Reach the World
One Book at a Time
​Hannah DePaula
President
Hannah grew up in the wheat fields of Washington State in an Adventist family, where having a relationship with God was emphasized from a very young age. In 2016, at just ten years old, she made a personal decision to follow Jesus through baptism, committing to serve Him no matter what. Soon after, life brought challenges—including the divorce of her parents—but through those experiences, she learned to depend fully on God.
In 2022, Hannah spent the summer canvassing with Youth Rush Michigan, an experience that ignited a deep passion for Literature Evangelism. Recognizing a clear calling to ministry, she continued canvassing in 2023, and in early 2024 co-founded STEP, a ministry dedicated to reaching souls for Christ across the Pacific Northwest.
Christian Leffler
Vice president
Christian grew up in Michigan in a wonderful Adventist family that prioritized spending time with God and being a light to others. In 2022, he and his family moved to Washington, where God continued to draw him into a deeper relationship with Him.
In 2020, when most programs were shut down, Christian’s church in Michigan decided to host a small two-week canvassing initiative, giving him a first taste of Literature Evangelism. Although it wasn’t something he initially planned to pursue, God began planting seeds for something greater after the move to Washington.
In 2023, during a church campout, a conversation about canvassing and starting a local program sparked a new vision. God impressed on Christian’s heart the desire to reach the community through the distribution of The Great Controversy. Trusting that God would provide, he prayed for books—and within two weeks, God answered. As the church organized to share the books, discussions began about starting a full canvassing ministry. From there, God continued to open doors, ultimately leading to the founding of STEP, a program dedicated to spreading the gospel throughout the Pacific Northwest.
Hadassa DePaula
Communications Director and Secretary
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From a very young age, Hadassa knew that she wanted to be in the medical field. At just four years old, after watching the movie Gifted Hands, she decided that becoming a brain surgeon was the goal. God had indeed placed that fire in her heart—but He had even greater plans in store.
Baptized at the age of eight, Hadassa spent her teenage years exploring various areas of medicine, including first response work. However, God redirected her toward medical missionary service, opening doors for Hadassa to work alongside a doctor teaching a medical missionary class. In 2022, she attended a Medical Mission Evangelism Training course in Tennessee, where God deepened the passion He had planted years before.
Today, Hadassa has a strong burden for both medical and gospel ministry. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Midwifery with the goal of serving in overseas missions. While in school, she continues to seek every opportunity to be involved in God’s work—especially through evangelism. As one of the co-founders of STEP, she is excited to help bring the gospel to homes throughout the Pacific Northwest.
Justin Burch
VP of Programming
Justin grew up in the Seventh-day Adventist Church but drifted away in his late teens, not yet having a personal walk with Jesus or a clear understanding of the Adventist faith. Around the age of 30, his life changed dramatically after encountering the book Steps to Christ, which rekindled his relationship and commitment to God and set him on a path of service and outreach.
Since returning to the faith, Justin has served as a GLOW leader, literature evangelist, and young adult Sabbath School teacher and he now serves as an elder and Youth Sabbath School teacher. In his professional life, he works as an EMT/Firefighter, where he finds daily purpose in helping those in need. Justin resides in the Colville, WA area with his wife of 10 happy years and his two amazing girls. When not serving, Justin enjoys spending time outdoors, whether through his love of backpacking or a round of golf.
Elizabeth Haun
Treasurer
Elizabeth grew up in California before moving to Idaho in 2015. While living in California, she and her brother had the opportunity to do some canvassing, which became a valuable and faith-building experience.
She is now part of STEP and is excited to be involved in a program that helps young people grow in their relationship with God while reaching their communities. It has been thrilling for her to witness how God has worked to make STEP a reality—opening doors and bringing the right people together.
One of Elizabeth’s favorite Bible verses is Psalm 37:4: “Delight thyself also in the Lord, and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart.”