“GLASS,” as he heard that I climbed the glass at the ice hockey rink to chew out the refs for a miserable call which almost cost us the game and injuries. My husband had nicknamed me, “Glass-Climber,” but Mark shortened it to “GLASS.” That is NOT “CLASS” which I think would be more suitable !

He arrived at our home to live with us with no less than 300 short-sleeved polo shirts, colors, stripes, maybe even some polka-dots. He quickly discovered that he would NOT look COOL in those and likely took them either to the Greenwich Hospital Thrift Shop or to Good Will and promptly got himself some more “shabby” looking duds. Wanted to fit in with us “COOL” guys!

Mark arrived having been very successful doing Young Life in Ohio with eight clubs running. He had the mind to quickly get more than our one club up and running in the Greenwich area, branching out into Westchester County. Mark saw “his plans” not shaping up as he had found successful in Ohio and it brought him to his knees daily before the Lord, seeking His face, His wisdom, His leading and guidance. It was through this that Mark began a ministry at the Boys & Girls Club building his Greenwich Wyld Life & Young Life Clubs in accordance with the Lord’s plan. It was beautiful to watch it unfolding. Get on your knees Bonnie!

Mark’s legacy will be his passion for the Lord and the stamp He has put on Mark’s life. His energy and ability to look deeply into the lives of kids, peers, and those in his circle of influence will make a lasting impression on many. Kevin Chao is one of those whose life has beautifully been imprinted by Mark Shull.

I am delighted that the Word of God tells us that we will have eternity together as Mark, your leaving Greenwich was a sad day for me and I am sure for others. However we could not selfishly stand in the way of God’s call and Chris’ urging for you to go to Atlanta. No doubt the Lord is using you mightily there and your Young Life rascal ways are being imprinted on many, your own children and those in the small groups you champion at your church. Love you brother and HAPPY 50th BIRTHDAY ! ! !

I don’t remember a nickname besides many variations of Bartoooo (Bertuew, Barty, etc.).

One time you picked me up to head to basketball practice or we were coming from practice and stopped by Wendy’s and I ran in and got some food. As we got back on the road I offered you a french fry, and you quickly said, “no thanks, I’m driving,” (as to turn down alcohol). I died laughing and still use that line to this day!!

Looking back, when I met you I was going through a tough time. I didn’t know it then but my parents divorce and my dad’s drug issues were taking a toll on me, but I kept it bottled up inside because I thought it was wrong to be mad at them. Through Young Life and your constant support and belief in me as a person I was able to realize that despite mistakes we’ve made, we can always come back and get right with the Big Guy. Also, even though you’ve gone down to GA I’ve been connecting with Kevin who is someone who continues to be a great mentor to me.

Mark is leaving the world a better place than when he got here. From all the people that he has helped find strength in themselves and God through the church, as well as the people he will continue to meet through his kids lives, everyone who crosses his path is feeling better on the other side. It is assuring to see someone so comfortable in his own shoes that fosters a sense of welcoming for anyone to be themselves, and truly appreciate each person for who they are without judgment.

And he will go down in Buckhead as one of the Most Improved Players in Coach-Pitch Baseball history.

Looking good! The big 5-0 already!! You look like you can throw on the high socks and short shorts and run Princeton Offense for the Hawks. I hope you have a great birthday and continue being the guy you are!!

Here is a group shot from Rockbridge!!

Too many but New York City nights and Kenyon College weekends. Turning double plays.

To constantly strive to be my best

Always helping the guy who needs it

Glad you made it!

Big Mo and it was because I was big and I was mo.

The funniest/most awesome memory was being a part of his engagement and trying to buy a stuffed penguin from Oliver Johnson in Central Park. Never forget haggling with shull and he penguin dealer

Mark played a huge role in helping me develop into the person that I am today. He helped guide me through some tough high school years with sports advice, girl advice and living your life advice.

Mark was able to convey the message of Christ and build relationships better than anyone I know. He always showed up(physically and mentally) and was always himself. Always cared for every kid he worked with or came in contact with. He treated people the same whether they were into the young life scene or whether they were a kid who was vehemently against it.

It’s been a long time since we’ve spoke but as I mentioned before you made a huge impact on my life and many of the decisions that I’ve made. I’m glad we met and he so many good times together. Wish I had been better at reaching out over all these years but I know that things are going great for you! Hope all is well and enjoy the next 50! Happy Birthday Brother!

I don’t think Mark has ever nicknamed me. ha

So….. a lot of times when Mark and I laugh at funny memories they involve the holidays and crazy family dynamics. One memory is when Mark did the prayer and he said Lord you are awesome, you are huge…. Please don’t squash us. hahahahah Love it. One of my favorite times is when Matt and I came to visit you and Chris and we went to your lake house and we sat in the lake on noodles and talked and talked. I remember when you came to Michigan while we were on vacation up there and you had just started dating Chris and you were on phone with her a lot. hahahah I remember when we went to your parents place in Indiana and spent July 4 there with you and set off a lot of fireworks. You were a fun Uncle to our kids when they were little. I LOVED when we used to all go to El Matadors and drink Margs with your mom. That was so fun and I truly fell in love with your family. The good ‘ol days. I remember when we used to stay up late and play cards with everyone…. Phase 10 was always fun. I could go on and on…. we have 30 years together.

Mark has taught me a lot about grace. He says I show grace often, however there have been times when I haven’t and I always remember something he said to me…..
He said “Vic, people have a past and that has made them who they are today. You don’t know what has happened to them in the past and it definitely impacts how they are today”. Also, his faith and his relationship with God is amazing. He is someone I definitely look up to and admire for his faith.

