AOH Speakers and Musicians 2008
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Barry C. Black
U.S. Senate Chaplain
In June of 2003, Rear Admiral Barry C. Black was appointed the 62nd Chaplain to the United States Senate. This appointment made Black the first military chaplain, the first Seventh-day Adventist, and the first African American to fill the position, which was first established in 1789. As chaplain, Black's days include advising senators on the ethical aspects of legislation, counseling individuals and running seven Bible study groups, whose participants range from senators to cafeteria workers — as well as an extensive schedule of speaking engagements. This gives him the opportunity to be pastor to about 7,000 people, providing not only for the spiritual needs of 100 senators and their families, but also for the thousands who make up the Senate side of Capitol Hill.

Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Black felt a calling to ministry from an early age. His mother, Pearline, who was baptized into the Seventh-day Adventist Church while she was pregnant with Barry, prayed that God would bless her unborn child in a special way. Raising eight children on her own in the inner city, Pearline taught them the importance of a relationship with God and promoted education as a means to escape a dissolute life of poverty.

Black attended Adventist schools through college, earning his Bachelor of Arts in Theology from Oakwood College in 1970 (where he met his beautiful wife, Brenda Pearsall) and his Master of Divinity degree from Andrews Theological Seminary in 1973.

While pastoring in North Carolina, Black discovered that several African American servicemen drove hours from Norfolk, VA to attend his services. When he asked them why they didn’t worship on base, he was told that they could find no black clergy in the Navy. This gave him the idea of joining the service, and he often refers to the illustrious 27-year career that followed as “a protracted honeymoon.”

Black’s military duties didn’t deter his passionate commitment to continued education. In addition to acquiring additional Master of Arts degrees in counseling (1978) and management (1989), he received a Doctorate degree in Ministry (1982) and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Psychology (1996).

Black’s outstanding service led to his becoming Deputy Chief of Chaplains in 1997 and Chief of Navy Chaplains in 2000. As Rear Admiral, his personal decorations included the Navy Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal (two medals), Meritorious Service Medals (two awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals (two awards), and numerous unit awards, campaign, and service medals.

In addition to his numerous military service awards, Chaplain Black has been selected for many other outstanding achievements. Of particular note, he was chosen from 127 nominees for the 1995 NAACP Renowned Service Award for his contribution to equal opportunity and civil rights. He also received the 2002 Benjamin Elijah Mays Distinguished Leadership Award from The Morehouse School of Religion.  In 2004, the Old Dominion University chapter of the NAACP conferred on him the Image Award, “Reaffirming the Dream — Realizing the Vision” for military excellence.

Chaplain Black and his wife Brenda have been blessed with three sons: Barry II, Brendan, and Bradford.

Jennifer LaMountain
Thousands worldwide have witnessed the grace and passion of Jennifer's ministry. Her soprano voice rings with a clarity and precision that comes from a background in vocal teaching, performance and now nearly a decade of international concert ministry. Her dynamic presence and exceptional musical talent are the tools she uses to help others experience the abundant life Christ offers to them.

This former Tennessee girl who regularly sang specials for church with her two older sisters found herself exploring music and the stage early in life. From her first church solo at age three, to her roles in opera, to regular appearances on religious television and worldwide satellite programming, Jennifer continues to inspire listeners.

The best place to experience Jennifer LaMountain’s extraordinary vocal gift is live on the concert stage. It has been said you can see straight through to her soul as the melodies and lyrics flow from her lips. The listener is drawn to the source of Jennifer’s dynamic passion — the very heart of Jesus.

On September 11, 2001, when the nation struggled for answers to its tragedy, Jennifer and her fellow musician Kelly Mowrer found a way to encourage and honor the heroes of 9-11. The Telly award-winning song Together We Will Stand reminded a grieving nation that God was still in control.

