Ezra Okoti is the Pastor of Young Adults at Northview Community Church. Following is a short bio on him.
I was born and brought up in a descent "Christian" home. Though we went to church once in a while, as a family we were not committed to the ways of the Lord. It was not until my second year of high school, while attending a Christian youth camp, that I first encountered a clear presentation of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Though I knew about Jesus (the Christmas and the Easter stories), I never really understood the reason for the incarnation. At a VBS youth camp I was introduced to Romans 5:8 and I slowly began to understand God's love for me and His desire to establish a relationship with me. That week, I asked the Lord to forgive my sins and submitted to the lordship of Christ over my life.
After my conversion I had no idea what to pursue for a career. Initially, my desire was to be in the aviation industry, following in the footsteps of my father but that desire soon faded away. Upon my grade 12 graduation, I felt the need to attend a bible school for a semester or two, just so that I would solidify my understanding of the fundamentals of the Christian faith. It was there that I heard the still small voice of the Lord calling me to serve Him. I had no idea where, how, when and so on... all I knew is that I was called to serve Him.
Shortly after finishing my program at bible college, I volunteered at a Christian Youth Camp in my home country Kenya, where I ended up serving in youth ministry for 9 years. Those where my formative years! The Lord taught me so much about evangelism, prayer and team ministry. It was there that I discovered and strengthened my spiritual gifts. As I matured in faith and ministry, the Lord opened opportunities for me to serve overseas (Britain) and later here in Canada. Shortly after moving to Canada, my wife Tamara (whom I met 3 years prior to my move to Canada) and I got married on August 11th 2001. We love each other dearly and continue to walk with and serve the Lord together - Tamara loves working quietly behind the scenes. The Lord has blessed us with two wonderful children Caleb (3 years old) and Jael (2 years old).
Having worked with college aged young adults for several years I am keenly aware of the challenges and struggles our young people face, and their thirst for consistent discipleship, mentoring and solid biblical teaching. I am also burdened about the thousands of young adults in our local colleges and universities who are yet to be reached with the gospel. My prayer is that the Lord would lead and use me and many others to boldly proclaim Him, admonishing and teaching everyone in all wisdom as the Spirit of God leads and guides us.