Val grew up in the small village of Cassopolis, Michigan. She's a farm girl who's been uprooted and moved to the city. Val was raised on a five acre farm filled with horses, cows, chickens, cats, dogs, bunnies... you name it! Now she runs a successful wedding photography business while wearing many hats here at Christ's Hope. Val does it all. From office work, to web design, to social media, she's got it covered. 

Val is passionate about the arts and dancing. She grew up doing ballet and eventually pointe. Then later in life found her love for ballroom and rhythm dancing. She taught waltz, tango, foxtrot, rumba, chacha, swing, salsa, and several others for five years at DanceSport Academy of Granger. 

Office Admin

Evan has lived in the Fort Wayne area his entire life, and is a graduate of Purdue University Fort Wayne with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. Concentrating in Graphic Design, Evan presented his Senior Thesis as a mock business that provided re-branding for churches in the local area, receiving Best in Show. Evan enjoys spending time with friends and family, playing disc golf, and designing for his apparel brand, Seek God First.
 
Growing up, Evan’s grandmother brought he and his two brothers up in the church and encouraged them to attend Bear Lake Camp in the summer. Camp would be the one thing Evan would look forward to each year - and once old enough, he joined the service crew and eventually summer staff.

Evan met his wife, Heidi, at camp where they served together. After dating throughout college, they were married in 2022. They enjoy spending time together camping and exploring the great outdoors, serving through mission work, or just chilling at home with their cat, Mia.

Creative Director

A native of Huntington, Indiana, Kay holds a degree in Marketing Communications Management and is a certified worship vocal coach. She teaches private voice lessons, is a lover of all things harmony, and is a seasoned worship leader and vocal director. 

As a member of the local women's trio, One Faith, Kay has traveled throughout the U.S. leading worship for church services, events, and women's conferences -- highlighted by leading worship while on a tour of Israel. Serving in multiple worship leadership roles throughout her life, Kay continues to follow God’s calling to use her gifts and passion to equip and develop teams while leading others in dynamic, meaningful worship.

Kay met her husband, DeWayne, in high school band. The Salters live in southwest Fort Wayne with their two fur-babies, Lucy and Phoebe. They are the parents of a daughter, Kirsten, who they adopted from Guatemala. 

Worship Minister

Gary Chadwick is a career  Next Gen Minister. He is married to Oksana Hazizova, who is from Ukraine where he served as a missionary for several years. Gary and Oksana are passionate about Next Gen ministry, French Bulldogs, and just loving people. Gary and Oksana love serving Jesus through International Mission work as well as through local ministries.

Feel free to find them at Christ’s Hope and talk about your interests or they’d love to meet for coffee or some good sweet tea some time!

Next Gen Minister

CJ grew up in South Bend, IN with his mother, father, and siblings. As he grew up, his home church prepared him for Bible college, where he would study Bible Theology and Christian Ministries. Outside of education and ministry, CJ enjoys exercising, hanging out with family and friends, camping trips, and he loves starting each morning with a cup of coffee.

He met Val at Michiana Camp and married her after building a strong friendship during his college years. They love each minute they spend together, whether it is streaming Netflix, grabbing a bite from a restaurant, or trying something new. As CJ loves to say, they make a great team.

His passion in ministry is helping people take the next step in their faith journey. This began as he stepped into his first ministry over teens and continued to grow as he worked with young adults. Some of his favorite things to do is lead small groups, Bible studies, and aid in service projects. Above all else, his greatest blessings are witnessing individuals give their lives to Christ.

Lead Minister