Our Story
Truth in Love Ministry began in a small church in Nampa, Idaho, where Pastor Mark Cares and his congregation were deeply moved by a desire to reach their Mormon neighbors with the true gospel of Jesus Christ. Frustrated with popular witnessing strategies that often focused on debating Mormonism rather than proclaiming the gospel, they recognized the need for a new approach—one that was both relational and rooted in law and gospel.
This fresh approach was born out of a deep understanding of the common struggles Mormons face, such as worthiness, perfection, and forgiveness. By addressing these struggles with messages of hope and rest in Christ alone, doors were opened for meaningful conversations that pointed to the sufficiency of Christ’s work. For two decades, this approach has been the cornerstone of our ministry, consistently emphasizing the grace and peace found in Jesus.
Here's what we've discovered:
You don't have to be an expert.
Use our simple, relational approach.
You don't have to do it alone.
Our training and mentoring programs are designed to take you by the hand.
You can reach souls around the world.
It's a perfect time to share Jesus with Mormons worldwide. Your gifts share digital gospel messages.
You can give and receive encouragement.
Join Christians from all around the world in our growing, online community.
What began as a small group has grown into a global movement, with thousands now dedicated to planting gospel seeds and sharing the truth in love. Over the years, more than 5,000 Christians have participated in our impactful in-person or online witnessing training, with approximately 1,000 specifically equipped to share Jesus with Mormon missionaries. Our annual At the Door mission trips have empowered over 500 participants to plant more than 20,000 gospel seeds, bringing the message of Christ to those who need it most.
Truth in Love Ministry has a twofold mission of proclaiming Christ to Mormons and empowering Christians to witness. TILM carries out its twofold mission through three ministry arms:
Across these three ministry arms, we reach nearly 50,000 homes weekly with emails delivering law and gospel content. Social media has further revolutionized our outreach, allowing Christians to share the gospel through resources like BeYePerfect.org and JesusIsEnough.org. Each seed planted represents the potential for a journey from the burdens of Mormon doctrine to the freedom and joy found in Christ alone.
Our Team
We're a group of Christians who care deeply about sharing the truth of God's infinite grace in love with our Mormon friends. Learn more about our team.
Mark Cares
Founder
Mark Cares
Founder
I grew up in Monroe, Michigan, a town south of Detroit. This meant growing up as a fan of the Detroit sports teams. I count this a blessing since it has taught me that the things of this world do not give satisfaction.
I inherited a “teasing” gene from my mother. You can ask my staff, but a day rarely goes by without me saying something tongue-in-cheek to somebody.
I attended college and seminary in Wisconsin, the hotbed of Packer fans. This was my first taste of living in a foreign culture. More importantly, it is where I met my wife, Bonnie.
My steps in ministry came by planting a church in Boulder, Colorado. Over 30 years ago, we moved to Idaho to pastor a church in Nampa, where we were introduced to the Mormon culture. From this experience, God gave me the burning desire to share Jesus with Mormons.
All along the way, the Lord has wonderfully blessed me: with a wonderful, growing family; with supportive fellow-Christians; with an incredible dedicated board; and with fellow workers who are a tremendous joy to work with.
Mark Parsons
Missionary
Mark Parsons
Missionary
I serve as Missionary at Truth in Love Ministry. Ever since I was a little boy growing up in Colorado, I’ve had a passion for reaching the lost and encouraging others to do the same. Previously, I’ve served congregations in Georgia, Florida, and Wisconsin specializing in youth, family, and school ministry.
In addition to my parish roles, since 2010, I have been the Chief Content Curator of Bread for Beggars, which exists to share God's glory through sight, song, and story. Stemming from my passion for art, music, and storytelling, I have a special interest in the intersection between all things theology and culture. I especially love discussing television and movies with my wife and friends. I love to learn, and my favorite course ever was one on Theology and Television that I took while pursuing an advanced degree in Theology and Culture. I’m always looking for a new series to watch and analyze. Please share your favorites with me!
In July of 2020, my family and I relocated to Nampa, Idaho to join the TILM team. My wife, Molly, works with us as TILM's Social Media Messenger. We love learning together how to proclaim Christ to Mormons and empower Christians to witness. Our three children have had fun exploring our new state, especially the mountains, rivers, and hot springs.
Most mornings, I’m up before the sun to get in a marathon training run. If I run outside, you will find me listening to a podcast about Mormonism or culture/theology. If I’m running inside, I’m most often catching up on episodes of my favorite SciFi or teen drama television series. On the weekends, when we aren't exploring Idaho. I enjoy encouraging Molly in her hobby of painting and decorating our home. I eagerly await opportunities to pitch in with my home improvement skills!
Danee Haro
Office Manager
Danee Haro
Office Manager
I only came for the donuts! Well, that was my plan when attending a Bible study, but God had His own idea. He worked His way into my heart and since then I have worked in ministries reaching out to the lost. What better job in the world?
A few interesting facts about me:
- Logistics and lists are my friends
- I can’t imagine life without coffee
- Mom to 2 grown boys and 2 wiener dogs
- I love crime books, shows, podcasts
- I usually have 3-5 projects going-quilting, crocheting, painting my house, etc. The list goes on and on.
Did you notice the lists?
Casi Berrier
Database Manager
Casi Berrier
Database Manager
After 15 years enjoying my role as a stay at home mother, I was blessed to join TILM in the summer of 2020 to serve as the Information Manager. My duties include maintaining our database and mailing lists as well as processing contributions and gifts from our generous donors. If you call the office, you might just get me on the other end of the line! And that is my favorite part of my job – hearing the stories of people whose lives have been touched by this ministry and the powerful message of a saving Jesus who did it all for us. I am a native Idahoan and love living in the Treasure Valley with my husband and our three children.
