Pastor John Raymond | Senior Pastor
Click this link to learn about Pastor John.
Virginia Addington | Children’s Ministry Leader
Virginia was born and raised in a devout catholic Italian home in Houston, TX. In 1979 she married Don and moved to Oklahoma where both of her children were born. Virginia, who had always wanted to be a teacher, began her degree in Elementary Education. However, going to school, raising a family and working full time became too much to handle. So, she fulfilled her God given desire to teach by teaching CCD at their local catholic church. Virginia worked in children’s ministry in catholic churches for 13 years while raising their children. During this time she & Don felt a prompting that there had to be more to religion that what they were receiving.
In 1991 she and Don moved their family to Slidell. Several years later they visited a non-denomination church. This was the turning point in their life. In just a few short months she was saved, water baptized and received the Holy Spirit. Virginia, now a loving grandmother, works in business administration and is often referred to as a gentle spirit. It is her gentleness and perseverance that makes her a faithful servant as Children’s Ministry leader at New Horizon.
Virginia remembers how much she appreciated the love and encouragement she received from the nursery workers and teachers when she & Don brought their children to church. Virginia would like to make sure the parents at New Horizon feel comfortable as they leave their children in the nursery or children’s ministry classes, so they can hear the message God has for them without any concerns for their children.
Krystal Boothe Gonzales | Worship Leader
Krystal serves leading the New Horizon Worship Band. In the process of organizing musicians and arranging songs, she currently leads worship on Sundays. Through her Pentecostal and Catholic roots, Krystal experienced two uniquely different ways to worship and praise the Lord. She grew up singing in church, heavily involved in children’s choir and show choruses. Krystal graduated high-school, an arts major, from The Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts. She holds a Mass Communication and Journalism B.A. degree from SLU and worked as a news reporter for WWL-TV Channel 4 (CBS affiliate). Currently, she works as a high-school English teacher for the St. Bernard Parish Public School system. Krystal is thrilled to be serving God alongside her husband, Keith, who is also part of the worship team. They also have a musician-in-training at home, their one-year-old son, Luke.
Liz Raymond | Pastor’s wife; Head of Women’s Ministry
Liz was born in the small rural town of Belvidere, Illinois. After being placed in a foster home at age 11, she came to know the Lord through her foster family who later adopted her at the age of 16. She moved to the south and finished her schooling at the University of Louisiana at Monroe, receiving a bachelor’s degree in Interior Design. A few years passed before she met John, who was attending Oregon Bible College where her father was serving as president. The Lord has blessed John and Liz with a thriving marriage of 26 years and has provided them with three beautiful children—John, 21; Monica, 19; and Benjamin, 11.
During their 26 years of marriage, the ministry has always played a part of their lives. Before moving back to Louisiana in 1998, Liz worked for several years at Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside, California as the office assistant to the dean of students; it was also their church home. Liz brought her love for the Lord and contagious smile into the area of Property Management where she worked for 10 years. She first served as an Assistant Manager, then as a Manager over many large properties.
Liz enjoys serving on the worship team and currently serves as the Leader of the Women’s Ministry. This connection for ladies includes frequent women-targeted bible studies throughout the year, sponsoring and participating in Woman’s conferences, monthly outings that include “Coffee and Canvas” events, bowling, craft fairs, dinners, ladies nights, and other types of fellowship.
New Horizon Calvary Chapel is where Liz now calls home. The desire of her heart is to impact her community and her world for Christ while encouraging others to share that desire with her. She’s easy to find because she always has a smile on her face and laughter in her heart.
Ramona Stein | Office Manager; Ministry Assistant
Ramona was born and raised in Michigan where she lived until God directed her, & her husband David, to Louisiana via Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. After moving to Louisiana in July of 2006, she immediately began looking for a church to call home. She says, “New Horizon was the clear choice. I instantly felt welcome and knew it was the kind of family I’d be proud to be a part of!”
She serves in ministry with David as an overseer of New Horizon’s various L.I.F.E Groups and as leaders of the Couples In Christ Bible Study.
Ramona worked as a teacher for 6 years in the New Orleans Recovery School District until she heard her call and was released by the Lord into ministry. She currently volunteers at New Horizon as the Office Manager. Her attention to detail, ridiculous need for organization and quick wit make her a welcome & valuable addition to the church staff.
Email: office@newhorizonfamily.com