Mainstage Speaker: RUNKS

Runks has a passion for Christ and a passion for people. A true evangelist at heart, he has a deep desire to preach the Good News of Jesus Christ to this crazy world we’re living in. Runks is a master at communicating the Gospel with clarity, relevance, and depth. His passion for the Gospel, knowledge of the Word of God, and off the charts energy will inspire your students and adult to love Jesus, follow Jesus, and share Jesus! He absolutely believes that the power of the Gospel is still the power of Gospel and no matter how crazy antagonistic our culture may seem to be towards the Gospel it is still the power of God for salvation for all people. So Runks, in his own unique way, unashamedly and refreshingly preaches the Gospel with passion and relevance.
However, Runks’ message is not just about getting saved
(trusting Christ), it’s about being saved (finding your identity in Christ), living saved (growing in relationship with Christ), and getting more people saved. etc. etc. etc. etc. ad infinitum
Jesus saves y’all!! Nothing else matters!
Runks was a Youth Minister for 7 years and in 1998 began traveling the country sharing the Gospelto teenagers, college students, and adults. He holds a Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and resides in Levelland, Texas. He and his amazing wife Joanna, have two awesome grown kids.
 
www.runks.com

Breakout Speakers:

Carlina Mansfield
In the last 8 years, Carlina Mansfield has graduated high school, graduated college, became a Mrs, and moved to Pennsylvania. But the biggest change in her life was Jesus. When she was 20 years old everything was clasping around her: grades, social life, relationships, and her emotional well-being. But soon after Jesus was introduced to her, she flourished for Him. Realizing eternity and God’s love was more important than college parties and social acceptance with the “in crowd.” She led her university's Fellowship of Christian Athletes, spoke to local youth groups, and Sunday services. Today, Carlina loves to binge watch Netflix, eat tons of popcorn, fall asleep before 9 p.m., go on adventures with her husband, and to make people laugh. More importantly, she loves to influence the next generation of followers!
Ashley Trimmer
Ashley grew up in Mechanicsburg, PA. She has 5 brothers, 1 sister and 14 nieces and nephews. For the past 10 years, she has served at Whitehall Camp in many different roles; currently as the Program Director. She also serves as a volunteer youth leader at her church (shout out to North Main students)! She's excited to share with you and honored to be a part of the ministry God is doing through THIRST!
Austin Furman
Austin Furman grew up in Punxsutawney where he attended the First Church of God with Mike Hammer as one of his Youth Pastors (don't hold that against him). He has been married to his beautiful wife for 5 years. They celebrated the birth of their daughter Sullivan in August 2018 and just gave birth to twin boys in September. He has been the Student Ministry Director at Tri-County Church for the last two years. He loves spending time with his students at Velocity and is excited for what the future holds.
Brian Baker
Youth Pastor - The River Community Church. It’s hard to call what I do work because I love every second of it! Spending time with students and teaching them about Jesus is not just a passion of mine, it’s also a calling. I have been volunteering with students for many years, but now I am a  Youth Pastor. I am married to the most beautiful woman in the world, Corinne, who loves me more than I deserve. I also have two great kids, Noah and Jadyn who keep me very humble. Basically I am just a fun-loving bald guy now living in New Kensington.
As the part-time Youth Pastor, I also spend my days working as a Mechanical Designer. I am a 1994 Burrell graduate and a 1999 Penn State University graduate. I enjoy designing mechanical systems, but my heart’s desire is helping students on their journey back to God. I love that God has called me into student ministry and that I get to serve along side my wife.
Matt Snedden
Matt is a husband, a dad, a pastor and entrepreneur. He and his wife Tasha have two little ones, Judah and Myka. They are currently from Shippenville PA and Matt is the Associate Pastor at Trinity Point Church of God. His hobbies are sleeping and eating and he does both as often as possible. Matt has attended Thirst since he was in high school and is thrilled to still be a part of it now and be able to bring the students from Trinity Point. He’s so excited for another awesome year at Thirst and to share with all of you!