Bee Vang
Elder
My name is Bee Vang, and I’m one of the Pastors of Refuge Church. I’m married to my beautiful bride, Amanda, and we have three rambunctious and leader-like boys (Silas, Isaiah, and Abram). I count it a privilege to lead Refuge and see God’s people follow Jesus wholeheartedly, be transformed by His Word, and then take the mission Jesus has given us seriously to make disciples who will make disciples. I love serving the Lord and spending time alone with Him on walks, hikes, or in the woods. I also enjoy hunting, fishing, and any sports activities too. My hope for Refuge is that we would be audacious as a loving community committed to one another deeply as we reach the lost, develop the believer and send future multiplying leaders to whoever and wherever God would send us.
Ben Yang
Elder
My name is Benjamin Yang. I live in Hortonville, Wisconsin, was born and raised in LaCrosse, Wisconsin, and moved to Appleton, Wisconsin, in 2006, where I met my beautiful wife, Sheng. We have four amazing children (Abby, Benson, Beniah, and Bennett). It has been a joy being able to train to be an Elder and learn how to lead Refuge and God’s people. Some hobbies that I enjoy doing would be anything outdoors. I love to fish, hunt, and camp. As well as spending time with my kids and wife, just sitting home and eating together. My hope for Refuge is that God would use me to lead and support Refuge in its new chapter in whatever ways He would see fit for me.
Luke Selker
Elder
My name is Luke Selker, I am a professional opera singer, music teacher, and acoustics nerd. With my wife, Alyssa, I have two boys, Emerson and Oliver, and one more on the way. You can often find me serving on the worship team at church, and occasionally teaching as well. My favorite hobbies and activities include loudspeaker design, woodworking, and hiking. My heart is to empower others through the hope of the gospel and power of the Holy Spirit, to lead righteous lives in the fullness of God’s abundant mercy.
Andy Nickols
Board Member
My name is Andy Nickols. My wife Kaylen and I have been married for almost 12 years, and we have 2 kids; Olivia (10) and James (8). We live in the village of Fox Crossing, have 2 dogs, a fish, and a hamster. I grew up being heavily involved in church. Both of my parents were on staff at the church I grew up in, my dad as a pastor and my mom in administrative roles. With my family I spent time traveling on different mission trips and being exposed to many different cultures, which I loved. It was a unique upbringing and has facilitated a passion in me for the core values at Refuge. Seeing God working throughout my life didn’t guarantee me a relationship with Jesus. Though I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior at a young age, I didn’t fully know what that meant until later in life. It is a constant pursuit and challenge to stay diligent within that relationship. Not always easy, but always worth it. I am currently the owner of a roofing company. I have felt the blessing of serving the Lord through my professional life, the same as serving the Lord through church, or missions, or caring for family. In my free time I enjoy heading up north to hunt, fish, or sit around a campfire. I like to play golf. And though I am a little rusty, I have been known to play a fair amount of cribbage. I ultimately enjoy spending time with other people. I am introverted so not always very talkative, but the more I can do things with people the better.
Kong Thao
Board Member
My name is Kong Thao. I was born and raised in Appleton. Creativity and design are some things I really enjoy and what I do by trade as a graphic designer. My desire is that my talents would all point back to the ultimate designer of the Universe and be a joy to others as much as it is a joy for me. At Refuge, I lead Tech Duties along with several other tech members for Sunday Service and occasionally play drums for worship. I enjoy spending time with my Fiancée. This includes cooking (and, of course, eating), walks, and traveling. Other hobbies I enjoy are building and painting miniature-scale model kits. As a board member, I hope to lead others well with the example that Christ left for us, with humble servitude and a heart for the lost.