Our Core Values
At RAISE28, we humbly recognize our need for Jesus and submit to his Lordship over our lives and ministry. We are communally and individually committed to abiding in Jesus. We introduce Jesus and his way of life to our students. We seek his guidance for all decisions. He is enthroned, worshipped and glorified at RAISE28.
At RAISE28, we honor the dignity and worth of every human being as image bearers of God. We are intentional about creating safe spaces for each person to be authentic and experience abundant life through Jesus. We facilitate flourishing by providing opportunities for personal and spiritual growth.
At RAISE28, we seek to build, nurture, and prioritize authentic relationships. We follow the model of Jesus in our pursuit of relational disciple making. We understand that we are more effective when we work together and offer ourselves fully to one another.
At RAISE28, we delight in God’s gifts for us and share moments of laughter, fun, and joy.
At RAISE28, we are mindful of the time, talents, and treasure God has entrusted to us. We use these gifts wisely for His glory and the advancement of his work in our community.
At RAISE28, we lead with courage. We exhibit courage in our obedience to Jesus, in our sharing of the gospel, and in the ways we invite others to participate in our mission. We are not paralyzed by fear or insecurity, but rather empowered by the Spirit to do good work and be encouraged by Jesus’ promise that he will be with us until the very end of the age.
METHODS OF ENGAGEMENT
Spiritual Direction
Through our Spiritual Direction program we hope to be an example of Christ’s love through our programs, staff, and volunteers. By this effort, we strive to bring glory to God by making Christ known to all those who come and participate in our programs.
Academic Assistance
Academic Assistance programs are free for all students of the Donegal School District and surrounding areas. We focus on teaching our students the importance of homework comprehension, organization, and consistency.
Social Support
Our Social Support program’s purpose is to help the students in their everyday lives by fostering relationships, so that they can have a strong positive role in the community.
Statement of Faith
Jesus
The only Mediator between God and us is Jesus Christ our Lord, God’s eternal Son, who as man fully shared and fulfilled our humanity in a life of perfect obedience.
Salvation
- God made us in His image that we might have fellowship with Him. Being estranged from God by our disobedience, we are incapable of a right relationship to God apart from divine grace
- By His death in our place, Jesus revealed the divine love and upheld divine justice, removing our guilt and reconciling us to God. Having risen bodily from the dead and ascending into heaven, He rules as Lord over all and intercedes for us as our great high priest.
- God’s redemptive purpose will be consummated by the return of Christ to raise the dead, judge everyone and establish His glorious kingdom. Those who are apart from Christ shall be eternally separated from God’s presence, but the righteous shall live and reign with Him forever
Scripture
- The Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, being given by divine inspiration, are the Word of God, the final and supreme authority in all matters of faith and conduct.
- In the Scriptures God reveals Himself as the living and true God, Creator of all things. Perfect in love and righteous in all His ways this one God exists eternally as a Trinity of persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Holy Spirit
- The Holy Spirit, through the proclamation of the gospel, renews our hearts, persuading us to repent of our sins and confess Jesus as Lord. By the same Spirit we are led to trust in divine mercy, whereby we are forgiven all our sins, justified by faith through the merit of Christ our Savior, adopted into God’s family as His children and enabled so to live in the world that everyone may see our good works and glorify our Father who is in heaven.
The Church
- God by His Word and Spirit calls everyone into the fellowship of Christ’s body. Thus He creates the one holy, universal and apostolic church, united in the bonds of love, endowed with the gifts of the Spirit and summoned by Christ to preach the gospel and to administer the sacraments, to relieve human needs and to strive for social justice.
History
OUR STAFF
Mark Unger
Executive Director
As the newly appointed Executive Director of RAISE28, Mark will collaborate with the board of directors to craft a strategic plan, prioritizing the enhancement of services for children and families in the Donegal School District area. His role extends to fostering relationships and garnering support from local churches, businesses, and community leaders. Given REYS’ reliance on donor support, Mark will be intricately involved in donor engagement, ensuring the sustained success of the organization for years to come.
