Staff
Dave & Amy Polus
Senior Pastors
Dave and Amy Polus have been married for 23 years and have five children: Jonathan, Christian, Cara, Luke and Abigail. Dave and Amy became Christians as college students at Michigan State University (MSU) in 1981 and decided to sacrifice their careers upon graduation in order to pursue vocational ministry. They served as campus ministers at MSU and several other campuses in Michigan, and then became state directors.
In 1994 they moved to Austin, Texas and Dave served within Champions for Christ as the Director of Operations. In 1998 they added the role of associate pastors of Morning Star Christian Church of Austin. In 2002 they became the pastors of Morning Star of the Valley which moved into its present location in Van Nuys, now called Morning Star Christian Church.
Dave and Amy hold bachelor degrees from MSU and Dave earned a Masters Degree in Global Leadership from Fuller Theological Seminary. They have a passion to see people from all ethnicities, cultures and socio-economic backgrounds come to Christ and worship God together in the church, the family of God.
In 1994 they moved to Austin, Texas and Dave served within Champions for Christ as the Director of Operations. In 1998 they added the role of associate pastors of Morning Star Christian Church of Austin. In 2002 they became the pastors of Morning Star of the Valley which moved into its present location in Van Nuys, now called Morning Star Christian Church.
Dave and Amy hold bachelor degrees from MSU and Dave earned a Masters Degree in Global Leadership from Fuller Theological Seminary. They have a passion to see people from all ethnicities, cultures and socio-economic backgrounds come to Christ and worship God together in the church, the family of God.
Raul & Kim Ortiz
Youth Pastor / Music Arts Director
Raul has been a member of Morning Star Christian Church for more than 10 years. After graduating from UCLA he attended the Every Nation School of Campus Ministry in 2003. After completing the school he joined the staff as the full time youth pastor along with his wife Kim.
Kim has been a member of Morning Star Christian Church since 1992 when she was a college student at UCLA. After receiving her degree in music she spent 4 years in the inner city of Camden, New Jersey ministering to youth. She returned to join the college outreach team at UCLA and served on the worship team. She is currently the worship leader and fine arts director along with co-leading the youth ministry with Raul.
Raul and Kim have been happily married since 2000 and they currently live in Reseda with their two wonderful boys, Jordan and Ryan.
Kim has been a member of Morning Star Christian Church since 1992 when she was a college student at UCLA. After receiving her degree in music she spent 4 years in the inner city of Camden, New Jersey ministering to youth. She returned to join the college outreach team at UCLA and served on the worship team. She is currently the worship leader and fine arts director along with co-leading the youth ministry with Raul.
Raul and Kim have been happily married since 2000 and they currently live in Reseda with their two wonderful boys, Jordan and Ryan.
Website: http://www.live180.com
Buzz & Kelly Park
Children's Ministry Directors
Buzz & Kelly Park have been married for 19 years and have 3 children: Sarah, Seth, and Joshua. They have been serving in and/or leading children’s ministry for over 15 years, most recently as the KIDZPRAISE Children’s Ministry directors since 2007.
Kelly is a Texas and California Credentialed teacher and has been teaching for over 20 years. She has classroom and Phys Ed experience in every teaching environment, including public schools, private schools, charter schools, and homeschooling. Kelly graduated with honors from Texas Christian University with both a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Environmental Science. She also holds a Master of Education in Physical Education from the University of Houston. Kelly is also an Every Nation Leadership Institute (ENLA) Year 1 graduate.
Buzz is a local business owner and graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science in General Engineering. He was a Naval helicopter pilot, Flight Instructor, and Tactical Instructor, and was also awarded the Master Training Specialist designation. Buzz left the Navy in 1999 and has served in the Every Nation family of churches as an Associate Pastor, an Elder, a Head Usher, and a Worship Leader. Buzz is also an ENLI Year 1 graduate.
Kelly is a Texas and California Credentialed teacher and has been teaching for over 20 years. She has classroom and Phys Ed experience in every teaching environment, including public schools, private schools, charter schools, and homeschooling. Kelly graduated with honors from Texas Christian University with both a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Environmental Science. She also holds a Master of Education in Physical Education from the University of Houston. Kelly is also an Every Nation Leadership Institute (ENLA) Year 1 graduate.
Buzz is a local business owner and graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science in General Engineering. He was a Naval helicopter pilot, Flight Instructor, and Tactical Instructor, and was also awarded the Master Training Specialist designation. Buzz left the Navy in 1999 and has served in the Every Nation family of churches as an Associate Pastor, an Elder, a Head Usher, and a Worship Leader. Buzz is also an ENLI Year 1 graduate.
Sucel Samonte
Pastoral Services Director
Sucel is joyfully married to Deng Samonte and have two lovely daughters, Gen and Ella. As a family, they have been missionaries to Bangladesh, Vietnam and Cambodia. At first, Sucel resisted going to the United States.“A first world country doesn’t need us!” she responded as Deng shared an open opportunity in America. However, God’s Word spoke to Sucel’s heart, “Tell ALL nations that God is good!”
Sucel Samonte is a board certified Biblical Counselor and also holds a Masters Degree in Public Administration as well as a Bachelors Degree in Visual Communication. She has also finished ENLI 1& 2.
Now as Morning Star Christian Church's Pastoral Services Director, Sucel enjoys loving and caring for each member and meeting their needs. She is also committed to help struggling individuals, couples and families become healed from their confusion and distress. She desires to see everyone fully enjoy the abundant life that Jesus Christ is offering each one of us.
Sucel Samonte is a board certified Biblical Counselor and also holds a Masters Degree in Public Administration as well as a Bachelors Degree in Visual Communication. She has also finished ENLI 1& 2.
Now as Morning Star Christian Church's Pastoral Services Director, Sucel enjoys loving and caring for each member and meeting their needs. She is also committed to help struggling individuals, couples and families become healed from their confusion and distress. She desires to see everyone fully enjoy the abundant life that Jesus Christ is offering each one of us.
Leo J. Clark
AriseHollywood Director
Leo hails from Sacramento, CA. He received his BA in Business Management in 1997. Leo played pro basketball for several years before becoming a professional model in New York. In 2003 He moved his family here to Los Angeles and has enjoyed success in the entertainment industry both commercially and theatrically. Leo's vision is for Christians to be excellent in their representation of godly character and true spirituality within the arts and entertainment industry.
Email: leoj43@gmail.com
Website: http://www.arisehollywood.com
