Such sad news this New Year from Little Creek! I have always written the tribute as each of our loved ones have passed from us one by one. With Mark it is so hard to believe or understand and accept. We say he was too young and had so much to do and so this is the saddest news I’ve reported.
But life goes on as it must and so now we take it a day at a time as we remember and grieve, but yet, rejoice in the knowledge that Mark made Heaven his home, as he has told us uncountable times that he was determined to do. Mark so loved his walk with Jesus and by so doing he influenced those of us who become better Christians by his example and teaching.
I will write a little of the mischievous youngster and his growing up on Little Creek, of his joy in nature, the loving trial he was to his mother, the devoted brother and cousin to those kids privileged to know the freedom of a childhood growing up in the Ozarks. Mark grew up and had his little girl Grace. When Mark accepted Jesus he did so with no reservations. He became our pastor and ministered to family and friends and set an example of a true Christian in every sense of the word. When those of his age group tried and tested Mark with temptations of a life he had known, he stood firm and pointed the way to a better life. He led them to know Jesus as a personal Savior and baptized them all in the clear waters of his loved Little Creek.
We have been better because of Mark and because of those who influenced him. The prayer of his Grandma Audree, his mother, Dyanna, his Aunt Lee and his cousin, Jean who always kept him from crossing that certain line.
Mark took such joy in the young ones in our church and in their musical accomplishments and in their testimonies. Mark believed in using the God given talents some are blessed with and he scolded and encouraged those who were reluctant. Mark was not known for musical talent, but he joyously sang praises to his Savior and we rejoiced with him and to us his singing was as beautiful as any.
I will remember Mark as a friend and for being there when I most needed prayer and a friend and I will not forget when I was with him last and he was so happy with our first Christmas program and with the packed house there for fellowship.
So with heavy hearts we must travel on in faith believing that our church will survive and thrive, and we’ll keep on keeping on in honor and memory of our beloved, sweet Mark and with the help of Jesus. We need your prayers.
