Ray of Hope Harrisonburg | Our Leadership

Senior Pastor:
Bill Marion

Originally from Chattanooga Tennessee, Pastor Bill Marion served on staff at Abba’s House in Hixson, TN under both Ron, and Ronnie Phillips for over a decade before accepting the Senior Pastor position at Ray of Hope Church in Harrisonburg, VA in February 2018.

Pastor Bill first accepted Christ as a small child while traveling with his father and mother, William & Violet Marion. Pastor Bill’s parents were National Evangelists, and Pastor Bill spent almost all of his elementary school years traveling with his parents who were preaching the gospel around the world.

But despite being raised in a Godly home, by Godly parents, Pastor Bill admits that he spent the first half of his adulthood fighting God’s perfect plan for his life.

“It’s not that I didn’t want to serve God, I did. It’s just that every time I tried, I became religious instead of Godly. I saw the Bible as a rule book, instead of a book of love, written by our heavenly Father that provides instructions. I had to learn about God’s powerful Grace, His Mercy, and that I needed Him every day!”

In 2005 Pastor Bill made a lifetime commitment to God and Godly service when he attended Abba’s House.

“I stopped playing games. I was tired of always being in a mess, and I finally took my walk with Christ and my calling seriously. Don’t get me wrong, I had a lot to learn, but I knew this was it. I wasn’t turning away from the love of Christ again."

During Pastor Bill’s 12 years at Abba’s House, he taught a Life Group, led Mission Trips, produced, wrote, and directed several inspirational musical productions with over 200 participants. Pastor Bill served as a staff writer while also serving The Worship Pastor at Abba’s House, Ken Hartley and the “Zadoks” (The Abba’s House Choir & Orchestra), organized and led retreats, conducted weddings and funerals, served on the board of Ronnie Phillips Ministries international, preached the gospel at Abba’s House, and churches around the country. Pastor Bill was selected “Teacher of the Year” twice at Abba’s House, and he was publicly commissioned and released to the IPHC (Appalachian Conference) by Pastor Ron and Pastor Ronnie Phillips during the Abba’s House’s Fresh Oil New Wine Conference in March 2018.

Though Pastor Bill began pastoring Ray of Hope in February of 2018, he was ordained publicly by the IPHC at the IPHC Conference Camp Meeting in Dublin, Virginia, in June of 2018.

Pastor Bill received an education at both Union College and Tennessee Wesleyan College, focusing on History, Education, and Theology. While at Union College, Pastor Bill played football for the Bulldogs in 1992 and 1993, and was a writer for the college paper.

Pastor Bill is an author and helped write several books for lead pastors, and he is also a verified YouTube creator in which he creates his own light-hearted YouTube Channel, Bill Marion A Nose for Life.

He served in both the Army, and Kentucky Army National Guard from 1994 to 2003. In 1997, Pastor Bill graduated from Officer Candidate School. After the events of September 11, 2001, Pastor Bill’s army unit was mobilized. Pastor Bill received two Army Accommodation Medals for his service while on active duty.

Pastor Bill is happily married to Caroline Marion, and they have three adult children; Anna, Nathan and Crystal.

Pastor Bill’s life scripture:

Philippians 4:13

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

External Media Ministry Leader / Records Admin:
Caroline Marion

Caroline is originally from Florida. She was not raised in church, had no interest in church and did not know God's love for her. Shortly after her move to Chattanooga, TN she began attending Abba's House and on July 10, 2005, she accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her Savior. God's word became alive in her heart and in her life.

Caroline sang in the Zadok choir at Abba's House in Hixson, TN for 13 years. She started out as a volunteer in the Worship department at Abba's House and became a full time staff member at Abba's House in October of 2007. She served for a short season in the Adult Ministries Department while maintaining the church member database. Beginning in the Fall of 2008, she felt the call to serve in the Worship Department and remained in that position for the duration of her time at Abba's House.

Caroline joined her husband in the full time ministry at Ray of Hope Church in February 2018. She has a deep love for people. She feels that the Lord has placed her here to help rescue others from the same lifestyle she once had, to help them see that there is forgiveness and grace in the arms of Jesus Christ and to empower them to fulfill their destiny as Christian's.

She also serves as Secretary in the Women's Ministry.

Caroline has 2 favorite scriptures:

Revelation 4:8 ... "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come."

Psalm 13:6 ... "I will sing the Lord's praise, for He has been good to me."

Caroline is happily married to Pastor Bill. They have 3 amazing children: Anna, Nathan & Crystal.

You can also connect with Pastor Bill and Caroline on facebook by clicking here.

Executive Administrator:
Teresa Meadows

Teresa has been a member of Ray Of Hope Church for 19 years. She accepted Jesus as her Savior when she was 23 years old.

"I love the Lord with all my heart and I love serving Him on a daily basis. My hearts desire is to make Heaven my home and to help lead others to know Jesus Christ as Savior in their lives."

In the past at Ray of Hope Church, she has served as the Women's Ministry President for 8 years, she has served as a Sunday School Teacher, a Christian Education Leader and also praise and worship leader for 10 years.

Teresa now serves as the Executive Administrator, the Vice President to the Women's Ministry, a member of the prayer team, and a member of the Board at Ray Of Hope Church. She is also a part of the Ray of Hope Choir.

Teresa has lived in the Harrisonburg area for her entire life. She is the Vice President and Treasurer of the Elkton Neighborhood Watch. She also serves the city of Harrisonburg as a Pharmacy Technician.

Teresa's favorite scripture 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."...

"Because no matter what circumstances or trials we face, it's all part of God's plan, and it will work out for the good. I need to trust His purpose for me."

She and her husband Jim have 2 beautiful daughter's and 1 adorable granddaughter.

