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We are continuing our series on getting to know your church leaders a little bit better. Read along to learn more about Hal Radloff, who just joined our Deacon Council. 

Where were you born, and do you still consider that home, or somewhere else?

I was born in Madison, Wisconsin, but I grew up in Laramie, Wyoming after my parents moved there when I was 2-months old. I still consider Wyoming home.

What did you want to be when you grew up – and is that still a dream?

Once I discovered that engineers are typically the folks that design cool mechanical things, that is what I wanted to be. I had a great time in my career doing just that.

What or who was your earliest spiritual influence?

My earliest spiritual influences were my parents and pastor at the church I grew up in.

How and when did Christ call you to Himself?

At a church summer camp when I was in the 5th or 6th grade. It was an evening bonfire service, and the message was about knowing Jesus and not just knowing about Him. That was when I heard and responded to His call

What is a scripture you often read or share with others?

Joshua 1:8-9. “This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it, for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success.  Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

What is a special answered prayer you’ve received from the Lord?

I see the great young men that David and Zac are becoming and see special answers to many prayers of Kristy and I over the last couple of decades: health, wisdom, love of the Lord, character, degrees, meaningful careers, and in the case of Zac, a wonderful wife.

What will be a blessing and what a challenge you see as serving as deacon?

It will be a blessing to serve and enable the body of the MCC. It will also be a blessing to spend time with and work alongside the rest of the deacons. I anticipate it being a challenge determining the best things to pursue and invest in amongst all of the good options/ideas that come before the Deacon Council.

What are your hobbies and how did you get into them?

My hobbies right now include working on cars and reloading ammunition.  I’ve always enjoyed fixing things and find it entertaining and satisfying to repair our vehicles (and sometimes those of others) and keep them in good shape. Reloading is a recent addition and I got into it because I just find it interesting. I’m looking forward to more free time so I can pick up fly fishing again.

What is your favorite family tradition?

Teaching my boys to drive a manual transmission (carried forward from my family). Also playing the white rabbit game on the first day of each month (you’ll have to ask). And popcorn and milkshakes for dinner.

How do you enjoy spending a day off?

I really enjoy staying close to home, fixing things around the house, an early afternoon nap, and then a movie in the evening.

What is the perfect meal?

There are a few different things I like a lot (most involve a grill or a smoker), but the perfect meal must end with pecan pie!

Who or what never fails to make you laugh? 

Crazy cat videos will always make me laugh. And a good pun.

We asked Kristine to answer the following questions: 

What is your favorite trait of Hal's?

Ever since I first met Hal in college, I have appreciated and loved his compassion and willingness to listen to and serve others. He freely gives of his time and wisdom to help others - family, friends, coworkers, and our church family.

What does Hal do that can always make you smile? 

It always makes me smile to see Hal interact with his sons – teaching them or helping them with whatever they need. 

We are continuing our series on getting to know your church leaders a little bit better. Read along to learn more about Kristine Radloff, who just joined our Deacon Council. 

Where were you born, and do you still consider that home, or somewhere else?

I was born in Sheridan, Wyoming. Although Hal and I have lived in New Mexico longer than my years there, Wyoming still feels like home.

What did you want to be when you grew up – and is that still a dream?

I had several “dreams” growing up – a writer, a counselor, a role that allows me to help others. But perhaps the most consistent dream was that of being a wife and mother.  

What or who was your earliest spiritual influence?

My mom, both as I watched her faithfulness and her instruction.

How and when did Christ call you to Himself?

I was in early elementary school when my mom talked with me about the choices I was making with my friends. Understanding what the Lord Jesus Christ had done for me to save me made me decide I could respond with nothing other than living for Him, regardless of the cost.

What is a scripture you often read or share with others?

I love Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians Chapter 3:14-21.  For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth  derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

What is a special answered prayer you’ve received from the Lord?

Hal is an answered prayer. I have been blessed with a godly husband who loves, serves, and leads me and his family. 

What will be a blessing and what a challenge you see as serving as deacon?

The blessing will be the ability to serve the body of Christ alongside the rest of the Deacon Council. A challenge for me will be understanding what my precise role is and how I can best serve both the team and MCC.

What are your hobbies and how did you get into them?

The hobby I spend the most time on now is quilting. My mom was a seamstress so I think I had this expectation that I would know how to sew as well. Sewing clothes transitioned into quilting. The boys and I enjoy role playing games with several of their friends. Hiking and outdoor activities round out my hobbies. However, Hal and I used to rock climb, and I would love to begin again.  

What is your favorite family tradition? 

Preparing for Christmas each year with an advent devotional and Christmas baking including some of the Polish recipes I grew up enjoying.

How do you enjoy spending a day off?

Doing anything with Hal and my family. But it does need to start with a cup of coffee!

What is the perfect meal?

Gorgonzola Steak Risotto or anything that Hal smokes.  

Who or what never fails to make you laugh? 

My family. I love the sense of humor God has given them.

