MEET OUR LEADERS

LEAD PASTOR – REV. CHUCK AUSTIN

Hi!  And welcome to the leader page on the BVC Website.  I’m Chuck…and have been lead pastor here at BVC since 2012.  My main focus is to equip people to do ministry (and have fun doing it!).  I graduated from San Jose State University (so I’m a local guy) as well as Denver Seminary.  It brings joy to my heart to see people become committed followers of Jesus Christ.  I enjoy hanging out with friends, reading, and traveling.  I’ve been to Guatemala, Brazil, and the Philippines on various missions trips.  I’m married to Janice and we have two grown children as well as one grandson.  I also work part-time for the San Francisco Giants in Guest Services which has enabled me to walk in two World Series parades!  Should you have any questions regarding our church, feel free to reach out to me!

Hello! My name is Les Cubero. I am currently the president of the board at Berryessa Valley Church. I have been attending BVC since 2014. My wife and I, along with our two daughters, and one son feel right at home here. I am also the Praise and Worship leader. Growing up, music and art has always been a part of me and now I serve God by using the talents he’s gifted me. Outside of church, I am a second grade teacher. I believe God’s called me to be a light not only to the BVC community but also to my students, colleagues, and friends He has placed in my life. Thanks for checking out our BVC page. We would love to welcome you to our family here at Berryessa Valley Church.

Santino Fortes – Father, coach, and teacher. I have been serving in church ministry and in the local community for the over 20 years. Church events, sports, bible studies and camp ministry has always been the focus of my life. The Lord has blessed me with all my needs and has gifted me with abilities to serve God’s children regardless of age. I’m always ready for the Lord’s next assignment to be used to educate, encourage and support those who are seeking to know Jesus Christ. Do you know Jesus? Let me tell you what he’s done for me.  

I am Ysmael Gajardo , migrated to the United States from the Philippines in 1977 when i was 20 years old. I have attended BVC for many years…which was called Berryessa Baptist Fellowship Church now called Berryessa Valley Church. I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior and baptized when i was 11 or 12 years old . I currently also serve in the sound ministry.

My mother knew the Lord and went to church when I was young. I went to camp as a Junior Higher and understood what it meant to receive Christ but did not make any decision…it was a couple months later in my bedroom I accepted the Lord personally.

Going to church was a part of my life in high school. I had a great mentor that taught Sunday School. By the time I was a senior I had preached a couple of sermons in the evening. I felt God wanted me in technical missions but had no clue how that would play out. College was fantastic as I went to a NIT in Los Angeles and found a church with a great youth ministry. Soon I was teaching the Sunday School College age group and ministering in the church’s hospital ministry.

Met my wife and knew God had sent her early on. We were married and began looking for a mission field. We found Trans World Radio and went to Florida to serve there. We always involved in the local church in the youth ministry.

In 1979 we moved to California and the SJ area. God has allowed us to be part of several churches in the valley but always in the missions group. This is what became our personal focus. In the past years it has also led to serving with a mission group along the Rio Coco River in Nicaragua.

I presently head up the missions outreach in addition to the new Multi-Purpose Building project here at BVC.

I am Joven Gajardo, eldest of the five children of Jose and Marina Gajardo. I was born and grew up in the Philippines. I am married to Eufemia for 43 years with three children(all boys). I grew up in a God fearing family and accepted Jesus as my Lord and personal Savior during my high school years. I was very much involved in church activities while attending Pasay Baptist Church in the Philippines. Finished my studies in the Philippines with a degree in Civil Engineering. I start attending Berryessa Baptist Church, now Berryessa Valley Church, when I migrated to the United States in 1979. At present I am serving as a Board member at Berryessa Valley Church.