Pastor

Gérard Nsabimana

 

Pastor Gérard is an ordained Elder in the Oklahoma Conference of the United Methodist Church.

Prior to moving to Shawnee Wesley United Methodist Church, he served for seven years at Stroud First United Methodist Church. He also served as the director of the Wesley Foundation the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond.

Gérard completed his seminary education at Duke Divinity School in Durham, North Carolina in May 2011. Prior to his seminary education, Gérard completed graduate studies at Oklahoma State University where he earned a Master of Sciences degree in Agricultural Economics in May 2005. Gérard is also a graduate of Africa University – a United Methodist related institution of higher education located in Zimbabwe. It is at Africa University where Gérard earned a bachelor’s degree of Science in Agriculture and Natural Resources in May 2002.

Gérard is a native of the small east African Country of Burundi.  He is married to Alina, a native of Romania in Europe. Gérard and Alina have three girls Alexia, Nadine and Théa.

Gérard enjoys and treasures meeting new people and hearing every person’s sacred story. 

Administrative Assistant

Dave Larson
 
Dave is a native of the Los Angeles area, where he graduated from Downey High. He came to OBU and completed his degree in Music Education (major: organ). He has led an interesting life, having had careers with the Postal Service, several different restaurant chains, several businesses of his own, three plus years in Iraq, and now Administrative Assistant at Wesley.
 
His wife, Janice, is a local girl, graduating from Earlsboro High. Her career has mostly been in healthcare. She is currently a unit secretary at St. Anthony Shawnee. Between them, they have six children, and fourteen grands.
 
In his spare time, he enjoys reading and listening to music – classical, mostly, but he also enjoy other styles, pretty eclectic. He enjoys puzzles and problem solving. Among hobbies, he enjoys wood-working, gardening, genealogy, and has collected stamps and coins.
 
Dave says, “Jan and I both love the Lord and try to share His love with those we meet.”

Nursery Director

Janet Henry
 
​Janet began working in PDO in September of 1995 and became the director in August of 2004. She recalls, “I wanted to be around small children again – mine were all in school.” And to this day here favorite part of the job is simply, the children.
 
Janet has been married to husband Rick for 31 years. They have four children and eight grandchildren. They enjoy family time and mini vacations together.
 
Janet loves her work at the church and says, “I’m just very thankful to be a part of this church family.”

Worship Arts Director

David Haberland
 
David’s love for music, worship and the dramatic arts goes way back. He first began singing in church choirs when he was five years old. He toured and performed with several contemporary Christian groups, including Selah and New Creation. He was a top ten finalist twice in the Branson Gospel Music Showdown. He attended college at the University of Kentucky, where he majored in Vocal and Music Education
 
Domino’s Pizza brought him to Oklahoma, where he franchised, owned and operated seven stores. Domino’s also brought David and his family to Wesley. He donated pizzas for a Wesley Vacation Bible School one summer. The nice people at VBS invited the Haberland family to church, and they soon became members.
Wesley UMC and David have some great memories together. He directed the production of the Living Last Supper at Wesley for seven years. He also helped form Wesley’s first Praise Team and helped to lead it for ten years.
 
When asked about his passions in life, David wrote, “First of all, my lovely wife, Angie, our children – Chase, Shauna and John – and our seven grandkids. I love the OKC Thunder, golfing, walking, traveling and most of all singing and praising the Lord. I am so excited to be back at Wesley, and look forward to spending time in fellowship and worship with all of you.”

Newsletter Editor

Loretta Smith
 
Loretta Smith retired from Rosebure, Bailey & Craig Insurance in July 2002 after working there for 37 years. She and Vaden will have been married for 54 years June 2nd. We met and married in Shawnee. After Vaden finished his service time in 1963, we moved back to Shawnee. We have three daughters, three granddaughters, one grandson and two great grandsons. We joined Wesley in 1964. I always enjoyed and depended on the Wesley Newsletter. When there was an opening about 2 years ago, I became the editor. I still enjoy and depend on the Newsletter.
 
 
 

Youth Director

Zach Foster

Zach came to Wesley in 2018. Before coming to Wesley, Zach was a Sports Coordinator for the YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City. He was a activate member of the Youth Camps, he is currently a Dean for Camp Spark. Camp Spark is a United Methodist camp for 6th grade through Graduated Seniors at Canyon Camp.

Zach played baseball growing up and was able to enjoy playing it in college as well. He is a huge fan of the Sooners, Thunder, and St Louis Cardinals. Zach enjoys playing a multitude of sports. He plays in adult leagues for softball and basketball. He also enjoys to play golf and disc golf with his friends. The most interesting activity he participates in is competitive horseshoe pitching. He competes individually and in doubles. If you want to know more about horseshoes, he would love to talk about it with you. When Zach is not being active, he enjoys playing video games, board games, and reading a good book.

 Favorite Color: Blue

 Favorite Food: Macaroni and Cheese

 Favorite Dessert: No Bake Cookies or German Chocolate Cake

 Favorite TV Show: The Office

 Favorite Quote: “Love is the most important thing in the world, but baseball is pretty good, too.” Yogi Berra

Children’s Director 

Kim Bussell
 

Hello Church Family, 

I am Kimberly Bussell, and I am the new Children’s Director for Wesley UMC. Some of you I have gotten to know me, but there are still so many faces that I haven’t met. I grew up in McAlester my entire life, and my parents still live there. It was my home church where I fell in love with God, and from there each chapter of my life has brought me closer to Him. I went to college at ECU where I graduated there with a degree in Elementary education.  I have been married to my husband, Jacob Bussell, for 10 years now. We have three children, Josiah, Elizabeth, and Emma. I currently stay home with my youngest, but come next year I will be back in the workforce of education. 

I am so excited to be a part of the church and to work together to help grow the children’s program. I have had my hand in in children’s ministry ever since my home church that I grew up in allowed me to help in extended care. I had the privilege to teach Sunday School for the past year and a half at my previous church. I truly enjoy teaching children and watching their love for God blossom and mature. My goal for each child that comes through our children’s ministry is to have a strong foundation of the Bible, Old and New Testament. I want them to know of God’s great love and how through each book of the Bible, you can see God’s love.



Facility Manager

Roger McClain