Meet Our Church
Meet our Church Leaders
Pastor Ray Hileman
Born and raised in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Ray has been an ordained pastor for 35 years in the Church of the Brethren. He received his Master of Arts in New Testament studies from the Ashland Theological Seminary in Ohio. This August will mark Ray’s 4th year with Miami First. Along pastoral duties at Miami First, Ray serves Chair of the Church Development Council in the Atlantic Southwest District.
Ray and his wife Cindy have been married for 33 years and have two beautiful children, Mike and Leah – both have followed in his footsteps dedicating their lives to the Christian ministry.
Hobbies:
Ray enjoys music, old movies, reading, walking and being with people for fellowship. Ray and Cindy both love South Florida, and the people of Miami First. And whenever it gets just a little stressful – hey, the beach is only minutes away!
Best Books I’ve Ever Read:
The Cross of Christ by John. R. W. Stott
Centennial by James Michener
Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire by Jim Cymbala
Favorite Verse(s): Ephesians 2:8 – 10
People I Would Love To Spend A Day With: My best friend, Pastor Reid Firestone and The Apostle Paul
Michaela Camps-Alphonse - Licensed Minister
Michaela (Kayla) Camps-Alphonse has been a member of Miami First Church of the Brethren since 1993. The church’s willingness to let its youth take part in leading worship has nurtured Michaela’s desire to be a servant of Christ and her ability to be a leader. Since then, she has participated in many denominational activities including Ministry Summer Service, Annual Conference, and National Youth Conference. Currently she is the program director for Camp Ithiel in Gotha, FL and co-worker with her husband, Ilexene Alphonse, for New Covenant School of St. Louis du Nord, Haiti. Miami First Church of the Brethren has been an inspiration to Michaela through its ministry of caring, simplicity and service. She is honored to serve God and the church by being a member of the board and a licensed minister.
Brad Ginter – Church Board ChairBrad Ginter – Board Chair
Brad has been apart of Miami First since 1994. In 2008 he was voted as Board Chair. As a service worker in Miami with the Mennonite Central Committee, Brad has worked tirelessly to provide immigration assistance and legal representation to asylum-seekers and others since 1997. Celebrating his 31st year of marriage to Sharon Ginter in 2009, both are passionate supporters of immigration rights in the South Florida community.
Shirley E.An active member of Miami First since 1994, Shirley Encarnacion, has worked side by side with the church board on the nurturing committee providing and coordinating meals for numerous events, including her delicious and artistic cakes. She was officially voted onto the board in 2008. Shirley is a seasoned healthcare professional working as nurse for over 40 years. Married for 37 years, Shirley has 2 children, Kevin and Karen.
Hobbies: Baking, Cake Decorating, Enjoy traveling, entertaining, singing, reading, crocheting.
Favorite Bible Verses: Psalm 121