Bryce Cooley

Location: Rancho Cordova, CA
Hey! Well I was married on December 18th, 2010 to my lovely wife Bethany. I went to William Jessup University in Rocklin, CA and got my BA in Biblical Theology with an emphasis on Youth Ministry. I am a youth pastor at Cordova Neighborhood Church. I am in a local indie band named Coolfield, our music is pretty chill but I enjoy it. My smile looks super fake in this photo, but it's not, I need smiling lessons my mom says. I desire to follow Christ in every aspect of my life. I am not perfect nor will I ever pretend to be, each aspect of my life is a constant battle between pursuing Christ and the world but I strive for Him daily. I am so thankful to be a part of the ministry of ChristCore and I look forward to talking to the people who visit our site. Oh and I love cycling, I have a sweet road bike!

Favorite Books: The Bible, Crazy Love, Mere Christianity, God in the Dock, Perelandra, Blue Like Jazz, Through Painted Deserts, The Pursuit of God

Favorite Ice Cream: Mint Chocolate Chip all the freakin way!

Other Online Presence

TWITTER: http://twitter.com/christcorenet

Pamela Finney

Location: Sacramento, CA
I have been a Christian since I was 16 years old. I have a BA in Communications from Simpson College and also took all of the courses in graduate studies in Education from there, but did not complete the degree. Instead, I moved over to the CSU system to take courses to complete my requirements in my concentration of English and fell in love with that program of study. In 1988 I earned my MA in English form CSU, Fullerton, and then began teaching at the college level. I have taught English grammar and writing, court-reporting techniques, legal terminology, computer courses, and computer programs and technology for special needs students. Along the way I have also been a life guard and swim instructor, delivery person, pizza maker, animal tech, and a retail clerk many times over, to name a few. I have worked in supervisory and managerial capacities numerous times as well. I currently work at the California Superior Court as a Lead in the Civil Unit. I teach Sunday School classes and Bible studies at CNC as well as help out with recruitment for children's ministries. For Christcore, I edit the writings that are submitted and plan to submit a few of my own devotionals. I am also working on a collection of writings related to the lessons I have learned through my battle called life. I drifted away from serving God during my "middle years." It took being hit with cancer to bring me back to God and the church, and I am back to stay! I am currently surviving and living life to the fullest and will continue to do so until God brings me home to Him. I am a mother of a 21-year-old daughter, Gabrielle, and have a dog, Sophie, and a cat, Jack-Jack. As an English major, I read voraciously, but I have slowed a bit these days. I love Shakespeare, Romantic period poetry, C.S. Lewis, Alistair MacLean, Rick Warren, and Stephen Covey. I own a home in the Oak Park area of Sacramento, CA. Oh, I almost forgot to add in that I love music and sing often as part of my own personal worship time

Favorite Books: The Purpose Driven Life, Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, Who Moved my Cheese, C.S. Lewis's Space Trilogy, Mere Christianity, Chronicles of Narnia.

Favorite Ice Cream: I am allergic to dairy but would eat pistachio if I could eat ice cream.

Brian Morrissette

Location: Corvallis, OR
My name is Brian Morrissette and I live in the Pacific Northwest as a, sort of, hermit. I live a pretty simple and peaceful life in a beautiful part of the country that I love. I am a Christian and love my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I play the bass guitar pretty well (lol) and I love playing and working on old pinballs and stand-up arcade games. I also love all different types of music, but I’m very partial to indie music. Favorite Band(s): As Cities Burn, Stavesacre, Starflyer 59, Neon Horse, Garage Voice, My Epic, Dead Poetic, Joy Electric, The Captive, Children 18:3, Falling Up, Sons of God, so long forgotten, Onward To Olympas , A Hope For Home, Newworldson, The Ember Days, Ravenhill, Switchfoot, To Speak Of Wolves, Demon Hunter, The Lost Chorus, August Burns Red, Project 86, Andy Zipf, Sleep For Sleepers, sosaveme, Buddy Guy, Grant Green, and Stanley Turrentine, well I better stop before I list a lot more! Favorite Concert Ever: It’s a split between going to see Skillet two or three days after a surgery or going to see Children 18:3 at a beat up old American legion hall. Dream Concert: For me it would be going to see Starflyer 59, Neon Horse, Project 86, and Stavesacre all at the same time. Favorite TV Show(s): The Simpsons, The Office, Star Trek, and The Rockford Files. Favorite Movie(s): Star Wars, It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World, The Russians Are Coming, the Russians Are Coming, School of Rock, Tommy Boy, Happy Gilmore, and Napoleon Dynamite.

