I was quite surprised a few years ago to learn that my friend Mark, who works with Voice of the Martyrs, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. Of course I called to encourage him and share some of my experiences with the disease. He is four or five years younger than me.
Mark had a stem cell transplant three years ago and recovered rather quickly. He never seemed to slow down in his work to help brothers and sisters in places of persecution. Not long after his transplant I asked if he could come share with our mission trip leaders at school regarding missions and the Body of Christ worldwide. He did a great job.
In such a humble manner, Mark takes the message of Christ and resources entrusted to him to bless those living in difficult places. Within this past year, he has been to Iraq, Nigeria, and Algeria where many suffer for being identified with the Name of Christ. His newsletters often read like the Book of Acts as he shares the stories of those who risk all for the Gospel.
Last week, Mark texted me regarding a health downturn. None of the drugs are working and his kidneys have now failed. When I spoke to him on the phone he sounded very weak. Now I can only get in touch with his sister as hospice has been called.
I just want to honor a hero of mine. Thanks for remembering Mark and his family in prayer.
“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.”
II Corinthians 4:16-5:1