Staff
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Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 634
Grass Valley, CA 95945
Contact Us:
Phone: (530) 913-9471
Email:
greatersacramentoarea@
Our Staff
Lena Williams
Local Director
I love serving the Lord where He leads and have the privilege of teaching Sunday school at my local church alongside my daughter. I have enjoyed being a part of CEF® over the years and am excited to be a part of the mission field before me now. I have three young adult boys and two teenage daughters. I like to stay active outdoors and also enjoy having a creative outlet while working with my hands.
Betty Koons
Sacramento County Ministry Coordinator
I have been married to Jeff, pastor of Men & Families at River City Christian, for 39 years. I'm the mother of 3 children and “Grammie” to 6 beautiful grandchildren. I’ve also been a substitute teacher in Sacramento for over 25 years. I’ve seen firsthand the pressure that Christian students and teachers face in the public schools. The Good News Club not only brings the truth of the gospel to unsaved children, but it also strengthens the faith of our Christian students surrounded by secular and pagan worldviews. Two generations ago, someone faithfully shared the gospel with our parents and grandparents, and they turned to Christ. Now the call goes out to Christians who are burdened over the crisis facing our youth, and the Lord’s mandate is clear: “...we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders He has done.” Psalms 78:4. Thankfully, churches are praying, and teams are forming to take the gospel into schools. As a result, children are asking their parents to take them to church! I’m blessed to be a part of CEF and its mission to evangelize this next generation for Christ.
Gina Diehl
Yuba and Sutter Ministry Coordinator
I’m a pastor’s wife and worship leader at Metanoia Community Church Olivehurst. I got involved with CEF about two years ago by starting a Good News Club on our church campus to reach kids in our local neighborhood around the church. I have a passion for connecting people with the Gospel. I am so grateful that the Lord is allowing me to be on this team and to be a liaison between the local church and the local elementary schools. Time is running short and we know that the hour is near, Jesus is coming soon and what better way to reach the lost, than through the Gospel as Jesus commissioned us to do? In my free time, I love making coffee in our mobile coffee trailer, Cultivate Coffee Bar. I love to spend hours out on the lake with my kids and my husband at our family cabin at Lake Almanor. I also greatly enjoy writing and leading worship at different Venues. I love studying the Bible in depth and geo-prophecy is one of my favorite subjects! I'm excited about all God is doing through CEF and that I get to be a big part of it!
Abigail Smith
Placer and Nevada County Ministry Coordinator
I am so blessed to be married for 5 years to Nathaniel. We have served at Calvary Chapel Newcastle together as he has been on staff there as an assisting pastor. I am a mama to two beautiful little girls. We are passionate about mobilizing the local church to reach their community with the gospel. I have always loved children’s ministry. I came to the saving knowledge of Jesus at age 2. Because of my testimony I am is passionate about bringing the gospel to kids. I am intimately aware of the work the Holy Spirit does in young hearts and want to give every child that opportunity. I love spending time with my family, being in nature, deep conversations, leading worship, sewing, homemaking, cooking, seasonal activities, & running.
Andrew Simpson
Amador County Ministry Coordinator
My wife and I have been happily married for ten years. This year (2025) God has blessed us with our first son – Henry. We live in Amador County where God has opened the door for both of us to serve Him in children’s ministry. Early in my Christian life, after attending CYIA for the first time, I found that God had given me a passion and desire to study and teach His Word. He allowed me, a shy and introverted teen, to find confidence and boldness when teaching His Word. I am excited to see what God is going to do as we step into this new chapter of our lives.
Martha Dennis
El Dorado County Ministry Coordinator
Born and raised in the Bible Belt, I grew up dreaming of serving as a missionary in a foreign land. I never expected that mission field to be California! Today, I count it a blessing to serve with CEF and share the Gospel with children. Seeing a child trust Jesus as Savior is one of the greatest thrills of ministry. Getting to disciple children in the Word of God and help establish them in a local church for Christian living makes that joy complete. When I'm not involved in ministry, our family loves biking and swimming at the lake. Singing and songwriting bring extra joy to my life, along with a good slice of cheesecake.
Eden Hadley
Field Missionary
I have been so blessed to be raised in a Christian household where my parents took the time to teach me the importance of having a good relationship with God. I have trust that God has a plan, and I'm so excited to follow what he has in store for me. I still plan to work on the things I love, like acting, and sports while continuing my journey with CEF. 🙂
