Staff Don & Marquita Blansit, Senior Pastor

Pastors Don and Marquita Blansit have led Nixa First Assembly of God since June 1993. Don previously served alongside his father prior to his parents retirement after pastoring NFA for more than thirty years. Marquita's parents served in ministry for more than fifty years, so both Don and Marquita have come full circle in pastoral ministry. Their heart is to see God use NFA in an even greater measure as a center for revival, outreach, and healing. Don thrives on all types of “ball” sports, the St. Louis Cardinals being "his team,” while Marquita loves water sports. Their two children, spouses, and five grandchildren share their interests, providing many opportunities for family fun. Likewise, their children have followed the course of their parents and grandparents, serving full time in ministry. Don and Marquita consider themselves truly blessed!


Brandon & Marci Hukill, Associate/Student Ministries

Brandon and Marci Hukill are the Youth and Associate Pastors. Brandon has been in ministry since 1994, and has been on staff at NFA since 2008. He is married to his beautiful wife, Marci, and they have three amazing children, Jonathan, Grace, and Audrey. Brandon has a true passion to rescue this generation with the love of Christ and grow them in their faith to impact their world. His family favorites are sports, crazy go-karting, good music, grilling out, kayaking, and . . . actually being together!


John & Jamie Werner, Associate/Children’s Ministries

John and Jamie Werner have served as Children’s Pastors since January 2005, being actively involved since 2000. John also became NFA’s Daycare Administrator in 2009, bringing two vital ministries together, helping to tie the church to the community in a more effective manner. He has an unbridled passion and enthusiasm to see kids saved and raised up to wholeheartedly serve Jesus with every gift and talent given to them. John and his beautiful wife, Jamie, have three amazing children, Joy, John Leslie, and Jayna. The family loves spending time together by playing outdoors, creating funny characters, and being goofy in almost everything they do!


Mel & Betty Todd, Missions/Senior Adult Ministries

Mel and Betty Todd began attending NFA in the the fall of 1999, joining the staff in May 2007 as Senior Adults Pastors and Missions Directors. The Todds pastored in New York State for eleven years, following that with thirty years of serving as Assemblies of God missionaries before retiring in March 2007. They believe that ministry to Seniors is a very important ministry in our churches. Their mission is to help provide ample opportunities for fun, friendship and fellowship for this very special group of people. They are also passionate about NFA Missions.They are the parents of two grown children, Chris and Rachel, and have four grandchildren. Mel and Betty enjoy traveling, reading, and visiting with family and friends.


Augusto & Evelyn Vereau, Hispanic Ministries

Augusto and Evelyn Vereau began attending NFA in January 2009. Then, in September 2009 they joined the staff as pastors of Hispanic Ministries. Previously, the Vereaus served as migrant ministers in the states of California, Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. They also served as missionaries in Peru, Panama, and Paraguay for 25 years. Before moving to Springfield, they were pastors of Hispanic Ministries in Fremont, California, for 14 years. In April 2010, they were recognized for 50 years of ministry by the Northern California and Nevada District. Their vision is reaching the Hispanic community with Christ’s message of love and hope. They have two grown children. Augusto Luis and Elvin Paul and three grandchildren. They enjoy traveling and camping in their motor home.


Melissa Barnard, Music Ministries

Melissa Barnard is the Director of Music Ministries at NFA. She joined the staff in 2007, but she and her husband Rich have been a part of the church since 1995. Melissa's goal is to open the hearts of the people through praise and worship so that they might be ready to receive from God. Melissa and Rich have two sons, Clay and Christian, that are actively involved in children and youth ministries. Melissa enjoys all types of music, amusement parks, scrapbooking, and Facebook.


Rod Link, Business Administrator

Rod Link began attending NFA in 1995 where he met his wife Niki. Rod has served as Business Administrator at NFA since 1997. Rod and Niki have two energetic boys, Parker and Payton (aka Pay Pay). Rod’s experience includes corporate finance and public accounting. Rod is quite the car enthusiast. As a family, the Links are big supporters of Nixa High School Basketball.