Youth Pastor

Pastor Mike Murphy and his new bride Elsa (nee Nanninga) were recently married on October 4, 2008! They met early in 2007 at an Adult Bible study and Mike was knocked off his feet by this stunning blonde who had a deep love for the Lord! Elsa was completely taken by this Irish guy who had a deep passion for things of God! They knew almost instantly that God had called them to share life and ministry together! They were engaged on November 24, 2007 at Peggy’s Cove, Nova Scotia.

Elsa Murphy was born in Oshawa and raised in the Oshawa-Newcastle area all her life. Elsa comes from good Dutch stock and has two sisters. Elsa’s family was deeply rooted in the Christian Reformed tradition before attending Fellowship Baptist Churches. She attended Immanuel Elementary Christian School, and Durham Christian High School where at the age of 16 she accepted Christ as her personal Saviour. Elsa graduated high school in 2003. Elsa obtained her ECE (Early Childhood Education) degree from Sir Sandford Fleming College in Peterborough 2006. Elsa has taught Sunday School, worked with youth, and led worship with Pastor Mike. She currently works at a daycare in Port Hope.

Pastor Mike was born in Sarnia, Ontario but raised in Nova Scotia for most of his life. Pastor has one brother and three sisters. Mike’s parents received the Lord when he was a young boy. Mike received the Lord as his personal Saviour at the age of 15. He has been actively involved in Christian service since his teens. Mike graduated high school from Halifax Christian Academy in 1986 and in 1993 from London Baptist Bible College (now Heritage Baptist College and Seminary) with a Bachelor of Religious Education in Church Ministry.

Pastor Mike has had experience in a number of areas: worship leading, Youth and Young adults pastor, some leadership training, preaching and teaching, and missions. He also spent 18 months in Massachusetts, working as a child care counsellor for abused children. Pastor Mike recently spent two years with SIM in Niger, West Africa, working with the youth in that country, as well as participating in ministry to the missionary community. He has had experience with many Christian traditions: Anglican, Brethren, Wesleyan, Baptist, being in the employ of the Wesleyan and Baptist traditions.

Pastor Mike and Elsa are very excited to become a part of the Safe Haven Community and look forward with great anticipation to the work God has for them here!