Kevin Chao
Kevin Chao
- How long have you known Mark?Since 2003
- Three words to describe Mark: Joyful, Wise, Encourgaing
- If Mark created a nickname for you, what is it and where did it come from?
Chao Baby. Well, it's my name.
- Funny memory with Mark:
I remember the first time that Mark went with my buddies Andrew Taborda and Brian Barreto to go see one of the Matrix movies on a Friday night. He saw me doing cartwheels and being pushed around in a shopping cart in the middle of the street. We then went to Pat's Hubba Hubba in Stamford where I ordered my usual Steak and Cheese wedge with fries and a glass bottled Sprite. It was there that Shull asked if I wanted to come to Young Life and to just check it out. The rest is history.
I remember that whenever I was invited over to his place, I was always put to work. Moving furniture, cutting wood for his apartment and painting that freaking dining room.
- How has Mark impacted your life?
Mark was one of the first people to open my eyes to see Jesus for who He is. Mark showed me what a walk of faith looks like. He showed me that life with Jesus is meant to be full of life and joy and not all about following some set of rules or a boring lifestyle. The way that Mark has lived his life has impacted me more than the words that he has spoken to me. I have seen Christ in Mark in the way that he loved my friends, my town, his wife, his family and me. We talk a lot about how relational Young Life is and how as leaders we want to be friends for life with the kids that we are spending time with, Mark made that true and has modeled to me incarnational ministry.
- What do you think Mark’s legacy will be? What is his lasting imprint on the world?
I think many people will remember Mark for being a wacky, funny and jokester kind of guy. He lasting impact will be seen in Heaven. For those lucky enough to spend quality time with Mark and be touched by the Holy Spirit through Mark, know what I am talking about. Because of Mark, I am allowing God to lead others to Him. Because of Mark's guidance in following Jesus, I am leading others to the feet of Jesus. Because of Mark, a LOT of people are living life for the first time with God.
- Anything else you’d like to say to wish Mark Happy 50th Birthday!
Thank you for always being there for me. Thank you for supporting me and inviting me into your life. You have been so important to my life and I am glad to have been apart of your life. Keep following God's call on your life and see you soon. Love ya!