MEET THE STAFF

Pastor Mike Balos
Teaching Pastor

Mike was born & raised in IL.  He sensed God's call to ministry when he was 17 & has been involved in church work for over 35 years.  He is a graduate of Union University, Jackson, TN with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Religion, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Ft. Worth, TX with a Masters of Arts in Religious Education, & a Doctorate of Ministry in Missions from the Covington Theological Seminary, Ft. Oglethorpe, GA.  Mike has served churches in TN, IL, TX, KY, GA, & became the church planting pastor of CrossCountry in 2007.  He married his sweetheart Angela (Weaver) Balos in 1993 & has one son, Michael, who plays a mean drum & loves sports.  Mike enjoys old movies, good music of all kinds, & spending time with friends!

Pastor Gary Bearce
Missions Pastor
Gary  retired from full time missions work with the North American Missions Board and joined the CrossCountry staff in 2017.  He has served in ministry in the local church and as Church Health Director for a state church convention before coming to Alaska. Gary and his wife ​Shirley have lived in Alaska since 2006.  They have two grown children and 5 grandchildren.

Shirley Bearce
Administrative Assistant
Shirley joined the CrossCountry staff in 2017.  She and her husband Gary moved to Alaska in 2006.  She is a former School teacher and Church Preschool and Children's Director.  She and Gary enjoy traveling, especially on mission trips, as well as walking and exploring in Alaska.

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Samantha Krauser
Worship Leader

Samantha has served in worship ministry for over 9 years and has been teaching music for over 10. She spent most of her life in Illinois but she and her family decided to make the move to serve in Alaska. She is married with one son and the whole family has been enjoying all that Alaska has to offer, particularly with hikes and seeing the wild life. She is thrilled to be a part of the CrossCountry family and serving God through worship and praise. 

Veronica Farnsworth
Preschool Director 

Veronica was born in Cordova, Alaska & has lived in Wasilla since she was 3.  She has been attending CrossCountry since 2008.  She is married & has 3 daughters, Rosie,  Jovie and Koraline. She enjoys spending time with her kids & family, blue berry picking, taking road trips around Alaska, camping, swimming, snowboarding, sewing & crafting.  An interesting fact about her is that her dad was born & raised in Norway & came over to America as a teenager not speaking English.  Her middle name is Bjørg, which was her Grandma’s first name.

Angela Balos
Ladies' Ministry Leader

Angela was born in Tennessee but considers Kentucky to be her home place as she moved there at age 3.  She comes from a small family with one brother who lives in Ohio.  As the wife of Pastor Mike, they both sensed God’s call to come to Alaska in 2006 not knowing at the time it was to launch CrossCountry Church.  Angela has served the church in a variety of positions but currently is guiding the Ladies’ Ministry, volunteers as a Children's teacher and sponsor for Celebrate Recovery.  She loves to do local day trips with her family, crafts, and collects antiques and country decor.

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Kathy Towns
Children's Director/Treasurer

Kathy was born in So. CA, a 5th generation Californian.  She has lived in CA, LA, & AK.  Her family moved to AK when she was in 3rd grade because of her dad’s work.  She lived in Anchorage until 1981, then moved to Wasilla.  She has worked for Anchorage Sand & Gravel for 36 years.  She will be celebrating her 35th wedding anniversary to Calvin in July.  She is the oldest of 8 & has 3 sisters, 1 brother, 2 step-sisters, & a step-brother.  She has 3 children & 5 grandchildren.  She has been attending CrossCountry since the beginning & has served as Children’s Director & Treasurer for that long.  She is a certified instructor for American Red Cross for CPR/AED/First Aid, & volunteers her time with many local committees & organizations.  She loves NASCAR & NHRA.  A few little known facts about her - She met her husband “cruisin’” the strip in her Chevy Chevelle Laguna SS & has won 3 awards for her company; 1 for heroism (2013) & 2 for Community Spirit (2015).

Mike Maddox
Celebrate Recovery Ministry Leader

Mike is the ministry leader for Celebrate Recovery at Cross Country Church. Mike comes from a long line of ministers and took on his grandfathers mantle by becoming an ordained minister himself in 2015. He moved to Alaska in 1993 to hunt and fish as well as continue his career in medicine. He is now retired from his secular job and devotes all of his time to serving others thru the Celebrate Recovery ministry, music ministry (Messenger Christian Ministries), and most recently, recovery outreach into the state prison system. He has a heart for those who have been incarcerated or struggle with addiction as well as their loved ones.

Sandy Morgan
Hospitality Ministry Leader

Sandy was born & raised in Pennsylvania.  She moved to Alaska in 1976.  She has raised 3 children, 1 boy & 2 girls, and has 8 grandchildren.  She has been a widow for 20 years.  She is a 6 time cancer survivor & gives the Lord all the credit for her survival & remission.  She used to own the Mat-Su Cinema, where CrossCountry Church met for several years   She has been attending CrossCountry since the church family started meeting (except for the first Sunday).  She enjoys the Hospitality Ministry because she gets to see all who attend & loves serving everyone their favorite coffee & snacks!