Leadership
Peyton Harris
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Favorite thing about serving at ROL: I love sharing God’s Word in sermons; I love sharing God’ Love in service.
Last Meal: If I still have teeth, a steak.
Book: Hudson Taylor’s “Spiritual Secret”
Movie: “The Untouchables”
Worship Song: “Build My Life”
Hymn: “Holy, Holy, Holy
Animal: My Caucasian Shepherd we had in Kazakhstan
Car: When I was in Kazakhstan, my father had a Chevy Luv
Thing to do on my day off: Be in the mountains.
Vacation Destination: Turkey
Bucket List: Visit Antartica
Funny Moment: Too many to list!
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My Story:
I am from the RVA area, and went to Huguenot Academy (now Blessed Sacrament). I met Jesus through the Bill Graham Association in 1973. I met my wife in youth group, and we have been married since 1982. We are blessed to have 2 girls (married), a son, and 2 granddaughters and 1 grandson. I received my BA from VCU and an MDiv from Regent University. Our family pastor a small rural church in Chase City, Virginia before moving overseas to Kazakhstan to do overseas Christian work. In Kazakhstan, we planted a local church; I taught in different universities and Bible Schools; taught English; was the pastor of an International Church; lead a group of volunteers at a Special needs orphanage; as well as many other types on ministry for 15 years. Our kids grew up and graduated from High School there. My wife and I then served in Istanbul, Turkey for 5 years where we planted an International Church. We also taught English as a 2nd language (ESL) there as well. I speak Russian, a little Spanish and try to learn greetings from many languages of the student we teach. We have gained so much from the beautiful people we have known all over the world, and it is such a privilege to now experience the world right here in RVA. Every week, we have the nations walk into our building and don’t even need a plane ticket.
I am currently the Director for Intercultural Ministries In our Potomac Ministries Network with the Assemblies of God. https://www.potomacag.org/interculturalministries
What do you love most about River of Life? I love that we have touched people from dozens of nations with practical help and with the Gospel.
Life Verse: Philippians 3:14 NIV
I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Lead Pastor | Director of ESL | Visitation
Ernie Campe
Associate Pastor | ESL Co-Leader, Bible Study Teacher, Building Director
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Favorite thing about serving at ROL: I love preaching and teaching
Last Meal: Lobster Tail
Book: Redeeming Love Francine Rivers
Style of Music: 50’s-60’s music
Hymn: “Blessed Assurance”
Animal: Newfoundland Dog
Car: Ford F 150 Hybrid
Thing to do on my day off: Nothing! Relax
Vacation Destination: North Carolina Mountains
Bucket List: would love to go to Israel
Funny Moment: Whenever I call someone by the wrong name.
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My Story:
I was born and raised in Richmond. I married my lovely wife 37 years ago. I graduated from Fork Union Military Academy. I have a BS in Business, MA in Biblical Studies, and Doctor of Religious Studies from Regent University. Late in life, Linda and I served overseas in Slovakia, Poland, …… for…….years. In 1968, I went to a revival service and responded to the sermon after 1.5 years of being convicted in my faith. I came to River of Life in 20…. and am honor to serve this community.
Life Verse: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name, you are mine.” Jeremiah 43:1b
Life advice: “Patience is difficult, but necessary.”
Linda Campe
Associate Pastor’s Wife | ESL Volunteer among many things
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Favorite thing about serving at ROL: I love preaching and teaching
Last Meal: Lobster Tail
Book: Redeeming Love Francine Rivers
Style of Music: 50’s-60’s music
Hymn: “Blessed Assurance”
Animal: Newfoundland Dog
Car: Ford F 150 Hybrid
Thing to do on my day off: Nothing! Relax
Vacation Destination: North Carolina Mountains
Bucket List: would love to go to Israel
Funny Moment: Whenever I call someone by the wrong name.
