He has tried to create one since my last name is “Oprea”….He’s called me OPEY (pronounced OH-PEE)….this cannot stick! He knows this, makes me laugh when he calls me that…..as it is one my varsity soccer coach called me and there’s bad memories there. I suppose its TBA what he ends up calling me! I’m anxiously anticipating this occasion.

In my 3 months of walking with Mark in my new role as his “young Jedi warrior” as he likes to say….I suppose my funniest memories are in the times we have had in his office preparing for the year where random stories pop up about his days in YL and him asking about my experience in student ministry as well. Mark is a phenomenal story teller.

My new job working for him as my manager is a big change, in lots of varying categories from ministry audience to actually having a boss. He has been a tremendous guide and encourager for me during this transition and has led cared for me well. In light of my big change schedule wise…the transition during my first 3 months could not have gone smoother with Mark. This 3 month journey will be developed further as God unites us as a team.

Giving men clarity around what a man after God looks like for them personally.

For youR birthday week I am accomplishing OPERATION GET’EM LOCKED IN!

Growing Young life at a crazy speed with no regard for a budget. We had meetings, Mark, Mack and myself and I will never forget how worried I was about the budget and the kids safety with all the wild games they planned. What was so amazing was the fact Mark was an attorney but never cared about the liability!
Mark, you just live life to the limits

Gray hair, lots of smiles, he brought me closer to Christ.

Great friend to many

Keep it going Pal!

I would be surprised if we ever referred to each other by our real names. Bubba J and Shullster

Every canoe trip down the mighty Huron. However he might remember the warm water sitting in the middle of the canoe. Rambo and I as the trusted navigators.

Always willing to listen and discuss. invaluable wingman.

Championing goodness and the spirit of the heart

Absolute best to you !

Mark,

Happy birthday! I know it’s been years since we’ve last spoken but I do get updates from Kent from time to time! A great looking family and it looks like life is going well for you! Cheers to 50 and cheers to the next 50!!

??? Don’t think he did

Not really a single funny story I remember worth sharing. We always had the Ohio connection. We take so much pride in our buckeye roots!! Also love the easy way he had with kids. He would always call our basketball big guys “aircraft carriers”. Love that!

Mark was an amazing assistant coach. He was a friend and a confidant during some tough times. Will always remember him being there for me to bounce ideas off of. He was always good in articulating my ideas to our players in a non authoritative way, which the kids really took too. He helped me to develop my coaching style and contributed to my evolution as an effective teacher and coach.

In my mind Mark’s legacy is impacting and inspiring young people with love and understanding. Mark helps in building quality human beings through his dedication and interaction with young people in his community.

Mark I wish you all the best on your 50th birthday buddy! What an amazing first fifty years you put together! I wish you fifty + more healthy, happy years with your beautiful family!! Love you like a brother. Peace, Love and respect!!

I would hope an encourager. Both Buzz and I mentored him and included him as family when he arrived. It wasn’t easy for him.

When Buzz took him out for dinner and told him he needed a committee head that could kick ass and who loved Jesus. Buzz and I became the committee chairs again!

Just admire his strong faith at times when it got pretty tough. His drive to make it work and bring kids to Christ. He is a very good man.

Kids watching him set an example as a Christian who can have fun enjoy life and stay true to his principles. The kids will remember as they get older.

My dear Mark
I love you and miss your happy spirit around me. Bless your life with Chris and the kids. Family life alone is a challenge. Show your kids love and respect and don’t cave in to worldly pressure. Live by your Godly self. Hug your wife every day. I miss my hon to hug!.
Love Jane

