In May of 1978, Mark Palma placed his faith and trust completely in the Lord Jesus Christ. Mark’s close personal friend and fellow Martial Arts instructor, Ray Cunneen, had shared the good news of Christ’s love and forgiveness with him, leading Mark to his decision.

Following Mark’s conversion, he immediately began to attend First Bible Baptist Church. Understanding the significance of what the Lord had done in his life, Mark dedicated his athletic talent, education, and Tae Kwon Do training to serving God and others. With his wife, Patty, he began to find opportunities to minister to members of the church and their friends in the area of athletics.

Teaching and coaching at Northstar Christian Academy during the school year, Mark also began to direct the First Bible Summer Sports program during the summer months. In the fall of 1995, he assumed the leadership of G&T Athletics, as an expanded sports and recreation outreach ministry of First Bible Baptist Church. The ministry has continued to grow under his leadership.