Favorite Books: A Million Miles in a Thousand Years by Donald Miller, Mere Christianity and The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis and The Circle Trilogy and Skin by Ted Dekker.

Favorite Ice Cream: A Million Miles in a Thousand Years by Donald Miller, Mere Christianity and The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis and The Circle Trilogy and Skin by Ted Dekker.

Joshua Clark

Location: Fort Collins, CO
I’m college student and I am majoring in art and concentrating on graphic design. I am very involved with my church and help out with our youth group on a regular basis. I would say I’m a rather creative guy, who thinks and says things in what may seem like strange ways to others. I absolutely love Christian music; in particular worship, pop/rock, hard rock, and metal. Otherwise I’m a pretty chill guy who loves, art, music, movies my friends, and most of all God. I would be nowhere without him and life would be meaningless if he wasn’t a part of it.

Favorite Books: The Bible, Almost any Ted Dekker book (Thr3e is my favorite), Lord of The Rings Trilogy, Harry Potter Series, occasional Star Wars novel, and then any sort of mystery/suspense/thriller novels."""""""

Favorite Ice Cream: Bryers Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, but vanilla with a lot of toppings is also a favorite."""""""

Matt Davis

Location: Savannah, GA
Matt Davis was born in Savannah, GA in 1980. Over his life, he's traveled to 49 out of 50 states with the band he used to play with, showbread, as well as traveled to Rwanda and Ecuador doing missions work. He's currently enrolled at Johnson University in Knoxville, TN, studying Preaching and Church Leadership. He's married to his beautiful wife Sonya, and has a little black cat. His favorite city and state is Savannah, Georgia. (chicago and seattle are close behind).

Favorite Books: Desiring God by John Piper, Systematic Theology by Wayne Grudem, This Momentary Marriage by John Piper, Don't Waste Your Life by (you guessed it) John Piper, and The Reason for God by Timothy Keller.

Favorite Ice Cream: cookies and cream

Ryan DesJardin

Location: Orangevale,
Ryan has been running after the calling God has put in his heart since the ripe age of 18. Now, 24 with 2 years experience in YoungLife and creeping up on his 4th year here at East Valley Church he has stayed true to the call that can be summed up in one word “teenagers.” Through his amazing mentors at East Valley Church he has become a passionate and extremely driven Speaker who brings a powerful message through a Creative Mix of God’s Word and Current Culture. Ryan believes that He, and Uturn Student Ministries, are called have a big impact on the Sacramento area. He is currently being asked to speak at Youth Groups and Camps in our Region and is writing Devotionals for Christcore.net and RyanIsSecond.com. In his free time he enjoys hanging out with friends, and especially his girlfriend Angie, in Midtown Sac or at local coffee shops where he only ever drinks ice tea.

Favorite Books: Sun Stand Still, Dating Delilah, Sex God, and A Million Miles in Thousand Years"

Favorite Ice Cream: Hands Downs got to be Peanut Chocolate from Baskins Robbins!"

