Our Team

Charlie Fordham

Co-Founder, National Director & Resident Lecturer

As Director of Torchbearers Capernwray Canada, Charlie Fordham provides pastoral leadership, training people for full time Christian service, regardless of their occupation, through teaching and preaching God’s Word locally and abroad. Charlie and his wife, Marlene, founded the ministry of Capernwray Harbour in 1979, arriving on Thetis Island with their young family in January of that year.

Born and raised in India, Charlie has been used by God to point countless individuals to the person of Jesus Christ so that they too might discover Him as Lord and Life!

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Marlene Fordham

Co-Founder & Student Ministries

Marlene Fordham has served the Lord wholeheartedly in the ministries of Capernwray Harbour since she and her husband Charlie founded the work in 1979. Her key involvement in the varied aspects of the Centre has given her a strategic platform from which she has shared the Life of the Lord Jesus with numerous guests, students and staff over the years.

Originally from Edmonton, Alberta, the Lord has been pleased to use Marlene in her roles as ministry co-founder, teacher, friend, mother and grandmother.

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Chris Fordham

Executive Director & Conference Coordinator

Raised at Capernwray Harbour, Chris Fordham has had the wonderful opportunity to experience and observe the transforming power and faithfulness of the Lord throughout the years. This in turn allows him to strategically share with guests and students Christ’s Life often using ‘Creation’ as the classroom. Chris has been a student at Capernwray Hall in England as well as at Capernwray Harbour. He joined the staff team in 1996.

Chris is married to Susanne, and together, they enjoy raising their sons, Seth and Elijah.

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Susanne Fordham 

Administrative Assistant

Susanne Fordham began serving in the role of Bible School Secretary / Registrar in 1997. Susanne balances a full workload with caring for her two boys, Seth & Elijah. An Alberta native, Susanne studied two years at Capernwray Harbour, and it was during this time that she met her husband, Chris. Susanne serves in the Lord’s strength and joy.

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Esther Bieber 

Student Health & Wellness Supervisor

A past student of Bodenseehof, a Torchbearer Bible college in Germany, Esther first came to Capernwray Harbour for the summer of 2006 to serve on the support staff team. The Lord led Esther to return to Capernwray Harbour in the fall of 2007 to be a part of the full-time staff team. Esther is married to Ted and is mother to her 3 growing boys, Silas, Lucas & Aaron and their little princess Emma. Together, they richly invest in the lives of the students and guests that they have contact with.

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Ted Bieber 

Student Ministries & Conference Assistant

Following the guiding hand of the Lord in his life, Ted Bieber came to Capernwray in September of 2006. He serves in the area of student ministries during the Bible School year and assists with summer ministries from May to August. Ted took a year out of his teaching career to attend the Bible School in 1993/94 and returned for a year of Leadership Training in 2004/05. Ted called Vancouver Island home before moving east to Thetis Island. Ted is married to Esther and they have 3 boys, Silas, Lucas & Aaron and a little girl named Emma.

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Lynn Cramm

Student Wellness, Pump House & Staff Support

Lynn joined the staff team in September 2019 but has been a good friend of the ministry of Capernwray Harbour for many years. Lynn was a student in the ‘80’s and returned last year to do another year of Bible School post retirement. Lynn is a nurse by training, has a wonderful sense of humour and a big heart! Lynn originally comes from Newfoundland and is proud of her east coast roots.

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Ben Ellershaw 

Estate Manager & Pastoral Care Dean

Ben came on board as a Property Maintenance Assistant after studying at Capernwray Harbour for two years but now oversees the maintenance of buildings, equipment and systems on the property. Ben grew up in northwest England and is known for his quick wit, his deep love of Jesus and football. Ben met his wife Miriam during his years of Bible School, and they married in 2013. He has recently made Canada his permanent home.

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Miriam Ellershaw 

Administrative Assistant

Venturing halfway across the world to study for two years at Capernwray Harbour, Miriam has served as the Housekeeping Coordinator & Office Receptionist. Born and raised in India, Miriam is now right at home on Thetis Island. With her bright and patient spirit, she shares Christ’s Life with those she interacts with. Miriam is married to Ben and is a new mom to baby Emily.

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Sony Falardeau 

IT Administrator & Administrative Assistant

After attending Capernwray Harbour as a guest for many years, Sony took a step of faith, leaving his banking career and attending Bible School at CHBC for both the 1st & 2nd year programs. Sony joined the Staff Team during the summer of 2015 and does a marvelous job making sure all the technology around the Centre is maintained, up-to-date and running as efficiently as possible for staff and students. Last living in Pemberton BC and originally from Quebec, Sony brings a love for the outdoors and a unique french flavour to the staff community.

