Ministerial background

Combined, the Alphin family represents fourth generation Pentecost. At the birth of their joint ministry, Mark and Glenda focused on teaching children how to develop and maintain a personal relationship with God.  Under the leadership of Rev. William L. Sciscoe, they learned the important quality of teamwork. Together, they led “Warriors in Training,” a ministry in their local assembly designed by them specifically for children ages 5-12. For five years, they taught the children of The Church Triumphant of Columbus (formerly Pentecostal Assembly) about the doctrinal truths of the Bible, enabling them to understand what is considered by many “too hard” for children to grasp.  During this time, they authored a set of books entitled Growing with God and Growing with God 2.  During this time, Glenda also worked in the Sunday School Department as an Assistant Superintendent.

In 2001, Mark and Glenda accompanied a 10-member team, led by their pastor, to Kristiansand, Norway, for a summer conference. God planted a seed in their hearts at that time; in 2001, He placed a mission’s call to Finland on Mark’s life.  The Alphin’s began preparing for such a ministry, and Mark received license with the U.P.C.I. in 2004.

In August of 2005, the Alphin family undertook a 10-month A.I.M. (Associates in Missions) term to the countries of Estonia/Finland, as a part of the Baltic Team, under the leadership of Missionary Mark Shutes. During that time, their focus was concentrated on the Ida-Virumaa District (located 3 hours east of Tallinn, the capital city of Estonia), working with national ministers to bring about revival in existing works.  They also began a new work in the village of Sirgala, Estonia, where several received the Holy Ghost and numerous individuals were healed prior to their departure in June 2006.  (After the Alphin’s return to the States, the nationals continued the vision that Mark had planted within them, beginning a brand-new work in a neighboring village and creating several new preaching points. Thank God for the empowerment that He provides through guidance from His Word!)  

Mark and Glenda received UPCI Missionary appointment to Finland in September 2007 and are actively raising P.I.M. funds for their family's first term in that country. While stateside, they attend The Church Triumphant of Columbus, pastored by Rev. William L. Sciscoe.

Due to the combination of the Alphin’s extensive secular training, serving under Pastor William Sciscoe, and the experience garnered while working in missions, they are also available to assist in teaching and training in the areas of discipleship, leadership (including vision-casting and strategic planning), and faith.  They desire to share their faith-based ministry with those who long for the miraculous. 

Mark A. Alphin

Mark is the youngest son of Bartes and Mildred Alphin, born on August 17, 1966.  He spent most of his "growing up" years in Jonesboro, Arkansas, attending the First Pentecostal Church (now Jonesboro Worship Center); Mark was privileged to sit under the pastorates of  Rev. Bill Thomas, Rev. Jerry Dean, and Rev. Stephen Judd.  He was baptized at age 9, receiving the Holy Ghost at the age of 12. 

Mark graduated with Honors from ITT Technical Institute in 1991 with an Associates Degree in Applied Science of Electronic Engineering Technology (AS-EET).  Since that time, he has held positions with several technology-focused companies whose expertise included satellite broadcasting, videoconferencing, and telecommunications.  He held several types of positions within these companies, including Chief Engineer, Sales Engineer, and Manager; the latter was with L.D.M.I. (Long Distance of Michigan, Inc.), where he held the position of Manager, Sales Engineering Team; this team was geographically dispersed across Ohio and Michigan. When in the U.S., he consults with several small companies in the area of satellite transmission and Information Technologies. After our return from Estonia, Mark held several positions at Wal-Mart Stores, ultimately becoming a Service Manager for a TLE (Tire and Lube Express) Department. (Now, that was an different sort of experience!)

Glenda L. Alphin

Glenda is the eldest daughter of Rev. Jack W. and Nancy Sword; she was born on April 16, 1966.  Her earliest childhood memories begin in Columbus, Ohio, where she attended the Calvary Apostolic Church and enjoyed the pastorates of Rev. George W. Chambers and Rev. James K. Stewart.  She was baptized at the age of 10, receiving the Holy Ghost at age 12 under the ministry of Rev. Billy Cole.

