Johan Knies was born in Amsterdam, Holland and immigrated to the United States with his family in 1961 where they settled near Portland, Oregon. Johan attended Portland State University and Portland Community College and graduated from Multnomah Bible College in 1977 with a BS in Biblical Education.

Johan & Katie were married Feb. 5, 1977 and began a life of ministry together. He served as a youth pastor for several years and then went on to serve as Assoc. Pastor and Sr. Pastor primarily in community churches in California, Oregon, Alaska, Maine and Arizona.

With a minor in Missions, Johan has always had a heart for mission work around the world. Having traveled extensively in his college years across Europe, the Middle East and part of Asia, he has a passion to motivate and inspire others to get involved in the many mission opportunities around the world. In April ‘03, Johan traveled to South Africa and Zambia with World Vision Int’l. to involve the church in meeting the needs resulting from the aids crisis.

In ‘05 the Knies moved to Yuma, AZ to await God’s next plan for their lives. During this time Johan served as a detention officer in the county jail. In ‘08 he accepted the part time pastoral position of the “Snowbird Church” at the West Wind RV Resort. After three years of ministering to snowbirds from all across Canada and the U.S., it became evident that it was God’s plan for Johan & Katie to be back in ministry fulltime. Johan accepted the call to serve as Sr. pastor affective Apr. 15, 2011. Katie is supportive and very much committed to serving the church family with her gifts & talents.

Johan & Katie have two grown daughters and son-in-laws, Sarah and Troy & Holly and Jim, as well as five grandchildren.