Ryan and Kelly took the helm of Desert Willow Church in February of 2024 after serving as Assemblies of God US Missionaries with Chi Alpha Campus Ministries for 24 years. The Ribelins served at Northern Arizona University from 2000-2024 reaching and discipling university students. Their vision for Desert Willow Church is to make disciples of Jesus who will make disciples (2 Timothy 2:2). They want to see the Verde Valley and the world transformed by Jesus. Both Ryan and Kelly are ordained ministers with the Assemblies of God and love ministering in the Arizona Ministry Network. Come check out our church and see if we could be your new church family! 

Kirk Hessler is the leader of Desert Willow Church's Men's Ministry and also serves as a deacon. After a 47 year career in banking, Kirk and his wife, Jill, retired and relocated to the beautiful Verde Valley from Bakersfield, CA. Kirk was called into ministry nearly 50 years ago with Youth for Christ/Campus Life as a volunteer, club director, board member, and eventually Executive Director of Youth for Christ of the Desert in Palm Springs, CA. He has also served as a church pastor, elder, and director of men's ministries at various times throughout his years of ministry. Kirk and Jill have three grown children and six grandchildren.