Jubin Abraham
Lead Pastor | jubin@saalem.com

I serve as the Lead Pastor of Saalem Church, and my journey here is nothing short of divine intervention. God placed me in this beautiful, multicultural, Jesus-loving church where my family and I feel at home and deeply used by Him in this season. I’m passionate about preaching, discipleship, worship, missions, and prayer. I love doing ministry with excellence and trying new things for Jesus.

My greatest joy is simply being in God’s house, whether preparing sermons, worshipping, or serving alongside our team. The church is truly my safe space. I’m blessed to serve with my wife, Keziya, and our daughter, Faith, who both bring joy and minister in their own unique ways. Outside of ministry, I love biking and have embraced Northern Ontario life- saunas, swimming, and ice fishing; enough that people jokingly call me “Pastor Yubinnen.”

My heart is simple: to see Thunder Bay know the glory and greatness of God, and to help create spaces where people encounter His presence, stand in awe of His majesty, and fall deeper in love with His Word.

Geo DaSilva
Youth Pastor | geo@saalem.com

I currently serve as the Youth Pastor at Saalem Church, a place that has been home to me for over a decade. My journey here began when I first attended the youth group as an international student. It was in this community that I truly learned who Jesus is and where my personal journey of faith with Him began.

Over the past ten years, my wife Krista and I have walked through many seasons together. We’ve moved countries, attended Bible school, served in various ministries, welcomed two beautiful daughters, and eventually found our way back to Thunder Bay. For the last three years, we have had the joy of leading a young adults home group, watching God shape lives and deepen faith.

Over time, God has been stirring my heart specifically toward youth ministry. I carry a deep desire to see the next generation genuinely love Jesus, walk closely with Him, and live out His teachings with courage and authenticity.

Outside of ministry, I love spending time with my family and working with my hands. I enjoy building things, especially woodworking and electronics, and I’m always excited when I can combine the two.

Thomas Valtierra Jr.
Volunteer Pastor| runningwithfire1@gmail.com

My name is Reverend Thomas Valtierra Jr. I am an enrolled member of the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians. I am married to my beautiful wife Dorothy and have 7 children and dozens of grandchildren. I have a master’s degree of divinity. I have been an ordained minister for over 40 years and have planted and/or pastored churches in St. Paul, MN, Minneapolis, MN, Seattle, WA, Wisconsin, California and Quebec, Canada. My desire is to reach the nations for Christ and make disciples as my deepest desire is to know Christ and Him crucified. My hobbies include working out at the gym and watching western movies at home.

Sen Mathew
Volunteer Pastor| senrmathew@gmail.com

Greetings to you in Jesus’ name! My wife Betty and I have been blessed to be part of Saalem Church for four years, serving through small groups, Bible studies, prayer meetings, and outreach ministry. We love Jesus, and we encourage you to get to know Him, the One who brings us from darkness into His marvelous light. As Jesus said in John 17:3, “Now this is eternal life: that they know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” Join us as we grow together in Him and walk this journey of faith.

Tim Pajala
Technical Director | tim@saalem.com

I serve as the Technical Director at Saalem Church and have been on staff for over 10 years. I’m passionate about using media and technology to create distraction-free, engaging environments where people can encounter God. I’m a graduate of the Film Production program (2018) and hold an Honours diploma in Aircraft Maintenance from Confederation College (2022).

Outside of church, I enjoy running and biking, have recently gotten into cross-country skiing in the winter, and love spending time with family- including my five nieces and one nephew - as well as tackling home improvement projects.

Jenn Gadioma
Creative Media Specialist | jenn@saalem.com

I serve as the Creative Media Specialist at Saalem Church. I’ve been part of ministry for over 10 years and love using creative media to help people feel welcomed, connected, and seen. Serving at Saalem lets me combine my love for creativity and storytelling with my passion for ministry, helping others experience God and community in purposeful, and meaningful ways. By day, I’m a Respiratory Therapist and Interprofessional Educator, by night (and in between), you’ll find me editing, planning content, or capturing moments.

I grew up loving that country lifestyle in Southern Ontario, and now I call Thunder Bay home with my husband, Genesis. I’m an Auntie to two of the best nephews ever, I love camping, fishing, tractor pulling, all sports and embracing everything Northern Ontario has to offer.