One day when Jackson and Cooper are older and get married their wives will definitely thank you for raising such caring and faithful men. You have been a great role model for them of what a devoted husband looks like and how an involved father acts. I thank your mom for Matt still. She raised some amazing boys. 🙂

Mark, I hope you have an amazing birthday filled with laughter and love. I hope the next year is filled with good HEALTH and happy times. I wish we lived closer so we could help you celebrate. Go out dancing and really celebrate!!!! Fifty and Fabulous Buddy. hahahah Hugs and lots of Love….. Vic

I’m not sure if you do have a nickname for me, Mark. Maybe you call me “MartellSells”. Jimmy for sure, Jimmy Jarhead wouldn’t surprise…

So many ways… Most impactful: not only pointing it out but demonstrating that “it’s all good”…”this too shall pass”…”there’s nothing our Lord can’t handle”…”The Lord will provide”.

Mark, you are fearless and constantly uplifting those around you. That positive drive you promote in each of us is your legacy. What we do — whether we’re your kids, your small group leadin’ men, your colleagues, whomever we are — what we do with that positive drive, that beacon of light, you are and have been in our lives…that’s all part of your lasting imprint in the world.

Man, you’re lookin’ good for fitty! I wouldn’t have given you a day over 49. 😉 Love you, Brother!

Reaumer. Maybe cause one name is easier to remember than two. I used to be a professional Christian myself…so I know the tricks.

How about TPing the entire junior class of girls when I was a freshmen. Mrs Pluhar was not pleased.
Camp follow-up plan: watch CaddyShack
Beer garden at Niagra Falls
Sleeping on the floor is Izzy’s sister small dorm room
MIP
Don’t Tell Mama about your pianist

Mark- you discipled me as a follower of Christ and led me to do the same with others. I am forever grateful for how the Lord used you to impact me and so many others.
Thank you for all the ways you selflessly invested in me…even when I was ungrateful and and did not “get it.”
You were part of God changing everything in my life- THANK YOU!

Even though I (yet alone you!) am no longer “young” your example continues to inspire to live 1 Timothy 4:12.

Love you bro.

Hope you enjoy a blessed birthday.

Reaume (and Cass)

Matthew 28:18-20.
Well done.
Keep going, you are not dead yet.

Johnny Mitch. The exact origins have been lost to history, but it was probably on a Young Life camp trip, either Saranac 1996 or Rockbridge 1997.

I’m not sure Get Down would appreciate me telling the Sweet Rolls story here, so I would go with the time he took me and 6 other guys to do manual labor at Saranac. We stopped at Niagara Falls to get dinner, and Mark tried valiantly to have the waitress – Leslie – give one of us her phone number. That, and he was the coach of the best church basketball teams ever constructed: St. Joe’s 1997 CYA, and St. Paul’s 1998. And one more: I had the distinct honor of being his roommate when he started dating this wonderful woman named Chris Cockfield. It was a six month lease of watching palpable romantic tension.

Dude helped me meet Jesus. Cannot be much more impactful than that.

See answer above.

Shull, I’m still not really sure how to pronounce your last name, but you have been one of the 5-10 most defining friendships of my life. Thank you for your friendship and mentoring. Love you brother!

He probably did, and it would probably be from when I hockey-jobbed a high school freshman (ripping his shirt clean over his head) when he responded to a flag capturing game by crumpling up his flag in his hands and curling over. My first weekend with Young Life!

Mark and I did hundreds of programs together. Mark buckled it down and I went wild. My goal each time was to be outrageous enough to make Shull laugh and break character. This became increasingly more difficult as he grew to expect my antics. So I’d randomly run full-tilt into the wall, or pull out oranges to juggle and fall off the stage.

Mark was a great friend and mentor at a key time in my still developing career when I really needed a great friend and mentor.

Mark is a guy who shares his love willingly and passionately with people of all ages and types (even if he just met them). His legacy will be the ripples and the ripples of ripples created by all the people his love has impacted.

Nothin’ but Love Shull. Nothin’ but Love!

I don’t think I actually had a nickname from Mark. Which is surprising. So either I’m a minority or have just completely forgot 😉

When working for Mark in the regional office, he pointed out the fact that both the women (Nancy and Lori) before me left the job because they became pregnant. So then every morning when he’d arrive at work, he’d exclaim “Carly’s Pregnant!” as a joke loudly and that was our morning routine of greeting. So when I actually became pregnant, it was fun to tell him that his morning statement was actually true.

Mark is so kind-hearted, down-to-earth, a great listener, boss, who also has a ridiculous sense of humor. Typically, all of those qualities do not come together in one person, but they do in Mark, and he is someone who you just want to continue to be around. Mark, you showed me in the little bit of time that I had to work for you, what it means to walk with Jesus, live out a life for him, go hard for people who are walking in darkness, and how to do it all with grace, fun, and lots of laughter. I’m so thankful to know you, and I also love that I get to see you every Re:Group conference 🙂

There’s a quote from Maya Angelou that says “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” And when I think of Mark, that’s the quote that comes to mind. Mark is someone who makes you feel good. Whether you enter a conversation or interaction with him in a down in the dumps state of mind or if you’re already feeling on top of the world, he makes you feel important or cheers you up, or laughs, or just listens well. I don’t think I’ve ever left a conversation or time with Mark feeling worse than when I began; I always felt better or learned something, or had a new joke to laugh at.

Shull, I am so thankful for you. I wish you a birthday that encompasses all that you are, and that you feel so celebrated and loved. This world really is a better place because you exist. Thanks for being you. HAPPY 50th!