general session speaker

JASE LAVIGNE

Jase is an Ontario boy, growing up in the GTA, despite living in British Columbia for the past ten years as he serves at Summit Pacific College. He currently serves as the Director of the OMEGA Global program; a one-year discipleship program offered at Summit. Jase has believed this to be his dream job as it was this very program that shifted his life trajectory towards one that honors and serves God as a freshman bible college student. Jase is passionate about helping students grow in their love for Jesus and His Church. Alongside this, the greatest joy in his life comes from being family with Emma, Tate, and Baylor.  

activate house band, lead by:

Melanie Driedger

Melanie has been leading worship since she was about your age (15!!!), and she still loves every second of it! She’s all about creating a real and powerful space where people can connect with God through music—no pretense, just worship. Mel is the Worship Arts Director at Central Community Church, where she leads alongside her husband, Justin. They’ve got two adventurous boys who keep life exciting! More than picking the perfect song or building the best set, Mel is passionate about putting Jesus first in everything—and you can feel that energy every time she leads worship.

guest speaker -FRIDAY AM (students)

Yajaira Gomez 

Dr. Yajaira Gomez (@lifegivingYG): Global faith leader & trilingual (English, French, Spanish) guest speaker. Connecting cultures, leading missions, and empowering immigrants/refugees @centralcc & future leaders @MastersCollege! #trilingualspeaker #globalministry #faithandculture #leadershipevelopment➡️Learn more: www.lifegivingministries.ca

Guest speaker - SATURDAY AM (students)

NELLY LATCHMAN

Nelly is passionate about students walking with Jesus as they pursue careers and post-secondary studies, taking on the world outside of high school. Known as the “Party Pastor” for her work with Red Frogs Support Network, she loves being a light in dark spaces and empowering others to love locally on mission. She is newly the Young Adults Pastor at Waterloo Pentecostal Assembly and is excited and expectant for how The Lord has positioned her in a University Town. She loves to drive, go for coffee, and is always down for an adventure.

Guest speaker - SUNDAY AM (students)

BLAIR MERCER

Blair has been in ministry for twenty-five years and has served in roles such as Youth Pastor, Church Planter, Section Pastor, Executive Pastor and Lead Pastor. Blair loves working with teams of people who want to make an eternal difference. He has worked alongside two Youth Directors, the District Executive, and the New Churches Network. He also led the WOD Creative Resource team. Blair and his wife Angela love spending time with their two amazing college-aged kids whenever they are home. As a family, they love music, snowboarding, baseball and motorcycles, travel and great food.