Seven talented, energetic people have responded to God’s call to spend one school year at Portland Fellowship. They will live in community in Fellowship House, study under some of Portland’s finest teachers, and assist in PF’s ministries. We are humbled by the array of gifts and experiences these folk will bring. Please welcome:

ed murphy
Ed Murphy, 35, hails from Bakersfield, CA, but is no stranger to Portland as he has just recently completed certificate work at Multnomah Biblical Seminary. Prior to his pursuit of a theological education, Ed worked in the world of Civil Engineering for nearly ten years. Increasingly, Ed has felt called to pursue a life offered up to God in service of those struggling with unhealthy and addictive behaviors. A close friend of his identified that passion by saying: “Ed desires to serve God, not out of duty, but out of an appreciation for what He has done for us.”

duan walker
Duan Walker, 28, was born in Arkansas and he and his family moved to the west coast at age 13. He current lives in Albany, OR, where he volunteers in a variety of ministries at his church: worship team, small group leader, publicity coordination, youth pastor’s administrative assistant. Since 1996, he has been working in a technical support role in the business world. Over the past three years he has been an active participant at PF and feels ready and called to counsel and pursue God in this area of ministry. “My passion is to assist people in addressing issues in their lives, so they are freed up to pursue God’s intended design for them.”
jimmy d'agosta
Jimmy D’Agosta, 23, has lived in Salem, OR for the last 5 years. He was born in Chattanooga, TN, but spent the majority of his youth in sunny Hemet, CA. He made the move to Salem to attend Corban College (formerly Western Baptist) where he received his bachelor’s degree in Biblical Studies. Following graduation he decided to stay in the area and work for the college as an Admissions Counselor. Jimmy looks forward to continuing his education by attending seminary while participating in the Upper Room Intern Program.
matt lieberman
Matt,30, who is Deaf, will be staying for his 2nd year. After completing the first year of Taking Back Ground, he decided he wanted to receive more training, leadership, and hands-on experience at Portland Fellowship. He is still introducing the Deaf Community to this unique ministry. Many hearing people have already heard that Jesus is a way out of homosexuality, but most in the Deaf Community have not. Right now, he wants to tell, teach, educate, inform and help the Deaf Community about homosexuality issues. He is thankful to Jesus for this opportunity. His favorite hobby is collecting colorful retro antiques from the 1950’s - 1970’s era.
richard t. welden
Richard T. Welden, 45, moved from Denver to Portland in 1998. He likes to refer to that course of events as, “the best move that God ever engineered for me.” He didn’t know about Portland Fellowship when he arrived, but God knew that it was just what he needed. The Lord put Richard on a path to bring him back to Himself and He used the Taking Back Ground program as a means to do so. “no matter what, God is always faithful and very persistent.” It was last summer that the Lord placed on his heart to go further and apply for the internship here at PF “I know this is what He wants for me at this time because He has blessed my every move.”
don hawes
Don Hawes, 47, lives in Oregon with his two children. He will be one of our non-residential Interns this year. Since 1982, he has owned and operated a hair-dressing business in Gresham. Over the two years of being involved with the Taking Back Ground program a remarkable transformation occurred in Don’s life that affected every relationship in his life. PF’s staff often refers to the smile on Don’s face as a wonderful indication of the joy he now radiates and embodies. He desires to see others find their way to Hope in Christ.
jeremy gordon-smith
Jeremy Gordon-Smith, 27, will be making the biggest move of all the interns to attend the program this year, as he relocates from England for the next ten months. World travel is nothing new for him. He spent the past five years with YWAM in South America ministering and leading teams across the continent, picking up Spanish and Portuguese along the way. Since 2001, he has had a deep desire to come alongside those struggling with homosexuality and offer hope and compassion. He desires to continue the counseling training he has received thus far in his years of ministry.