Victory Pastors & Leaders
Pastor David & Elaine Farina | Lead Pastor
Pastor David serves as the Lead Pastor of Victory Christian Church. From a young age, he has faithfully served in multiple areas of ministry, including as a worship leader, youth leader, and head of media ministries—overseeing weekly television and radio broadcasts.
With a genuine heart for people and a passion to reach souls for the Kingdom, Pastor David is committed to extending the impact of Victory beyond the walls of the church and into the community. His wife, Elaine, faithfully serves alongside him, and together they are expectant for all that God will continue to do through Victory.
They are blessed with three married children and nine grandchildren, all actively involved in ministry and serving the Lord in various capacities.
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or looking for a place to call home, you are warmly welcomed here—there’s a place for you at Victory.
With a genuine heart for people and a passion to reach souls for the Kingdom, Pastor David is committed to extending the impact of Victory beyond the walls of the church and into the community. His wife, Elaine, faithfully serves alongside him, and together they are expectant for all that God will continue to do through Victory.
They are blessed with three married children and nine grandchildren, all actively involved in ministry and serving the Lord in various capacities.
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or looking for a place to call home, you are warmly welcomed here—there’s a place for you at Victory.
Pastor JD & Christina Farina | Associate Pastor
Pastor JD serves as the Associate Pastor of Victory Christian Church and leads Victory Young Adults, creating a space where young adults can grow in their faith, build community, and encounter God in a real way. Christina leads worship for Victory Young Adults and is part of the Sunday morning worship team, helping create an atmosphere where people can connect with the presence of God.
Together, they bring over 20 years of youth ministry experience and a strong passion for discipling the next generation. Through weekly gatherings, outreach, and community, they’ve seen countless lives transformed and young leaders raised up.
Pastor JD also served as the Eastern District Youth President for the IFCA, investing in youth ministries across the region.
JD and Christina are the proud parents of three children.
Together, they bring over 20 years of youth ministry experience and a strong passion for discipling the next generation. Through weekly gatherings, outreach, and community, they’ve seen countless lives transformed and young leaders raised up.
Pastor JD also served as the Eastern District Youth President for the IFCA, investing in youth ministries across the region.
JD and Christina are the proud parents of three children.
Pastor Dan & Norina Bavaro | Executive Pastor
Pastor Dan, a native of New York City, has served in ministry across Bronx, NY; Boston, MA; Barrington, RI; and Littlestown, PA before becoming part of the Victory family in March 2011.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Lehman College (CUNY) and brings a unique blend of experience in administration, music, and technology. While his background spans both “the music and the money,” his true calling is leading worship. From the keyboard, Pastor Dan carries a deep passion for the presence of God, creating an atmosphere where people can encounter Him in a real and transformative way.
With decades of ministry experience, his heart is to see lives changed—to see people saved, healed, delivered, and lifted into a new dimension of life in Christ through worship.
Pastor Dan and his wife, Norina, are proud parents of two children who are actively serving in ministry, both locally and beyond, and are blessed with one granddaughter.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Lehman College (CUNY) and brings a unique blend of experience in administration, music, and technology. While his background spans both “the music and the money,” his true calling is leading worship. From the keyboard, Pastor Dan carries a deep passion for the presence of God, creating an atmosphere where people can encounter Him in a real and transformative way.
With decades of ministry experience, his heart is to see lives changed—to see people saved, healed, delivered, and lifted into a new dimension of life in Christ through worship.
Pastor Dan and his wife, Norina, are proud parents of two children who are actively serving in ministry, both locally and beyond, and are blessed with one granddaughter.
Pastor Juan & Julie Melo | Spanish Pastor
Pastor Melo is our Pastor for the Spanish speaking people. Pastor Melo was ordained into the ministry in 1988. He has ministered for more than thirty years. Together with his wife Julie, they direct our Spanish Ministries.
Dr. Emmanual & Grace Ahia | Staff Pastor
Dr. Ahia serves as the director for Victory Counseling Center. He believes the Word of God is the complete and sufficient foundation for bringing healing and direction to those facing life’s challenges.
He holds degrees from Wheaton College and Southern Illinois University, is an attorney with mediation experience, and serves as a professor and Director of the Education Specialist Degree in Counseling Program at Rider University. He is also the author of numerous books and articles on counseling and mental health law.
Dr. Ahia and his wife, Grace, are grateful for God’s faithfulness in their family.
He holds degrees from Wheaton College and Southern Illinois University, is an attorney with mediation experience, and serves as a professor and Director of the Education Specialist Degree in Counseling Program at Rider University. He is also the author of numerous books and articles on counseling and mental health law.
Dr. Ahia and his wife, Grace, are grateful for God’s faithfulness in their family.
Pastor Carlos & Jackie Zayas | Outreach Pastor
Pastor Carlos and Jackie lead Victory Outreach, our ministry dedicated to serving the local community. They carry a deep passion to reach the hurting and the lost, meeting both spiritual and practical needs through feeding, clothing, and ongoing support. Under their leadership, hundreds of individuals are impacted each week.
Pastor Carlos is a graduate of Zion Bible College. Together, Carlos and Jackie have two sons—Jayden, who along with his wife Grace leads Victory Youth Ministry, and Donovan, who is currently studying Evangelism at North Point Bible College.
Pastor Carlos is a graduate of Zion Bible College. Together, Carlos and Jackie have two sons—Jayden, who along with his wife Grace leads Victory Youth Ministry, and Donovan, who is currently studying Evangelism at North Point Bible College.
Pastor Gam & Holly Rivera | Staff Pastor
Pastor Gam grew up at Victory, formerly Calvary. He has seen the work grow and participated as Youth Pastor, as well as teaching at our Christian School. His current responsibilities are in the area of baptism and dedication classes, as well as welcoming those who dedicate their lives to Christ on Sunday mornings. His wife, Holly, faithfully leads our Information Desk.
Robin Laskey | Victory Christian Academy Director
Robin Laskey (affectionately known as “Miss Robin”) is the Director of Victory Christian Academy. Her warm smile and caring heart endear her to children and adults alike. Robin holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Temple University and has over 25 years of experience in the field.
Pastor John Todesco | Staff Pastor
Pastor John Tedesco serves as a Staff Pastor at Victory Christian Church, supporting the ministry and helping strengthen the church community.
He has a heart for God’s Word and plays a key role in teaching and developing Life Group lessons, helping others grow in their faith and daily walk with Christ.
Pastor John’s family is actively involved at Victory, with his daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren all serving faithfully in ministry.
He has a heart for God’s Word and plays a key role in teaching and developing Life Group lessons, helping others grow in their faith and daily walk with Christ.
Pastor John’s family is actively involved at Victory, with his daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren all serving faithfully in ministry.