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My Story:
I was born and raised in Richmond. I married my lovely wife 37 years ago. I graduated from Fork Union Military Academy. I have a BS in Business, MA in Biblical Studies, and Doctor of Religious Studies from Regent University. Late in life, Linda and I served overseas in Slovakia, Poland, …… for…….years. In 1968, I went to a revival service and responded to the sermon after 1.5 years of being convicted in my faith. I came to River of Life in 20…. and am honor to serve this community.
Life Verse: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name, you are mine.” Jeremiah 43:1b
Life advice: “Patience is difficult, but necessary.”
Gwen Davenport
Administrative Pastor
Clover Harris
Pastor’s Wife | Creative Director | ESL | Missions
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Favorite thing about serving at ROL: I feel free to totally be myself because I feel loved. I love that the people come from so many different backgrounds, views, and nations, but create a space that Jesus is the focus over everything. We love beyond borders because the greatest commandment is to love God and love our neighbors!
Favorite role at River of Life: I love being creative and I love to make people feel special, so event planning lets me do that. I also like more intimate times of connection which is why I love “Coffee with Clover.” My passion is being with people from the nations and hearing their stories, and helping them feel welcomed and cared for. I enjoy going to their homes and their amazing food. I love that it’s something my husband and I share together. We see Jesus in these precious people.
Last Meal: Turkish Iskander Kabab, Ezme with Turkish bread, Ayran, Kazakh Bishpamak, Uighur Lagman, Russian Borscht, Greek Salad with pepperonis for sure, Persian kabobs and rice, Thai Green Curry, Vietnamese Pho, Afghan Chai, my granny’s macaroni and cheese with tomatoes, my mom’s spaghetti, Seafood boil, Thai Mango sticky rice, Turkish Kunefe and baklava, Russian Honey Cake, all berries and pistachios! Yes, I’m a foodie!
Movie: “Places in the Heart” Sally Field, “The Untouchables” Sean Connery, “The Chosen” Johnathan Roumi, “To Kill a Mockingbird” Gregory Peck
Style of Music: Acoustic Worship, Folk, Turkish, Russian, Arab and Spanish
Song: “Make My Life a Prayer to You” Kieth Green
Worship Song: “Season’s Change,” “Met By Love,” and “Simple Gospel” United Pursuit, “Sana Bakiyorum” (Turkish)
Hymn: “It Is Well” and “Blessed Assurance”
Animal: Horse
Car: Subaru Forrester, but my dream car would be a Land Rover Defender (old style but with modern features!)
Thing to do on my day off: ART, especially painting and going to our “Dacha” (mountain cottage); coffee or lunch with friends; always my grandkids!
Vacation Destination: Istanbul and all over Turkey, Kazakhstan, Italy, Germany, Arizona, Colorado and the American West
Bucket List: to visit Kazakhstan and Turkey with our whole family, European Road Trip, Jordan, Egypt, Tanzania/Kenya, Guatemala, Chile and Mexico
Funny Moment: When my husband was preaching once, and got a little too graphic about our daughter’s home birth. 😳
Also, walking past the President’s wife in Kazakhstan, and not realizing it. We were with friends as she walked by with a big smile and greeting us. We hardly acknowledged her and just waved back and kept talking.
What do you love most about River of Life? Incredible loving people who are willing to embrace new things in order to love like Jesus. The diversity and openness to other cultures. Our ESL friends are also a part of our community. I also love that we reach out to Holladay Elementary School. We are a church that reaches outside of our walls.
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My Story:
I grew up in RVA and met my husband in Youth Group. We were married just after my graduation from JR Tucker High School. We have 3 amazing and talented kids, 2 wonderful sons-in-loves, and 3 precious grandkids. We have done ministry together since youth group. We pastored our 1st little rural church in Southside Virginia, and eventually served in Kazakhstan for 15 years and Turkey for 5. I can speak some Russian (with really bad grammar). The highlight of my ministry was organizing 2 Awareness concerts for a special needs orphanage in KZ. Our whole family was involved as well as so many amazing volunteers. That experience was life changing and brought out things in me that I was not aware of. Those beautiful kids gave me more understanding and confidence to love more like Jesus. I now love serving in our multicultural and generational church and ESL, and hope to see more and more diversity that is like a taste of Heaven. All nations and all ages worshipping Jesus! I’m thankful our church family is welcoming and loving to all who walk through our doors, whether they are bikers, ex-cons, Muslims, atheists, or anyone. Loving our neighbors is a big deal!
