About
Board Of DirectorsChristine Gelatt
"It is a privilege to be a part of something that so practically fulfills God's desire to bring justice and a way of escape for those who are in bondage (Isaiah 61). It is exciting to watch as God continues to expand the vision and influence of Freedom 4/24 both locally and globally. He has equipped talented leaders to advance the mission of this organization, and it is an honor to serve with this team of highly dedicated individuals."
After witnessing the sex industry first-hand in the summer of 2008, Christine felt called to start Freedom 4/24 as a way to bring awareness to this issue and provide funding for organizations that are working with exploited women and children around the world. Christine received her undergraduate education at Liberty University, where she studied English and secondary education. She and her husband, Michael, live in Radford, VA, where she is currently pursuing her Masters in English and teaching freshman writing classes at Radford University.
Dr. Richard Lane, MD, MPH &TM, FACPM
"Vision requires the audacity to believe we can do great things through small acts. Freedom 4/24 is a vehicle to facilitate a small act for an exploited young woman so her life can be transformed. To me, that is a great thing but I am truly energized knowing our ministry can make the difference for so many more."
Richard is the Director of the Master of Public Health Program at Liberty University. He has been a practicing physician in Lynchburg, VA, for over 20 years. His experiences in tropical medicine have taken him around the world to provide basic medical services to people with no access to medical care and to lecture on HIV/AIDS to health care providers and educators. Richard and his wife, Cindy, came to Lynchburg after he served as a flight surgeon in the USAF for seven years. They have two grown daughters.
Dr. Robert Vogel
"I pray the Lord will use me to help to expand the ministry He has set before us Freedom 4/24 I have a heart for the least among us (Matthew 25:40) and look forward to serving this population for His sake."
Robert graduated from Brandeis University with a degree in biology, followed shortly thereafter by a Master's degree in exercise physiology. He then graduated from the University of Miami Medical School and did a residency at the University of Virginia in ophthalmology. He did further training in retinal surgery at the University of Texas. He is currently a law student at Liberty University and is enrolled in the joint JD-MBA program.
Sam Patel, Esq.
"It is my great honor to serve on the Board of Directors of Freedom 4/24. I am excited to be a part of an organization that is bringing physical and spiritual freedom to women and children all over the world in the name of Christ."
Sam M. Patel is a managing partner with Patel & Dalrymple, PLLC, a general practice law firm with a focus on real estate, estate planning and business law. He attended Texas Tech University and graduated from the University of Pittsburg School of Law. Prior to his entry into private practice, he served as a student law clerk to the Chief Justice of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court and the Chief Judge of the United States Bankruptcy Court, Western District of Pennsylvania. He is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Law at Liberty University School of Law. He is also a husband and proud father of two children.
Stephanie Barrick
"I am so excited about the vision that God has given the leaders of Freedom 4/24, and how it is growing. I love the approach of the ministry and how it has linked up with such dynamic local ministries. I believe I can contribute creativity and an approach that can offer ways to make Freedom 4/24 personal and adaptable to crafters, businesses and families."
Stephanie is a stay-at-home mom of two young boys. She graduated from Liberty University in 2007 with a degree in Sports Medicine. She has started two small businesses from her home, creating baby products and wedding cakes.
Steve Pettit
"It is my honor to serve on the board of directors for Freedom 4/24 where I hope to make a strong contribution among a very competent team of leaders. I long to help advance the vision of Freedom 4/24 through humble leadership and a visionary spirit. God has given me 30 years of global experience initiating and establishing ministries in over 32 countries. I deeply believe in the goal of Freedom 4/24 and hope to resource many Christ-centered ministries that are in the trenches rescuing victims of human trafficking and sexual exploitation."
Steve is the Life Development Pastor at Brentwood Church in Lynchburg, VA. He attended Capital Bible Seminary in Washington, D.C., before pastoring a church in Derwood, Maryland for 25 years. He and his wife of 33 years, Sherrie, have four children and seven grandchildren.