Jon Isaak has accepted the position of director of the Centre for Mennonite Brethren Studies, beginning June 2011. Jon holds a PhD in early Christian history and literature from McGill University, Montreal. Prior to his professorship at MBBS (1998–2010), he was a missionary with MBMS International in DR Congo, and St. Petersburg, Russia. He is currently teaching at Fresno (Cal.) Pacific University. Jon and Mary Anne have two children.
Woodrow (Sask.) Gospel Chapel installed Richard Hovey as pastor (part-time) June 27. Trained at Atlantic Baptist University (now Crandall University) in New Brunswick, Richard has pastored churches with the Baptist convention in eastern Canada, and a nondenominational church in northern Saskatchewan. He is currently completing an MA in pastoral counselling and theology at Briercrest Seminary, Caronport, Sask. Richard and Julie have three daughters.
Ben Kramer began as lead pastor at Richmond Park Community Church, Brandon, Man., Sept. 1. He holds a BA in theology from Briercrest Bible College and was most recently associate/youth pastor at Bridgeway Community Church in Swift Current, Sask. He has previously served at Balcarres (Sask.) Baptist Church as interim pastor and at Pilot Butte (Sask.) Community Church as church planter. Ben and Jennifer have two children.
Carmyn Campbell is doing a nine-month internship with the Canadian conference leadership development department under the guidance of Cam Priebe. Carmyn will work with Ministry Quest director Mike Rea on retreats and will provide follow-up with students, mentors, and pastors. Carmyn has previously worked for several departments in the Canadian conference as administrative support.
Josh Reimer 
began as youth pastor at River East MB Church, Winnipeg, Aug. 1. Former youth pastor Nathan Koslowsky resigned to pursue further education. Josh has a BA in biblical and theological studies from Canadian Mennonite University. He has worked for five summers at Camp Crossroads, Torrance, Ont., and co-directed Hi-Way Kidz Camp in Barrie, Ont., with his wife Ashley.
After nine years of collecting information and writing news releases for Mennonite World Conference, Ferne Burkhardt of Petersburg, Ont., retired as MWC news service editor in June. Replacing her is Byron Rempel-Burkholder of Winnipeg. Byron grew up in Ethiopia, spent time in DR Congo with MBMS International, has pastored two churches, and has extensive editing and writing experience with Mennonite Church Canada. With the retirement of J. Lorne Peachey, Byron also takes on editorship of MWC’s quarterly publication, Courier-Correo-Courrier.
Don Epp was hired as chief executive officer of Ten Thousand Villages Canada, the country’s oldest and largest Fair Trade organization, in August. Don brings 25 years of progressive management experience in the retail and food service industry.
After 11 years as executive director at Redberry Bible Camp, Wendell Andres has resigned, effective Sept. 30. He has accepted a position with Children’s Camps International (CCI), starting in November, to expand their programs in Saskatchewan, and to be involved in leadership training and development of CCI camps worldwide.
After nearly 20 years of full-time service in West Portal Church, Saskatoon, Sandy Derksen resigned as office manager. She is noted for her special connection with many of the seniors in the church, whom she would greet with smiles and hugs as they arrived for Tuesday Bible study. On July 18, West Portal held a thank-you celebration with words of blessing from senior pastor Kelly Wiebe and a letter from conference minister Ralph Gliege. Sandy and Leo have two grown sons and a daughter-in-law.
