Pastor John Mark came to Highland Hills in 1990 joining a core group of about 15. He is a native of Oklahoma and a graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University, Southwestern Seminary and Golden Gate  (now Gateway). Pastor John Mark and Debbie met at Southwestern and have been married for over 30 years. Debbie is an MK (missionary’s kid) from South Korea and claims North Carolina as her home state. The Simmons’ have three adult kids – Davis, Reese and Brooke (and son-in-law Cody). The Simmons enjoy eating all things Mexican and homemade burgers, as well as watching sports.