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Barry Friesen 

Student Ministries & Gardens

Barry’s roots are in the Peace River Country of Northern Alberta. He studied music & youth ministry in PEI and went on to seminary studies in Illinois in addition to serving church congregations in both locations. Barry attended a Holiday Bible Week in 2009 and enrolled in the Bible School programme shortly thereafter. His participation in the Leadership Training Programme followed the year after. Barry contributes a mature knowledge of the Word of God and a desire to disciple and encourage to the staff team.

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April Galbraith 

Administrative Assistant

Born and raised in Manitoba, April Galbraith studied at Capernwray Harbour for two years before joining the Staff Team in 2003. She currently makes work-related travel arrangements for staff members and visiting guest lecturers, and coordinates a variety of print and digital advertising for the Centre. Her kind, gentle spirit gives testimony to Christ’s Life within her as she seeks to serve students, guests and staff. April is married to Kevin and enjoys being a mother to Micah, Caleb and Liljan.

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Kevin Galbraith 

Business & Accounting Manager

Kevin Galbraith keeps the Accounting Department at Capernwray Harbour in good working order. Kevin joined the staff team in 2003 along with his wife April. Raised in the Calgary area, Kevin attended both the One Year & Leadership Programmes at Capernwray Harbour. He loves all things coffee and enjoys practicing his latte art on the side as a trained barista. Kevin & April are happily raising their children, Micah, Caleb, and Liljan.

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Leanne Jeffrey 

Accounting Assistant

Placing her university business administration training into the hands of the Lord, Leanne Jeffrey is serving in the area of accounting at Capernwray Harbour as of September 2013. This former Calgarian is an aunt to 3 nephews and takes pleasure in photography, choir singing and the goodness & faithfulness of the Lord Jesus in her life.

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Elizabeth Joslin 

Conference Registrar & Personnel Manager

Elizabeth Joslin has served at Capernwray Harbour since 1996. Whether she is registering conference guests, or corresponding with future staff members, her attention to detail and concern for others is an outpouring of the love & faithfulness she has received from the Lord Jesus. Elizabeth grew up in Calgary, AB and spent two years at CHBC as a student before following the call of the Lord to join the full-time staff team.

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Johnny Cullen Keidann

Maintenance Assistant

Johnny CK, as he is known in Capernwray circles, moved westward from Toronto to serve in the maintenance department. Johnny brings with him an infectious love for the Lord Jesus, an evangelistic heart to share Christ with others and a keen interest in the people placed in his path. Johnny has been learning many practical skills since joining staff in 2016. He has been both a student and summer volunteer at Capernwray Harbour in years past.

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Rachel Layoun 

Kitchen Assistant

Rachel was a student at Capernwray Harbour from September 2014 to May 2016. Cooking during summers at a Bible Camp has prepared Rachel for the role of Kitchen Assistant at CHBC. She has a flair for flavours and seeing meals prepared with loving care & attention. Rachel desires to grow in her walk with Jesus and to encourage others to do the same. She is a wonderful addition to the community of CHBC.

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Abbigail Mackay

Housekeeping Coordinator

After two years of Bible School and a year at home in Ontario, Abbigail returned to Capernwray Harbour to put feet and hands to all she learned in the classroom and while working in a care home facility. The practical training & experience she received is an asset in her primary role as the Housekeeping Coordinator as well as the practical support she provides to other staff members . Abbigail’s quick witted humour and genuine love for others brings laughter, smiles and blessing to our Staff Team.

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Michael Needham

Kitchen Assistant Volunteer

Attending Holiday Bible Weeks growing up and then coming for two years of Bible School, we are excited to have Michael, with his culinary experience, serving in the Kitchen. Michael’s open, kind and friendly manner quickly puts people at ease and allows him to point them to the Lord Jesus. From Buckley, Washington, USA, Michael has easily made the transition to West Coast living and living amongst Canadians!

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Rebekah Penner 

Receptionist

Becky, as she’s lovingly called, studied for 2 years at CHBC before taking on the responsibility of overseeing the housekeeping department for a number of years. She has recently taken on the challenge of front office work by becoming Capernwray’s Receptionist and is well suited for this dynamic role. Her hometown is Winkler MB and some of her loves include baking, camping, scrapbooking and playing piano & trumpet.

