Founders
Our Sparrows Gate Mission goal is that homeless children and single destitute moms and their kids in Mexico, Belize, Amazon and the Philippines, come to know, love and serve Jesus.James 1:27 says that true religion is caring for orphans and widows and we have done our best to love and care for them with schools, orphanages and homes for single destitute moms and their children for more than 3 decades.The words of Psalm 67:2 are a constant reminder of our passionate plea. “Send us around the world with the news of your saving power and your eternal plan for all mankind.”
“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.”
CHRIS DAVIS
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 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.”
BOBBI LUCAS
“My husband and I met Dean and Alba almost 40 years ago at a church in San Diego. Soon after that meeting we began to go down to support their mission in Tijuana and then In Las Palmas. They have never waivered on their mission of helping, feeding and educating as many poor children as they possibly could. Sparrows Gate is exemplary when it comes to doing just that. Dean and Alba Tinney have the faith and integrity to follow through to see children and even families succeed. They focus on excellence in every way. This is why being asked to be a board member is not a difficult decision for me.”
MARIA MONTES
Maria’s previous ministry experience includes a lifetime of service in a variety of outreach and discipleship roles. Maria has provided counseling and support to individuals and families within the communities surrounding the church. She has also served in hotel ministry, coordinating volunteer groups to provide hot breakfasts and lead weekend worship services for hotel residents. Maria’s service includes mission trips to orphanages in Tijuana, ministry to youth in correctional facilities, and homeless shelter outreach in Los Angeles, where she helped provide clothing, food, and Bibles to those in need. Maria is also actively involved in children’s and youth ministry and teaching Sunday school classes for students ranging from kindergarten through high school.
“I’m honored to have accepted a position as a Board member of Sparrows Gate. I truly believe in its mission to reach children for God’s kingdom. It reflects Gods heart that children come to know God early in life so they can flourish,and be enriched through the knowledge and love of Christ. In turn, they will bring and draw others to our Abba father.”
LEE WADELL
Lee’s walk with the Lord began in 1971 when he was 23. Lee has been married for 52 years and has 2 children and 3 granddaughters. Lee taught high school math and counseled in public and private schools for 39 years. Lee’s missions experience includes many short term trips to Mexico, Venezuela, and the Philippines. I also served full time with Campus Crusade in Thailand for 4 years.
“I have been involved with Sparrow’s Gate ministries since the late 1980s when Dean and Alba began a small children’s home outside of Tijuana at a former pig farm. Since then I have continued to pray and support the work as much as possible. Over the years, the time and circumstances were never right for me to join the board, but now I think is a good time to join the work as a board member.”
KEITH COWELL
Keith found a relationship with Jesus that has lasted a lifetime and gets better day by day, in July of 1973 (while serving in the USMC).
Keith and Leilani have been married since Jan 1974. They have 3 sons who are all following the Lord, as do our 3 daughters-in-law and all 7 of our grandchildren.
Keith spent his working years in the swimming pool business; servicing, repairing and building. Keith’s son took over the business in 2021.