"Simple acts of kindness were one way Mark liked to live out his faith..." Mark, the oldest of 4 boys, loved his family and desired to be a good role model for his brothers. He was a good student; gifted in many areas and eager to learn new things. Even at a young age he was grounded in his Christian faith. He was truly a gift from God.

 

Another of Mark's loves was basketball. Born in Kansas City, MO in 1988; he loved the Kansas Jayhawks. As a young boy he dreamed of playing for KU and then pro ball. His talents and skills at basketball were obvious; at 5'8" he was one of the Lehigh Valley's best point guards. Mark was co/captain of the Northwestern basketball team and starting point guard. However, a continual shoulder injury confirmed the Lord had other plans for college. This did not dampen Mark's passion and commitment to the game; instead it energized him to share his passion with others. Over the summers he coached with Push The Rock Christian sports camps and especially enjoyed working the inner city camps. There he taught kids the importance of good sportsmanship both on and off the court, a character quality that Mark demonstrated himself.

Mark graduated from Northwestern High school in 2007. He continued his education at Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA, where he was very excited about deepening his growing relationship with God. Sadly, in February of 2008 Mark was in a fatal car accident; he was only 19. Our family was so touched by the outpouring of love from our church family, friends and community. Over 50 new college friends traveled from Liberty University to attend his funeral. Well over 1,000 people attended his viewing and came back for his funeral service. It was a blessing to hear all the stories from the people Mark touched during his short life. Many of the stories reflected Mark's kindness to people he met regardless of their status or situation in life.

One girl shared that she was not popular and did not have many friends but Mark always took time to come over and talk with her at school. Another boy talked about feeling left out on a mission's trip and how Mark had encouraged him, helping him feel better. Just the other day I met a lady who had worked with a handicapped boy at Mark's high school. When I showed her a picture of Mark she said that he had helped her and was always kind to the handicapped student. Simple acts of kindness were one way Mark liked to live out his faith.

His heart went out to kids who were having a hard time fitting in; he took many opportunities to encourage others. Many of Mark's friends have grown in their faith as a result of his example. Mark was not perfect, but he tried to live a life that pointed others to Christ and show people that he cared.