Jessee Lovaas

I grew up in a small town in Oregon called Scappoose. I was not raised up in church and came to know the Lord my senior year of high school. Shortly after I graduated I joined a traveling drama ministry based in Minneapolis, MN. I trained in ministry and toured the US and Canada for four years. In 2004 I moved to Memphis, TN to join a large multi-cultural church. It was there that I joined up with my current pastor and the RBM plant team to move to Phoenix and help pioneer what is now Freedom Gate Church. I am honored to launch The G8 Student Ministries and to co-labor with some of my closest friends and co-leaders. I am especially grateful now that God has blessed me with the most beautiful fiance in the world, Rebekah, to run with me in ministry. My heart beats worship and my eyes see potential in the youth of our church and this city. Through my travels and ministry, I’ve grown a deep passion for the youth of America. I believe they are the next generation of leaders and need to be equipped and led into their destiny and future in God. I’m so excited for what’s in store for the G8.

Favorite Movie: A Few Good Men or Tombstone

Favorite Book: 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John Maxwell

Favorite Quote: He who doesn’t hear the music, thinks the dancer is crazy

Favorite Bible Verse: Psalm 23…all of it

Person You’d Most Like To Meet: George W. Bush

Dream Vacation: New York City

Favorite Sports Team: The Dale Earnhardt Jr. #88 National Guard/Amp Energy Drink Chevy Impala Team…and the Portland Trailblazers

Rebekah Huffman

I am on the worship team at Freedom Gate Church. It’s awesome! I’ve always had a heart for youth, and to be a leader. Growing up in youth group was challenging at times, but well worth the journey. Without the true leadership in my life, I wouldn’t be the person I am today.

I grew up in Memphis, TN…then moved to AZ with the plant team in fall of 2006. Moving to Arizona to start a church is one the best decisions I’ve ever made! The Lord has blessed me so much in every area of my life. I have the coolest family of friends ever!! They keep me going. I enjoy mission trips, vacations, hanging out with my family & friends, singing and writing. I love kids and can’t wait for what God has in store. I am so excited for what we have planned..it’s going to be really fun. I long to see these young adults mature into what they are called to be..true men and women of God. I have big dreams, and long to see these kids fulfill theirs.

Favorite Movie: Mrs. Doubtfire

Favorite Book: Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers

Favorite Quote: “It’s called a sense of humor. You should get one, they’re nice.” Pretty in Pink

Favorite Bible Verse: Jeremiah 29:11

Person You’d Most Like To Meet: Darlene Zschech

Dream Vacation: The beach

Favorite Sports Team: Tennessee Volunteers

A Favorite Memory: Taking mini-vacations with my grandmother in downtown Memphis….it was pretty awesome!

Daniel Burgess

I was born and raised in the South (Memphis, TN). Last year, I was blessed to marry my best friend Melissa, she being the first girl I ever kissed. I was was 26 years old at the time, and it was totally worth it! True love waits!

In Memphis I was given the opportunity to work with the youth of Christ the Rock Metro for 3 years as a Youth Mentor. In that time I helped chaperon on various occasions, to laser tag, or as far as Toronto, Canada (twice) where we worked with an inner city church there, helping with various community outreaches. I was also heavily involved with the youth worship team over that period of time. My truest passion is worship, I love leading worshipers into God’s presence.

I first picked the guitar and bass guitar up at the age of 14. Since then, I’ve spent most of my time learning everything I can, playing in bands, recording in the studio, leading worship, and just enjoying making music. I have a vision to see youth trained and used in worship. My vision is to see more teenagers get involved with leading worship, playing on worship teams, and also understanding the dynamics of it - why we worship. I want to see youth raised up to be psalmists, to help them improve their giftings, especially in the area of creativity. My wife and I are excitedly looking forward to working with the youth of Freedom Gate!

Favorite Movie: Band of Brothers

Favorite Book: God’s Eye View by Tommy Tenney

Favorite Bible Verse: 2 Corinthians 4:5-12

Person You’d Most Like To Meet: My grandfathers

Dream Vacation: London, England

Favorite Sports Team: University of Memphis Tigers

A Favorite Memory: The whole week of my wedding

Melissa Burgess

(Picture to come!)

I was born and raised in Memphis, TN. I am married to the most wonderful man in the whole world, Daniel! We currently have our teenage daughter, Shelly living with us ( just kidding… she’s my sister!). I love nature and anything to do with being outside, especially camping.

As a youth I was blessed to go on several missions trips to Native American reservations in the southwest and border towns in Mexico. They were life changing trips that allowed me to share my faith and lay hands on the sick for healing. I am thankful for the opportunities when I was in a youth group to activate the spiritual gifts inside me. And I am excited for the youth in G8 to do the same thing! I love working with youth and also kids, it’s a joy to be a part of their lives watching them grow in the knowledge of Jesus.

I’m excited about working with the youth of Freedom Gate!!

Favorite Movie: Princess Bride

Favorite Book: Reckless Abandon and God’s Favorite House

Favorite Bible Verse: Psalms 34:3 - 6

Dream Vacation: Somewhere far far away

Favorite Sports Team: Memphis Tigers

A Favorite Memory: My Wedding Day!

Elyssa Sims

I’m Elyssa Sims, I am 22 and I am F-U-N! I love my family and I am about to be a first time auntie (times 2) and I can’t wait. I love Jesus with all my heart, and I want to live a radical life for Him always and forever. I am super excited to be a part of the G8 team! There is nothing like seeing lives transformed by the power and love of Jesus.

Favorite Movie: Pride and Prejudice and lots of other cheesy love movies. I’m a sucker for romance!

Favorite Book: Redeeming Love

Favorite Quote: “Your heart is free, have the courage to follow it.” -William Wallace’s dad

Favorite Bible Verse: Song of Solomon 3:4

Person You’d Most Like To Meet: Dwight Schrute

Dream Vacation: My Honeymoon at the beach.

Favorite Sports Team: Tennessee Volunteers and Oakland Raiders

Ben Webster

(Bio to come)