to teaching in Sunday School, bringing extensive experience and heartfelt commitment to children's spiritual and educational development.
Artur.nikityuk@bethanysmc.org
Artur – a servant of Jesus Christ, called to serve in the student ministry and set apart for the gospel of God – has deep roots at Bethany church. Graduated from Sunday School, Teen School, and Preacher school and then served in all 3 schools over a span of 25 years all at Bethany church. A father of 4 and husband to an anointed woman of God. Together they have dedicated their hearts and minds to bringing the younger generation to Christ. When Artur isn't busy saving souls, he is at UC Davis saving lives as a Respiratory Therapist and using the talents God gave me for His glory.
Ldeshevenko@bethanysmc.org
Liliya is the coordinator of the Teen Mentorship Program at Bethany Slavic Missionary Church. She has worked with teens in some capacity for the past fifteen years. Liliya is also a Principal at a private Christian school in Orangevale, CA. She graduated with a Master's Degree in Christian Organizational Leadership. She loves working with kids, teens, and youth and is passionate about equipping the next generation for Christ!
dmitry.siliuk@bethanysmc.org
Born and raised in Minsk, Belarus, in the family of a senior pastor of the Minsk region. Dmitriy holds a theological education: Bachelor of Theology (B.Th.) and two Master of Theology degrees (M.Div., M.A.T.S.), which he obtained at the Evangelical Theological Seminary in Osijek, Croatia, and Tyndale Theological Seminary in Badhoevedorp, Holland.
Currently he is a pastor and director of the Education Department at Bethany Church in Sacramento, California.
lyubovnesteruk@gmail.com
Lyubov serves as the Outreach Director of Teen Ministry at Bethany Slavic Missionary Church. She is an instructor for teacher professional development. Over her many years of experience, Lyubov has organized schools and Christian camps in Ukraine and the United States. Lyubov completed Bible College in Moscow as well as training in teacher development with Sherry Ifft. She holds a Master's Degree in Theology and graduated from Bethany Leadership Academy in 2021.
Roman.Prishlyak@gcccharters.org
Roman Prishlyak is currently the Vice Principal at Community Outreach Academy, where he is passionate about supporting teachers and creating engaging learning environments for students. Before stepping into school leadership, Roman taught 4th grade and served as an instructional coach, helping educators grow in their practice. He is also a proud father of three and brings both professional knowledge and a parent’s perspective to his work with students and teachers.
tkisel@gmail.com
Dr. Tatyana Kisel serves as a Sunday School professional development leader and instructional coach at Bethany Slavic Missionary Church. She holds a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership and a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction. With over 27 years of experience working in Sunday School with children ages 2–13, Dr. Kisel has dedicated her career to equipping both students and educators. She spent 18 years at Community Outreach Academy Elementary School in various roles including teacher, instructional coach, campus principal, and currently vice principal—now entering her 19th year of service. In total, she brings more than 23 years of expertise in the field of education. In addition, Dr. Kisel is a professor at William Jessup University, where she teaches graduate-level courses in the Master of Teaching program.
matyushenok@gmail.com
Born in Tiraspol, Moldova, Alexander came to know Christ in 2009 and has been serving the Lord ever since. Trained as a graphic designer, Alexander studied Arts in Tiraspol and graduated from Bendery Art College, later continuing theology at Chisinau Theological Seminary. In 2014 Alexander and his wife moved to the United States, and today they are blessed with three children. He now serves as one of the pastors and Assistant Director of Kids Ministry at Sulamita Church in Oregon.
viktoriya.kotsyubuk@bethanysmc.org
Viktoriya is a Coordinator of a Preschool program at Bethany Slavic Missionary Church. She has over ten years of experience of working in Sunday school with children of all ages. Viktoriya is a Vice-Principal at a private Christian school in Orangevale, California. She graduated from Sacramento State University with a Master of Arts in U.S. and world history. Viktoriya is passionate about raising the next generation in the knowledge and fear of God to equip them to be world changers for Christ Jesus.
Ivan.Leshchuk@gcccharters.org
Rev. Ivan Leshchuk is passionate about education and Christian education specifically. He has many skills and experiences gained from his years of work at different educational and scientific organizations (schools, colleges, universities, mental health hospitals, and community-based organizations) in Ukraine as well as in the United States. Besides being a lecturer at universities, working as a scientific researcher, and getting a Ph.D., he's also been a church pastor, prison chaplain, mental health consultant, an author of books and newspaper articles, and both guest and host of radio/TV programs on educational topics.
liyatearose@gmail.com
Liya immigrated with her family to America from Russia when she was three years old. They settled in Oregon and called Oregon home. When Liya was growing up, she had a love for children and a way of connecting with them, but she never imagined or wanted to become a teacher. Yet at 16 years old, the Lord called her to this ministry. Currently, she also works as a teacher at Sulamita Christian Academy. It has been over 15 years of kids ministry and the Lord has taught Liya so much throughout the years.
TIME
FRIDAY – October 31
5:30pm - 9:30pm
SATURDAY - November 1
8:45am - 5:30pm