Pastor Robert W. Zemeski, affectionately known as Pastor Bob, came to Ireland with his wife Kathi (Kathleen Zemeski) and their four children on April 5th, 1979, answering God’s call to missionary service. With a heart for Ireland and a vision to see lives transformed by the Gospel, the Zemeski family began their ministry by opening their home to a small group of believers. What started as simple home meetings soon grew into regular Sunday worship services marked by faith, prayer, and a deep commitment to God’s Word.

In January 1981, Life Gate Baptist Church was formally founded under the pastorate of Robert W. Zemeski. Demonstrating his passion for establishing strong, indigenous leadership, Pastor Zemeski later entrusted the church to a national pastor, ensuring its continued growth and local impact.

Continuing his missionary work, Pastor Bob Zemeski went on to found and establish River Valley Baptist Church in Maynooth in 2005. With the same pioneering spirit, the Zemeskis planted and mentored Pastor Aleksei Jusev, who now serves as the current pastor of River Valley Baptist Church (RVBC). Today, RVBC stands as a testimony to God’s faithfulness and the lasting fruit of a ministry built on obedience, discipleship, and a love for God’s people.

The ongoing ministry of RVBC stands as a testimony to God’s faithfulness, reminding us that “I have planted, Apollos watered I; but God gave the increase” (1 Corinthians 3:6).