Our Team
Army Logistics Training Centre
Pete Ritchie
Pete served as a sailor in the Navy a long time ago! After the Navy, Pete did a ministry apprenticeship & then studied for a Masters of Arts (Theology) at Sydney Missionary and Bible College. Pete finds it a massive privilege to lead the staff team of FOCUS and lead the ministry at the Army Logistics Training Center in Wodonga. Married to the legendary Mel, and together with their two kids, the Ritchie’s are part of Thurgoona Presbyterian Church. Pete has a life long dream of being an extra on Brooklyn 99.
Australian Defence Force Academy
James Leitch
James leads the FOCUS team at ADFA. He met his wife Sarah whilst she was studying at ANU and he was completing his aeronautical engineer training at ADFA. James’ training for ministry has since included an apprenticeship with FOCUS and theological study with the Melbourne School of Theology and the Sydney Missionary and Bible College. James and his family are part of Crossroads Christian Church. James thinks that twins are wonderful!
Progress of Nikki's fundraising
Nikki Alexander
Nikki is a fun engaging person, who is joining our team 2027. She grew up as a Defence kid (RAAF) and has studied at SMBC, attaining a Bachelor in Theology. She has been active in ministry in the Kimberley for the last 20 years, working alongside her husband Gary, who was a minister for 8 of them. Nikki, Gary and their two boys will be moving to Canberra for 2027 and beyond!
Adam Chessum
Adam has joined the ADFA team in 2026. Adam is married to Kay Ling and they have a son who is about to start Senior Secondary School. Adam grew up in northeast Victoria and heard about Jesus when he occasionally went to church and listened to the Bible being read. Adam holds a Visual Arts degree from ANU and later studied at Moore College in Sydney. He has served as a pastor in several churches and also served in university student ministry.
Adele Gregory
Adele studied at ANU and met her husband Sam whilst he was studying at ADFA. She completed a PhD in Linguistics at La Trobe University and has worked as a linguist whilst posting around the country as an Army wife before moving back to Canberra in 2023. Adele’s formal training for ministry has included some theological study at Ridley College. Adele and her family are part of the Church of the Good Shepherd. Reading is Adele’s super power.
Merryn Williams
Merryn never studied at ADFA, but wishes she had (or at least considered it). Instead she worked at McDonald’s while studying at ANU and then as a public servant in Defence before leaving to complete a Masters of Divinity at Sydney Missionary and Bible College. Merryn ministers at ADFA and oversees FOCUS's women’s ministry. She and her husband Tim are part of Dickson Baptist Church. Merryn wonders why baking is not listed as a spiritual gift.
Sam Gregory
Sam studied at ADFA and served as an Army Signals Officer upon graduation from RMC. He completed a Masters of Divinity at Ridley College in Melbourne and transferred to Army Chaplaincy for the second half of his career. Sam moved back to Canberra with his wife Adele and daughter, Eleanor, in 2023 to join the team at ADFA. They are part of the Church of the Good Shepherd. Sam accepts responsibility for any and all mistakes found on this website.
Our Committee
We have a governance committee overseeing our work and prayerfully stewarding FOCUS and it's resources.
Dave Stephens - President
Tracy Bickell
Bec Scott - Secretary
Ian North
Jeremy Elias - Treasurer
Phil Riley
