Evangelist, Vernon Church of Christ
Murray and Naomi Ververda began working with the Vernon Church of Christ in November 2000 and have been blessed in so many ways by serving Christ, this congregation, and community. Murray graduated from the Center for Christian Education in Irving Texas and applied these credit hours to a BA in Bible from Dallas Christian College and then a MA in Biblical Counseling from the Theological University of America in 2011.
He has been blessed to be able to live and work alongside of people in Memphis, Arkansas, and Texas as well as in Mission work in Papua New Guinea and Mexico. Each of these areas has shaped him and his ability to minister. The same can be said of his work experience in construction, cooking, and landscaping.
Murray’s favorite thing to do is study the bible with others and take time in fellowship but he also likes to spend his time cooking, playing Golf, cross country skiing, hiking, biking, camping, or at work with power tools renovating or helping others do the same.
Both Murray and Naomi were born and raised in Red Deer Alberta and were blessed by the congregation there and were married in Red Deer May 28th 1994. Both Abigail and Kyra were born in Vernon and have been blessed to grow up in this congregation.
Our Sunday morning is now averaging around 75 and we connect to our community as we express an attitude of evangelism helping people connect to Christ and one another. God has blessed our efforts as He draws all men to Himself and we always have room for “one more”!
Currently we have two Elders and 6 men serving as Deacons and ministry leaders. Each member is challenged to find areas where they connect with the body and use their gifts and talents in ministering to others.
Due to his degree in Biblical Counseling Murray provides “Relationship Workshops” and personal counseling for those who desire it. We have three “Friend and Neighbour” Sundays each year to help us invite others and make connections as well as our work with “NeighbourLink” ministry in which we help our neighbours in need and we have connected with the North Okanagan Pregnancy Care Center as another way of helping those in need and making connections that may lead people to Jesus.
Unities of thought and action as well as personal connection to Christ, are being blessed by personal growth and kingdom growth. All in all, as we work along side the Lord, we are seeing the benefit of health and the power that comes from knowing God and making Him known. We look forward to seeing His blessings continue as we grow closer to Him.