Meet Your Elder Candidate

Gary was raised in the small town of Oakdale in the central valley of California. He grew up with the support of a strong family environment but without a Christian foundation. In junior high, his best friend invited him to church. He could feel the Lord’s tug but didn’t fully understand the commitment he made. When he thinks about that time in my life, he is reminded of John 15:16 “You did not choose me, I chose you...”

The Lord brought Alicia and her nine year old daughter Amy into his life in 1990. They became best friends and partners for life. Gary was saved in 1993 and baptized in 1994 at Big Valley Grace Community Church in Modesto. Gary and Alicia married in 1994 and purchased a small almond farm in central California. He worked for Modesto Fire Department and Alicia worked as an emergency room nurse/flight nurse. Gary quickly promoted up the ranks to Fire Chief in Modesto.

After 40 years in the fire service, Gary retired leaving behind a successful career. In 2018, Gary and Alicia visited Bigfork and knew that God was calling them here. Upon moving here in 2020, they tried a few churches in the area before landing at Crossroads. After being warmly welcomed and experiencing a great time of worship, they agreed they had found their church home. Many times since that day, they have said that they “came to Montana for the beauty of the mountains and truly found the beauty of the people.”

Gary and Alicia look forward to what God has planned for Crossroads Christian Fellowship and for their ability to serve. He is honored and humbled by the opportunity to serve as an Elder at Crossroads.