Our Staff
Ebong Stancil and Don Wasoba, Co-Pastors
Ebong Stancil
Ebong Stancil is originally from St. Louis, MO and has lived all over the mid-west. He is married to
Nancy Stancil. They have 4 adult children and 5 grandchildren. Ebong earned a B.S. in Christian
Leadership and Management and a master's degree in Christian Leadership. He enjoys
studying, preaching and teaching God's word. Ebong enjoys sports: basketball, football, and
track and field. Ebong loves Duke Basketball since the 1986 season, the New York Jets, and
the Atlanta Braves.
Donald Wasoba
On April 21, 1955, I experienced my first birth in Maquoketa, IA, with my twin brother Ron. My
family lived in Delmar, IA, a small farming community where we attended the Methodist Church.
My brother and I graduated from Savanna High School in 1973. In the fall of ’73, both of us
attended Westmar College in Le Mars, IA. It was during Christmas break my Freshman year that
I met Christ as my Savior. I was home alone on New Year's Eve. Seated in my father’s recliner, I
reached down and grabbed my old Sunday School Bible. I read a few passages. The Lord spoke
to me through the His Word and the witness of my friends. The Holy Spirit’s conviction in my heart
led me to believe in Christ. I was born again. I also felt God calling me to serve Him as a preacher.
The next summer I was baptized at Calvary Baptist Church, Savanna, IL. In the spring of 1975 I found myself at Maranatha Baptist Bible College, Watertown, WI. It was there that I blossomed as a Christian. It was also where I met Karen Soderland and began courting her. I graduated in the spring of 1979 with a double major in Bible-Theology and Pastoral Studies. One week later Karen and I were united in Holy Matrimony.
Karen and I have two children who are wonderful adults. Our first child, Kari, lives in California with her husband Gareth. Our second, Ryan, lives in Illinois with his wife Megan.
I have served the Lord in many ways through the years: youth pastor, Christian School Jr. High Teacher, Coaching, Awana Commander, Pulpit Supply, and Adult Sunday School, to name a few. Most of the ministry I have performed has been as a lay person.
I was reading the Word a few years ago and it said ‘wake up the gift that is in you.’ I felt it was God saying, “I called you to preach, you need to get going.” I have served in almost every area in a church to avoid this calling. However, I could avoid Him no longer.
It took me a while to get the courage to reach out to churches to see if I could serve them. ESIC Church has given me that opportunity. My wife and I feel very humbled and blessed to be able to serve this congregation. I am especially honored to share that responsibility with a great leader, Ebong Stancil. It is our hope that we lead in unity through the Power of His Spirit and guided by His Truth.
Tammy Smart, Administrative Assistant
Tammy Smart was born, raised and has lived in the Edwardsville/Glen Carbon area. She retired from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville after thirty years of service. Tammy was a faithful member of Mt. Hebron Fellowship Church of God in Christ Congregational located in Edwardsville, IL for twenty-four years where she served as church secretary, bible study teacher and chaplain until her husband was called to pastor Grace, Spirit and Truth Ministries in September of 2020. Tammy began serving at ESIC Church as the administrative assistant in June 2022.
Tammy is happily married to Julian for twenty years. They are proud parents of a daughter, Jasmine and a son, Cyrus.
Sandy Curran, Music Director
Sandy Curran has been a member at ESIC Church since 1981. She has actively participated in many facets of the church throughout the years, with a primary focus on the music program. In addition to her position as the Music Director, she currently serves as a Deacon, serves on the Care Team, and uses her organizational skills to plan events at the church.
She began her music career as a child, growing up and attending First Baptist Church in Granite City, IL. From singing in the youth choir, being a sub pianist, directing the 'Joy Singers' during her college years, and serving as youth minister, she has an expansive resume' in church music. In recent years she has participated as a member of the Raise the Praise Choir, performing for benefit concerts in the Edwardsville area. Currently, she leads the music program for ESIC and directs the choir.
Sandy was an educator in the Edwardsville School District for 35 years, retiring in 2012. She graduated from SIUE with a BA in education and a MS in counseling. During her tenure as an educator, she was honored with the following accolades: Edwardsville District 7 2011 Teacher of the year, 2012 Illinois Teacher of the Year finalist for the State of Illinois, Emerson Electric Excellence in Education award winner in 1996 and 2011, District 7 Good Apple Awards, District 7 Employee of the Month, and District 7 Extra Effort Awards.
Sandy has been married to her husband, Jerry, for 35 years. They have two grown children and four grandchildren.
Huei Li Chin, Pianist
Huei Li Chin is an Associate Professor of Music and Director of the Keyboard Development Program at SIUE. She also is a piano pedagogy specialist and class piano teacher.
Dr. Chin holds a Licentiate Teacher's Diploma from Trinity College of Music in London, England. Other degrees she holds include a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance and a Master of Music in Piano Performance, both from West Virginia University. In 2002, she earned a Ph.D. in Music Education with an emphasis in Piano Pedagogy from Ohio State University. Her research interests include developmental psychology, learning styles, and transfer programs.
