STORY OF IMPACT
I thank God every day for the privilege to serve you through this Strong Disciple ministry. I am truly humbled and deeply grateful that God would use me in some way to help another believer in Jesus Christ. This testimony was sent to me recently. I hope this story of impact is an encouragement to you. I am eternally grateful to each and every one of you for your prayers and your generous, faithful financial support that makes this all possible.
Pastor Mark Darling
Pastor Mark
You have been my pastor, mentor, role model and friend for more than thirty years. No other person on earth, not even my dear mother, has had such a profound effect on my walk with God and my relationship with Jesus Christ. (Though Mom runs a close second!) The very first time I heard you speak, I was captivated… I had never heard the truth of God’s word preached with such conviction and honesty. Through many years of countless sermons, one-on-one conversations, and simply observing how you have lived your life, I’ve learned that Jesus Christ is real, that He loves us more than we can fathom, and that following Him and serving His people is the ONLY way to have true purpose and meaning in our lives. Your stories of helping people, of serving and caring for others through the years, in so many ways has inspired me to do the same. Of course, Jesus Christ is our ultimate example of correct living, but through the years I have also thought to myself at times, “How would Pastor Mark handle this situation?” I’ve never personally known anyone who is so truly and passionately committed to living for the Lord.
Pastor Mark, you’ve helped me to understand that it’s “ok” to enjoy and be thankful for God’s gifts, but that in themselves will never bring true contentment or happiness. Only Christ can bring true peace. Living simply, and within our means, gives us freedom.
You’ve taught me the profound difference between my earthly dad and my heavenly Father… that my heavenly Father will never belittle me, berate me, or abandon me. You’ve helped me understand how people often think of God the way they think of their dads, but that no matter how good (or bad) an earthy dad is, none can compare with our Father in heaven when it comes to lovingly teaching us and properly disciplining us when necessary. He always wants the best for us, and will use whatever means He thinks most effective to draw us closer to Him and help us to live full and meaningful lives. You have helped me believe that God is faithful no matter what.
Pastor Mark , when I’ve been depressed or anxious, you have been there with words of encouragement. You gave me good advice, but never in a “You need to do this” demanding sort of way. When it was time for me to finally try an anti-anxiety med, you helped me understand that God uses many different ways of helping and healing us. HE provides the doctors and the medicines we have, and when used with care and discretion, they are wonderful gifts to be appreciated.
While it’s been a joy and privilege over the years to hear you speak in person, to serve alongside you in a church setting, and enjoy conversations over coffee, I’ve also been tremendously blessed by your Strong Disciple ministry, and your weekly Thoughts Provoking articles, which I read faithfully each week. I also like to listen to your recorded messages from your online library while walking on my treadmill, or in the park.
I know you have gone through incredibly tough times yourself, yet you’ve never withheld help and encouragement from me, even when you may have been hurting or in need. You’ve never stopped believing in the amazing grace of God, and you’ve helped me to do the same. Pastor Mark, to me, you’ve been a shining example of Christ’s devotion and love, and I consider it one of my life’s greatest blessings to have known you all these years.—T
Helping you become a Strong Disciple,
Because of Jesus,
Pastor Mark Darling
