Mark grew up in a home devoid of love. Despite attending a Seventh-day Adventist school, the spiritual teachings of his childhood felt distant and irrelevant compared to the harshness of his home life. His father was emotionally and physically abusive, referring to Mark and his brother as "slaves" and beating them for minor infractions if his rules were not kept. One particularly traumatic incident involved Mark being severely beaten for eating “too much deli meat,” further instilling a sense of worthlessness that permeated much of his early life.

This sense of feeling worthless defined Mark for much of his childhood, resulting in apathy and failing grades in school, despite the reprieve school and church had been from the abuse of home. Mark even attempted to take his own life, though the grace of God saved him. It wouldn’t be until Mark was 23 when his best friend, a recent Christian convert, told Mark that he valued him and wanted him to study the Bible together. Mark eagerly agreed and learned that God was real and actively pursuing a relationship with him, something he had never experienced before.

Today, Mark works as a site director for Youth for Christ, mentoring middle school students. His past experiences allow him to connect deeply with young people who are struggling, especially those contemplating suicide.

“Who is God to you?”

“The friend who chose me first.”

You can check out the amazing work Mark and others are doing over at Youth for Christ.