Archie and Larissa Parrish

Archie Parrish grew up in a Christian home in Missouri. At the age of six Archie's parents took him to a week-long revival meeting at his church. As he listened to the preaching, he knew as a young boy that he was a dirty sinner, headed for hell. He knew he needed to be clean but was inadequate to clean himself. At the invitation, the youth pastor took Archie and dealt with him concerning salvation. He turned to Christ and asked the Lord to save his soul and forgive him of his sins.

In the spring of 1997, Archie had been looking for an old-fashioned Bible college with high standards. He was also looking for a college where true holiness, revival, and prayer would be emphasized. Many talk about these things, but Archie was looking for a college where it was practiced and lived daily. He first visited the campus in April of his senior year. From that time, Archie began to pray and seek God's will; and, following God's will for his life, he came to Fairhaven to begin his freshman year as a pastoral theology major in the fall of 1997.

When Archie came to Fairhaven, he jumped in with both feet and got busy right away. Many times young people are afraid to come to college because of finances; but Archie knew that if God called him to Fairhaven, He would meet his needs. Archie was able to secure work both on and off the campus, cleaning the men's dormitory, as well as working at fast-food restaurants, a janitorial service, a telemarketing firm, and a retail store at various times.

Of the many classes that Archie took, he especially enjoyed the Christian Education classes taught by Pastor Roger Voegtlin, which emphasizes many of the practical aspects of the ministry. He also enjoyed the Children's Ministries class, as well as Baptist Distinctives.

While in college, Archie had the privilege of serving in various ministries. However, the one ministry that he really enjoyed was his nursing home ministry. He would deal with the same people week in and week out, learning their needs and sharing in their burdens. This helped him to understand a little more the heart of a pastor and working with a group of people.

After graduating in 2001, Archie went to Pioneer Valley Baptist Church in Westfield, Massachusetts, where he served as a teacher under Pastor Jerry Cleveland. Then, in June of 2003, he went to Bible Baptist Church in New Franklin, Missouri where he served as an assistant pastor until 2008. It was during this time that he met his wife, Larissa. He was chaperoning some teenagers from his church to a school competition. Larissa was also chaperoning students from a home school to the same competition. Although their churches were only 45 minutes apart in Missouri, they had never met until they came to the competition. Soon after, Archie and Larissa were married. He is very thankful for the wonderful wife that God has given him. She is a tremendous helpmeet to him and encourages him in the ministry.

In 2008, Archie began praying about pastoring a church, and in October of that year, God led him to Mountain Valley Baptist Church in Idaho. He is very excited about this opportunity to pastor. Of course, the ministry also brings its challenges. Archie wants his congregation to see the danger of the world and the flesh and to understand fully that they can have spiritual victory. While there are battles, they have seen God bless in the addition of two families as regular attendees in the past year. They are also seeing spiritual growth in the members of their church in the areas of holiness and developing a burden for souls.

Archie is thankful that God has allowed him to be in full-time ministry, especially out in the "wild west."