CHURCH LEADERSHIP & STAFF
Mike Garrett
Freedom Hope Elder
Mike has been a member since 2000 and is an IT consultant for Accenture. He has been married to Mary since 1999 and they are currently enjoying raising three boys: Mike, Joey and Jacob.
Mike invited Christ into his life at age 15 and went away to college determined to walk with Lord. The Lord led him to a campus ministry (CRU), where he learned to share his faith and lead others. He considered going on the mission field as a Bible translator, but instead felt the Lord direct him to use his giftings at stateside.
Mike and Mary met at a local church singles group and married a couple of years later. They started attending and serving at the church where Mary grew up.
Besides serving as an elder, Mike enjoys working behind the scenes with our audio/visual ministry as a “Sight and Sound” engineer and also leads the missions committee.
One of Mike’s life-long encouragements from the Bible is 1 John 1:7: “If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.”
Rick Schwein
Freedom Hope Elder
Rick has been part of the church family since 1991. Although Rick was reared in a church-going family, he didn’t put his trust in Jesus until he was 27. He and his wife, Connie, moved into the area from Lexington, KY, in 1990.
He has served as a deacon and has been an elder since 2003. Rick and Connie have been married for 50+ years and have two grown children and three grandchildren. He uses his wealth of knowledge to help with all things "technical," including keeping the computers running, He also has a love for music and has sung in several chorale groups.
He served in the Navy during the Vietnam era and has a masters degree in journalism from Northwestern University. He retired in 2012 as a computer system manager at the Philadelphia Inquirer and Daily News but still does some consulting work for them.
His favorite Bible verse is Romans 8:28: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
Mark Wilbur
Freedom Hope Elder
Mark has been a member since 2011 and Mark works in the facilities engineering department for a local firm. He serves as an elder but is also a worship leader and you can hear him play the guitar and occasionally, the banjo, during worship.
Mark had a life changing encounter with Jesus in Spain at 19 while on a trip searching for musical inspiration. He remained in Spain for almost eight years, working with an International Christian community that was reaching out to the Spanish and backpackers from all over the world with the Gospel. Mark met his wife, Nancy, in Spain and they were married there in 1983. They returned to the US to help start a church and serve the Lord in worship ministry and hospitality. They continue to serve together as Connect Group leaders.
They have two adult children, Anna and Jeremy,. Unfortunately, they also lost two children (Paul and Andrew) early in their marriage to a rare genetic syndrome. This loss taught them much about faith in God through difficult times and God’s faithfulness in the storms of life.
One of the many Bible verses that became a favorite for them during life's ups and downs was Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
Jill Short
Church Administrator
Jill Short has been a part of the church since it’s inception, her parents were founding members. Jill had the opportunity to serve as the youth leader for several years in the early 1990’s. She has also been involved with various short-term mission projects and helped to facilitate the ministries to the children and teens.
Jill has served as the church administrator since 2001. She is involved with all the ins-and-outs of church life, it's ministries, events and is the "go-to" person, which keeps her very busy.
Jill is married to Ken and they live in Glassboro with their daughters, Joanna and Allyson. The Short family loves traveling and hiking together with their dog Charlie.
Isabelle Rossiter
Children's & Youth Intern
Belle became the Freedom Hope Church Children's & Youth Intern in September 2022. A graduate from Camden County Technical School, she is currently studying Elementary Education at Camden County College. Belle also ministers on our Sunday morning worship team as both a singer & leader.
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Ally Short
Social Media Director
Ally has been a part of the church since she was born, but has recently joined the team as Social Media Coordinator. She is also a leader for the Freedom Hope Young Adults Impact Group. Ally has been involved with lots of different events and projects at Freedom Hope, including helping with children’s church and youth group.
Ally is currently studying Physical Therapy at Saint Joseph’s University and plans to graduate in 2024. She enjoys playing volleyball and hiking in her free time. Ally currently manages the instagram, facebook, and tiktok pages and loves creating new content!