Richard Martens began as senior associate pastor at The Gathering, Ottawa, Feb. 1. He trained at Tyndale University College, Toronto, and MB Biblical Seminary, Fresno., Cal., and previously served as Ontario MB conference minister 2010–2011, Evergreen Heights lead pastor 1995–2009, Meadowbrook Fellowship associate pastor. Richard and Laura have 3 sons: Ryan, Jordan, Robert.
Ewald Unruh transitioned into a new role as associate national director of church planting for the Canadian Conference of MB Churches, Mar. 1. He served as director of church ministries since 2008, and in other capacities with CCMBC since 1992. Prior to that, he was a church planter in Nova Scotia and Saskatchewan.
Les Riediger began as community care pastor at McIvor Avenue MB Church, Winnipeg, in February. He previously served as lead pastor at North Peace MB Church, Fort St. John, B.C., 1999–2011; Westview Community Church, Grassy Lake, Alta., 1994–1999; Borden (Sask.) MB Church, 1989–1994; as associate pastor of youth and Christian education at Westwood MB Church, Prince George, B.C., 1986–1989; Steinbach (Man.) MB Church, 1980–1983. Les and Marilyn have two adult daughters.
Columbia Bible College appointed Blaine Maryniuk as director of development. Blaine comes to CBC from the Canadian Cancer Society, where he served as manager of revenue development. He also has experience in senior management in the transportation and IT software industries. Throughout his career, Blaine has volunteered with the local church and non-profit organizations, and served as board member and chairperson at Langley (B.C.) Christian School.
Eagle Ridge Bible Fellowship, Coquitlam, B.C., has welcomed several new faces. David Esau began ministry as lead pastor Jan. 1. He previously served as lead pastor at Cedar Park (MB) Church in Delta, B.C., for 13 years. David has a BRS from MBBC, Winnipeg, and an MDiv from Regent College, Vancouver. David and Elaine have three children. Dave Heinrichs began ministry as associate pastor Sept. 1, 2011. He previously served as youth pastor at Sardis Community Church, Chilliwack, B.C., for 5 years. Dave has a BA from Columbia Bible College, Abbotsford, B.C., and is currently working on a master of Christian studies from ACTS Seminaries, Langley, B.C. Dave and Andrea have two sons. Also on the pastoral team, 
Dwight Stephen has served Eagle Ridge as pastor of children’s and middle school ministries since 2009. He studied theology at Briercrest College, Caronport, Sask., interned at Willingdon (MB) Church, Burnaby, B.C., and time spent with a YWAM dance ministry team. Dwight and Amanda have 1 son, Micah.
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Paul McIlwraith stepped down as lead pastor at Waterloo (Ont.) MB Church in March. He served the church first as associate, then lead pastor since 1997, and plans to continue to minister at WMB in a pastoral capacity. “We affirm Paul’s gifts in the areas of preaching, teaching, and caring. He is a well-gifted man and we all benefit from his ministry here at WMB,” said board chair Paul Thompson.
