Heartlight Founders and Directors

Mark and Jan Gregston began their work with teens 30 years ago, when Mark was a youth minister at First Methodist Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Their involvement with Young Life moved them to open their home to work with those who were struggling through crisis family problems. During the 80's while living at Kanakuk Kamp in Branson, Missouri, Mark was the Area Director for Young Life, a part of the Leadership Team for Doulos Ministries, and helped start the residential program there. For five years, Mark chaired the board of the National Association of Christian Child and Family Agencies. He is the host of the weekly national radio program, Heartlight Radio. 

In 1989, Mark and Jan moved with their two children, Adam and Melissa, to Hallsville, Texas. Here they started Heartlight Ministries, dedicated to providing an effective program for struggling and troubled teens in family crisis.

Their commitment to providing this opportunity through the years has allowed hundreds of families to work through difficult situations. Believing that an atmosphere of relationships creates an arena for change, Mark and Jan share their lives through retreats, speaking engagements, and counseling.

“Mark Gregston is one of the most down-to-earth counselors we have ever encountered. He brings a perfect blend of book knowledge and real — life experience dealing with teens, one-on-one basis.  This experience has forever changed the relationship shared between our daughter and my wife and me.” Jonathan Weingarten – Wantagh, NY

‘‘I’m convinced that if it had not been for Mark Gregston’s teaching, our daughter would not be alive today. Mark not only taught our daughter how to live upright, he also taught my wife and me the skills we needed for change within our home.” Kevin Harrell – Glen Ellyn, IL

.“When no one else on earth seemed to understand what parents are going through. Mark conveys in earnest that he is willing to walk with you, and there is hope.” Mike Kimbrell – Tulsa, OK

“What makes Mark different than the other specialists who tried to help our son is his practical experience, love, commitment, and most importantly, his years of living and  working with sad, struggling with kids who have needs beyond the capabilities of their parents. He has a God-given gift to see into the hearts of kids who are hurting.” Cindy Strain – Abilene, TX

“Mark’s logical approach to behavioral issues made addressing and correcting them rewarding and relatively simple. He can adapt to any individual’s problem, and apply an efficient solution. It’s his gift.” Ryan Hurley – Costa Mesa, CA

“Mark Gregston provided healing and hope for our daughter and our entire family when despair appeared to be all that was left,” Jim Samis – Fort Worth, TX

“For over 30 years, Mark Gregston has ‘got it’ when it comes to understanding teens. Teens love Mark. I’ve seen it in hundreds of teen faces. They know he understands who they are, where they hurt. I can’t think of a better person to help me understand my own teenagers.”  Elliott Snuggs – Los Angeles, CA

“Because of his obedience to God’s calling, Mark Gregston was the light in the midst of darkness for our struggling teen daughter.  Mark gave us hope when we were hopeless.” Bill & Elise Daniel  – Oklahoma City, OK

“Don’t let the twinkle in his eye, the grin on his face, or his sense of humor fool you into thinking Mark Gregston is anything less than a seasoned expert -one who knows what he’s doing with troubled teens. He jumps into this arena armed with years of practical experience, godly wisdom and biblical truth, and tells it like it is. This book packs a punch. It will knock you out and throw you down, and you will thank Mark for hitting you with it when you’re done.” Tamara Bolthouse – Tucson, AZ

“Mark has the God-given talent of probing the heart of a teenager, identifying their struggle and offering a common sense biblical perspective on living through it.  I experienced Mark’s gift first-hand and am now attempting to pass it down to my kids.” James Brookhart – Bentonville, AR

“My teen was committed to a path of self-destruction, full of sex, drugs, anger, and brokenness. Mark’s wisdom and experience helped her choose another path full of happiness, hope and joy.  Not only does Mark help teens, he helps parents realize what they can do to create a better family.” Anne Northington – Raleigh. NC

“Mark is a man who can’t quite caring about others.” Howard Steenwyk – Cypress, CA

“Mark Gregston has drawn from his 30+ years of relational and counseling experience to provide answers that actually work!” Tom Nisbett – Longview, TX

“Mark truly has walked through a very deep valley with us, and although it was a dark time, he gave us hope and helped us laugh.” Diana Blessen – Kansas City. KS

Mark and Jan's daughter, Melissa, a Child Life Specialist, is the Admissions Coordinator for Heartlight. She is married to Blake Nelson, Heartlight's Residential Life Director. Blake and Melissa (pictured below) have two children, Maile and Macie. Mark and Jan's son, Adam, works for LECG, LLC in Dallas, Texas.