Jackie Nathaniel James, Jr., was born September 4, 1970 and raised in Miami, Florida. He was the second child of Patricia Renee Shackelford (deceased 1972), and Jackie James, Sr. (deceased 2008).  Jackie was raised by very supportive and nurturing grandparents, who wrestled with his independent spirit.

Both sets of loving grandparents introduced Jackie to the Gospel at an early age; his dad’s family, who are Pentecostal and his mom’s family, who are Adventist.  In the 9^th grade, while attending Greater Miami Academy, Jackie was baptized and dedicated his life to Christ.

Upon graduation from GMA in 1988, Jackie was invited by the Assistant Youth Director of the Florida Conference, Elder Sergio Torres, to be part of a unique inner-city summer camp program. Over the course of four summers, Jackie worked with local churches to create a church-based day camp program. While in college, Jackie also spent 4 summers working at Nosoca Pines Ranch as boy’s counselor, boy’s director, and assistant summer camp director.

Jackie attended Southern College from 1988-95 where he graduated with a degree in Theology, with a minor in Behavioral Science.  Upon graduating, Jackie accepted his first call to Fletcher Academy as Chaplain and Bible teacher, and has had the privilege of working for La Sierra University, Madison Academy and Forest Lake Academy.

In 2003, Jackie took a call to serve as a recruiter for Southern Adventist University.  This led to 10 years of introducing countless families and students to a faith community that shaped his life. Jackie also began to attend and minister through the Connect Worship Service, a smaller worship service of the Collegedale Church. This 8-year journey began to birth a real passion and love for the beauty of the local church. After some time in prayer, Jackie decided to take the next step into ministry, and began searching for a pastoral position, which led him to Camelback Seventh- day Adventist Church.

While working at Southern, Jackie met Lauryl Murphree, a pre-Physical Therapy major; a true friendship developed. After Lauryl moved to Andrews University to complete her degree in Physical Therapy, they both began to realize what life without the other meant, and after much prayer, their friendship developed into a relationship. In July of 2013, Jackie and Lauryl began dating. They were married November 7, 2015, at Lauryl’s home church in Birmingham, Alabama. God constantly reminds them of the gift He has given them in one another.

In Mark 1:17, Jesus said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” This has been the verse Jackie sees as his personal call to follow. Jackie and Lauryl are excited to see how God will use their ministry to introduce others to a loving relationship with Him.

Cherie Oberlick was born and raised in Arizona.  She is a true desert dweller, in her glory in the midst of our scorching valley summers.  Her step-father and sister also reside in the valley. 

As a single woman, she is able to devote the majority of her time to church and people-related situations.  She feels her time can be spent most effectively in His service this way.  

Cherie has always worked in clerical and administrative positions, enjoying the challenges of different industries, from office equipment to automotive to vehicle modifications for the disabled.  For the past almost 15 years though, she has truly found her niche here as secretary at the Camelback Church.  Cherie wears many hats, as is well known, and her church family considers her the glue that holds things together here at Camelback.  This is where she feels at home and knows she is loved.    

Bio coming soon.