Glenda graduated from the Apostolic Bible Institute, as a part of the jubilee class of 1987, with a Bachelor’s Degree of Theology.  During her secular career, she pursued employment that enabled her to put  her secretarial and organizational skills to use, holding several Administrative Assistant and Office Manager positions. She set secular opportunities aside once their daughters reached school age, choosing instead to home school both Miranda and Candace.  During a two-year "home school break," Mom was employed at, and the girls attended,  Champions Christian Academy in Hilliard, Ohio, where she was granted a State of Ohio teacher's certificate for private school education.  Following the family's completion of their AIM term in 2006, Glenda agreed to assist Rev. Lloyd Shirley (U.P.C.I. A.I.M. director) in creating and being Managing Editor of a monthly e-newsletter; this publication keeps each AIMer, on and off the field, in touch with the "happenings" within their field of ministry; it's a relationship that has been mutually beneficial and one she hopes to have for some time to come. In 2007, she worked part-time for a short while as a Recreation leader for a local school district's after-school-care program; mostly, though, she's continued to be a "home school mom" and the one who helps get "all the jobs done" at home (well, most of them). She loves to sing (and plays the piano when it's "necessary"); laughing, teasing, and having fun is part of her everyday routine, too. Life in the Alphin house is always exciting!

Miranda Rene' Alphin

Miranda is the eldest daughter of Mark and Glenda, born on February 3, 1992, in North Richland Hills, Texas. Although generally shy around those with whom she is unacquainted, her family and friends know her as a vivacious young lady who enjoys living for the Lord.  Miranda received the Holy Ghost and was baptized at the age of 6, and enjoys attending The Church Triumphant of  Columbus under the pastorate of Rev. William L. Sciscoe. While she's been known as shy for most of her life, she is beginning to blossom into a young lady who loves to laugh and joke with others; she enjoys her relationship with the Lord and is already deeply wise in many ways. And, like many apostolic young ladies, she has learned to play the piano; however, her current musical interest is the acoustic guitar (thank you, Jared Condon, for the lessons)! While there is yet much to discover about her future, she has submitted to the missions calling that God has placed on her family, helping with whatever Mom and Dad may need.  She turns 16 in 2008...driving...all of the changes that make a mom and dad wish they could turn back the clock just a little. Our family would simply be incomplete without her!

Miranda (left) and Candace (right)

Candace Nicole Alphin

Candace is the youngest daughter of Mark and Glenda, born on September 27, 1994, in Columbus, Ohio.  Never shy, she is a determined and zealous young lady who has felt called to missions since the age of 5! Candace received the Holy Ghost and was baptized at the age of 4; she, too, thoroughly enjoys the pastorate of Rev. William L. Sciscoe at The Church Triumphant of Columbus.  While overseas and visiting the country of  Lithuania, she purchased a souvenir "hoodie" that fits her personality  perfectly: "Living Out Loud!" (we believe this is her life's motto!) Candace is learning to expand her talents at the piano, and enjoys playing and singing (thanks, Mark Condon, for the latest "installment" in her training); she loves living for the Lord and does her best to make it exciting, participating in our home church's sign team (Born to Worship), performing stick routines (Skillet is a fav' for that), writing her own songs, and anything else she can find to do.  Candace is also an integral part of our ministry; not only does she enjoy being involved in our family calling, but she has high expectations for her own future in foreign missions. Candace is definitely someone who looks for adventure...she adds fun to all of our lives!

Needless to say, 2006 & 2007 have been interesting for our family. We have all grown so much, and while the tests and trials haven't always been enjoyable (are they ever?), we wouldn't change a thing. And so, on to the next phase in our lives...Deputation! We look forward to making new friends in the many churches we'll be visiting, enjoying more of this wonderful country that we currently call home, and witnessing His miracles, signs, and wonders performed in the midst of it all.  Thank you, Heavenly Father, for trusting us with a ministry to the Finnish people - we will do our best to make you proud of us.