Who we are

Hearts in Mission (HIM) was born from a shared vision—people helping people through the love and gospel of Christ. A diverse group of like-minded, uniquely gifted individuals came together with a desire to bring transformation to our communities, cities, and beyond.

Our mission is rooted in the Great Commission, carrying out a cycle of restoration that begins with evangelizing the lost, continues with healing and discipleship, and leads to empowering others to go and do the same. We reach people from all walks of life—including those in prisons, on the streets, the homeless, and victims of trauma, sex trafficking, and addiction—offering them the hope and redemption found in Jesus Christ.

By partnering with local churches and faith-based ministries, we help connect those we serve to vital resources, services, and opportunities that meet both their immediate physical and safety needs as well as their spiritual needs. Through our TRIBES (TRIBE 3:16), we walk alongside them, equipping them with the truth of the gospel, strengthening their faith, and establishing a firm foundation in Christ.

The mission doesn’t stop there. As they grow, they are trained,, empowered, and mobilized to join us in reaching others—continuing the cycle of restoration. From the broken to the healed, from disciples to the disciple-makers, from seed to sending, we are through Christ raising Kingdom Warriors to Advance God’s Kingdom on earth as it is in Heaven..

Meet the Team

Susan Benjamin

FOUNDER
Since 1998, Susan Benjamin has faithfully walked with Christ in ministry and service.
A strong influencer from the start, Susan served as an encourager, mentor, speaker, and minister of biblical truths, spreading the gospel through evangelism and discipleship.
As both a licensed minister and entrepreneur, Susan has used her personal experiences, including divorce after 30 years of marriage, as a powerful testimony to minister to women facing similar struggles. She founded Leap of Faith Christian Arts Ministry and directed A Live Outreach Mission, connecting with pastors across the city for evangelism efforts.
In addition to her ministry work, Susan has spent the last 10 years as an educator, consultant, and certified wellness coach, promoting wholeness in spirit, mind, and body.
Additionally, she developed a discipleship curriculum that has helped over 300 women in her transitional restoration home ministry. Through partnerships with local churches and ministries, she has facilitated safe homes and support for countless women in crisis, including those facing addiction, trauma, and sex trafficking.
Susan was the original founder of Chix Ministries, a restoration ministry focused on “Women Helping Women” - which later transitioned to the broader ministry of Hearts In Mission (H.I.M.) - “People Helping People.”
Susan has spent a lifetime serving the lost, vulnerable, and hurting with practical care, restoration and transformation opportunities offered through a thriving relationship with Jesus and it is her passion to teach, encourage, and equip others to do the same.
Bonny Allen Ibarra

CO-FOUNDER
Bonny Ibarra is a loving mother and devoted wife who lives in Boerne, Texas, just north of San Antonio.
With over 20 years of experience in Christian leadership, Bonny is an event speaker, teacher, and writer most passionate about empowering others to embrace their true identity in Christ. She is the published author of The Paperdoll Princess: Walking as a New Creation and a freelance writer for the San Antonio Christian Beacon.
Bonny has written and taught numerous Bible studies, including in-depth studies on Romans, Ephesians, and Colossians. She has served in various Women’s Ministry roles—Director, Bible Study Coordinator, and on event planning teams—and is passionate about worship, contributing her talents as a vocalist for over 20 years and as a worship leader for several small churches, including an underground church in Saudi Arabia. Her administrative skills were honed as the Executive Assistant for the Senior Pastor of a large non-denominational church in San Antonio, where she collaborated and implemented strategies on various church leadership and development teams.
With her husband, Rick, Bonny serves to reach the Homeless in San Antonio with practical assistance and the ministry of the Gospel.
Bonny serves on the Board of Hearts In Mission and as Regional Director for the San Antonio area.
Bonny is a visionary with a heart for connecting people to the abundant life Christ offers through redemption. She longs to see the Bride of Christ step into her full, regal glory and believes the best is yet to come. Committed to inspiring others, Bonny encourages them to live with purpose, conviction, and wholehearted devotion, rooted in a thriving relationship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Christine Marzolla

CHAIRMAN
Christine Marzolla has been married for 38 years and has two grown children and three grandchildren, with whom she enjoys making lasting memories. Originally from New York, she has lived in the Houston area for the past 30 years.
Together with her husband, who pastored a church for over a decade, Christine served as a counselor, Bible teacher, and in multiple leadership roles. Over the past 22 years, she has also assisted several other churches and outreaches, playing a vital role in supporting and expanding their mission.
Christine is a woman of prayer with a deep passion for ministering to women and understanding their unique value as created by God. She also enjoys teaching children, guiding people of all ages, and serving widows and the elderly in any way she can.
Christine's broader ministry includes serving, counseling, teaching, preaching, and evangelizing. She has faithfully ministered in diverse situations, with diverse people and circumstances, offering support, encouragement, and guidance to those in need.
While serving on the Board of Hearts in Mission, and as Regional Director of our Houston region, Christine is also an active entrepreneur, a Realtor, and a Regional Marketing Rep welcoming new homeowners. With every role she holds, whether professionally or ministerially, her focus is to serve Jesus and bring others closer to Him
Her main desire is to have people see and know the One True Living God in a real and personal way so that they can fulfill their purpose and bring Him Glory!