LEADERSHIP
Meet the SEMC leadership & staff

DEVE PERSAD
Deve has been serving in the Lead Pastor role since 2006. He’s a simple guy (vanilla ice cream and regular chips) just trying to bring the mission, mercy and message of Jesus to the world. He and his family have been part of the SEMC since 1998.

ERIN JOHNS
Erin has been serving on staff since 2013 filling various roles, but has had the privilege of growing up at the SEMC. She is currently our Ministry Coordinator who takes care of the behind the scenes details of our student registration, volunteers, CAPP details, as well as some events such as ABC and Senior Sing. Erin is married to Nathan and they have three children. Erin enjoys spending time with her family, playing the piano, and getting lost in a good book.

THERESA SIERTSEMA
Theresa has been serving in the Children’s Ministry Director role since 2012. She strives to develop a Bible-based, authentic and fun Sunday morning children’s program that encourages students to love God and assists them in learning how to show God’s love to others. She also co-directs Sarnia Upward Basketball alongside her husband, Albert. Together they strive to develop a fun environment for kids to learn the game of basketball and important life virtues throughout the season. Theresa and her family have been a part of the SEMC since 2011.

AMANDA PERSAD
Amanda joined the SEMC staff as Administrator in 2018. She loves her husband, her kids and all things British (especially old English mysteries and Cadbury’s chocolate). As a member of the SEMC since 1998, she is committed to furthering its mission of “partnering with God in developing genuine, fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ.

CHRISTINE DACOSTA
Christine grew up in Lambton County, graduated from university in Michigan, worked in Scarborough and Muskoka and lived in Kenya for two years before joining the SEMC in 2011, shortly after moving to Sarnia. Over the years she has volunteered in various roles and considers it a privilege to serve her church family as bookkeeper. She loves Jesus and spending time with her husband and four children.

PATRICK TURVEY
Pat has been attending the SEMC since 2014 and joined the staff team in September 2019. He is preparing for a future path in Pastoral Ministry. He gives leadership to the Senior High Youth, is one of our music leaders, and is attending Heritage College & Seminary working towards a Masters of Divinity. He lives in Sarnia with his wife Brenna and two children, Elsie and Porter. Pat loves playing guitar, drinking a good cup of coffee, and reading a good book.