Rabbi Adrian Ze’ev Bernal obtained both his Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S.) in Biblical Counseling with a minor in Jewish Studies and his Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) in Jewish Studies with a concentration in the Second Temple Period from Columbia Evangelical Seminary. His family is part of the Krypto-Jews of New Mexico of Sephardic extraction. He was born-again in 1985 and has a passion for teaching Adonai’s instructions as Yeshua understood and clarified them to his disciples. He has been in the ministry since 1993. He also believes that the Qahal (the Church–Ekklesia) should and must be comprised of both Jew and non-Jew (The Mystery, Ephesians 1:9) expressing their differences while embracing their commonality in the Messiah of the world, both now and the world to come.

He has three wonderful, adult children and is an avid fly-fisherman and enjoys riding his motorcycle when the occasion calls for it. He also earns a living as a Golf Teaching Professional and has been teaching all levels of golf skill for the past 16 years (recently being elected as the Top 100 Golf Teaching Professionals in the world with the USGTF/WGTF). As of December 2020, he makes his home in Margate, Florida, with his wife Linda and their puppy Teddy Bear. Dr. Bernal also enjoys visiting Teton Valley, Idaho, where his children and his heart are at “home.”

Rabbi David Iglesias is an accomplished worship leader and teacher. He has been in the messianic movement for over 40 years and have worked alongside many leaders within the messianic movement. He considers himself a worshipper, not a worship leader, which brings the Spirit of worship into the community in ways that only Adonai can harness.

He works as an engineer and has two adult children.

Both born in Colombia and met in Bogotá in the 1990s at the hospital where Martha was a nursing student, and Alex was in his first year of residency. They got married in December 1994. A year and a half later, they had their first son, Daniel, and two years after that, they were delighted to welcome their second baby boy, David. Since getting married, they have agreed to walk in faith day by day, listening to the instructions of the Almighty LORD.

During their first three years as a married couple, they moved around different cities in Colombia, seeking better work opportunities and stability. Due to the economic situation in Colombia during the late 1990s, Alex lost his job. However, the LORD opened an opportunity for him to work in San José, Costa Rica. They faced many challenges, but with faith, they overcame them and gained valuable experiences. After three years, the LORD opened the door for the Organista family to come to the USA. So, they moved to Utica, New York, where their journey of testing and trials continued. Living in NY, they enjoyed for the first time the ice, snow, and winter. But after experiencing months of severe cold winters, they eventually relocated to Asheville, North Carolina.

While living in NC, celebrating their tenth wedding anniversary, they faced a crisis in their marriage and temporarily separated. Martha returned to her family in Colombia during this period. Confronted with anger and fears, Alex surrendered once again to the LORD. After three and a half years, he proposed to his wife that they reunite. As the LORD works in marvelous ways, He touched her heart as well. She returned home, and they celebrated a mighty reconciliation and acts of forgiveness, allowing them to reestablish their covenant and begin a fresh relationship. Thanks to the LORD, they all reunited as one family in South Florida, setting out on a new beginning. Then, a few years later, they became U.S. citizens in the 2010s.

Throughout their journey as a married couple, they have worked in benevolence ministries—serving the homeless and engaging in evangelism. During the Covid pandemic, they led several people through online networks, teaching the foundations of the Apostolic Faith and Hebrew perspectives to their faith. Martha enjoys teaching Bible studies from a Messianic and Hebraic worldview, and their mission has been to be a light to the nations by serving the LORD wherever they live. With their testimony and joyful hearts, they share quality time with Briana, Daniel’s wife, and enjoy the company of their two families, friends, new believers, and all who seek an intimate relationship with the LORD Almighty.

Gerald and Carol Akrie have been married since 1988. Together, God has blessed them with four children: Alica, Nathaniel, Danielle, and Joel. They have had the pleasure of serving Adonai since 1990 starting with youth ministry. They are both graduates of Christ for the Nations, Institute in Dallas, TX. Additionally, Gerald has studied with the Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Pittsburg, PA.

Gerald spent 10 years as a licensed preacher with the A.M.E. Zion Church before entering into the pastorate in 2000 within the A.M.E. Zion denomination. Together, Gerald and Carol have established youth groups and children’s ministries, along with training many leaders for church ministry throughout their tenure in pastoring. Gerald, simultaneously, pastored two churches, which he was later commissioned to merge into one. He has taught second- and third-year studies for the training and licensing of future pastors. Furthermore, as an appointed Presiding Elder with the A.M.E. Zion denomination, he oversaw six churches and led the selling, acquiring, and expansion of buildings and properties for the ministry. He is a sought-after preacher and teacher with previous speaking engagements in Ohio, Maryland, and Alabama.

Currently, Gerald preaches-at-large, and is an elder and biblical teacher within the Missionary Alliance Church in Pittsburgh, PA. He and Carol reside in Pittsburgh, PA., and enjoy spending time with their children and first grandchild. They love to minister and impart into the lives of many, especially couples and young adults training for ministry. New Hope Messianic Community is excited to have such a team as Gerald and Carol Akrie, with their many years of ministry and experience, join them as an elder, advisor, and occasional speaker, along with Carol’s wisdom and insights into being a mother in the faith.

Thomas Gildersleeve and his wife Alice are both from Lincoln, Nebraska. They have been together for 30 years and have raised 4 kids, 11 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, recently with one, new arrival.

Thomas was raised in a middle-class home that went to an Episcopal church. As an adult, however, in the mid 90’s, he worked for an Assembly of God’s homeless mission, taught Sunday school for the Methodist church, and has discovered the wonderful heritage he has in the messianic approach to the Scriptures.

He and Alice lead a weekly Bible Study that centers around the teaching of the Scripture from the Second-Temple period point of view. They also host a weekly Erev Shabbat dinner and absolutely love sharing their faith with their loved ones and anyone they come across. They are a blessing to the NHMC family as they bring an additional perspective to the Kingdom of God.

They look forward to fellowshipping with everyone who joins the community and being a servant to our Creator and our brothers and sisters.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Thomas on the 31st of March, 2025. Your prayers for the Gildersleeve family are greatly appreciated. To bless the family financially, please Zelle to: donate@nhmessianic.com or you may send a check to New Hope Messianic Community c/o Adrian Bernal 7887 Golf Circle Dr., #304, Margate, FL 33063. (Please indicate on the Zelle note as well as the check that this is for the “Gildersleeve Family.” Thank you!