Jennifer’s recordings are a clear testament to her desire to lead her listeners into an encounter with their personal Savior. Her newest release, “Confessions”, is her largest project to date. Featuring hymns, this collection carries the timeless messages of these songs within the swell of a full orchestra, a fanfare of brass, a Spanish guitar, the warmth of a piano, the simplicity of a solo violin, and of course, the warm and lyrical tones of Jennifer’s voice.

There is one message, above all others, that remains most important to Jennifer. Above all she longs for every person to experience first-hand the love of Jesus. She states “Once we understand the depth of His love for us — the incredible value He places upon our lives — we are forever changed. I believe that an understanding of Christ’s life, crucifixion, and victory over death become the path in which we understand our worth to Him. When we look into the eyes of the one who risked everything to be with us, it alters our outlook and equips us for success. No longer are we timid or fearful.  We can be hopeful, happy, confident, bold — all because we are children of a loving God!”

Life for this child of God is fuller than it's ever been. Last July, Jennifer and husband Lynell welcomed adorable Garrison Chase into their lives. With a new baby, a new album and a busy touring schedule, Jennifer is energized about sharing God's love with those who are seeking greater purpose and happiness in their own life.

Kermit Netteburg, Ph.D.
Kermit has a passion for sharing the gospel, whether that is on radio, in print, or through group Bible studies. A teacher for 25 years and an engaging public speaker, his background includes graduate degrees from the University of Colorado and University of Minnesota. Currently senior pastor of the Beltsville SDA Church in Maryland, Dr. Netteburg approaches ministry as a teaching profession, helping members exercise their spiritual gifts and helping everyone understand God's Word and God's love in new ways. He and his wife, Ronnalee, whose home is always open, have three adult children.

Joshua Tuburan
Joshua is a premier Christian recording artist and award-winning pianist whose music ministry has inspired and blessed congregations in North America and abroad in locations such as Peru, Thailand, Jamaica, the Philippines and Guam.

Joshua began formal piano lessons at age five and made his performing debut at age eight. By age thirteen, he discovered and began developing his abilities in songwriting and arranging. While completing his high school education at Loma Linda Academy, Joshua arranged several hymns and wrote original songs. His musical efforts were materialized in the summer of 1996 with the release of his debut album titled Jesus, My Redeemer.

By June 2001, Joshua graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music and released a second album titled Jericho. Since then, he has won local renown with thrilling performances of his own compositions and arrangements (including his spine-tingling Jericho), and has received national notice with first and second place awards (for piano performance and composition, respectively) in the Gospel Music Association’s Music in the Rockies competition. In 2005, he released his third album, titled Joshua Tuburan.

In addition to part-time music ministry at local churches and with the vocal group With Praise, Joshua is active as a music minister, piano instructor, studio musician and songwriter in Southern California. He is currently a piano instructor/staff accompanist at California State University in San Bernardino.

Asked what he hopes to achieve with his music ministry, Joshua states “It is my desire that my music not only glorifies God but also encourages non-believers to develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ while affirming believers to continually advance the kingdom of God ‘to all nations, tribes and tongues.’”

Fred Kinsey
Elder Fred Kinsey serves as assistant to the president for communication at the North American Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. He coordinates corporate communication for the Seventh-day Adventist Church in North America and also serves as president of the Adventist Media Center in Southern California. Prior to joining the Division in 2005, he was chair of the Communication Department at Pacific Union College where he taught classes in design, debate and public relations. For 20 years he worked in the Northern California Conference as the communication and stewardship directors and assistant to the president. He also has experience in commercial radio. A few years ago he was the classical announcer for the Earthlink Radio Network. Kinsey and his wife Lynette live in Beltsville and have two adult children.