Life Verse: Romans 8:26-28 …the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. 28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Life Motto: I think I could write a book! Even in those times God feels far away, keep worshipping! Stay obedient to His Word, remember his promises, and remember past times of seeing His faithfulness. Don't listen to outside voices that agree or disagree with you, but pray and seek his voice through scripture. Acknowledge mistakes and bad habits and keep learning. Love others and play well together. Be balanced and don’t be swayed by extremes and trends. My key words: BALANCE, KEEP LEARNING, AND OBEDIENCE that comes from continuing to love Jesus and be more like Him.
Sandy Harless
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Favorite thing about serving at ROL: Leading God’s people into meaningful worship and exuberant praise. Also, encouraging the worship team to reach higher.
Last Meal: Snow crab legs, Mexican, and sushi
Book: Hinds Feet on High Places
Movie: “One Night with the King” Tiffany DuPont, Luke Goss, Peter O’Toole
Style of Music: Blues, Rock, Funk, Dance
Song: “Good Morning” Mandissa
Worship Song: “You Are Good” Israel Houghton
Hymn: “Amazing Grace,” “How Great Thou Art,” “Great is Thy Faithfulness”
Animal: My Great Pyrenees “Millie”
Car: My Mom Van
Thing to do on day off: Relax and lunch with a friend.
Vacation Destination: Beaches, preferably not crowded.
Bucket List: Write a book. Write more music. Create art. Lead worship at a large revival event.
Funny Moment: The first time I ever led worship on a Sunday morning, I sang the first verse in the wrong key!
What do you love most about River of Life?
The pastors are humble, very caring, and encouraging. The people are diverse, inviting, and so sweet. The Word of God is the main focus!
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My Story:
was born an raised in Richmond. I’ve been married 35 years and have 4 children, 2 grandchildren, and a Great Pyrenees dog child. I have served in youth ministry, led a women’s Bible study for 29 years, served in Worship ministry, and fine arts ministry at a local church before coming to River of Life. I’ve spoken at events, written many songs, and produced 2 albums. I love exploring art. “I danced with the Lord” much of my life, sometimes getting close, and other times running away. At the age of 30,I fell in love with Jesus, and have pursued Him ever since.
Life Verse: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11
Life Advice: “It’s never too late!”
Worship Director | Assist with Women’s Events
Two years after the founding of the Assemblies of God, members adopted 16 beliefs for the Fellowship. This list, known as the Statement of Fundamental Truths, remains virtually unchanged. Four of these beliefs are considered the major tenets of the Fellowship. They are:
1. Salvation Through Jesus Christ (John 3:3, 16, 17; Romans 10:13; Ephesians 2:8, 9)
Salvation is received through repentance toward God and faith toward the Lord Jesus Christ. By the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, being justified by grace through faith, man becomes an heir of God, according to the hope of eternal life.
2. Baptism in the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8; 2:4; 17, 18, 38, 39)
All believers are entitled to and should ardently expect and earnestly seek the promise of the Father, the baptism in the Holy Spirit and fire, according to the command of our Lord Jesus Christ. This was the normal experience of all in the early Christian Church. With it comes the enduement of power for life and service, the bestowment of the gifts and their uses in the work of the ministry.
3. Divine Healing for the Sick (James 5:14-16)
Divine healing is an integral part of the gospel. Deliverance from sickness is provided for in the atonement, and is the privilege of all believers.
4. The Second Coming of Christ (1 Thessalonians 4:14-16; 1 Corinthians 15:51, 52)
The second coming of Christ includes the rapture of the saints, which is our blessed hope, followed by the visible return of Christ with His saints to reign on earth for one thousand years.
For the full listing of the 16 fundamental truths, please click below.