Other Online Presence

BLOG: http://www.ryanissecond.com
TWITTER: http://twitter.com/RyanIsSecond

Mercedes Novak

Location: Carmichael, CA
I've been working at Club Retro for about 3 years now, and we’ve just recently moved to Roseville! (whoop whoop!) I also attend The Family Church in Roseville, where Club Retro is now held. I am able to work with musicians and people from all over, and people who just come out to our show as well. Club Retro is more than just a venue, it is a ministry. We are able to reach out to pre-teens, teens, and young adults and be able to fellowship, show love, and share the love of God with people. The great thing about Club Retro is that we are able to have non-Christian bands play at Retro (this is great because that gives us the opportunity to reach out to even more people!). So the more that non-Christian bands, or just show up at our venue, the more impact we are able to make on those people. It’s very exciting! I am also a musician myself, I play piano, drums, and I’m considering taking voice lessons and improve in the art of singing! I've always had a passion for music all my life, and I’ve been very involved with music, and working with friends that are musicians or just musicians who are able to play at Retro. I will be attending college in the fall, and I’m going to be majoring in Music Business and minoring in Psychology. With my passion for music, I’ve also had a passion for people. I am a very social and outgoing person, and I've always enjoyed sharing love with people, and making an impact in people’s lives, and being there for them. I’ve been a Christian all my life, but I have had some fall backs in my walk with God( but then again who hasn't?). I have learned a lot through my Christian experience, and through the situations that I’ve gone through. It has definitely made me stronger as a person and stronger in my relationship and walk with God. He is definitely amazing! A Fun Fact about Mercedes: I love to smell good all the time, therefore I have loads of body spray and all that good stuff at my house :) Magazines: Vater Percussion/ Drums, Tennis, HM Magazine, and AP Magazine :) Favorite Starbucks drinks: White mocha tuxedo extra chocolate (with whip), Hot Coco, passion tea.

Favorite Books: Blue Like Jazz( definitely number 1 favorite), Five love languages, The purple pig, Hamlet, the Bible (of course)

Favorite Ice Cream: Chocolate chip cookie dough.

Brenda Abel

Location: Long Beach, CA
I was born and raised in California and I enjoy songwriting, performing and all things related to music for its ability to uniquely connect with people. I have a passion for youth, fighting social injustices and exploring God's Creation. I find joy in the simple things, such as a great cup of coffee, summer weather and conversations with friends. I spend most of my time working full-time for a non-profit called LiNK (Liberty in North Korea), raising awareness about the human rights issues in North Korea. I live my life according to the fact that it's only by God's grace that I am alive, and I will spend the rest of my days aiming to fulfill the purpose He has for me. I genuinely love people, and I believe everyone has a story. I'd love to hear yours!

Favorite Books: Bittersweet by Shauna Niequist. Don't Waste Your Life by John Piper. Through Painted Deserts by Donald Miller. High Fidelity by Nick Hornby

Favorite Ice Cream: Chocolate Malted Crunch

Other Online Presence

BLOG: http://www.brendaabel.blogspot.com/

Eric Martin

Location: San Jose, CA
"Greetings! I was born in Northern California and have lived in the south bay my whole life. Growing up in the land of technology advancement has had its benefits, but I must admit that at times, it can be awfully hard to slow down and experience life at a normal rate. Although I call this place my home, more often than not, I am found in a 15 passenger van on the other side of the country with my friends in the band I Am Empire. I play drums! I get to experience life in a way that most people will most likely never have the privilege of doing, and for that I am very thankful. I am extremely passionate about working with the youth. When I am home, I work for a organization called South County Cal Soap. I spend most of my weekdays at work, hanging out with migrant second graders for 4 hours a day, making sure they don't glue their hands together. Most of my kids come from Mexico with their parents, who come to America for jobs. It is a very rewarding job for me, and I love my kids. Because of the experiences I've had with them, I decided to sponsor a 6 year old named Santiago who lives in Mexico. I am fairly new to sponsoring a child on my own, but I can't wait to see him grow, and experience the love that only Jesus has to offer; the one who died on the cross for all of us. My goal in life is to seek God and the Kingdom above all things. A few fun facts about me: I love a Chai Latte but only from Naomi's Coffee and Tea in Morgan Hill, California (look it up on yelp if you are ever in the area), eating indian food (from Royal Taj in Campbell, yelp as well) playing drums in my band, playing drums at church, getting tattooed, and writing. My favorite artists are Future of Forestry, The Beatles, The Matches, Phil Wickham, and Christina Perri."

Favorite Books: The Bible, The Screwtape Letters, Lord of the Flies, Diary

Favorite Ice Cream: Chocolate Chip Mint Brownie

Other Online Presence

BLOG: http://ericadammartin.tumblr.com
TWITTER: http://www.twitter.com/ericadammartin

