Condolence: Dear family and friends of Mark,
I was reflecting this evening on my breif time at Hopewell while living in East Earl. Mark came to mind because I remember his leading our Sunday school class at Hopewell. I remember Marks gentle manner of teaching and the conversations we shared way back then. He was encouraging to me as I was going through a rough patch in my life at the time. Having reliocated to Brooklyn NY I hadn't seen Mark since 1981. I always appreciated his sacrifice of time and friendship. I am saddened to hear of his passing but there is comfort in knowing he rests in the glory of God's kingdom with Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.

Doug Tucker

Condolence: l and my family send condolence to the family of Mark, be strong God is in control,and Mark is with him now.

Condolence: Mark was such an inspiration and encourager to many.
Blessings to you Fern, as you go thru one of the hardest things in life.
May you feel the peace and comfort that comes from God and from friends caring.
God bless..........

Condolence: Mev and I send our sincerest condolences to you; as well as to Dawn and to Conrad.

Mark's contagious smile; his optimistic approach to life; and his willingness to reach out to engage even complete strangers in conversation made him "one of a kind".
In the years we have known Mark we never heard him say an unkind word to anyone; not to his wife...not to his children...not to his friends...not to his acquaintances...not even to complete strangers...NEVER!

What a testimony to a life well lived.

Condolence: What a great example of the Christian walk. I also enjoyed his sense of humor.

Condolence: So sorry for your loss. He truly was a man of God

Condolence: Hi there, I wanted to let you know that Kent and I appreciate your family and pray for Gods comfort at this time. Pastor Mark encouraged us so much... we share a huge amount of respect and love for his life and the contributions at Hopewell. Truly a remarkable man. Big hugs, Cindi Christman

Condolence: Pastor Mark, what a legacy you leave behind. It is with heavy hearts, but smiles on our faces, the we say farewell. It’s not goodbye, because we know the hope that we carry with Jesus in our hearts...the hope that one day we will all meet again.

And so, I (Shelly) take a page from your example (& in true Pastor Mark fashion at the closing of a service) leave us all with this benediction: “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”

To your family: “Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.” You are all deeply loved & we grieve (& rejoice) with you.

My faith journals are a result of a personal encouragement YEARS ago from Pastor Mark after an encounter w/ Christ at the altar. And I often pass that encouragement along to others who are non-journalers (is that a word?) because I’m some of my dark moments, I could look back & read of Gods faithfulness. Thank you Mark, for being not just a pastor, but also a very kind shepherd & friend. I pray that I can be a similar encourager to those whose paths cross mine.

(This definitely was longer than I intended, but I guess I wouldn’t be me if it was short, right?)

Condolence: We knew Mark from our early days at Hopewell and appreciated his heart for ministry. You blessed us and others and I am sure getting a reward for that. Our heartfelt condolences to Fern and the family. Sorry we will not be able to say that in person because of our Son Austin's wedding in Tennesee on Saturday. Blessings to you all. Gary

Condolence: Mark truly knew what it meant to have a servant heart. He lived it out every day of his life. He was a great man and will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him. My sincere sympathies to his family. We mourn his loss with you.