Speakers
In addition to learning from our present Connexxion Staff, we will also have the marvelous opportunity of hearing from former Connexxion Staffers as well as special guest speakers in our main sessions & seminar times!
Dr. Heiner Christian Rust … is a German theologian and author of various books such as: Relevante Gemeinde (Relevant Churches); Gemeinde der Zukunft: Aufbrechen aus der Stagnation (Churches of the Future: Breaking out of stagnation); und Beten: 7 Gründe warum ich es tue (Praying: 7 Reasons why i do it). Since 2002 he has been the leader of Spiritual Church Renewal (GGE), a branch of the German Baptist Convention. Dr. Rust is pastor of the “Peace Church” (Friedenskirche), of Baptist denomination the largest in Germany. He is married to Christiane & they have three children. Heiner possesses a huge vision, that sees no boundaries!
Terry Wilbanks … lives and works in Paris with university students
, using his well- known “Web of Madness.” Very creative and full of energy, every year he organizes extensive programs, through which a large number of students and young adults serve God for several months in Europe. Terry is married to Sheila and they have 2 daughters; the family has also lived in the USA and in Belgium.
Deanna Davis ….is happily married to Jeff and mother to Jeffrey, Georgia and Abby. A graduate of North Georgia College and State University with a degree in biology and a former professional educator, she has been involved in university, women’s and cross-cultural ministry for almost 20 years. She is currently teaching and writing Bible studies, leading retreats and mentoring younger women in her home church in Duluth, Georgia. The Davis family served with Connexxion in Jena from 2006 – 2008, loving and discipling the students there. Deanna’s passions involve seeing spiritual lightbulbs turn on for people through His word and ushering in those God-moments when He shows up in power and changes lives. A perfect day for her would include a long walk through a beautiful place, reading something intellectually challenging, engaging in a stimulating conversation, eating something spicy and getting to share all of it with people she loves.
Julie Bradfield …… is currently the Director of Student Mobilization at Union University (Jackson, Tennessee). Prior to joining the Campus Ministries/Spiritual Life staff at Union University in 2005, Julie served for two years with Connexxion in Jena. Using the experience of working with university students and volunteer teams in an international setting, Julie directs Union’s Global Outreach program, which includes 20 short-term exchange projects (GO Trips) for Union students each year. Julie and her staff work closely with team leaders, field partners, and peer programs to continually improve the preparation and training process for students serving domestically and internationally through the GO Trip program. Since moving back to Tennessee, Julie has led six teams of Union students to serve alongside Connexxion in Jena and Braunschweig and will lead a seventh team in January 2011.
Our Connexxion Staff
Anja Geilert …. I was brought up in Eisenberg, Germany and studied Social Work in Jena. During my time in Jena I got to know Connexxion and through this group, Jesus, too. Before long, sharing my faith & encouraging students in the faith became my calling & passion. Thus, after I got my degree I began working on staff with Connexxion 3 years in Jena, & since 2008 I’ve been leading the group in Braunschweig. From January 2006 until May 2008 I studied at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, getting a Master’s degree in Christian Education (Concentration: Campus Ministry & Counseling). My hobbies? Jogging, travel, movies, and Idea- creation!
Thomas und Anja Koch
… are in their 4th year of marriage & live in Jena along with their 2 sons. Thomas is from Gera & received his professional degree as a Computer Scientist. He’s been on staff with Connexxion since 2006 & went full-time with us in 2010. He leads the ministry in Jena, the city where Connexxion was founded! Anja, who got her degree in Social Work, also works part-time with Connexxion, as well as being a Mom! Both enjoy the fact that their kids can grow up in a friendly, student environment!
Birthe Möller
… got her Degree in Social Work from the FH Braunschweig/Wolfenbüttel, and it was during that time that she got to know Connexxion. She has been working with Connexxion half-time since the Fall of 2009. Parallel to this, Birthe is working on her Masters of Arts in Practical Theology with IGW, International (www.igw.edu). Her friends enjoy her exuberance in life and love for God’s Word. She loves any type of sports, reading, & writing cards & letters!
Martha Moore… Coming from Florida, USA, I studied Secondary Education at Baylor U. (English, Communications) & later received my Masters of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theologial Seminary (Texas). In Vancouver, Canada & Los Angeles,
I had the privilege of “cutting my teeth” on student ministry with post-moderns. In 2000 I founded a campus ministry which later took the name “Connexxion.” After starting the Connexxion group in Braunschweig in 2007, God led me to Sevilla, Spain, where I’ve served the past 2 years. Now I’m enjoy serving alongside a great team in Braunschweig, in northern Germany. My hobbies are drinking coffee, walking & lots of talking. I love students!
Vera Witthuhn … during my studies in Biochemistry in Jena, I studied a text from the Bible for the first time in my life, at a Connexxion small discussion group. After many weeks, countless conversations and 800 Kilometers on the “Camino de Santiago” (St. James pilgrimage), I accepted Jesus as the Lord of my life. A half year later was my baptism & since April 2008, when I completed my degree, I’ve been a real staff-er of the “Connexxion Crew” in Jena. I’m excited about God, and love seeing Him as He changes the lives of those around me. I’m looking forward to starting a new Connexxion group in Hamburg this Fall 2010. When I’m not at a party or enthusiastically sharing the Good News with people, I love to read, go to the movies, and participate in any type of sport!
Hendrik und Maggie von Niessen
Maggie comes from Lisbon, Portugal most recently and Hendrik is from Velbert, Germany, near Essen. Both studied at the Bible Seminary in Bonn, and since the Fall of 2010 they’ve been leading the Connexxion group in Sevilla. Thinking strategically– but going about it in a non-pretentious and cool way– that starts to characterize what their friends value in them!
