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Meet Our Team

 "For just as we have many parts in one body and all the body’s parts do not have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually parts of one another. However, since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to use them properly..."  Romans 12:4-6

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Jesse Jackson

Pastor

Jesse was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA and Janice was born and raised in Bedford County, VA. Jesse placed his faith in Jesus Christ as his Savior on March 9th 1981 – the same day that Janice would be turning 1 years old. Janice trusted Jesus as her Savior at an evangelistic event that was held at Liberty University in 1995, while Jesse was an undergraduate student. They met at Liberty in 1998 and were married in October 2000. The Lord has blessed them with 8 children. They have graduated 2 from Homeschool, and have 6 more to go. Their family started a Christian family band in 2019 called The Jackson Band which exists both as a music and evangelistic ministry. Jesse holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia, and both a Master of Arts and a Master of Divinity degree from Liberty's School of Divinity. Jesse has been in ministry for 30 years, serving as pastor in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Virginia churches. He is the founder and editor-in-chief of Truth Perspective.org. Jesse’s favorite verse in the Bible is Galatians 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and delivered Himself up for me.” Jesse says this verse is a clear picture of our identification with Christ and His Life, the union we now possess with Him. Janice’s favorite verse is Romans 5:8-10, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.” Jesse and Janice enjoy spending time with their family, and watching their children thrive in their music. They enjoy hiking, gardening, wood-working, reading, and watching old Classic movies.

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Our Team: Our Team

Mike Barnett

Elder

Mike and his wife, Dawn

Andrew (wife Annie & son), Benjamin, and Sarah

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David Causey

Elder

David and Nola were born and raised in Roanoke, VA. They both received Jesus Christ as their Savior as children, and attended Roanoke Valley Christian School. After graduation they began dating, and as they say "the rest is history". The Lord has blessed them with two children, Titus and Adeline, and baby girl expected in 2025. David's favorite verse is John 11:25-26, "Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life; the one who believes in Me will live, even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?” David says this verse is a straight forward promise of God and reason to not fear the future or death. Nola's favorite Bible verse is Romans 12:1,2, "Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect." Nola says, "this verse is my reminder that I am a living sacrifice and my worship is how I live my life. I am challenged not to conform or fit in with the world, but to stand out." As parents of two, soon to be 3, David and Nola don't have much time for personal hobbies. They can be found investing in their children through sports, swimming, and video games. Nola enjoys reading a good book and David enjoys collecting antiques and obsolete currency.

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Jim Cooper

Elder

Jim and Alisa were both born and raised in the Roanoke area. They met in high school and started dating Junior year. They both have attended Hope Bible Church since they were teenagers, and Jim was "born and raised" at Hope. He trusted Christ as his Savior at the age of 7 and was baptized as a sign of his salvation. The Lord has blessed them with two children who love God, Allison (husband, Andrew Clark) and Ethan. Jim's favorite Bible verse is Romans 10:9-10, "For if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For one believes with the heart and so is justified, and one confesses with the mouth and so is saved". Jim and Alisa love this verse because it shares the Gospel plainly and leaves no doubt for the believer. Jim and Alisa enjoy playing tennis, walking, biking, playing a good round of golf, and doing puzzles.

Pete Hite

Elder

Pete and his wife, Patty are no strangers to Hope Bible Church. They have been involved with our church since they were children. They were both born and raised in Roanoke, VA and grew up together. Pete trusted Jesus Christ as his Savior when he was 9 years old during Hope's Bible school. Patty trusted Jesus as her Savior as a child as well. Pete and Patty served as Hope's Youth leaders for 25 years. Patty was the church secretary when Bill Byers was the pastor. Pete was the treasurer for many years with the Blue Ridge District Camp, which was associated with Hope Bible. In recent years, Pete and Patty have served the Lord and their church family as the Adult Sunday School teacher (Pete) and the Children's Sunday School teacher (Patty). Truly, these two have a heart for the Lord, His Word, and to serve others. Pete's favorite verse in the Bible is Ephesians 2:8,9 - "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not a result of works, so that no one may boast." This verse is his daily reminder that EVERYTHING in our life and salvation is accomplished by God. Patty's favorite verse is Romans 8:26-27, "Now in the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God." Patty loves this verse because it is the Truth that God helps us during the hardest situations. Pete can usually be found at the golf course during his free time, while Patty can be found in her garden.

Dan Lythgoe

Elder

Dan and Sheila both received Jesus Christ as their Savior as children. They have been at Hope Bible Church for over 30 years, and have served the Lord in various ministry roles. They have two adult children, who also know and love the Lord Jesus. For both Dan and Sheila, Proverbs 3:5-6 is their favorite verse. "Trust in the Lord will all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." Of this verse they say, "When we walk with the Lord in all aspects of our lives, we grow a lifestyle of trust, humility, and submission to God." Dan enjoys fishing, hunting, and golfing. Sheila enjoys reading, spending time with her family, and making crafts.

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Doug Witt

Elder

Doug was born and raised in Bedford, Virginia. He attended Shenandoah Bible College, where he graduated with a degree in Pastoral Studies. Doug was ordained for the Gospel ministry on November 14, 1976. He has three daughters Karen, JoAnn, and Virginia. Doug placed his faith in Jesus Christ as his Savior in January 1969 when his brother came for a visit, shared the Gospel with him, and led him to Christ. Doug's favorite verse is Proverbs 3:5-6, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." Doug says of this passage, "This was a special verse to me because I realized that the Lord must be first. I can't do it (life) by myself."

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Clennon Presson

Youth Leader

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Shirley Cooper

Organist

Shirley came to faith in Jesus Christ when she was 10 years old at a revival meeting. She has been a member of Hope Bible for 60 years. She was born and raised in Bedford County, attended Bob Jones University for 2 years, and married her high school sweetheart. They were married for 62 years. Shirley has 5 children (elder Jim Cooper is her son), 12 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren. After the children started school, she went back to school as well, and received her teaching degree from Radford College. She taught Elementary school in Roanoke County for 25 years. Truly, Shirley has been a Proverbs 31 woman! Shirley's favorite Bible verse is Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." Of this verse Shirley says, "this verse assures me that I can rely on His Strength to do whatever He asks me to do according to His Will." Shirley has certainly lived out this verse for her Lord throughout life. Shirley enjoys playing piano/organ, doing crossword puzzles, and growing different plants and flowers. She loves spending time with her children and grandchildren, participating in water aerobics, and attending Bible study. She is one busy lady, and we as a church family appreciate all she does.

Kristian Jackson

Pianist

Kristian is the second oldest child, first son of Jesse and Janice. Kristian trusted Jesus Christ as his Savior when he was a young child after his dad explained the Gospel to him using a Colorforms board. Kristian is attending Liberty University, where he is double majoring in Film Score and Piano Performance. He is a Piano Accompanist at Liberty for Instrumental and Vocal performers. He is also a certified Starbucks barista. Kristian is a coffee enthusiast. He loves trying all coffee, and can always be found with a cup in his hand. He enjoys composing all sorts of music and creating short films with his younger brother, Benjamin.

More To Come! 

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