Sara Napier

Location: Kingman, AZ
Hello! I have spent half my life in Southern California and half in Northern Arizona so it's always been difficult for me to say where exactly I'm from. I'd honestly like to think I'm a pretty simple person. I love creating things and think it's exciting that we were created but also get to create. I've been playing various instruments, acting, writing and singing in bands, schools or productions since childhood. I enjoy working with my community and believe that the way to see a positive change in the world is to help be a positive change in the world directly around you. Be it with family, friends, coworkers or perfect strangers you may never see again. I am very active with Hilltop Foursquare Church where I play bass and sing worship. It is a place that has taught me what it means to have a servent's heart as well as to Love God and others like no one's business. I also get to coordinate theatrical and media productions there with some of my very best friends. Currently, I play bass in a local band named Redemption. We're just starting out but it's been great so far. In my spare time, I design clothing and jewelry and hope to develop in that over the next few years. In everything I do, I try my best follow Christ and do so with a thankful and willing heart. I don't always get it right, sometimes I fail miserably but as long as I have breath, I will keep trying. It is to the glory and by the grace of God that I get to do any of the things that I do and I look forward to where He will use me and others in the years to come. Aside from things I'm passionate about, I'm a pretty laidback person who still has socially awkward moments and trips over her own feet from time to time. I really like and endless list of things including coffee, sundresses, music, journaling, glitter, traveling, films, flying kites, superheros, spending time with Loved ones and meeting new people. Hope we can be friends!

Favorite Books: How You Can Be Led By the Spirit of God by Kenneth E. Hagin, Drops Like Stars by Rob Bell, Kissed the Girls and Made Them Cry by Lisa Bevere, Crazy Love by Francis Chan, Azusa Street by Frank Bartleman, Quitter by Jon Acuff, The Bible

Favorite Ice Cream: Homemade strawberry cheesecake or mint chocolate chip.

Other Online Presence

BLOG: http://kingdomjournal.tumblr.com

Antonio De Jesus Ibarra

Location: Austin, TX
My name is Antonio De Jesus Ibarra. I was born in Houston, Texas on December 11, 1992. My parents are Veronica Castillo and Pedro Ibarra. I also have one more brother from their marriage, Pedro Adrian Ibarra my brother. My parents divorced when I was a year old. Not too long after both of my parents remarried. My step father is Jesse Salazar. His marriage with my mom gave me two more brothers, Alexander and Aden Salazar. I also have a sister from my dad’s marriage, Chelsea Ibarra. I lived with my mom until the age of 13-14. I decided that I wanted to live with my dad for a change. We went through a draining custody battle. In the end, I went with my dad for a year. During my time with him, he divorced his second wife. This put us in a financial bind. I soon left back to home with my mom. Now, God began to work in my life. He entered in, and started to reveal Himself to me in various ways. I attended Cleveland High School for most of my high school career. I graduated top ten percent in

Favorite Books: Bible, One Race One Blood, the Shack, Maximized Manhood, Frankenstein, The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Mutation

Favorite Ice Cream: Chocolate

Other Online Presence

BLOG: http://thecrowing33.tumblr.com/
TWITTER: http://twitter.com/thecrowing33

Nick Durr

Location: Indianapolis, IN
Hey Duders! My name is Nick, and I am writing out of Indianapolis, Indiana. I was born in a smaller town named Terre Haute, and if you ask anyone in the Midwest about this town, they will tell you everything that you need to know about it. I also want you to know that I am a recovering Christian Atheist (credit to Craig Groeschel for the term). Yup, thats right. A Christian Atheist. By that term I mean I did the Church thing for a long time. I believed it. And when I was in that building everyone knew I was a Christian. But when I stepped out of it, I lived as if he didn't exist. After years of wrestling with the teachings of my parents, I found myself rebelling. Why must I believe this way? So I tried filling that void with anything and everything. Music and the sinful lifestyle that came with it. I wanted to be anyone but myself. But still I found nothing but emptiness. Then I began thinking to myself. Asking that same universal question over and over in my head. What if my parents were on to something? And it officially all changed when my son was born. I kept coming to the conclusion that I could never teach my son to live the right way if I wasn't. So I had a good ole talk with my one and only, God. Now he has drawn me closer than ever to him. He has given me the chance of a lifetime to reach those that are like I was. Dead. I have been blessed with a beautiful Fiancee Kaitland, and my son Max. And I have a resolution with them to be the man, father, and husband that God intended me to be. I want to talk to every one of you! I am a big fan of Skype, so I can really help you in anyway that I can!

Favorite Books: The Resolution for Men, The Screwtape Letters, The Bible, and Through My Eyes by Tim Tebow.

Favorite Ice Cream: