Jon Marcus -- Director of Student Ministry

What got you into youth ministry?

I think a lot of ministers go into youth ministry looking at it as a "stepping stone” to the place they really want to be. That’s not me. I’m not saying that I’ll always do youth ministry, but I’m not doing it to get me somewhere, but to show some REALLY important people The Way. Teenagers are the future, and they can change the world. They can do some AWESOME things with God’s power if they only believe they can.

What is something that people may not know about you?

Well, I have two; a serious thing and a quirk. Serious: I was in a terrible car wreck in 2004 that left me with some injuries. I should have died, but instead I just have a slightly bad back and a pupil that doesn’t dilate with the other. Ask me about it sometime, it’s a cool story! As for the quirk: I have a little...ok more than a little...obsession with Superman things.

Contact Jon at: jon@hopewellumc.org

Jacqui Davidson -- Student Ministry Assistant

What got you into youth ministry?

I have always worked with youth; starting my career as a special education teacher in Delaware County.  After I moved to Chester County, I continued my work in special education at the middle school level.  Currently, I teach 7th grade literature at DMS (Go Lancers!). Working with children and youth has always been my passion, and God has directed me to where I am supposed to be.  When I started this position it was just a temporary, summer job, but I knew after 2 months that I did not want to walk away.

What is something that people may not know about you?

In college, I won a scholarship to study abroad.  I spent a summer in Italy and Switzerland studying archeology and geomorphology.  I learned a tremendous amount from the experience, met awesome people, ate incredible food, toured some of the most amazing ruins in the world, hiked along the Alps, and even got to spend time excavating at an archeological dig (called Poggio Civitate).  It was an opportunity that I almost didn’t even apply for, but I had some wonderful professors who really encouraged me.  I want all students to know that they should push themselves for something they want, even if it seems out of reach. You just never know what God has planned! 

Contact Jacqui at: jacqui@hopewellumc.org