Mark Nelson - Executive Director
Mark is a graduate of Florida State University and Gordon–Conwell Theological Seminary and has been a leader in ministry for 15+ years. Mark's life was transformed through a radical encounter with the Holy Spirit on the night of March 22, 2008, while in a Tallahassee ICU dying of AIDS. That same year, just months after being released from the hospital, Mark married his long-time friend Beth and since 2010 they both continue to serve in ministry. Mark's heart is to see the lives of people changed when they say YES to Jesus, then walking alongside these overcomers as they grow in relationship with the Lord. His life verse is Romans 8:28.
Dr. George Cope – Board Chairman
Dr. George Cope has served since 1974 in the ministry, and pastored churches in various regions of the U.S, including an inner city church in Chicago and eight years at Calvary Assembly in Winter Park, FL. He earned a B.A. in Biblical Studies, an M.A. and Doctor of Ministry in Leadership. He has traveled the world preaching and teaching in over 50 countries. He was President of Zion Bible College in Rhode Island. He served on the pastoral board of Vision Orlando and joined full-time as Pastoral Director in 2013. Dr. Cope is currently the CEO of Vision Orlando.
Beth Nelson – Board Member – Treasurer
Beth Nelson has extensive experience in ensuring financial integrity, and accounting practices. Beth is trained as a Dave Ramsey Financial Coach and has been a leader with FPU. She and her husband, Mark, coordinated four 9-week courses that resulted in more than 60 successful graduates. Currently, Beth and Mark lead an outreach, called One Identity, at their church. Their group provides a place for people who are sexually broken, and support to families navigating these struggles. Beth and Mark have resided in Central Florida since 2010. They have three sons, five grandsons and a 140-pound Great Dane, named Zeus.
Gary Howell - Board Member
Gary is the Lead Pastor at Glad Tidings Assembly of God in Ocoee, Florida. Gary married the love of his life, Christina, in 1988 and they have three wonderful children: Tyler, Judah, and Charis. All three of their children, along with their spouses, are in full-time ministry today, serving the local church. Gary and Christina moved their small children to Ocoee, FL in 1999 to pastor Glad Tidings. The church attendance had dwindled down to 6 people. Through the help of the Holy Spirit, God’s grace, and His simple goodness, Glad Tidings has grown to over 950 people and given over $6.5 million dollars to missions. Glad Tidings Academy ministers to over 365 students every week and Glad Tidings College is an extension site of Southeastern University of the Assemblies of God. Today, Glad Tidings ministry has an international impact through our Children’s Home in Jamaica; GT Academy in Haiti; and through the 80+ Assemblies of God Missionaries GT supports across the world. Gary B. Howell received his bachelor’s degree in Church Ministries through Southeastern University, Lakeland, Florida and his master’s in counseling, Mental Health and Marriage/Family, through Webster University, St. Louis Missouri.
Jeff Arp - Board Member
Jeff is a pastor, chaplain and Kingdom visionary. He graduated from North Central University in Minneapolis with a degree in Pastoral Theology in 1987 and a Master of Art degree in Ministry Leadership in 2003 from Crown College. Jeff’s passion is helping churches equip people to connect with their communities. He currently serves as Vice President of Training & U.S. Operations for Living Free. Jeff has been married to Lynn Arp since 1984 and they have two grown children who have their own families. Lynn has worked as a healthcare professional since she was a teenager.
Andie Catignola - Board Member, Secretary
Andie comes from a large ministry family and has served as a staff pastor herself. She is passionate about seeing people find freedom as they discover Jesus’ revolutionary love. Andie has a heart to see others grow in relationship with God and others. Her life verse is Psalm 36:5-6 (especially in the message version ; )
Kristy Rogan – Ministry Administrator
Kristy has spent most of her professional career in Corporate America as an Executive Assistant and in Marketing/Business Development, primarily in the construction industry. Most recently, she served in the role of Executive Assistant at Liberty Counsel, a Christ-based law firm whose mission is Restoring the Culture by Advancing Religious Freedom, the Sanctity of Human Life, and the Family. Kristy’s life is a testament to the power of a praying Grandmother! Although her parents weren’t Christians and did not model the way, her Grandmother was always in the background, planting seeds and praying. After many years of chasing after the things of this world, Kristy asked Christ to forgive her of her sins and come into her heart, and just as His Word declares, He is faithful and just to forgive and He made her a new creation in Christ! Kristy is happily married to Randy Rogers and is blessed with one son, Jarred Rogan. Kristy's favorite scriptures include: 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.