Mark Darling – Story 150

I was recently reading through my spiritual journals from high school and was impacted by the influence you’ve had in my life. Over fifteen years ago, when I was a freshman and attending HSLT, you taught about the 10 Commitments we should strive to make as Christ Followers. I remember that conference as a pivotal moment in my life. You taught that week about how the way we treated those closest to us, the people within our homes, being the true reflection of our character and surrender to Christ. It helped me devote myself to the Lord further and to allow him to mold my character within my home and how I treated my family. There are so many moments I could share where your teaching had a profound impact on my life. Another one of those key moments was your teaching, God the Magnificent Refuge and Comforter, from FW 2006. That teaching changed the way I interacted with Jesus and greatly developed my relationship with him; it was truly a life-changing lesson for me. It was through that teaching I learned how to be vulnerable with God and it led to the open communication with him that I deeply needed in my life.  Although the circumstances which brought me to Minneapolis were sobering and challenging, I am so thankful that God knew what he was doing and placed me in The Rock. I love my church. I have found deep fellowship and community at The Rock and praise the Lord for the work he’s done in my life through being in this church. When I look back at my old journals and remember the ways you touched my life as a pastor since I was young, and now I get to be a member of the body here with you in Minneapolis, it’s very special to me. Thank you for answering God’s call and teaching with boldness. Thank you also for your genuine tenderness and compassion. Thank you for being interested in the lives of those in your church and being invested in us. I’m very thankful to be at The Rock and doing life with this community. You’re very important to me Pastor Mark and someone who has made a significant impact on my Christian walk.

Shared by JG