meet our elders
Pastor/Elder
John welcomed Jesus as his Savior in a small country church in King George, Va when he was 11 years old. While attending college at Virginia Tech, he met Melanie and was married shortly thereafter. It was there where he first recognized God’s call on his life for full time ministry. In addition to traveling a number of years with a music ministry, he has served on staff at Calvary Chapel Fredericksburg for 17 years, as elder, worship leader, youth pastor, and an assistant pastor.
Elder
Kevin loves being married to Mandy and is the father of seven great kids! He’s a native Virginian who has lived in the same 50 mile radius his entire life, from Northern Virginia to Fredericksburg and now King George. He was led to the Lord by his future father in law during his second year at college. He’s an avid sports fan who roots strongly for all Washington area pro teams. He loves seeing people connect with one another and grow in their relationship with the Lord!
Elder
Eric met his Savior, Jesus Christ, at a young age due to his parent's faithful teaching and guidance. It was in high school where Eric felt the call to ministry while attending the youth group in the church he grew up in. He ministered, preached, and led bible studies for the youth till college. He went to the University of Maryland where he served in CRU as an event coordinator for several years. Eric and his wife Britt were led to King George due to a job opportunity, and visited THRIVE on its first day of service as a church plant. It has been their home ever since.
Randy Garbee
Elder
Randy accepted Jesus at a young age but lived apart from the LORD during his college and young adult life. The LORD protected and pursued Randy over a period of many years and in many small and big ways as little by little Randy surrendered more and more to the LORDs calling. Randy and his wife Anita came to THRIVE in 2019. Randy loves to be active and has always enjoyed running and now, he and Anita enjoy camping and many outdoor activities. His desire is that we all grow in truly resting in Jesus and gain a fuller understanding of just what it is that God requires of each of us – To Love Justice, to Seek Mercy, and to Walk Humbly with our God - Micah 6:8.
Elder
David accepted Christ at the age of 22 during his last year of active duty in the military. He has worked in Christian, private, and public schools as a teacher, coach, athletic director, principal, and school director serving schools in the US, Saudi Arabia, and Kenya. He and his wife Mary Helen have served on the mission field in the US and Kenya planting churches and training church leaders. They joined Pioneer Bible Translators 8 years ago where David serves as an advisor with the Scripture Impact Team, Mary Helen serves the Assistant Director of the Deaf Group, and they both serve on the Formation Team as training coaches.