Next Generation Executive Ministry Leader:
Shelly DeFreese

Shelly has been a member of Ray Of Hope Church since the year 2009.

Shelly was born and raised in Mahwah, New Jersey. She accepted Jesus as her Savior when she was 11 years old.

Shelly attended The King's College in Briarcliff Manor in New York (A Christian University) majoring in Elementary Education. Her journey at that college brought her to the Shenandoah Valley in the year 2004. She currently works for the Rockingham County Public School System.

"I bought my home in Weyers Cave in 2009. At that time our neighbors introduced us to Ray Of Hope Church. One visit and we felt we returned home."

In 2012 she completed her foster parenting license and 3 months later received her 2 sons, ages 8 and 3. Eleven months later, her daughter arrived at 2 days old.

"My home, hands and heart were full! I prayed for peace and strength to be there for them and their parents and for whatever path we would travel. Twenty five months later, all 3 were legally and officially my children. More importantly, we became a God appointed family."

Shelly's favorite scripture is Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope."

"This scripture has always rang true in my life and I thank the Lord for all of His blessings on me!"

Next Generation Ministry Leader:

Deb DeFreese

Debbie was born and raised in New Jersey and worked in a Private Day Care as a teacher for over twenty years. She visited Ray of Hope faithfully with family during her visits from New Jersey. She then moved to the valley in 2013 and became a member at Ray of Hope.

She holds a Ministerial Diploma from Free Gospel Bible Institute in Export, PA and an Associates Degree in Early Education. She has served as a Minister in training in her former church (Hope Chapel Mission in Salisbury, New York) and was licensed by her Pastor Emeritus the late Reverend Alvin D Gunther. Debbie is currently employed with the Rockingham County Schools and works as a Teacher’s Assistant with Special Education.

Debbie has been a member of Ray of Hopes Women’s Ministry since 2013. She has also served as an Assistant to her sister with the Children’s Ministry at Ray of Hope since 2015.

Debbie resides with her family in Weyers Cave, VA.

Her favorite scripture is Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths."

Next Generation Ministry Leader:

Jessica Harris

Jessica is currently a student at JMU and her major is: Elementary Education.

In her own words, this is Jessica's testimony. "I was raised a Christian, got angry and turned my back on God in high school, went to Ray of Hope for the first time in October 2020 because Annabelle wouldn’t stop inviting me, kept going because of the overwhelming sense of peace I felt, gave my life back to Christ in January 2021 and was baptized in June 2021, joined Children’s Ministry team in October 2021."

Jessica's favorite scripture is Romans 5:8... “But God shows His own love toward us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

Jessica added, "I like this verse because it reminds me of God’s never ending and perfect love. He loved me even when all I did was run from Him, and He helped me make some crazy changes in my life once I found Him again. He’s pretty cool."

Helps Ministry Leader:

Jeanette Smith

Jeanette has been a member of Ray Of Hope Church since 2004 when she truly gave her heart to the Lord.

In the past, she has served as the Women's Ministry Treasurer, the Fundraiser Coordinator, on the Prayer Team and has assisted with Sunday School Classes.

The Food Pantry was started by Jeanette in 2017 as a way to help the needy and support different functions of Ray Of Hope Church.

Jeanette also serves on the Prayer Team.

Jeanette is married to her wonderful husband James Sr. Together they have 3 wonderful children and 7 awesome grandchildren.

"My precious mom is Barbara Mowbray. She is my prayer warrior and she helped teach me how to truly believe in Jesus Christ. I praise God everyday for my life. The Lord brought me through and healed me of cancer in 2016. My walk with Him became even stronger. Every chance I get, I tell everyone around me of the awesome God I serve."

Jeanette's favorite book of the Bible is Psalms and her favorite scripture is Psalms 27:14.

Administrative / Missions:

Mervin Diehl

Mervin has been a member of Ray Of Hope Church for 22 years.

In the past at Ray of Hope, Mervin has served as the Men's Ministry President for 8 years.

Mervin has been on the Board for 20 years. He was the overseer of building the new sanctuary at Ray Of Hope Church, he has been the Missions Director for 15 years, and he is also the director of the Fundraiser Committee.

Mervin also serves on the Prayer Team.

Mervin has been a member of the Mt Crawford Ruritan Club for 40 years and he also works at the Rockingham County Fair as the Grounds Keeper.

"I love serving the Lord and my community."

Mervin's favorite scripture is John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."...

"I love this scripture because I know that I am not worthy and that I'm just a sinner saved by grace and He gave His son so that I may live."

Mervin has 3 wonderful children and 6 amazing grandchildren.

Treasurer:

Cyndi McDaniel

Cyndi faithfully serves God while filling the role of Treasurer at Ray of Hope Church and through being a member of the ROH Worship Team.

She married her incredible and one-of-a-kind husband, Billy McDaniel, in 2016. They have 3 children: Justin, Samantha, and Ben. Their home isn’t far from the church and if you ever go to visit you will quickly be greeted by the biggest baby in the family, a giant German Shepherd named Chief.

Originally from Augusta County, Cyndi moved to Harrisonburg in 2013. After visiting other churches in the area, she and her husband declared Ray of Hope as their home in 2019.

Saved since 2003, Cyndi will tell you that she had to learn the hard way to give God control in ALL things. Jobs, finances, relationships, life… Many of her life struggles have been a result of pushing her own plans forward and not being patient for God to make a way.

God calls us to trust in and surrender completely to Him, while being patient, as He puts all things in order. When we do this, it is then that we can walk in the favor and blessings He has for us.

Proverbs 3:5-6 says “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”

Today, Cyndi rejoices in the Lord and is grateful for His enduring love and faithfulness. God has opened doors and provided a way, as only He can, after she learned to relinquish ALL things to Him.

Teresa Meadows