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Pastor Mark & Lori Gittens
 

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Mark and Lori Gittens planted Higher Hope after seeing a great disconnect between the church and the lost. Mark's parents, and a woman named Eleanor Parish, were major inspirations in the development of his spiritual life. Mark confesses that he had very little idea of the life changing adventure that planting Higher Hope would create. He was raised in the Plymouth Brethren, where the Word of God was taught with great depth. To this day, he thanks God for the spiritual discipleship he received there. He loves wearing his jeans every Sunday and he loves when people say that he doesn’t act like a “Pastor”. Mark has no man-made Bible degrees to boast of, but when he opens the Word of God, you can tell that God has placed a supernatural gift on his life. His messages reach to the soul of each hearer. Mark is all about empowering the saints to be what God says they are.

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Lori was also raised in the Plymouth Brethren and accepted the Lord at an early age. An only child who was born and raised in a small, rural town in Pennsylvania, at age thirteen, her family moved to a suburb of Pittsburgh. This was a pivot time in her life, leading her on a path of searching for acceptance throughout her teen years. At the age of eighteen, through a mutual friend, she met Mark. The next five years were the beginning of their story, and they married in September 1995. In June 1998, they planted Higher Hope. It was during the early years of ministry that she encountered God's love and presence in a very real and powerful way. It has inspired her, despite some hard times, to never give up and to never stop loving, sharing, and smiling. 

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Mark and Lori have been happily married for 25 years and have 7 children, 2 granddaughters, and more god kids than they can count. They continue to be humbled daily by God's grace, and the work of the gospel in their own lives. Lookin back at all God has done, they would not change a thing. Moving forward, they continue to trust in an unchanging and faithful God. 

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Preaching and Visionary Pastor

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Nicholas Gittens

Assistant Pastor

Nicholas Gittens was shaped by a life immersed in ministry, surrounded by exemplary figures who dedicated their lives to spreading the gospel and caring for others. From an early age, he was blessed with opportunities to observe, learn, and develop his gifts in worship music, biblical theology, apologetics, and evangelism. His parents, Mark and Lori, his uncle Craig, and the legacies of his grandparents, Kirt and Thealo Gittens, were significant influences in his spiritual journey.

 

Deeply rooted in family, Nicholas understands how his upbringing has prepared him for the present moment. A pivotal milestone in his life was marrying his beautiful wife, Dana Gittens, and together they share their home with their three pets: cats Luna and Marvin, and their dog Manuka. 

 

In his free time, Nicholas loves to wrestle, kayak, hike, and spend time in nature with loved ones. His guiding philosophy is to trust in Jesus no matter what and to glorify Him in everything he does. This unwavering faith and dedication continue to shape his life's work and personal endeavors.

Tatyana Ford

Multimedia Manager 
 

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Tatyana has been the Multimedia Manager at Higher Hope for two years, a role that aligns with her deep connection to the church where she grew up. Feeling a calling from God to return home, Tatyana has embraced this opportunity to contribute to the community she has long cherished.

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Outside of her professional responsibilities, Tatyana is a devoted pet owner to her three beloved dogs: River, Spirit, and Onyx. She enjoys spending her free time indulging in her passions for photography, camping, and bonfires. Additionally, Tatyana finds joy in playing the flute, which adds a harmonious touch to her diverse interests and talents.

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Tatyana is thrilled to be a part of what God is doing in this valley and to play a role in the vibrant work unfolding at Higher Hope. She eagerly embraces the opportunity to contribute to this mission and is excited to witness and be a part of the transformative impact it has on the community.

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Trista Naugle

Administrative Assistant 
 

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Trista has been the administrative assistant at higher hope for just over a year. In her role, she supports the staff to ensure smooth and efficient operations and manages a variety of office duties. Her journey began in dental hygiene, but she felt a higher calling and left the profession over two years ago. After leaving her career in dental hygiene, she went all in on her relationship with God. Along with working at h2, she is also a certified Christian Life Coach.

Trista is passionate about helping women deepen their relationship with God, understand their identity in Christ, and embrace their God-given potential. She has been married for almost nine years, and has a seven-year-old son that she homeschools. Trista's enthusiasm for sharing God's love and helping others realize their limitless potential is at the heart of everything she does.
 

Jeremy Feese

Facilities Assistant

Jeremy Feese is the Facilities Assistant at Higher Hope. He has been a part of the organization since its days at the movie theater. As many might know, Mark is his brother-in-law, though Lori is not his sister. Jeremy has been married to Rachel, Mark's sister, for just over ten years, and has been self-employed for the past eight years.

Jeremy finds great joy in his role, considering it a blessing to work in a place where the gospel of Jesus is taught. He views the building as a tool for God to further His kingdom.

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Pami Clark

Hope Community Group Coordinator

 

 

Pami Clark has been a part of h2 for 26 years. In addition to being a part of the worship team, she also facilitates the Grief-share program, which sponsors several programs throughout the year. And she is a widowed mom to two teenagers.(Lord, help her!) 

 

Pami also coordinates  our Hope Community Groups, which seeks to involve each person in community/growth groups, where each one can experience what it truly means to be a significant, integral part of the body of Christ, where it is the goal  to HEAR and RESPOND to the Word of God! Pami hopes to help  create authentic groups throughout the Valley, where transparency, truth, and love are seen and felt by h2, and their surrounding communities.

Elder Carlos and Miriam Vasquez

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Pastor Reuben

Missionary

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Pastor Reuben is currently serving and sharing the good news of the gospel in Kenya. 

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