Plenary Speakers
Our speakers all have different backgrounds and stories, but they are Christians who are committed to spreading the good news of the Gospel to all nations.
Jassie Virk
Co-host Alpha Youth Series, Alpha
Jassie came to faith in Jesus as a high school student and has since then been passionate about sharing her story with others. Jassie first became involved with Alpha by organizing a course for her friends at her school. She then went on to work with Alpha, helping other students run it in their own schools and contexts. She also became one of the hosts in the Alpha Youth Series. She lives in Vancouver, BC.
Favorite movie genre and favorite movie: Harry Potter and comedy
Favorite Ethnic Food: Chinese food
How you like to spend your free time when you aren’t speaking at Student ConneXion: Reading, spending time with my dog and friends, traveling to new places
Avery Stafford
Lead Pastor, Common Ground Church
I serve as lead pastor at Common Ground Church in Beaverton, OR. I hold a B.S. in Christian Ministry from Abilene Christian University, an M.A. in Pastoral Studies from Multnomah Biblical Seminary, and a D.Min. in Missional Leadership from Multnomah. By God’s grace, I have served in pastoral ministry for over thirty years. Musically, I have recorded six albums and written a catalog of songs. In November, 2021, Wipf & Stock published my new book, When Collaboration Mirrors the Trinity: Leveraging Unity to Bless Our World. My favorite moments in life are enjoying the Oregon coast with my wife and experiencing Pacific Northwest adventures with family and friends.
When describing myself in one word, I usually say “bridge-builder.” Many generous people have poured countless time and energy into my life, which is a testament to God’s grace and favor. I am committed to doing the same for others. I want people to discover the depths of the love of God in their lives. In that sense, I am a bridge-builder.
Favorite movie genre and favorite movie: Science Fiction and Fantasy, The Lord of the Rings Trilogy
Favorite Ethnic Food: Chinese
How you like to spend your free time when you aren’t speaking at Student ConneXion: Anything music (writing, singing, recording, listening)
Hung Thach
Team Leader, Cru
Hung and his family fled from war torn South Vietnam in 1975, came to the United States, and was sponsored by a local Church in Chattanooga, TN. He and his wife Angela have been married for 27 years and have three children, Caleb, Brooke, and Jericho. They have served with Cru for the past 25 years, and Hung currently serves as the Team Leader for Cru’s High School ministry in Los Angeles.
Favorite movie genre and favorite movie: Action/Braveheart/Marvel End Game
Favorite Ethnic Food: Vietnamese
How you like to spend your free time when you aren’t speaking at Student ConneXion:Traveling with family, watching movies, date nights with Angie, and working out
Register Soon!
Student Connexion strives to provide a launching point for youth into a lifetime involvement of SERVING JESUS through missions and ministry by connecting them with the mission field of TODAY! Join us on November 10-11, 2023.