1990 Miracle Yearbook

Staff of the Year In Memorium An accident? No, I think not. Mark was always sensitive to danger and very careful to protect all life. He had a greatzest for living,a deep love for his family, and a great desire to al- ways be there for them. I think God wished to purchase some special things in our commu- nity, and in His wisdom knew it would require a very dear price. Only Mark and only dying in the manner he did would have resulted in the changes we have seen:a new appreciation for each other, a new special closeness in the community, people drawn back to the Lord who had been far away,and some hearts softened, producing a willingness to accept Christ as Savior. Maybe now a few more fathers are spending quality time with their children. God was not surprised by this -accident." He had been preparing Mark and his children as He put within Mark the desire to do things with them that were fun, exciting, and that would instill in them a love for life, people, nature ,and, most of all, a love for God. This would sus- tain them after he was gone. He prepared the hearts of Mark's wife and family so that they were not bitter, but they praised the Lord that He had used His servant to further the Kingdom. God prepared the community as He allowed Mark to work and serve his way into the hearts of all. They faced this great loss, were naturally drawn together, and were more receptive to His will and direction. A very dear price you say? Yes, certainly from our viewpoint, al- most too much to pay. But from God's vantage, a physical life is but a moment. Mark's commit- mentto his Lord and his dedication to his family, community and friends will last for eternity. — Leigh Hunt v.. opl ik III, A; Ruth Ager Tom Ahlgrim Cindy Allen Frances Andrews Mary Auckland Melissa Bailey Barbara Boise Louann Baise Susan Baldis Martha Baldwin Grace Beikert Robert Beikert Betty Bertschinger Jeff Beste Agnes Biddle Brian Blair Carol Bliss James Bowersox Richard Bowersox Connie Bradds Jeff Brock Pamela Brown Mark A. Brown Staff 101