Mark and Becky Leighton

Church planters in Thailand / Regional Director Central Thailand

With three close brushes with death in his life Mark cannot but believe that God had special plans for him. But rebellion, depression, and loneliness marked his teen years. “As I thrashed about, searching for meaning and joy,” he says, “my mother prayed.” And as a result he began reading Paul’s letter in Scripture and believed. God rescued Becky, too, from a life twisted by depression, drugs, and the worldly philosophies of the ’60s.

Mark was born in Ft. Belvoir, Virginia, and grew up in a small town north of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Becky began life in New York City, later moving to Colorado. Both earned a B.A. in Religious Studies at Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon. They also studied at the Western Conservative Baptist Seminary in Portland, with Mark gaining his M.Div. degree.

When Mark suggested to Becky, a number of years into their married life, that they become missionaries, she couldn’t imagine it. But statistics about the overwhelming need for people to share Christ cross-culturally and the missionary themes of Scripture gradually softened her heart and brought willingness to be transplanted overseas for the sake of Christ. They joined OMF in 1985.

Since 1986 the Leightons with their three sons—Peter (1979), Andrew (1982) and John (1985)—have been part of the church-planting team in Thailand. They have brought two churches to independence from resident missionary help, and these churches are now actively involved in helping share the gospel and planting other churches in nearby towns. This past term Mark and Becky have also had a counseling ministry to Thai Christians to bring them freedom from past emotional wounds or spiritual bondage. Becky was involved in teaching English as a bridge to evangelism, as well as helping other missionaries establish programs. Mark was teaching intensive Bible study to church leaders for leadership development in several churches. He is the regional director for OMF's Central Thailand work and has helped form five new church-planting teams.