Greetings from Pelly Fellowship Chapel. It was my pleasure to interview Pastor Ryan Rear and his lovely wife Uma on October 10, 2024—one year to the day from when they arrived. We were so excited to have a pastor again.

Pastor Ryan and Uma have been a pastoral couple with the EMC for about 10 years. Previously they worked with Youth for Christ—both take a personal interest in youth. Ryan and Uma came to Pelly to grow the church and are sharing Christ wherever they can with whoever will listen. They saw the potential Christ has for Pelly and felt strongly this was where God wanted them to be. Each one brings their own gifts, and they work together as God intended a pastor couple to work. Watching the two of them, I can see that they work very well together—like a hand fits in a glove.

Ryan and Uma have been in ministry for over 30 years and are semi-retired, but they still want to serve and build a church and work in a community. Pastor Ryan has connected with some of the congregation through personal interests like fishing and hunting. Uma enjoys cooking and reading, getting together with women and enjoying the fellowship together with them. They love the small quiet town of Pelly and are involved in the community, volunteering in things that interest each of them.

Before I left, I asked each of them for a favourite verse and why they chose it. Uma said 2 Corinthians 5:14–15. Why is it her favourite? Uma realizes she can only operate with Christ. Christ alone gives her encouragement and peace to do things God’s way.

Pastor Ryan chose 2 Timothy 1:12. Why is it his favourite? Pastor Ryan said this is one of his favourites because the verse has inspired him during ministry and encourages him.

Ryan and Uma have big hearts for Christ and want to do nothing less than his will.