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Mathius Permana

Kitchen Assistant Volunteer

Mathius or Mat has been both a 1st & 2nd student at Capernwray Harbour coming to Canada from Indonesia with his wife Rachel. Prior to this, Mat was working in business in his homeland. He joined the kitchen team during the Summer of 2019 and is excelling with joy at his culinary skills … especially stir frys!

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Rachel Permana

Pump House & Housekeeping Volunteer

Rachel, whose parents direct the Torchbearers ministry in Indonesia, came to Canada, along with her husband Mat to attend Bible School in 2017/18. Rachel serves as an volunteer intern and her main tasks involve assisting in the Pump House as well as in the Housekeeping Department. God uses her often to speak truth in young women’s lives, proclaiming His character in a clear way.

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Kathleen Preston 

Student & Conference Ministries Assistant

Kathleen grew up in the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island. An avid hiker & explorer, Kathleen is most comfortable in the outdoors and when involved in a variety of creative pursuits. Her keen desire for people to come to know Christ Jesus in a real and personal way is evident as she interacts with students and guests in the areas of Student Ministries & Conferencing at Capernwray.

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Martl Reindl

Maintenance Volunteer

Martin joins us from Austria after attending two years of Bible School. He has training in airplane mechanics and is using his skills as a volunteer intern in the maintenance department. Martin’s desire is to serve the Lord Jesus wholeheartedly and share the good news of Jesus with others.

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Anne Snyder 

Support Staff

The gentleness of Christ is evident in Anne Snyder’s life. She is a comfort and encouragement to students who need a kind, listening ear. Anne’s greatest desire is to point the hearts of those she’s in contact with to Jesus. Anne served 20 years at Capernwray, with her late husband Doug, after a year of study together in 1999.   She continues to be a treasured member of the team.

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Jeffrey Thudian

Director of Studies & Resident Lecturer

Born in Canada and raised in India, Jeffrey Thudian has grown up in a ministry-minded family of Bible teachers, preachers and evangelists. Returning to Canada for his Bible School and university education, Jeffrey has joined the Capernwray Harbour Bible School ministry team in 2016 after serving Vancouver Island Church congregations. Jeffrey met and married Tessa, a fellow Bible School student and Canadian, and together, with their young son Reuben, they are seeking to know and make Jesus known in this context.

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Tessa Thudian 

Student & Conference Ministries Assistant

Bright and full of life is how one might describe Tessa Thudian. Coming to Bible School from Ontario and settling on Vancouver Island, Tessa had been a friend of Capernwray Harbour for a number years before she joined staff in 2016. Working with church congregations and in youth ministry has prepared Tessa for serving at CHBC with her husband, Jeffrey and their young son Reuben.

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Charlene Toplensky 

Gardener & Pump House Supervisor

Weeding, watering and flower arranging have filled Charlene Toplensky’s days since she and her husband, John, took over maintaining the beautiful gardens at Capernwray Harbour in 2006. Charlene has recently taken on supervising our snack shop, the Pump House, where she will no doubt continue to encourage students & guests to ‘grow’ in their relationship with the Lord Jesus.

John Toplensky

Gardener

John Toplensky, with his wife Charlene, studied for one year at Capernwray Harbour and has maintained the gardens throughout the property since September 2006. Prior to moving to Thetis Island, John and Charlene lived and worked in Three Hills, Alberta and are delighted to share Christ with those who stop to admire God’s garden handiwork.

Christian Zinser 

Food Services Manager

Affectionately known as ‘Zinger,’ Christian is originally from the south of Germany but is gradually making Canada his home. After 2 years of Bible training at CHBC, Christian spent a year cooking in Edmonton AB, where he became a fan of the Edmonton Oilers and all things Canadian. He previously worked in the area of human resources in Germany but is now honing his culinary skills in the Capernwray kitchen. Soccer, music & guitar are just a few of Zinger’s other interests. Christian was married to Rachel in 2018.

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Rachel Zinser

Bible School Registrar

Rachel Sing joined the staff team in the role of Receptionist as of September 2009. Her transition from student to staff was an easy one as she responded in faith and obedience to the leading of the Lord Jesus to serve Him in this capacity. Rachel’s calm and gentle personality is a great asset in a busy office environment and her keen organizational skills serve her well in the challenging role of Bible School Registrar. A Vancouver Island native, Rachel is never too far from her family home. Rachel was married to Christian Zinser in November 2018 and they serve together at Capernwray Harbour.

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