Staff
Our staff consists of two full-time pastors, and three support staff members. All staff serves in submission to the authority of the board of Elders and must meet the qualifications found in Scripture and the church bylaws, based on their roles.
Dave Ballast
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Benjamin Hardee
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Jessica Allen
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Lacy Lovett
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Jessica was born and raised on a farm in Gridley, KS. She graduated college from Emporia State University with a business degree in Information Management. Then she moved to Kansas City where she was a Software Developer/Project Manager/Supervisor for 12 years at DST. She met her husband Ashley at DST, who is a native Nebraskan. They were married in 2006, and they have 2 young boys. In 2016 they decided to move their family to Oskaloosa to be a part of a small town community. Jessica was a stay-at-home mom when they first moved to Oskaloosa, and after a few years became the secretary here at Living Water. She loves to make cards to send encouragement to others, cook, read, and be part of her boys’ active lives.
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Lacy has spent most of her life in the Midwest, punctuated by a semester in Germany, and a few years each in DC, Florida, and South Carolina. She graduated from MidAmerica Nazarene University, in Olathe, KS, with a bachelors degree in Business Administration & Communication. She has a background in non-profit, corporate, government, and healthcare fields, and is now a freelance writer and editor. Lacy and Mark have been married since 2011, and moved from Greenville, SC to Oskaloosa in 2014 to be closer to family, who are in the greater KC area and the greater St. Louis area. Lacy volunteers much of her time here at Living Water, which makes her inclusion as a staff member a natural fit. Her primary life calling is as a prayer warrior, and she feels strongly about discipleship and spiritual growth. When she isn't doing administrative work for Living Water or her local Christian writer's group, you can find her creating, with words, fabric, art/craft supplies, or other media.
Natalie Huff
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Elders
Our local church body is led by a board of elders, which is approved by the congregation. Elders are members of Living Water Evangelical Free Church and must meet certain qualifications as specified by Scripture (1 Timothy 3:1-7 & Titus 1:5-9), as well as the church bylaws, including maturity, godliness, and ongoing spiritual growth and education. An elder's term is 2 years, with a three-term limit. Our current elder board consists of 6 elders (including our Lead Pastor).
Bill Boatwright
Bill Boatwright grew up in Friendswood, Texas. He moved to Stillwater, OK in 1985, where he attended Oklahoma State University. He was saved by Jesus at the age of 21, and was called to missions trips in Africa, Central America, and Jamaica, before attending Grace Training Center in Kansas City, MO. Bill met his wife, Cheryl at church in Kansas City, and they've been married since 1996. Together they have a son, Will, who is fearfully and wonderfully made and brings joy to all who know him. The Boatwrights moved to Oskaloosa, where he is a mail carrier for the USPS. Bill is the newest member of our board of Elders.
John 15:9 {Jesus speaking} "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you; abide in my love."
John 15:9 {Jesus speaking} "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you; abide in my love."
John Brown
John was born in Oklahoma and was the 4th out of 16 siblings. John graduated valedictorian of his class. In Oklahoma he learned to farm, hunt, and fish, activities which he still enjoys. He moved to Kansas and began working at General Motors in 1964. While at General Motors John met Sarita. John was Sarita's team leader and boss at the plant. Sarita says, "she married John so that she could be his boss." They retired after 30 years and decided to build a log home near Winchester, Kansas. Building the log home was a challenge but John is efficient and always up to the task. They now enjoy the retired life with 3 children, 9 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren.
Bob Crowe
Bob was born in Battle Creek, Michigan and he and his family moved to Fresno, California when he was 12. He graduated from Reseda High School in 1965 and joined the Air Force that summer. He was stationed at Forbes Air Force Base in Topeka, Kansas and served there till 1968. Bob and his wife, Marlene, own and operate their own business, working on pollution control equipment in the canning and printing industry. Bob likes to hunt, fish, watch sports and has taught Sunday School and Bible Study classes for the past 35 years. He and Marlene have been married 50 years and have 3 children, 10 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. They have lived about 7 miles Northwest of Oskaloosa for the past 40 years.
Jon Henry
Jon is a native son of Jefferson County. He grew up in the Nortonville area 15 miles north of Living Water. Jon married Judy on August 29th 1987. Over the last 30 years they have raised 4 kids, 2 boys and 2 girls. Jon is in management at the Lawrence Paper Company where he has worked for 33 years. Jon loves to spend time outdoors hunting and fishing especially with his boys. Jon has served on the Oskaloosa School board for over 10 years and as an elder at Living Water church.
Jeff Stokes - Chairman
Jeff grew up in Merriam, KS and received a degree in Business Administration from Kansas University. He was a business owner for many years in real estate, construction and business consulting. His wife Lisa was born in Oklahoma and moved to Kansas City in her teens. Jeff and Lisa were high school sweethearts and married while in college. Lisa was instrumental in leading Jeff to understand the gospel through her witness. In college, Jeff and Lisa were active in a college discipleship group. After graduation, they served in many church roles including being part of 2 new church plants. In their last church in Shawnee, KS , Jeff served as a elder for 20+ years and 8 years as Executive Pastor. Lisa has served as Children’s and Women’s Director, and many other roles. Together they were active in LifeGroup leadership and the personal discipleship of others. Jeff and Lisa have 2 grown boys who are married and 3 grandchildren whom they adore. Jeff can be found on warm evening nights fishing on what the Jeff Co. locals affectionately call Lake “Dab O Water”. Lisa can be found in a flowerbed planting or pruning her favorite flowers. They enjoy traveling together (especially to warm climates). They moved to the McLouth area from Lenexa, Ks and love being part of Living Water Church.
Jeff is currently the chairman of our Elder Team.
Jeff is currently the chairman of our Elder Team.