Veruschka Zarate
Veruschka Zarate is the loving wife of Gustavo A. Zarate and the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Valenzuela. She has been involved in music ministry and has studied voice for the past 8 years. Veruschka has recorded three CDs and has been featured in numerous others. Veruschka begain singing at the age of 15 after giving her life to Jesus in the River Jordan. She has been a featured soloist and performer at many events including: the telecast of Net ’98, Connections ’99 in Washington DC, International Pathfinder Camporee ’99 in Wisconsin, the Euro-African Division Youth Congress in Lisbon, Portugal, Net 2000 in France, General Conference Session 2000 in Toronto, Canada, ASI convention ’04 in Ohio, attended GMA (Gospel Music Association) in 2000 and much more. She has been a featured performer in churches, universities and hospitals in the US, France, Switzerland, Italy, Portugal, Denmark, Germany, Brazil, Mexico, Canada and Puerto Rico. Presently she is a part of the music team for the It Is Written television evangelism program, and a featured soloist on the Voice of Prophecy radio broadcast. Her passion, however, lies with Living Ministry and their mission to transform families in crisis to families in Christ. Veruschka provides the special music and songs of inspiration during and throughout the Living Ministry seminars. She is currently pursuing a Masters degree from Fuller Theological Seminary in Marriage and Family Therapy. She is also nationally certified in Family Wellness.

Karl Haffner
Karl teaches, preaches, writes and still dreams of playing a game of golf with Tiger Woods (fat chance!). He is crazy about his wife Cherié and his daughters Lindsey and Claire. He also loves good stories, frequent flier miles, and ice cream (he even orders broccoli à la mode).

Karl is senior pastor of the College Church at Walla Walla College and founding pastor of North Creek Christian Fellowship (Bothell, WA) and The Church of Acts (Walla Walla, WA). He has BA degrees in theology and business from Walla Walla College, a Masters of Business Administration degree from Pacific Lutheran University, a Masters of Divinity degree and a Doctor of Philosophy degree from Andrews University.

He is an award-winning author of several books, including Soul Matters, Pilgrim’s Problems, The Cure for the Last Daze, Out of the Hot Tub, The Cure for Soul Fatigue, and Diaper University. He has also written hundreds of articles published in many different journals and currently writes a regular column for four publications: Insight, Gleaner, Perspective Digest, and Adventist Review Online.

Karl travels whenever he can and preaches wherever he can. He is amazed daily by God’s acceptance and is committed to communicating that grace to others.

Steve Darmody
Ever since his teenage years, Steve Darmody has answered God’s call to share the gospel message through music. He received his Masters of Divinity degree in 1981. The same year Steve ventured into an enlarged music ministry by recording his first album, Friends, in Nashville with one of gospel music's foremost arrangers, Lari Goss. Steve's next album, Constant Refuge, was produced by award-winning songwriter and arranger, Dick Tunney. Steve himself produced a Christmas collection, and recently returned to Nashville to work with old friend, Lari Goss, to produce a collection of Hymns on Heaven and the Second Coming. His next album was a collection of new inspirational smooth jazz songs entitled, One More Day. Steve has recently completed work on his seventh and most ambitious CD, “The Time That Remains”, which features lush orchestrations backing Steve’s rich, velvety baritone as he renders powerful interpretations of inspirational songs both old and new.
For more than twenty-five years Steve has been a touring Christian artist, performing over 100 concerts each year internationally. Since 1990, he has been ministering through music full-time while managing the growth of Morning Song Music as its founder and president.

Steve has shared his music ministry in churches, revivals, college campuses, and youth festivals, as well as prisons and military bases. He has been the featured soloist for two international evangelistic video series, and has appeared on numerous international telecasts including The Quiet Hour’s Windows of Hope.

Steve's focus in music ministry is to bring people to the frontier of a new experience through the unique power music has to touch people “beyond words; to touch people with the same old story but through a medium which penetrates the barriers of familiarity...” Combined with Steve's ability to be open and caring, his concerts move beyond just music to a personal encounter. People appreciate Steve's spiritual approach to sharing concerts.

Steve's wife, Joni, and their two adult children, Alan and Jaclyn, are important priorities in his life.