The people behind REST

Ghesi Stojanov

Ghesi Stojanov is the founder and CEO of REST Mission. After years in youth ministry, most recently as a junior high pastor, she stepped into leading REST full-time in 2026 because she kept asking the same question: what happens to people after the program ends?

Ghesi is a certified transformational coach (Life Coaching, Transformational Coaching, and NLP), a speaker, and a curriculum writer. Her work brings together Scripture, coaching, and an honest look at how people actually grow. She created ReEnergized Living and the Creative Futures model, and she led REST's first mission trip to Ponce, Puerto Rico in 2026.

She believes good ministry is both spiritually grounded and strategically built, and that the love of Jesus looks a lot like showing up consistently. She is happiest with her boots on the ground, working alongside people who believe there is more to build.

Sasha Stojanov

Sasha Stojanov serves as Secretary and Business Advisor for REST Mission, bringing a strong foundation in business leadership and a genuine heart for people. He uses his professional expertise and love for the Gospel to help guide REST with wisdom, integrity, and sustainability.

With experience helping multiple businesses grow, Sasha is currently the co-owner of Founder’s Fence, where he applies strategic thinking and servant leadership in everyday practice. Through REST, he supports the organization’s mission by helping turn vision into viable, lasting systems that strengthen outreach and impact.

Sasha believes in meeting people where they are and creating pathways for growth that are both practical and grace-filled. His heart for outreach and commitment to Christ shape the way he serves the ministry and the community.

Jake Benke

Jake Benke serves as a board member of REST Ministry with a heart for outreach, evangelism, and faithfully advancing the mission God has entrusted to the organization. He is deeply committed to sharing the Gospel and helping extend REST’s reach into the community through messages rooted in Scripture, faith, and the hope found in Jesus Christ.

With a strong respect for God’s Word, Jake brings a servant-leader mindset to REST’s work, supporting initiatives that encourage spiritual growth and strengthen the body of Christ. He considers it an honor to serve and to witness how God is working through REST to impact lives for His glory.

Yadira Frederiksen

Yadira Frederiksen serves with REST Ministry with a deep heart for service and a desire to share God’s love with children and families in her community. She brings a unique blend of compassion, leadership, and hands-on experience, believing that lasting change happens when care is both practical and relational.

With over 15 years in the fencing industry, Yadira and her husband, Brian, have built a successful company, Las Vegas Fence, and have launched Women of FWA, the Fencing Federation, and Fence Show in Las Vegas—an initiative that continues to expand globally. She is passionate about being “boots on the ground,” turning vision into action, and building work that lasts.

Yadira recently joined CASA, a nonprofit organization serving children and families in foster care, where she continues her commitment to healing, support, and restoration. Through REST, she is dedicated to helping bring wholeness to families and strengthening communities through faithful service.

Pastor Isaac Kim

Pastor Isaac Kim serves as Pastoral Advisor for REST Ministry, bringing a heart for collaborative leadership, discipleship, and creating spaces where people can grow together in faith and community. Raised in Atlanta, Georgia, Isaac has spent the past 20 years serving in Southern California within the Southeastern California Conference, including long-term ministry at Calimesa Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Isaac’s calling to ministry was shaped early through the influence of a chaplain and Bible teacher who modeled the impact of walking closely with young people in their faith. During his time at Calimesa, he served in various roles, including 12 years in Children and Family Ministries, where he focused on team-based leadership and empowering others to serve with confidence and purpose.

As Pastoral Advisor, Isaac supports REST’s spiritual direction and leadership health, encouraging ministry teams and helping create environments where authentic faith and shared life can flourish. His faith has been deeply shaped through personal experience, including walking through his wife’s health journey, where the presence of God became especially real.

Isaac is a devoted father to two boys and enjoys sports, both playing and watching, while striving to model the love of Jesus in everyday life.