Garreth is married to Katie and they have three children, Eva, Norah and Daniel. After struggling to understand life’s meaning and his place in the world, Garreth became a Christ-follower during a three month missions trip to Kenya. Garreth’s heart is to see everyone at Cypress equipped for ministry, engaged in community, and living their lives for Jesus. He received his Bachelor’s in Christian Ministry from Biola University in 2013 and Master’s Degree from Western Seminary in 2019.
Our Elders
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BASILIO MARTINEZ | Last Names C - F
Basilio Martinez is married to Valerie and they have six children, Matthew, Benjamin, Jacob, Madison, Ashley, and Lucas. Basilio and Valerie have been a part of Cypress since 2012 after moving back into the Monterey area. Both Basilio and Valerie have served in children’s and youth ministries at Cypress. Basilio and his family have also been involved in missions to Mexico. Currently, Basilio serves on the Cypress Missions and Finance teams.
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JOHN FAVERO | Last Names G - K
John Favero and his wife, Philayna, were both born in Salinas. They have been married for 35 years and reside in Corral De Tierra. They have a daughter and four grandchildren in Salinas. Both are retired educators: Philayna from elementary and charter education, and John is a retired high school administrator. They have attended Cypress for 8 years and have been active in small groups and in the hospitality ministry. John is a member of the Cypress Staff Support Team and has assisted with Men’s Ministry.
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Dave Anderson | Last Names L - M
Dave & Margie have been married for 48 years, attended Cypress for over 40 years, helped build our church and raised their two sons here. Dave is a retired teacher in the Pacific Grove School District. He's served the Lord on mission trips to Ecuador, Kenya & Sudan; by singing in choir, teaching Sunday School, preaching at Cypress Gonzales, discipling younger men, teaching a Spreckels Good News Club, and as committee chairman for CEF Monterey, Santa Cruz, & San Benito counties. Dave loves the Lord, the gospel, and teaching about Jesus.
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BRIAN NELSON | Last Names N - R
Brian Nelson is from San Francisco and married his wife MaryJo in 1993. Together they have five children. At previous churches, Brian has served as a deacon and youth group leader. Both began attending Cypress in 2015 after moving to the East Garrison Community. Brian presently serves on the usher team, security team and the Nelsons host the East Garrison Cypress Small Group. Brian presently works for the City of Monterey and Manages Operations at Monterey Harbor. Captain MaryJo owns and operates Beachhopper II Diving Charters in Monterey.
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BEN SOBELS | last names s-t
Ben is married to Joni. They have five kids, all of whom they’ve launched! Ben grew up in Australia and got saved while caddying on golf’s PGA Tour in 1995. He graduated from Dallas Theological Seminary with a Master of Theology degree in 2000. Ben became our senior pastor in 2010. He is passionate about preaching the gospel, making disciples, and planting churches. He recently wrote a book with his good friend, Bill Hull, that is titled The Discipleship Gospel.
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Paul Cripe | Last Names U - z
Paul and his wife, Bobbi, have been married for 40 years. They have two daughters and one granddaughter. They have attended Cypress since 2015 and are involved in a small group and serve in the Cypress food pantry. Paul is a retired mathematics professor for Modesto Junior College, and Bobbi is a retired 4th grade teacher for Modesto City Schools.
