DISTRICT LEADERSHIP
“Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.” 1 Peter 5:2–3
District Superintendent: Rev. Michael Andrews
Hebrews 13:8
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, and forever.”
Mike and Eileen Andrews became Christians as older teenagers. Mike was born and raised in Phoenix, AZ and on the Pima Reservation south of Phoenix. He is from the Tohono O’odham Nation and Quechan Native American Tribe. Eileen was born in Chicago, IL and raised in the southwest suburbs of Chicago. She is of Mexican and German Heritages. They met in the summer of 1981 at a YMCA Camp in Michigan after both of them separately having attended two years of college. They have been part of the Church of the Nazarene for almost all of their married life of almost 44 years and have worked alongside the Southern Nevada/Arizona, Latin, and Southwest Native American Districts. Currently Mike is the District Superintendent of the Southwest Native American District Church of the Nazarene.
They served as missionaries with World Gospel Mission (WGM) for 15 years with the Latin American & Native American Fields. Prior to this, they worked with WGM’s Southwest Indian School in Peoria, AZ for four years. They were also part of CHIEF (Christian Hope Indian Eskimo Fellowship) Ministries for three years when Mike was the Latin American Liaison. Mike is an ordained elder with the Church of the Nazarene and Eileen is a registered nurse. They have traveled in 48 of the 50 United States plus have had travels to MANY countries and have lived in Costa Rica and Honduras, Central America. They have both been hospital chaplains at the Phoenix Indian Medical Center, worked in hospice and correctional institutions as a chaplain and nurse. Currently, in addition to District Superintendent responsibilities, Mike is a full-time chaplain with the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office. Eileen volunteers as Mike’s administrative assistant and is working part time as a school nurse.
The Andrews are the parents of two adult children who are both graduates of Arizona Christian University and married to amazing Christian spouses. Mike and Eileen are also the grandparents to six grandchildren (and others they have “adopted”). Some of the Andrews’ favorite leisure activities involve hiking (Mike), swimming (Eileen), meeting new people, camping, music, thrift store shopping, visiting,
and watching movies.
mikeandeileenandrews@gmail.com
District NYI President: Mrs. Danielle Nez
Danielle Nez serves as Senior Pastor alongside her husband, Ferlin, at Dilkon Nazarene Church. Together, they live and minister in Winslow, Arizona, where they are raising their family of 4 children and a daughter by marriage. Their family is deeply involved in both ministry and everyday life together, finding joy in cooking, traveling, pursuing adventures, enjoying game nights, sharing meals, and cheering on the athletes in their family. Above all, they cherish serving the Lord side by side and count it a true blessing to minister alongside their children.
Danielle and her family returned to Arizona 8 years ago from Colorado Springs, where her husband, Ferlin, attended and graduated from Nazarene Bible College. Since then, Danielle has faithfully served in youth ministry and leadership. She currently serves as the NYI President for the Southwest Native American District Church of the Nazarene as well as the NYI President for Dilkon Nazarene.
“You may think, ‘Wow, that is a lot!’” she shares. While she acknowledges the responsibility, Danielle’s heart for youth ministry is unmistakable. She has a deep passion to serve the Lord in ways that meaningfully impact young people’s lives. Her love for Jesus fuels her commitment to disciple, mentor, and encourage the next generation.
Danielle firmly believes in today’s youth. She recognizes the unique challenges and changes they are navigating and is committed to helping the church support and guide them toward a faithful, lifelong relationship with Jesus.
Danielle loves NYI, and most of all, she loves Jesus.
daniellenez@gmail.com
District NDI President: Ms. Fern Pokagon
Fern Pokagon became a Christian in her teens and was raised in the Church of the Nazarene. She is the daughter of Rev. Robert and Aliceson Pokagon. She is Navajo and Potawatomi (Pokagon Band). Fern comes from a family of five, including an older brother and a younger brother. She has been blessed to be part of her family and looks forward to the day she will see her family members again.
Fern has served on the Navajo Nation District and, after its merger with the Southwest Indian District, as the District Nazarene Youth International (NYI) President. She has served on four levels of NYI, from local to regional. Her passion has always been youth ministry and continues to be.
Fern now serves as the District Nazarene Discipleship International (NDI) President, beginning in June 2024. She leads a team of nine people, including herself, into new adventures in NDI, overseeing various ministries under the NDI umbrella. She also continues to support the Eastern Zone NYI through consulting and active involvement in the zone. Additionally, Fern serves on the church board at Apache Avenue Nazarene Church as Secretary.
Fern enjoys spending time with family in both New Mexico and Michigan. She enjoys short walks and watching movies. She stays busy with the various ministries that are part of her life. Fern loves the Lord and knows her strength comes from Him. To know Fern is to know that she will live for God all her days.
skizettt@aol.com
District NMI President: Mrs. Martina Garcia
Mrs. Martina Garcia serves as the District NMI President, faithfully leading and promoting the mission of the church. She is passionate about helping others engage in prayer, giving, and outreach to support global and local missions.
A full biography will be shared soon.
Miaalonzo@hotmail.com
District Secretary/Treasurer: Mrs. Marilyn Van Yazzie
Mrs. Marilyn Van Yazzie serves as Secretary/Treasurer and plays an important role in the organization and stewardship of district responsibilities. Her commitment to service and faithfulness behind the scenes helps strengthen the work of the ministry.
A full biography will be shared soon.
mvyazzie@yahoo.com
Ministerial Liaison:
Rev. Carla Durby
Pastor Carla has been an Ordained Elder in the Church of the Nazarene since 2009. She graduated with Honors from Nazarene Bible College with a Bachelor of Arts in Ministry with a Major in Pastoral Ministries in 2010 and a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Education in 2013. She also received her Masters Degree from Trevecca Nazarene University in Organizational Leadership in 2014.
Pastor Carla comes to the Southwest Native American District with many and varied experiences in and with the Southern Nevada/Arizona Church District that have included working with the Arizona Ministerial Studies Board for 10 years that included four years as the Studies Chair. She has worked and served tremendously with the Children’s and SDMI (Sunday School Discipleship Ministries International) District Councils in leadership roles. Other areas of ministry service have included working with Along Side Ministries (Prison Re-entry Program) as the Women’s Director and with Glendale (Haven) Church of the Nazarene utilizing her God-Given strengths and education.
Pastor Carla has most recently worked with Maryvale Church of the Nazarene as an Associate Pastor, Children’s Pastor, Women’s Ministry Pastor and Adult Sunday School Pastor. She has directed and overseen Special Events and Holidays and the Church Database. Her other responsibilities have included being the Angel Tree Coordinator, Community School Liaison, Ministry Safe/Background Checks, Prayer Line Coordinator, Caring Ministry and Mentor.
This is what Pastor Carla says: “I have the ability to see the bigger picture as well as the details needed to see the vision fulfilled. My passion is working together with others to accomplish great things for the kingdom of God. I also desire to have an impact for Christ to each individual person I come in contact with. I am faithful in carrying out responsibilities and I take very seriously my role as pastor yet have a lot of joy in interacting with others and the many facets of their lives.”
Carla is married to Tim (a retired Phoenix Firefighter) and they have four wonderful adult children, three “children-in loves” and four grandchildren! She is an avid quilter and crafter and loves to travel!
Pastor Carla will soon be moving to and joining her family in ministry at the Lake Havasu Church of the Nazarene but will continue to serve alongside us in SNAD!
carla.durby@cox.net