Dr. Mark Forrest

Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, Dr. Mark Forrest grew up as the oldest child in an unchurched family. Soon after his parents divorced, his mom moved the family to Shreveport, Louisiana, where the students at Haughton High School shared the Gospel with Mark. He embraced the love of Christ, believed and was baptized on November 8, 1980. As an active member of the Baptist Student Union in Louisiana State University-Shreveport, he discovered a love for teaching and preaching. During his senior year, he sensed a calling to serve in full-time ministry. He met Gina DiMaria at the Baptist Student Union and they were married in 1989. Gina grew up being involved in her parents’ ministry including a church camp and a television ministry. After college, Mark and Gina moved to Fort Worth, Texas, where he pursued a Master of Divinity degree. Upon the completion of that degree, they moved to Malawi, Africa with their 6-month-old daughter to work with churches. In Malawi, Mark served as an administrator of a medical clinic. After their two-year commitment, they moved back to Texas, and with help from his wife and their six children, Mark began a pastor’s journey. During this time Mark earned a Doctor of Ministry degree at Southwestern Seminary. With twentythree years as a pastoral family, they currently serve at Lakeside Baptist Church in Granbury, Texas.

From Mark Forrest:

Thank you for reading Soul Beginnings.

The story ends with hope. It’s our message. It’s Jesus Christ! My King is on the throne. And we believe in a future that is secure. I pray you will know Jesus Christ, the remarkable wonder of His Person, experience the power of His resurrection, and have fellowship with him.