Raised and confirmed in a traditional denomination, but not raised in Christ, Gary Hellender had a life-changing encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ while attending the University of Florida in January 1987. After a vision of the Lord, he prayed and gave his life to Christ.

After graduating from college, he fell into temptation; however, following an encounter with the Holy Spirit on January 27, 1988, he repented and began preaching the Gospel. He faced rejection from his friends and was asked to leave his parents’ home, but he learned that the Lord is faithful. God restored his relationship with his parents.

After several years of seeking the Lord and praying, the Lord brought his wife, Darlene, into his life. They have been married for over 34 years and have four children (the youngest attends Calvary Orlando Christian Academy).

Responding to the call to ministry, Gary completed courses through Berean University while working in the healthcare field. He served as a children’s pastor, youth pastor, and associate pastor, and also as an elder for approximately 18 years of ministry before being sent out, which allowed his wife to follow her calling in educational leadership and missions.

In 2019, Gary launched a prayer ministry at AdventHealth Corporate to reach and encourage nearly 7,000 corporate employees. More recently, he started a men’s business gathering to equip men to share the Gospel, pray for healing, and encourage and disciple men in the workplace.

Gary has a strong passion for missions and for reaching the lost. He has seen hundreds come to Christ and follow the Lord in water baptism, as well as many miracles of healing.

I am grateful to the Lord for all He has done, and I am praying and expecting to see Him glorified in the lives of the teachers and students of Calvary Orlando Christian Academy.