Mark brings a wealth of experience, with 25 years of dedicated work in child welfare. As a leader, he served on the Board of Directors for the Pennsylvania Council of Children, Youth & Family Services (PCCYFS) for nine years. Additionally, he is the founder of The Chickies Rock AAU Basketball Club and is the President of Christian Safety Trainings, LLC. Mark holds a Master’s Degree in Ministry Leadership, a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, and an Associate Degree in Chemical Dependency Counseling.
Motivated by his faith in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, Mark endeavors to honor God in all aspects of his work. His passion lies in assisting children and families in need of love and support through social services. Guided by the belief that no one is beyond the reach of Jesus’s love and compassion, Mark is committed to loving and serving all people.
Mark, alongside his wife Stefani (Stef), has celebrated 41 years of marriage. Their two married daughters have blessed them with five grandchildren. Family time is a priority for Mark and Stef, who actively engage with their kids and grandkids. Their 23-year affiliation with Lives Changed by Christ Church (LCBC) reflects their active involvement and commitment. Former residents of Maytown for 21 years, they currently reside in Elizabethtown.
Pierson Castor
Director of Student Ministries
Pierson Castor is the Director of Student Ministries at RAISE28. Before joining the RAISE team, Pierson served in Residence Life, Student Ministries, and Worship Community at Messiah University. Pierson has a bachelor’s degree in Politics and International Relations and is working toward a master’s degree from Westminster Theological Seminary. Pierson seeks to help others navigate life’s many challenges in a biblically faithful, Christ-centered way. Pierson resides in Willow Street with his parents, sister, and brother. Pierson enjoys rich conversations, outdoor excursions, and musical experiences. He also enjoys world travel, having spent the fall of 2022 in Jerusalem. Pierson plays the drums on his church’s worship team, though he can also be found playing other instruments. If you’d like to schedule a representative to speak on behalf of REYS you may Pierson via email at smc@reys.org.
Laura Teal
Office Assistant
Laura Teal is the Office Coordinator at RAISE28. Before joining the RAISE team, Laura worked as a high school English teacher at two Maryland-area Christian schools. She also served as a part-time middle school Religious Education instructor at her church. Laura’s career included tenure as a Workers’ Compensation Manager for both Honeywell and Utz corporations. She seeks to help guide others in strengthening their relationship with Christ by utilizing daily opportunities for spiritual growth in day-to-day activities and relationships. Laura and her husband, Ed, live in York with their mischievous chihuahua-mix rescue, Roxie. In her free time, Laura enjoys lap swimming at the YMCA and cheering for her favorite college and NFL football teams. However, Laura most loves spending fun time on adventures with her grandsons, Isaac (9) and Max (5). You may reach Laura at office@reys.org
David Gayle
Student Ministries Coordinator
David Gayle is the Student Ministries Coordinator at RAISE28. Before joining the staff, David completed a two-year ministry residency at LCBC Church called DEVELUP. There, he received training and experience in both adult and children’s ministry, as well as biblical and theological training. David graduated from Kutztown University with a bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies. During his time there, he was a member of Kutztown Christian Fellowship. David is passionate about introducing people to the love and power of Jesus Christ. He looks forward to walking alongside students in the way others have walked alongside him. David resides in Harrisburg and is excited to marry his fiance Britteni in January 2025. David is an avid music lover; in fact, he is a former member of the Keystone State Boychoir. David and Britteni both love attending Christian concerts, hanging with friends and family, exploring new cities, and discovering new ice cream spots. You can reach David at smc@reys.org
Our Board Members
Jill Meador – Chair
Jeff Gingrich – Vice Chair
Paul Newcomer – Treasurer
Keith Cullen – Member
Jacob Dukeman – Member
Laurel Kratz – Member
Jennifer Kline – Member
Partnerships
FAQs
List to be added later