Mark and Maria Whittier have served in the North Region for many years. Their heart has always been to serve in whatever capacity the church needed. They have given of their lives to help build and strengthen God's church. As they have served on and off staff, their heart to give has never ceased to be exemplary. Mark and Maria have served by our side for the last five years as small group leaders, house church leaders, and faithful members of the North leadership team. They are currently serving on the leadership team in the Northern Regions and Mark is also serving with the Teaching and Worship teams. Their passion for righteousness has set a great example for us and the church. Their heart for the church’s health has been a pillar of strength for everyone.

Mark and Maria were both born in New England and raised on the North Shore. Maria became a Christian in 1983 while attending Northeastern University. Mark became a Christian later in 1983, in the singles ministry. Mark and Maria have been married for nearly 23 years. God has blessed them with three beautiful children: Rachel (21), who will graduate from the University of Massachusetts in May 2009; Nathan (19), who is a college freshman; and Rebekah (12), who is in middle school. Maria is currently working as a supervisor in health services. Mark is teaching tenth-grade carpentry at Whittier Regional Technical High School in Haverhill. The Whittiers now live in Beverly where they serve as family group leaders.

The Whittiers have set an incredible example of humility with their lives and family. Many lives have been transformed because of their faith in God. They have trusted in God through much adversity and have remained faithful to God and his family. Their faith has been a model and will continue to lift many hearts as they continue in a new role. Ruby and I have been so impressed with Maria’s spiritual insight and wisdom. She has exemplified a woman of great faith and reverence. We have appreciated her quiet, gentle, but firm spirit. Mark's passion for God speaks for itself. He has served the Lord with great humility and tears. He loves God's church, and many lives stand as a testimony to his faithfulness to God. We are confident that God has given us an incredible couple who will continue to serve the Lord with great faith and deep convictions.

We are honored and encouraged to serve with them.