Trip to Saranac & Niagra Falls (Canadian side) with the fella’s

Shull…you have absolutely no idea the impact you made on my life and my entire family’s life. No idea, brother! In high school I was just so empty & insecure. Every time I was in your presence you made me feel like I was on top of the world. I think of you often & what an impact you made on not just me but so many others from Maumee HS. Thank-you for loving me enough to share Christ with me. Thank-you for stopping whatever you were doing to come to talk to me at sporting events & in the cafeteria. Thank-you for thinking I was worthy to spend your time with me. If it weren’t for you coming into my life, my entire life, my marriage, my raising of our girls would look completely different. By loving me enough to share with me the story of Christ’s love, you’ve not just changed my life, but you’ve changed my daughters’ lives. They will be brought up knowing God’s unconditional love for them. Then they will show Jesus to their kids. You’ve changed generations! And because of your impact on my life, my mom & dad began going to church. They have a relationship with Christ because of the impact you made in my life. Also, thank-you for having enough confidence & faith in me to place me as a Young Life. Once again, if it weren’t for that experience, I would not be the man I am today.

That’s so hard to sum up. All I can think of when I think of Mark’s legacy is Matthew 25:21: “His Master replied ‘Well done my good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!'” Mark fights the good fight on a daily basis. God is so pleased with you, Shull.

Ahhhhh…got any gum? Happy birthday my friend. Love you so much!

I do not think Mark ever created a nickname for me except his most :awesome big brother.” Does that count?

Mark will think this is funny (but probably not Mike). When we were kids, Mike would always look for someone to play with, usually it was me. We would play army men or cars in the sand box. One time, Mark decided he would finally sit down and play with Mike (keep in mind Mark could never sit still-which is probably why our parents tied him to his bed every night with rope; of course that is a story for another time). Anyway, Mike is very excited to finally have play time with Mark. He spent over an hour setting up everything so that it was perfect for the two of them. It does not happen often, so Mike wanted to make sure everything was just right. Mark sits down with Mike for about 10 minutes, gets bored, then leaves. Mike just sat there staring trying to figure out why he left. That situation tended to happen often-never gets old. The other funny moment (again at Mike’s expense), was whenever Mike would tell a story at dinner, Mark would pretend he never heard him and would tell the same exact story. Of course everyone would laugh at Mark as if Mike was not there. Poor Mike, he is probably scarred for life. Of course there was nothing but love in the house.

Mark has impacted my life in so many ways. I have always admired Mark for his commitment to Christ and for his devotion to his family. It is something I have tried to emulate in my own life. He is one of a kind!

Mark’s legacy will be the positive impression he makes on everyone who he comes in contact with. I will never forget when Mom passed away how many people came to the showing because of Mark. He had been involved in Young Life for I believe just over 10 years. I swear every person in Young Life over the 10 years they interacted with Mark, came to pay their respect-for Mark. He has the ability to make you feel good about yourself and life in general.

Mark, I hope you have a great 50th. You are only as old as you feel. I am sure those kids of yours will keep you feeling young! I am very proud of the man you have become. You are an inspiration and I am glad you are my brother. I love you (make sure you give Chris a special hug and kiss-this is a really nice way to celebrate your birthday with you!)

“City Champ” – Mark tagged me with this name after witnessing my superb corn hole skills during an inter-Inklings’ competition at a Lake Martin weekend getaway.

During the Inklings’ Lake Martin getaway in 2015, Mark was glued to the TV for at last six hours (until about 2 AM) watching Seinfeld re-runs. Apparently, he’s not allowed to watch Seinfeld around his house, so he took full advantage of this men’s weekend to fulfill his love for Jerry and the gang.

Mark has had a huge impact on my life. He’s consistently invested in me and encouraged me in my Christian faith and in my development as a leader in the Church. I’m a much better man as a result of Mark’s leadership and friendship. I’ve seen him pour into so many other men to help them prevail in all areas of life. Mark is genuinely friendly, has a great sense of humor, and knows how to tirelessly serve God and his fellow man!

Mark will always be remembered for his love for and devotion to his lovely wife, Chris, and their two precious boys, Jackson and Cooper. He’ll also leave a distinct imprint on the hearts and lives of countless men whom he’s served and encouraged throughout his decades of being a selfless ambassador of Jesus Christ.

Mark, I respect you greatly! You’re a fantastic husband, father, friend, and leader of men. May God richly bless you and your wonderful family for many years to come!

He said funny things so we would relax

Helped me love baseball and do my best

Happy birthday Coach Mark