David and Elaine Sims
LEADERS
For five years, David led an outreach at a local park in Springfield during the summer for the homeless and struggling. That ministry, called ParkFest, provided a free meal and the message of Christ. In the Fall of 2008, Evangel Temple, with David’s leadership, officially started Inner City Outreach year around. In the fall of 2012 Inner City Outreach was merged into the center-city church campus of Evangel Temple called Embassy of Hope. Today David and Elaine labor in leading the family of God at Embassy of Hope into a strong and mature relationship with Christ through teaching and mentoring.

Bob and Diane Sederwall
LEADERS
Bob and Diane are former educators from Illinois who moved to Nixa in 2008. Diane was an Elementary Teacher for 28 years and Bob was a High School Physics/ Mathematics/Photography Teacher for 33 years. Diane was a church Organist and Missionettes Director for thirty-three years and a Sign Language Instructor. In recent times Diane has served as the President of the Evangel University Women’s Auxiliary for two years. Bob is currently beginning his 42nd. year as a Royal Rangers Leader. Diane has taught classes for women at EOH and assisted with Women’s Ministries.  Bob and Diane have three children and seven grandchildren. Today Bob is the coordinator for facility remodeling and improvements at Embassy of Hope, a center-city campus of Evangel Temple Christian Center in Springfield. Both enjoy praying, mentoring and helping lead others to a more enriched walk with Jesus Christ.

Cliff and Brandy Riddle
CHILDREN’S PASTOR
Cliff and Brandy Riddle have been involved in Children and Youth Ministry for several years. They are former members of a local United Methodist Church were they served in a variety of ministries. Cliff and Brandy are happily married with 2 beautiful daughters whom are also active in serving the Lord. They are proud grandparents of three grandchildren. 

Michelle Johnson
ASSISTANT CHILDREN’S LEADER AND CLOTHING BANK DIRECTOR
Michelle is a longtime member of Evangel Temple where she taught children’s Sunday school for over twenty-five years. This past spring Michelle felt God’s calling in ministry at Embassy of Hope, a center-city campus of Evangel Temple. She immediately teamed up with Brandy Riddle, director of children’s ministry and began teaching the middle school children.  Along with teaching the children about Jesus, she enjoys assisting with decorating and organizing the children’s classrooms. The middle school children recently outgrew their former class room and they have been blessed with a newly renovated classroom. Michelle is looking forward to outgrow it as well. Michelle and her husband Stan have been married for thirty one years. She has a step daughter, and four grown sons. She also is a proud Grandmother of two grandsons.

Devin and Amber Thomason
NURSERY DIRECTOR
Devin and Amber has been involved in Children’s ministry for several years. Their passion and calling is to care, love and teach children about Jesus. They came to Embassy of Hope thriving to make a difference. Devin and Amber have three beautiful children. One of Amber’s favorite scriptures is found in Proverbs 31.
“She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. ~ Proverbs 31:26

Michael Nelson
GRAPHICS AND MEDIA DIRECTOR
Michael has been involved in graphic design and media production for many years. He loves serving the church with the gifts that God has granted him. He is responsible for most all the wonderful banners, promotions and photos that so many people enjoy. He also is a Shelter Supervisor at Victory Mission in Springfield. He favorite motto is, “We don’t have to, we get to!!” My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.

Matt Ruff
MAN CHURCH DIRECTOR
The Lord has given Matt a heart to see men walk in newness of life by following Jesus. He loves to tell his story about how God changed his life and gave him a new name, a child of God! Man Church meets at Embassy of Hope every third Saturday starting at 10:30 a.m. As Matt would say, “May everything I do be for His glory!!“