Mark Weigel: A Life Transformed Through Faith and Service
For over ten years, Mark Weigel has served as Vice-President and Associate Pastor of Bridge the Gap Ministries, working diligently under the guidance of its founder, James Turner. With a heart dedicated to serving those in need, Mark envisioned a partnership that could profoundly impact the Cincinnati community. The opportunity arose when James and Letha relocated to the tri-state area, prompting Mark and his wife, Sharon, to seize the moment and unite their efforts to “turn Cincinnati upside down.”
Mark’s past is a powerful testament to resilience and redemption. For more than four decades, he battled with drug and alcohol addictions, which led him to spend many years behind bars. Yet, even in his darkest moments, he felt God’s grace and mercy sustaining him, a reminder that his life held purpose. It wasn’t until 2012 that Mark experienced a profound transformation, discovering the liberating power of truth: “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free.”
Raised in an environment marked by abuse and tragedy, Mark faced immense challenges early on. Following the death of his brother Mike at the age of 16, he found himself living on the streets, grappling with grief and loss. Despite these struggles, Mark emerged with a renewed sense of purpose. His experience as a general contractor fueled his passion for building, inspiring him to create safe houses for women and children seeking refuge from homelessness, all rooted in the life-changing message of Jesus Christ.
With Sharon by his side, Mark is committed to being “Boots on the Ground,” actively engaging in outreach efforts that provide food and support to the homeless. Together, they work tirelessly to help individuals find pathways to healing and stability, centered on faith and community.
Mark is driven by a vision to glorify God through his actions, following the example set by James Turner and other members of the Bridge the Gap team. His desire to bridge gaps extends beyond the local community; he also uses his passion for piloting aircraft to conduct search and rescue missions, further demonstrating his commitment to serving those who are vulnerable.
In Mark Weigel’s story, we see a journey from addiction to advocacy, a man transformed by grace dedicated to empowering others. His life showcases how faith and service can dramatically change lives.
Contact Mark
Phone: 859-663-0238
Email: markweigel777@gmail.com
Kim Orlemann: A Dedicated Advocate for the Underserved
Kim Orlemann’s journey is a testament to a lifelong commitment to service and empowerment, rooted deeply in her upbringing in Southeastern Ohio. From an early age, Kim demonstrated her dedication to serving the underserved, beginning her impactful work as a member of the School for Youth in Mission during her teenage years. This foundational experience ignited a passion for helping others that would define her career.
After relocating to Cincinnati, Kim embarked on a professional journey in education, utilizing her skills as both a teacher and a school counselor. Her role extended beyond the classroom as she actively engaged with her local church, where she contributed to youth programs and led small groups, fostering spiritual growth and community among young people.
Following three decades in the educational field, Kim took a significant step by launching her own business in Amelia and Withamsville, Ohio. It was during this time that she collaborated with Jim and Letha Turner, joining the Search and Rescue team and participating in the Lord’s Gym homeless ministry. These experiences further solidified her calling to serve those in need.
Recognizing a divine calling to focus entirely on ministry, Kim transitioned from her business endeavors to establish Lightshine, a local ministry dedicated to serving the Batavia, Ohio area. Her vision came to life through street ministry initiatives, which emphasized outreach and support for vulnerable populations. This work naturally led her to Weightless Anchor, a hospitality home sponsored by Bloc Ministry, where she provided care and support to those facing homelessness.
In addition, Kim’s compassion for individuals in recovery flourished during her tenure at the Redeemed Home, where she counseled, mentored, and served residents working toward healing and independence. As the manager of one of the homes, she honed her leadership skills before narrowing her focus to the development of Lightshine.
Throughout her multifaceted journey, Kim has leveraged her expertise in trauma and addiction to address the complex challenges faced by individuals experiencing homelessness, poverty, and addiction. She has played a pivotal role in establishing programs for women both locally and in Arizona, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to fostering resilience and support.
Kim’s enthusiasm for her mission shines brightly as she looks ahead to future endeavors, trusting in God’s guidance as she continues her work. Married to Duff Orlemann and a proud mother of three adult sons, Kim remains deeply connected to her family, drawing strength and inspiration from her loved ones as she navigates the path of service. Her story is one of hope, determination, and a relentless pursuit of making a difference in the lives of others.
Visit Kim’s website, Lightshine: https://www.lightshinecommunitycenter.org
Pastor Jerry Paoli: A Mission Worth Supporting
Pastor Jerry has been an invaluable asset to Bridge The Gap, playing a pivotal role in the establishment of our dinner churches and the men’s discipleship home. His dedication and passion for ministry have not only helped us reach our community but have also transformed lives along the way.
Recently, God has called Pastor Jerry to plant a new dinner church on the east side of Cincinnati. This is an exciting opportunity for him to expand his ministry and reach even more individuals seeking connection and support.
While embarking on this new journey, Pastor Jerry remains our missionary associate and is credentialed as a licensed minister with the Ohio District through the Assemblies of God. His commitment to serving others and spreading God’s love is evident in all that he does.
We believe that partnering with Pastor Jerry Paoli as one of your U.S. missionaries would be a wonderful way to support his vision and mission. If you would like to learn more about how to partner with Pastor Jerry and support his ministry, visit his website: https://paoliministry.square.site.
Reaching the Lost: Carrie and Rodney Bradley
Carrie Bradley and her husband Rodney have a profound calling that ignites their passion to reach the lost and the addicted. With the mission to preach the gospel to the poor and the prodigals, they are dedicated to rescuing individuals trapped in the cycle of drugs, prostitution, and human trafficking. Their hearts overflow with compassion for the hurting, the hopeless, and the hungry, and through their ministry, they are changing lives in remarkable ways.
As founders of Identifreed and leaders of the Beauty from Ashes Trafficking Outreach, this powerhouse husband-and-wife duo coordinates a vibrant community initiative. Their team, composed of volunteers from various churches and non-profits, works tirelessly to provide essentials to those in need across the Valley of the Sun every week.
In addition to these vital services, Rodney and Carrie’s outreach offers prayer, spiritual guidance, and assistance to help individuals find recovery programs and shelters. They have recently launched an outreach center and thrift store, where the community can benefit from affordable clothing and supportive services.
Current Services Offered:
Identifreed Discipleship: Tuesdays at 6:15 pm
Identikids: Wednesdays at 6:00 pm
Beauty from Ashes Trafficking Outreach: Thursdays at 5:00 pm
IdentiFreed Attic: Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 2:00 pm (Clothing $5 or less)
Their Vocational Rehabilitation Center offers computers and free clothing for job seekers emerging from challenging circumstances, such as trafficking, addiction, and incarceration. You can learn more by visiting http://www.identifreed.org.