We asked Hal the following questions about Kristine: 

What is your favorite trait of Kristine's?

Her smile, her willingness to always help people, and she will always laugh at my jokes.

What does Kristine do that can always make you smile? 

She always breaks into a smile when she sees me when I come home from work, which makes me smile too.

We are continuing our series on getting to know your church leaders a little bit better. Read along to learn more about Aaron Myers, who just joined our Deacon Council. 

Where were you born, and do you still consider that home, or somewhere else?

I was born in Terre Haute, IN, and after 19 years in the Air Force and many moves we now consider New Mexico home.

What did you want to be when you grew up – and is that still a dream?

A pilot, the Lord has blessed me so much and has given me many opportunities to fly. Still love it.

What or who was your earliest spiritual influence?

My Mom, Brenda.

How and when did Christ call you to Himself?

Age 13, burning brush on the farm in Indiana. The fear of the Lord and great conviction fell on me to the point I could not sleep for several nights.

What is a scripture you often read or share with others?

Ps. 37:4: Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.

What is a special answered prayer you’ve received from the Lord?

Throughout my Air Force career I have had crossroad decisions to make. Take the easy path and coast, or go after the “giants”. Every time I go after the “giants” knowing full well that I cannot do it on my own, the Lord does what is impossible for me. The blessings are always great.

What will be a blessing and what a challenge you see as serving as deacon?

It will be a blessing to serve others in a higher capacity. It will be a challenge to stay proactive, at least until I get my feet under me as a deacon.

What are your hobbies and how did you get into them?

Anything outdoors: hiking, fishing, boating, biking, flying, and hunting. Growing up on a farm while being homeschooled presented me with many outdoor opportunities. I think the full nature emersion at a young age got me into the outdoor hobby.

What is your favorite family tradition?

Summer trips to see extended family.

How do you enjoy spending a day off?

Completing a task that I cannot during work hours; i.e., home chores, family or friend needs, etc.

What is the perfect meal?

Steak and baked potato.

Who or what never fails to make you laugh?

The Three Stooges.

We asked Snezhana:

We are continuing our series on getting to know your church leaders a little bit better. Read along to learn more about Gabe Marquez, who just joined our Deacon Council. 

Where were you born, and do you still consider that home, or somewhere else? 

I was born in Taos, NM and I still have my parents and lots of family up there, so Taos will always be my “hometown”, but home for me, in this life, is where the Lord has me now.

What did you want to be when you grew up – and is that still a dream? 

I had aspirations of becoming an artist, a hunting guide, or a fly fishing guide. I spent many years as an artist, so in a sense I did experience that, and lately I’ve been spending a lot of time teaching my kids and others to fly fish and hunt, so even though I don’t get paid for it, I get a lot of satisfaction from teaching others to enjoy the outdoors. God is all too good to me… 

What or who was your earliest spiritual influence?

I have had many spiritual influences over the years, so choosing one would almost be impossible for me. But early on, Terry Ash, who modeled the strength of Christ in his weakness certainly stands out for me. But again, there were many great men and women who impacted me spiritually, almost too many to choose one. Again, the Lord is all too good to me… 

How and when did Christ call you to Himself?

My testimony is long and a bit of a story to tell, so let me just say this; Praise God that He is able to humble the proud and that His hand is not too short to save, even a wretch like me… I was 25 when the Lord quickened my heart to life, but it was a long process that included many faithful saints planting the seeds of the gospel on the infertile soil of my heart, until the Lord brought them to life at His intended time. I know with certainty that His plans for me were set from even before the foundation of the world, and my contribution to it all was a lot of fleeing and rejecting, until He unveiled my eyes to the irresistible grace of the love of Christ for me, while I was lying on the floor of a jail cell. 

What is a scripture you often read or share with others?

I don’t know that I have a favorite verse, but I find myself quoting Romans, 1 and 2 Peter, the Psalms, and of course the Gospels more often than most these days. But if there is one verse that motivates me the most to pursue the Lord in His word more than any other, it is 1 Samuel 3:1 “…The word of the Lord was rare in those days; there was no frequent vision.” This is a bone chilling verse for me to think about, and it reminds me how blessed we are to have full access to God's word, things into which even the angels longed to gaze upon. We can become so near-sighted at times that we are blind, even forgetting that we were once cleansed of our former sins. We have all that the Lord intended for us to know in His word, and somehow we often choose to pursue temporal pleasures…The word became flesh! The person of Jesus Christ epitomized the word of God to us, and no one has ever seen God, but the only God who is at the fathers side, He has made Him known! Every question about who God is, is answered in Jesus! In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The Word became flesh, and dwelt among us! 

What is a special answered prayer you’ve received from the Lord?

A couple years ago I noticed a remarkable increase in my desire for God’s word, and an unquenchable longing for a deeper relationship with Him in prayer. I also couldn’t help but notice a multiplying of grace and peace in my heart, as a result. After six months of this happening, my son Joshua gave me a letter explaining that he had been praying that the Lord would light a blazing fire in my heart for Jesus, and that he was so thankful that the Lord had answered his prayers… Now my prayer is that the Spirit would ever increase that fire all the days of my life, until I see Him face to face. 

