Leadership » Sparrows Gate

DEAN TINNEY

Founder
Sparrows Gate Mission and Kids Overseas

Dean Tinney moved to Tijuana, Mexico in 1986 to serve the poorest children living in hovels, with food and medical care. Before founding Sparrows Gate Mission he taught at a Nazarene elementary school, Paso Robles High School and Cuesta College in San Luis Obispo County. Later he was a professor at Cal State University, Fullerton, California. He is a business entrepreneur with a burning passion to love and care for impoverished children in Latin America and Asia. He and his wife, Alba, live in Ensenada where they direct Sparrows Gate's Christian Elementary School, a visitor center, and a transition home for single moms and their children. Mr. Tinney is founder and director-at-large including missions' operations in Mexico, Belize and the Philippines.

"I share Charles Dickens' feelings when he said, 'I love these little people and it is not a slight thing when they, who are so fresh from God, love us.'

Most people think that the poorest child is the one without food, shelter, clothing or limbs; but the poorest child is the one without hope, without love.

Knowing that a destitute, unloved child is waiting for someone to share the love of Jesus is reason enough for us to GO to the regions beyond.”

GARY BELL

Owner, Gary Bell Graphic Design Associates
Kids’ Corner Director, San Ignacio, Belize

Gary Bell is father and grandfather to many children and has a heart for needy kids worldwide. He has made trips to South America and India to make a difference for needy children. Gary served on the board of directors for the Boys and Girls Club of America in the U.S. for many years. He and wife, Georgia, moved to Belize in January 2011 to launch Kids’ Corner offering free after-school recreation, crafts and help with homework. He is a graphic designer, Bible teacher, mission secretary and follows up on internal co-ordination and public relations. Gary is also the graphic designer for mission literature and Sparrows Gate's website.

“In an increasingly upward mobile society that is always looking to attain more, it’s crucial to turn around and look to those who have less. We need to do all that we can to improve a poor child’s lot in life, and to give them the hope that extends beyond this life.

We have a vision of helping the hurting children in the world to break the cycle of poverty and to discover the full riches of faith in Christ. We are always acutely aware of the vast need. We need to help in any way possible, even if it’s only a cup of milk and a cookie to a single kid. Some great things have happened from such simple beginnings. And that’s what Sparrows Gate is all about.”

MARGARET HEPP

Accountant
Bonita, California

Margaret Hepp owns a professional bookkeeping and tax service firm in Chula Vista, California and has been Sparrows Gate's faithful accountant for the past 24 years. She is also a trusted board member who continues to provide financial oversight, advice and wise counsel on a wide range of mission matters. She is Sparrows Gate Mission treasurer and tracks income and expenses and complies with State and Federal non-profit mandates and submits regulatory filings.

“I’ve helped Sparrows Gate Mission with accounting and filing non-profit forms with governmental agencies for more than 24 years.

Sparrows Gate is a faith mission with the kind of financial challenge that comes with going to teach, feed, clothe and care for impoverished children in Latin America and Asia.

I’m pleased to be a part of a committed organization that makes a lasting difference for needy kids in Latin America and Asia.”

THERESA KAIN
Business Consultant
San Diego, California

Theresa Kain is a Director with RSM McGladrey, Inc., the major national firm that advises private and public companies with business process improvement, profit enhancement, regulatory compliance and internal controls. She has demonstrated her on-going love for children with her time, talent and treasure. Her corporate experience has benefited Sparrows Gate with structure and strategic, long-term planning.

“The children of Sparrows Gate Mission first blessed my life nearly ten years ago, when I had the opportunity to visit Sparrows Gate Mission with a church college group. During my time with the children of the Mission, I saw the love, joy and healing that Christ brings to the lives of these kids who have so little. Many have no real family to speak of, no daily comforts we in the US take for granted, and oftentimes no love. Yet Christ reaches down and shows His redeeming love, grace and mercy through those who daily work at the Mission and through the church groups who come for periodic weeks during the year. He continually performs miracles in the lives of the children ministered to by the Mission. Since my first visit to Sparrows Gate Mission, I have tried to stay involved through church groups and taking visits on my own to help when I could. I endeavor to continue to serve in a small way on the Mission board.”

CHRIS DAVIS

Product Manager
Procter and Gamble
Salem, Oregon

Chris Davis is Executive Administrator of Sparrows Gate. His years of business experience as a district manager of a Procter and Gamble subsidiary is a great benefit to Sparrows Gate. Over the years he has brought many youth groups to Sparrows Gate in Mexico to help with ministry, projects and building efforts and provides monthly financial support. Mission founder Dean Tinney, consults with Mr. Davis on many issues related to operations and funding in Mexico, Belize and Philippines.

“For many years now my wife Sally and I have been bringing youth groups from Salem, Oregon to serve the poor children of Baja at Sparrows Gate Mission’s children’s home and schools. We go to give but always come back with more than we gave. The verse, ‘Give and it shall be given unto you,’ comes to mind. Our young people agree. Giving our time and talent and even a cup of cold water to the poor children is rewarding beyond belief.”