Spreading the good news of Jesus is foundational for Dr. Johnston and his wife Lavonne, the founders of JHF.

Have you ever walked along a backcountry trail and noticed neatly stacked piles of stones indicating the correct route? Known as cairns, these man-made mounds of rocks are invaluable landmarks for wayfarers looking to stay on the right path and reach their destination. Cairns have been used for centuries as directional aids.

In his debut book, 17 Cairns, Dr. Mark Johnston shares how he came to recognize the “cairns” in his life—the critical moments when he felt God was guiding him toward an important lesson to be learned. Filled with personal anecdotes, fascinating observations, and valuable teaching, 17 Cairns will show you how to look for your cairns as you travel along the zig-zagging path that life sets before you.

Mark H. Johnston, M.D.

Dr. Mark Johnston is a gastroenterologist in private practice in Lancaster, PA, and a retired Navy Captain. He served as a congressional physician while at the U.S. Capitol, before completing his fellowship in GI at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, MD. He later served as the head of Gastroenterology there, and became a consultant to the White House, U.S. Congress, and Supreme Court as a gastroenterologist. A graduate of Hahnemann Medical University through the Armed Forces Health Professions Scholarship Program, Dr. Johnston entered naval service in 1985 and has since made significant contributions to medicine and humanitarian work.

Dr. Johnston has served on the Albanian Health Fund for 30 years, including a term as its president, and has played a key role in advancing its mission to provide medical education and Christian outreach in Albania.

He is the founder and president of the Johnston’s Hope Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charity dedicated to supporting Christian missions globally. Through this foundation, Dr. Johnston has enabled funding for many ministries, including medical missions and educational programs, primarily in Albania. In addition, Dr. Johnston holds two U.S. patents for his gastrointestinal research, including the invention of endoscopic cryospray ablation using liquid nitrogen. His numerous military, academic, research, and humanitarian accolades include the Maryland Innovator of the Year Award (2005), two Meritorious Service Medals, and the title of “Professor Honoris Causa” from the University Hospital Mother Teresa in Albania. He has also been recognized with the American College of Physicians Navy Chapter Volunteer of the Year Award for his medical missions to Albania and China, among other distinguished honors.

An active participant in short-term medical mission trips to Albania, Kenya, and China, Dr. Johnston continues to serve as an elder in his church. He is the author of 17 Cairns: Encounters and Reflections from a Lifetime of Following God’s Trail. Dr. Johnston and his wife have three adult children, all of whom have pursued careers in medicine and surgery.

Lavonne Johnston, PA-C, MHS

Lavonne Johnston brings the board a wealth of experience and a heart for service. She has served in Albania for numerous years and has also participated in medical missions to Kenya, reflecting her deep commitment to global healthcare and ministry.

Lavonne is a certified master’s-level Physician Assistant, Emeritus, with a diverse career spanning several specialties. She retired from clinical medicine in 2017 after spending her final decade in gastroenterology. Currently, she shares her knowledge and passion for health sciences as an adjunct professor at Lancaster Bible College, where she mentors and inspires the next generation of healthcare professionals.

Beyond her professional work, Lavonne is actively involved in her church, serving in women’s ministries and mentoring programs. Her dedication to ministry extends to her roles with the Illyricum Movement and the Albanian Health Fund, where she contributes to advancing Christian missions and humanitarian efforts. Lavonne cherishes time spent with her family, which includes her three married children and nine grandchildren. She enjoys hiking and reading, finding joy in the beauty of nature and the written word. Her service and leadership enrich the mission of the Johnston’s Hope Foundation and reflect her lifelong commitment to making a meaningful impact.

Jeff Osborn

Jeffrey G. Osborn was born on May 31, 1956, in Salt Lake City, Utah. At just one year old, his family relocated to Narragansett, Rhode Island, where he spent his formative years. Raised in the Catholic Church, Jeff’s faith journey took a significant turn during his college years. It was there that he first heard the Gospel through a staff member from The Navigators. Although he initially did not accept Christ, another Navigators member, Erika, encouraged him to read Scripture and seek God.

In 1980, Jeff committed his life to Christ as his Savior and married Erika two years later. Jeff and Erika have been blessed with four children, all of whom are believers and married to Christian spouses. Their family has grown to include 13 grandchildren, several of whom have already professed faith in Jesus Christ. Jeff began his career at AT&T, where he served faithfully for 28 years before retiring in 2006. He then joined Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, working there for 17 years. He is now semi-retired, enjoying a balance of work and rest.

In 1991, Jeff and his family moved from Freehold, New Jersey, to Olney, Maryland, and began attending Derwood Bible Church. Over the years, Jeff has served in various capacities at DBC, including as a member of both the elder and deacon boards since 1995, with breaks for sabbaticals. He currently serves as the Chairman of the Deacon Board.

Jeff’s commitment to service extends beyond his local church. As an original board member of the Johnston’s Hope Foundation, he has faithfully served on the board from its inception and continues to contribute his time and leadership.

Erika Osborn

Erika was born in Washington, DC, the third of identical triplets. She grew up in a multi-lingual household, her parents having come to the U.S. from Colombia and Germany. She became a believer just before high school and was involved with the Navigator ministry while attending Cornell University where she received a BA in Economics. She has been married to Jeff for 42 years and they have three sons and a daughter who are all married, and 13 grandchildren.

Erika has attended the same church since 1991, where she has served as an AWANA leader, Bible Study leader, and children’s Sunday School teacher. She worked part-time at a quilt shop and as an instructor for 15 years with the Body and Soul Fitness ministry. She enjoys Bible Study, reading, quilting, exercising, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.

Join us in this transformative journey and leave a legacy that reflects your commitment to advancing the Gospel.