What is a blessing and what is a challenge you see will come from serving as a deacon?

I feel blessed to have been called to serve the Lord as a servant to my family at MCC, especially since this is not something that I ever aspired to, so it further proves that the Lord is moving me. I’m challenged at this point to see what benefits I might add to the DC, but also very hopeful that the Lord will do what He wills with me. 

What are your hobbies and how did you get into them?

As far as hobbies are concerned, I love the outdoors. I particularly love bow hunting, fly fishing, fly tying, and camping. My father was very instrumental in it all since he is an avid outdoorsman himself. I also enjoy exercise, gardening, and cooking.

What is your favorite family tradition?

One of my favorite family traditions is to go to the mountains together to harvest a Christmas tree. We normally do this the weekend after Thanksgiving. We go with friends, and make a day of it, playing in the snow (when there is snow), eating good food, drinking hot cocoa, making a campfire, and hanging out in the mountains for the day as we search for the perfect tree! It’s the best!

How do you enjoy spending a day off?

I enjoy spending time with my wife and kids any chance I get. A perfect day off would be to get up early, spend time in the Word while enjoying coffee with my wife in our living room. Followed by a family gym outing. Followed by a great homemade breakfast, and the rest of the day well spent in the woods together hiking to a great piece of fly fishing water. To be honest, as long as I’m with my family I’m happy.  

What is the perfect meal?

We enjoy anything made with simple but high quality ingredients. It’s better if it’s something we grew, caught, hunted or raised ourselves, but to be honest any meal shared with loved ones is the perfect meal. Oh, and yeah, tacos are good! 

Who or what never fails to make you laugh? 

My wife and I have the best relationship. We love each other deeply and have the best conversations.  At times I’m sure we get under each other's skin, and can have heated debates, but we love to laugh together. She makes me smile, a lot…

We asked Ashley: 

What is your favorite trait of Gabe's?

One of my favorite traits of Gabe is his leadership qualities. He leads our family with grace and humility and leads those around him in Truth. Oh, and his sense of humor!

What does Gabe do that can always make you smile?

I can always count on Gabe’s sense of humor to make me smile. 

We are continuing our series on getting to know your church leaders a little bit better. Read along to learn more about Ashley Marquez, who just joined our Deacon Council. 

Where were you born, and do you still consider that home, or somewhere else?

I was born in Raton, NM but moved to Rio Rancho when I was very young. I consider Tijeras as my home now.

What did you want to be when you grew up – and is that still a dream?

I wanted to be a psychologist. That is definitely not still a dream of mine. God had other plans!

What or who was your earliest spiritual influence?

My friend, Amy Grebe who I met at Calvary when I was visiting there. Shortly after I became saved and moved in with her. God definitely brought her into my life, being a new Christian who needed a mature believer to encourage me in the faith.

How and when did Christ call you to Himself?

I had been questioning my purpose in life and the Lord used someone at my work to share the gospel with me. Although I was skeptical, I decided I would go to church. God gave me eyes to see and ears to hear from His Word. He awoke me from my dead state and called me to Himself in 2003 and my life completely changed after that.

What is a scripture you often read or share with others?

John 14:6 always comes to mind. It was the first verse ever shared with me so I love sharing it as well. I am always encouraged by Hebrews 4:16, “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

What is a special answered prayer you’ve received from the Lord?

I made some dating mistakes as a Christian, and I prayed that I would marry the next person that I dated. That is when He brought Gabe into my life.

What is a blessing and what is a challenge you see will come from serving as a deacon?

A blessing will be to serve along my brothers and sisters on behalf of the body and be used by God as He sees fit. A challenge will be feeling inadequate for the job but I am encouraged that He will enable me through His Spirit to do what He calls me to do!

What are your hobbies and how did you get into them?

I enjoy hiking, camping, baking, making sourdough, and going to the gym. My husband was a big influence in my love for the outdoors.

What is your favorite family tradition?

Every year right after Thanksgiving, we take a drive to cut down a Christmas tree for the kids and spend the day in the mountains. They get to decorate it however they like when we get it home.

How do you enjoy spending a day off?

Taking my time in the morning drinking my coffee and reading the Bible, then going to the gym and afterwards having lunch with my husband and kids or catching up with a friend.

What is the perfect meal?

Street tacos with all the fixings. And chocolate cake!

Who or what never fails to make you laugh?

My husband 😀

We asked Gabe: 

What is your favorite trait of Ashley's?

Ashley is such a hospitable person, and always goes out of her way to make people feel comfortable and welcomed. I love that it makes her happy to make others feel loved and cared for.

What does Ashley do that can always make you smile?

We have a great relationship because we can go from having a very deep conversation one minute to laughing until our jaws hurt the next. I love her sense of humor. Her humility and light hearted nature to even laugh at herself ant times is contagious.