I trusted Christ as my Savior in the fall of 1999 in Upstate New York at the age of 17. God used the Y2K scare to draw me to Him. As a young Christian I was encouraged to attend Bible college and train for ministry. I did so and met my future wife Mishael while attending. We have been married for almost 15 years now and have 4 awesome kids together. After nearly 10 years in full time youth ministry, God began to burden my heart for Albany, NY. In the fall of 2016, I surrendered to planting a church in the capital. It is my desire to see God plant gospel-centered churches in the capital region of NY. Some of my passions are reading, family time, sharing and living the gospel, music, food and more. If you want to hang out over some good coffee give me a shout some time. Until then, come and shake my hand this Sunday at City Rise! We would love to have you as our guest!

Education:
B.S. Church Planting, Liberty University
M.A. Church Planting, Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary
M.Div. Biblical Studies, Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary

Hi my name is Mishael. As Administrative Lead, I get to be involved in the, “behind the scenes” aspects of City Rise. One of the biggest privileges I have is being married to Robert Martinez. As the Lead Pastor’s wife I enjoy helping in any way I can, mainly with office administration and ladies discipleship. Over the past 10 years I have been able to work alongside my husband at a Christian camp and two different churches as youth/assistant Pastor’s wife. I have 4 precious kids and I adore them to pieces. Something I love to do is plan/decorate for special events. I love the challenge of being creative.

My name is Titus and my parents are Pastor Rob and Mishael Martinez. I have been saved for about 5 years, and I am excited about what God is doing in Albany, NY. Some of the things I like to do are playing baseball, studying the Bible, hanging out with my family and friends, and serving the Lord through music. I sure would like to meet you if you are at City Rise sometime! Oh, and my favorite food is KFC. Chicken…anything chicken.

I grew up in northern Vermont where at the age of 14 I accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior. I graduated high school in 2015 and went to Pensacola Christian College where I met my beautiful wife Mary Lynn. Ever since I got saved, I had a burden for youth in the United States. I graduated from Pensacola Christian College in 2019 with a Youth Ministry degree. During my final semester Mary Lynn and I were called to help serve at City Rise Baptist Church. In my ministry I would love to see some of Albany's youth get saved and become followers of Jesus Christ!

Education:
B.S. Youth Ministries, Pensacola Christian College

Hello, I am Mary Lynn Bonnette. I am the Children’s Ministry Lead at City Rise Baptist Church. My husband, Caleb Bonnette, and I moved from Vermont to be part of this new, exciting ministry! I have been a part of children ministries since I was a young teen, and I am pursuing my passion for special needs children with my new job in Albany. I cannot wait to serve you!

Education:
B.S. Elementary Education, Pensacola Christian College

Hi, I’m Daniel Martinez, Lead in Strategic Development and Ideas at City Rise Baptist Church. I have a desire for establishing disciples in the church and filling it with the love of the Gospel. I am passionate about growing in my relationship with my Savior, Jesus. I love worship, fellowship, and good food. I have served in many local church ministries including outreach ministries. I have also served in two church plants in NYC. I would love to see you at church sometime!

My name is Joshua Rodriguez. I help City Rise get our name out into the community by designing promotional materials, working on the website, and implementing online marketing strategies. I'm a graphic designer which means I'm also a coffee snob, and I’ll make you a mean pour-over if you let me. I am also taking classes to become a Biblical counselor. We all have problems. You’ll find that at our church we share one another’s burdens. I'm married to Kayla Rodriguez and have two beautiful kids, Judah and Lilyana. I love the people of City Rise and am looking forward to meeting you.

Education:
B.B.S. Missions, Ambassador Baptist College
M.Div. Biblical Counseling Focus, Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary (Ongoing)

My name is Kayla Rodriguez. I am the purple loving, sloth enthusiast wife of Joshua Rodriguez and the mother of Judah and Lilyana. My family moved from North Carolina in May of 2019. We met the Martinez family in January and felt like God, through incredible circumstances and answered prayer, was calling us to go to Albany, New York and help start City Rise. As the administrative assistant, I am involved in organizing outreach materials and helping the administrator and my husband wherever I can. I am so thankful to be part of the City Rise team.

Hi, my name is Josh. I grew up in a Christian family and put my faith in Christ when I was 6 years old. I surrendered my life to be in ministry when I was 13 years old and have been pursuing that direction since. I’m excited to be a part of a gospel-centered ministry and it’s my heart’s desire to see people grow in a healthy relationship with Jesus. I love studying the scriptures, drinking coffee, watching sports, and music. I love the people of Albany and I’m looking forward to being able to serve you.

Education:
B.S. Religious Education, West Coast Baptist College
M.A. Theology, Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary (Ongoing)

Hi, my name is Ashley. I was saved at the age of 13 and I surrendered to serve the Lord with my life a couple years later. It has been my heart’s desire to see people young and old come to the saving knowledge of Christ and then become discipled in a gospel-centered ministry. A few of of favorite things are teaching, coffee, crafting, Hallmark movies (yes, I know, I’m one of those), & makeup and I am excited to see how the name of Jesus will be spread through the outreach of City Rise. I am so happy to be a part of this team!

Education: B.S. Elementary Education, Pensacola Christian College

Hello, I’m Matt! I recognized my need for Jesus at the age of 5. It wasn’t always the case, but by God’s grace I’m a purpose-filled Christ follower today.

I met my wife in 2011 and were promptly married in 2018. Well, perhaps “promptly” isn’t the right word. But we now have a goober of a son and another little bundle on the way.

Prior to God leading us to Albany in August of 2020, we served at a church in Charlotte, NC as the associate pastoral family. Today, our passion is to see individuals and families discover God’s purpose for their lives and experience the abundant life that Jesus promises in John 10:10.

I enjoy purposeful conversations and the occasional ping pong match. Let’s play sometime!

Hi, I’m Carol Myers. I’m a devout foodie who enjoys coffee as dessert, and game nights with friends.

I’m giddy-in-love with Matthew Myers and we have two wild little boys, Declan and Jack. I came to accept Christ as my personal Savior when I was ten years old. Though my teen years were a bumpy ride, I’m thankful to say that God worked in my life in spite of them. His steadfast pursuit after me eventually led me to commit my life to share His love with those around me. He is so worthy!

Prior to being led to City Rise, my husband and I served at a church in Charlotte, NC for two years. Today, we are most passionate about helping individuals and couples discover God’s purpose for their lives. We look forward to sharing with you the abundant life that is found in the gospel!

Education:
Associate of Church Secretarial Studies, Ambassador Baptist College
B.S. Elementary Education, West Coast Baptist College