David & Essey Yirdaw
David is passionate about meeting people in their everyday places and connecting them to God’s transformative work and power in their life. After serving as an Associate Pastor for years in the local church in Denver, David and Essey Yirdaw felt God calling them to plant a new, life-giving church in their community. God clearly spoke to their hearts and said, “This is the time.” After much prayer and wise counsel, God opened the door for them to start this new church in the Green Valley Ranch community in Denver Colorado. What started as a small group bible study over zoom during the pandemic has flourished into a full blown church plant. Simply put, at the heart of Anchor Church is relationships.Pastor David and Essey value others, their stories, and envision a church where people gather from different backgrounds and feel seen, heard, and loved. Anchor Church believes that Jesus brings new life, that He sees who we are, and loves us to the core of our being
April Prasht
April is joining us as the Worship Director at Anchor Church. Born and raised amidst the picturesque landscapes of Colorado, April’s roots in faith were nurtured within the vibrant community of the Hmong church. Her musical journey began at the age of 15 when she first picked up a guitar, a skill that would become instrumental in her pursuit of worship. Worship, for April, is more than music; it’s a profound expression of love for Jesus. It’s the force that ignited her spiritual journey and the reason she fell in love with Jesus. During her 12 years in New York, April navigated a period of uncertainty regarding her skills and authority as a woman in church leadership. However, with the invaluable support of friends and pastors who recognized her potential, she overcame these doubts and embraced her calling as a worship leader. This transformative phase in her life helped her grow in confidence and laid the foundation for her future mission of empowering others to step into their own callings, breaking free from societal expectations, and fostering unity within the church community. In 2022, April and her family returned to her home state, Colorado, and it was here that they discovered Anchor Church. The church quickly became their sanctuary, a place of healing and belonging during a time of transition. April’s passion for worship extends beyond the music; it encompasses a profound desire to raise up worship leaders and to see the church become a close-knit family that worships together. She firmly believes that worship has the power to bring unity and healing to the church, transcending differences and fostering a deeper connection with God.
Steven Valis
Steven Was blessed to understand and accept Christ as his personal Savior at the young age of 7 at a VBS meeting. He was a faithful attendant and participated in his local church throughout his childhood. He was called to Full-time service during a youth camp meeting in WV. He further served in Children’s and bus ministries and later started a nursing home ministry at his church.
After Graduating High School, Steven spent a season on staff at a Youth Church Camp in IA before attending Bible College.
Steven attended Bible College for three semesters majoring in pastoral theology and minoring in music. Steven faithfully served in the local church there as well.
He later joined the United States Marine Corps and Served. After that, Steven spent 17 years in Law Enforcement working with Homeland Security during natural disasters, eventually leading him to Denver, where He spent the end of his career with RTD.
Steven has worked with Children of all ages since his youth. Most recently operated a volunteer ministry at a local high school as a campus pastor and served with the VBS program and school children teacher before coming to Anchor.
Jessica Shipwash
Jessica grew up in Colorado Springs CO. She has two beautiful daughters, Abriella and Ariyah. Jessica grew up in the Church attending Sunday School, and youth nights throughout her younger years. Being distracted with life obstacles, Jessica found her way back to God through Anchor Church. She strongly believes in the power of devotional time with God, giving back to the community, and helping others on their journey to Jesus. Jessica is ecstatic to watch and be a part of Gods work through Anchor and its Community.
David Hernandez
In the vibrant expanse of California, David and Daniela embarked on a journey propelled by their deep-rooted faith and passion for serving others. Their journey took a profound turn when they felt the resounding call of God, urging them to establish a Spanish ministry.
Driven by unwavering faith and a heartfelt conviction, they heeded this divine calling and made a courageous move to the breathtaking landscapes of Colorado. There, amidst the majestic mountains and open skies, they set the cornerstone for a new chapter in their lives—the birth of a Spanish church ministry.
Prior to this significant leap, David and Daniela dedicated themselves wholeheartedly to various facets of ministry. They poured their souls into nurturing worship experiences that uplifted spirits, engaging actively in community outreach efforts that brought hope to the marginalized, and investing deeply in the lives of the youth, nurturing the next generation of believers.
Their journey is a testament to their unwavering dedication, a blend of obedience to their calling, and an unyielding commitment to serve God and their community. Through their ministries, they’ve sown seeds of faith, love, and compassion, fostering a sanctuary where the Spanish-speaking community finds solace, guidance, and a profound connection to their faith.
As they continue this incredible journey, their story stands as an inspiration—a testament to the power of faith, courage, and the profound impact of answering a divine calling.