Meet the Pastor

Pastor Ernie and Mari Penuna

Meet Pastor Ernie and Mari Penuna, a devoted couple with deep roots in Fresno, California, where they've shared 29 years of marriage and family life. Their dedication extends beyond their household, encompassing a commitment to serving their community and spreading the message of God's love.

Their family includes two daughters, Vanessa Penuna, and Jasmine Hernandez, along with their son-in-law, Alvaro Hernandez, who are all integral parts of their ministry journey.

In 2014, Ernie felt a  call to pastoral ministry, and it was clear to him that Fresno was the place where this calling was meant to flourish. Over the past decade, Ernie has poured his heart into various aspects of church ministry, particularly youth outreach and facilitating small Bible study groups on Fresno's west side.

In recent years, Ernie's focus has shifted towards addressing the spiritual hunger within Fresno, recognizing the profound need for a welcoming community where the unchurched can truly encounter God's love and find a sense of belonging. This vision birthed Encounter Church Fresno, a beacon of hope and acceptance in the heart of the city.

To Ernie and Mari, their ministry is not just a vocation but a calling rooted in faith and fueled by a desire to glorify God in all they do. Join them as they continue to spread the light of God's love throughout Fresno and beyond.