Gina Zimpelmann
Communication Coordinator
Gina Zimpelmann
Communication Coordinator
As the Communication Coordinator for Truth in Love Ministry, I manage much of the incoming and outgoing digital communications—both by email and within our online community groups. It still astounds me that I get to combine my love for connecting with people, my excitement to share Jesus, and the blessing of personally growing in God's Word!
It is amazing to see God working in hearts and through others, and I praise him for the opportunity to share his good news of salvation—through Truth in Love Ministry and within my home, church, and community.
Phil Koelpin
Mission Advancement Counselor
Phil Koelpin
Mission Advancement Counselor
Though I was born in Toledo, Ohio and grew up in Livonia, Michigan, the bulk of my ministry was spent in Arizona. Over a period of 40 years I served congregations in Flagstaff and Tucson, Arizona. Just prior to retiring I served a congregation near Appleton, Wisconsin. For 31 years of my ministry career I was actively involved in world mission work serving first on the Committee for Native American Missions and then, for 12 years, as chairman of the Board for World Missions.
Shortly after graduation from the seminary I married my wife, Dianne. Our marriage was blessed with four children: Two girls married to pastors, and two sons serving as pastors. Our children and 13 grandchildren are pretty much scattered throughout the country.
Currently, Dianne and I reside in a home outside of Appleton, WI. When not on the road promoting Truth in Love, I love to spend time either standing over the backyard grill or sitting on my pontoon boat with a fishing pole in my hand.
My passion in life is to share the unconditional Gospel of Jesus Christ with people. My goal in mission advancement is to be an ambassador for the work of Truth in Love encouraging others to support this Gospel sharing ministry with their prayers and gifts.
Dick Starr
Mission Advancement Counselor
Casey Masters
Social Media Specialist
Casey Masters
Social Media Coordinator
My name is Casey Masters and I’m the Social Media Coordinator at Truth in Love Ministry. I curate content from our information-packed websites and share them with our online community. My goal in creating impactful social media content is always focused on reminding the reader who they are in Christ and what that identity means for their lives.
Here’s a little bit about me: I moved to Idaho to marry my now-husband, Tyler, after meeting him while I interned as a staff minister at his church in 2016. Since getting married in 2017, we have adopted two dogs, Finn and Spur, and have been blessed with our first son, Easton.
When I’m not writing copy for one of our social media pages, I’m usually spending time with Tyler and Easton, playing fetch with our dogs, walking along the Greenbelt, or binge-watching the latest action-packed TV show. I also enjoy reading, meal planning, being outdoors, and playing trivia games with my family.
Above all, I believe in the uncompromising goodness of God, the wisdom of his plans, and the amazing grace that he gives each of us in our lives, most notably eternal life in Jesus. It’s a blessing to share Jesus as a part of the TILM team!
Molly Parsons
Content Editor
Molly Parsons
Social Media Messenger
As a child, I always wanted to be a part of church ministry. My heart wanted to achieve great things for God. When my husband, Mark, received his first call to be a pastor in Florida, I learned a whole lot about church ministry and what doing "great things for God" meant.
For me, it meant failure. I continually struggled to do everything that I thought I should do for God's church, but much of what I did either failed, or I struggled with fatigue, anger, and resentment. My inability to do enough good with a willing heart caused me even to question my own salvation. "Do real Christians struggle like this?" But the Holy Spirit rescued me through the words of Romans 4:5, "God...justifies the wicked." (NIV1984) I finally understood how wicked I was and that I qualified for justification! How grateful I am for all the great things God has done for me!
Jenny Wockenfuss
Resource Coordinator
Jenny Wockenfuss
Resource Coordinator
Hats! I am constantly switching hats! Growing up in Idaho I wore the hat of “daughter”, “big sister” and “Pastor’s kid”. In second grade I knew I wanted to wear the hat of “teacher”, so I headed to Martin Luther College in Minnesota after graduating from high school. After going to public school, this was a huge change for me!
On Call Day, I was assigned to teach K-4 in a two-room school in Colorado Springs. I got to share God’s Word with my students in school every day! What a fun hat to wear!
While wearing my “teacher” hat, I met my husband, Jeremy. This gave me a new “wife” hat. It was not long before I got my “mom” hat. 4 kids later I still proudly wear my “mom” and “wife” hats. As a mom of four, I wear my “short order cook” hat and “crazy sports mom” hats proudly.
During the week I still wear my “teacher” hat as I teach at Messiah’s Children Preschool. I also get to wear my “teacher” hat on Sundays where I organize and lead the Children’s Ministry at Messiah Lutheran Church.
My newest hat is at TILM where I work behind the scenes as the Resource Coordinator. Each hat I wear allows me a different opportunity to share God’s love.
Under each hat, I am a redeemed child of God wearing my robe of righteousness. I try to start each day with the words of Psalm 46:10, “Be Still and know that I am God.” Through all the craziness, God is ALWAYS in control.
Brittany Babler
Social Media Specialist
Brittany Babler
Social Media Specialist
As the Social Media Specialist for Truth in Love Ministry, I get the opportunity to share the mission with thousands of people who connect on Social Media each day. It is an amazing opportunity to share Bible passages, devotions, and inform people of the courses and resources Truth in Love Ministry has. Most importantly, it is a blessing to get these resources into the hands of Christians to witness and proclaim the love of Christ!
Alli Pappathopoulos
Website Developer
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