Henry counts it a privilege of his to have always worked with growing churches.  

Ministry Experience

• Graduated from Bible College in 1984.
• Led churches for over 20 years as senior pastor.  Built diverse ministry teams with both larger and smaller churches. 
• Served at Northeast Christian College as teacher, chairman of the board, then principal.
• Taught church growth methods around North America and overseas.   
• Taught hundreds of home Bible studies, developed complete evangelism/church leadership and Bible study courses.
• Held denominational offices like District board member, Home Missions Director for starting new churches, etc.

Other Education and Community Experience

• Learned French
• Set- up church sponsored day care, non-profit housing, and a homeless shelter, etc.
• Graduated in International Business in French, leading the class, for Certified International Trade Professionalism status (2007), excelling in small to mid-size business planning.   
• Completed the 21 courses for certification with Harvard Manage Mentor (2010)
• Completed Federal government Labour Market and Social Development Programs training (2010)  

Pastor Poitras followed the call of God to Bethel here in Calgary from New Brunswick in July, 2007. With the way Bethel has potential and is growing, a fresh chapter in each one of Pastor Henry's experiences is well underway, along with his seemingly always having vision that entails new challenges.
You can call him "Pastor Henry", that is very much welcome. However, if you want a lesson in French, the name "Poitras", which is a very well known name in Quebec, is pronounced much like "Pwa-tra".
We're glad for what Pastor Poitras brings to Bethel, but also for the fact that it is backed by his emphasis on the work that only God can get done, as we pray. God knows what He is doing with providing us such a pastor.

Rosanne Poitras
Rosanne attended the same Bible college as her husband, after studying in teaching at the University of New Brunswick . Her music, Sunday School work, love for children and work with Ladies functions have been highlights in her church work over the years of their ministry. You will enjoy her pleasant spirit.

Their Family
Pastor Henry and Rosanne have two children; young adults. Joleen is a High student at our Bethel Christian Academy and is excelling in piano, singing and sewing. Trevin, their eldest, has recently completed a degree in Economics at the University of Calgary and is completing a Teaching English as a Second Language program. Their cat’s name is Sicily.  She spends her time waiting for Trevin to forget and leave his bedroom door open.  

When Tina speaks about Christianity people listen. Her spirit is very appreciated at both Bethel Church and School. She studied at University of New Brunswick, is a grandmother and a licensed minister. Tina is a wealth of knowledge and support at Bethel Christian Academy and Church.

tbetts@encountergod.org

Mr. Denny is a very experienced licensed school teacher of especially high school math and sciences.  He is also well developed at working with Alberta Ed in general, and in working with Alberta Ed. Distance Learning... along with being a noted builder of Christian school programs.  We are blessed to have him at Bethel.   His traditional classroom teaching style with Math and Sciences for High School, and for enrichment classes for the younger ages is very much appreciated.  He enjoys the low teacher – student ratio Bethel has in the classroom.  He also enjoys and excels in his time with the students in chapel, and with them with music/guitar and phys ed. 

tdenney@encountergod.org

Catherine Burrell joins Bethel Christian Academy this year as the new Senior High School English and Social Studies Teacher.  Originally from the province of Ontario, Catherine received her Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Waterloo.  She then received a Bachelor of Education from the prestigious University of Western Ontario where she graduated from the Junior/ Intermediate teaching division with Honours.  In addition to her teacher training, Catherine has specializations in Special Education, Early Childhood Education, Reading Intervention, and English as a Second Language. 

In 2008, Catherine completed a Master’s Equivalent in the area of Social History, and is currently working towards getting her research findings published in the next few years.  In her spare time, Catherine enjoys attending church, reading, and physical activities.  She is an avid writing and blogger, and enjoys educating her peers on anything from fashion and relationships to religion and God. 

Catherine feels very blessed to be at Bethel Christian Academy this year. She loves the Lord and is happy to be in a position where she can glorify Him and worship Him freely.  Catherine is also excited to join the stellar staff of teachers and administrators.  She has been welcomed into the BCA community with warm, loving arms and is excited to continue the Lord’s work in a wonderful family. 

cburrell@encountergod.org

Trevin holds a Bachelor of Arts - Economics from the University of Calgary.  He feels himself blessed to have watched God do a great work in several different situations.  During the entire summer of 2006 he visited and was a part of the work in Ghana, West Africa, ministering to people of all age levels.  He also took an active role in ministry in churches in Eastern Canada, including founding a successful youth program.  Trevin is very excited about what God is doing and will do through Bethel for youth and for the awesome metropolitan region of Calgary.

tpoitras@encountergod.org