Senior Pastor John Waldrop

Originally from the U.S., the Waldrops have lived overseas since 1996. Before coming to ICP, John was the founding pastor of Hope Church in Donetsk, Ukraine, and taught in a Christian university there as well.

Before moving overseas, the Waldrops lived in Wheaton, Illinois, where John served as director of adult ministries at First Baptist Church of Wheaton, and Esther did freelance editorial work. John received an M.Div. with a concentration in missions from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, and a B.A. in history from Wheaton College.

John and his wife, Esther, have five children: Wendy, Johnny, Jackson, Hope, and Mollie. John and Esther both love good books, good movies, and good coffee! John also loves sunshine, traveling, and sports.

Associate Pastor Mike Yurkovich

Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Mike and Cindy Yurkovich have served in ministry overseas since 1995. Before coming to ICP, the Yurkoviches served in Macedonia for eight years where they helped plant Word of Hope church.

In preparation for missionary service, Mike received a Masters of Divinity from Columbia International University in South Carolina. Both Mike and Cindy also have degrees in music education. After serving on staff as an intern at Parkside Church in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, Mike was ordained and commissioned for a career in missions in 1994.

Mike and Cindy have 4 children: Hannah (1990), Rachel (1991), Luke (1993) and Elizabeth (1995). Mike and Cindy enjoy a good game, a good clean movie, and a walk in the woods on a clear day. Mike also enjoys racquetball and volleyball, when knees and facilities allow.

Youth Pastor Chris Johnson

Originally from Birkenhead, England, Chris graduated from University in 2000, gaining a BA Honours degree in History and English. He received his teaching qualification in 2001 and began teaching in the September of that year. Chris taught History, PE and RE at Higher Side Comprehensive School, Liverpool, where he met Cathy and they got married in August, 2004.

Chris and Cathy moved to Prague in 2005 to work at Riverside School, where Chris taught History and PE, as well as being on the Student Support Team. They have been leading Prague Kids, which is a Christian Ministry for 4-11 year olds at Riverside School for the past two years.

Chris and Cathy have just had their first child, Cole, in August, 2007. Chris and Cathy enjoy spending time with each other and friends and going out for nice meals. Chris is a keen sportsman, playing football for an ex-pats team and trying any other sports he can!