Mark was raised in Dallas , Texas , on a Christian camp by his parents, Ken and Dee Heil who were the horsemanship directors.  His parents now manage horse camps in Oregon where his two younger siblings, Angela and Scott, also attend college. While attending a small Christian school, he filled his free hours with sports—almost every one the school offered.  His coaches helped to show Mark teamwork, discipline, and endurance, which he has applied to ministry and life. In addition, during the summers, he ventured away on trips overseas and across the country, including his first Urbana missions conference in 2000 with Faith Bible Church which sparked his passion to be a missionary. 

Mark’s continued education started with a Bachelor’s of Science (Marketing) from Liberty University and Master’s of Arts in Teaching from the University of Phoenix , and it continues with the pursuit of a Doctorate in Business Administration from Northwestern University through distance learning in hopes that the degree would prepare him more to be a leader in missions management overseas.

Malia grew up in Hawaii , on the island of Oahu .  Her father, Dr. Rhoades, is a Christian psychologist, while her mother works for the State of Hawaii . Both were equally influential in molding her character and discipline. Growing up with two brothers and three cousins, she spent a lot of time playing charades, having sleepovers at Grandma’s, and going to the beach.  Throughout those

island years, she concentrated much on studying, writing creatively, and playing volleyball.  Now, her pastimes have slightly changed: preparing lessons, (still) writing creatively, and working out. Her parents continue to minister to teens in Hawaii , and her brothers both teach at an elementary school in Hawaii .

Shannon’s education parallels Mark’s much: a Bachelor’s of Arts in English from Liberty University and a Masters of Arts in Teaching from the University of Phoenix . She hopes to someday complete her PhD in English at the University of Hawaii to enable opportunities of teaching and ministry at the University level.