International Pastors
Charles Kenya
Co-Pastor of Neema Baptist Church
While we are originally from Vihiga, Kenya near Kisumu and Kakamega, God has been gracious to give us an opportunity to serve his people in Spartanburg. Never in my life would I have dreamed of preaching in Swahili in SC leave alone Spartanburg. But here we are right in the middle of our master's plan. We knew we would be involved in ministry when we came to USA but Swahili was not among the list. Praise God for his wonderful plan. We enjoy the Swahili ministry.
Email: vkenya2001@yahoo.com
Juan Molina
Pastor at Iglesia Bautista Alfa Y Omega
Juan comes from Michoacán, México. He planted a church there about ten years ago; and for the last seven years, Juan, his wife, and their children have pastored and served at Iglesia Bautista Alfa y Omega in Landrum, South Carolina, reaching out to and ministering to the Hispanic population in the northern part of the Network. Iglesia Bautista Alfa y Omega, along with the efforts and the support of others, is now in the process of helping another church near his hometown to buy property, with the intent of establishing a church there. Juan also helps lead a monthly fellowship of Upstate Hispanic pastors.
Email: josejuanmolina@yahoo.com
Aki Shigemi
Upstate Japanese Minister & Hospital Chaplain
Rev. Aki Shigemi is a native of Nagasaki, Japan. He served as a pastor in Japan for five years before coming to the United States with his wife, Yoko, and son, Isaac, in 1996. He earned a Masters of Divinity degree from Gardner-Webb University and a degree as Education Specialist of Marriage and Family Therapy from Converse College. Instead of returning to Japan as he originally planned, he saw an opportunity to do Japanese ministry right here in the upstate. He and his family live in Anderson, but he has ministry taking place in Greer and our new location at Wellford Baptist Church. Aki also serves as a hospital chaplain.