Marlin and Shirley were both raised on farms in rural Nebraska. They attended their senior prom together and then he went to the University of Nebraska and entered a pre-med program of study while she went to work for BD making test tubes. A year later they married in Arcadia, moved back to college in Lincoln. It was there that God began to move in his heart, away from the medical field and into something else. Four years later they went to Texas Baptist College and 3 years later he graduated and moved to Weirton in 1985. Marlin came here with the intent of being here for just a few years but has become known as Brother Hawley and Pastor Hawley for 30 plus years. His first love is watching people come to Christ and being saved and then watching those people grow as Christians. His greatest strength is his amazing wife Shirley. His second strength is his ability to get things done. Both are gifts from God. They have 4 married children and 12 grandchildren.

Jarrett has been part of MBC since 1988 when he started to attend Mercy Baptist Academy. He quickly developed a love for being around Christians and meeting Erin at school, fell in love with her as well. He excelled in basketball and computers while attending MBA. He also excelled in soul winning with the men of Mercy and growing as a Christian. He graduated from MBA and attended college locally while he waited for Erin to graduate and when she did they married. They served at Mercy for a year but God took them to Crown College where they both received their 4 year degrees in Bible and Education, then God has blessed that commitment by giving them 4 wonderful children and a comfortable home in Weirton. God continues to change their roles in his ministry but their commitment to serving God is obvious to all that spend time with this family. Jarrett and Erin have 4 school age children.

Garland and Jennifer have been at Mercy Baptist Church for the past 11 years, serving as youth leaders for 10 of those years. They have been happily married for over 20 years and blessed with 4 amazing children. Tyler, their oldest, is a senior in college studying cross cultural studies to be a missionary. Dean, the second child, is a sophomore in college studying to be a youth pastor. Jacob, their third child, is entering into his freshman year of high school. Miracle, their youngest, is 3 years old and loves to sing and dance.

Jennifer was saved at a young age however, Garland did not come to know Jesus as his personal savior until he was 21. Garland has an associate degree in Computer Aided Drafting and Design and is currently studying for a degree in biblical studies. Jennifer has an Associates Degree in Early Education and an Accreditation in Child Development Specialist and currently teaches at Tri-State Christian Academy.

They desire to see young people know Jesus Christ and to learn biblical truths and apply them to their lives, so that they may develop a faithful walk with the Lord. Together, they make a great team ministering to teens.