Happy Birthday, You Old GOAT!

Welman! – it was always the last name

Mark was willing to “represent me” with a parking ticket I had received. It may or may not have been the first. This one was different – especially when he learned I had knowingly parked in a handicapped spot!

Mark was always a great model of male leadership – caring & empowering equally men & women.

Making any situation fun; when I was in YL with him the testimony of a kingdom focus was evident in what he gave up in a law career to care, coach, mentor, & disciple young people…a kingdom-focused legacy invested in the lives of hundreds of young people

It’s been ages!!! But I pray blessings on you and your family as you celebrate this monumental year!

Eureka!……and the origin should be obvious lol

There are so many, it’s hard to chose from….him rolling out his toasty, cocoon like sleeping bag and leaving the rest of us to freeze in some horrible hotel in the middle of New Jersey late one night H coming back from the shore lol

He is someone that never seems to get down, always sees the best in people. He just spreads joy where ever he goes…he beams!

His commitment to kids and their development..::and the love and support he gives to his friends and family.

Have a wonderful wonderful day!!!!

I worked at Showcase Cinemas in Maumee and was able to get a couple of free passes for a group of YL leaders coming in after a Saturday night leadership. Mark spent 10 minutes negotiating with my boss until he agreed to let all 15 leaders in for free.

Mark helped to create an environment in YL that was attractive to a kid like me who was skeptical of organize religion after drifting from church. He also built a leadership culture I was able to plug into later that was closet thing to Acts 2 I have ever seen in my discipleship journey. I recent graduated from seminary and will be ordained this fall, and my experiences in YL were the catalyst for all of that.

Mark has the gift of making people feel important and included. He modeled the nature of Christ, full of grace and truth.

How you doin?

I wouldn’t call this a nickname but you often referred to me as “The Elder Statesman”.

We were at Applebee’s (as always) after Leadership. I was about to leave and I stopped just behind your chair and was talking with the folks at your table. You leaned your head back to look up at me towering over you. I couldn’t resist and I planted a huge wet one right on your lips. Everyone at the table just sat there, stunned, wondering how you would react. You quickly turned around, looked directly at me and said, with disgust, “The only man to ever kiss me on my mouth was my father.” Even though, I think you were fairly upset you took it in stride. You were always quick to laugh but slow to anger. I know I tested that on numerous occasions but you never faltered.

I’ve never really told you this, Mark. Other than my father, you have had the biggest impact on my definition of Godly manhood. You knew me when I was lost but thought I had it all together. Your lessons, patience, and love for me may have taken awhile to sink in but rest assured that they did and I am a better man for it.

This is easy and obvious. His Legacy is the impact he has had on the Kingdom. Mark has affected so many lives both directly and indirectly for His glory.

Thank you, Brother. May you have a blessed birthday and never forget how soft my lips are.

Are you still making nicknames for everyone? Let’s just keep mine in the past ????????

Oh so many! How about the time sophomore year at Kenyon where he was playing with a stray cat in our dorm room. I believe Kent and I told him to get the cat out. Mark heads off early to study in the library while Kent and I sleep in. 30 minutes later Mark returns to the room screaming bloody murder wanting to kill the cat for peeing in his book bag.

I hope it’s that his kids take after him.

Happy birthday Mark! Good luck in your next 50 years (P.S. I need to digitize some old photos and attach them to your site)

It was me. I was one of the 4 people that toilet papered your house like a boss so many years ago. It was my idea. You can now rest knowing that at least 25% of your mystery is now solved. 🙂
I want you to know that I sincerely appreciated your investigational style. You went looking for the ring leaders and their friends. You tried to get many many people to talk. It was glorious to watch.
The only thing we had in common (the culprits) was being a Young Life leader. Different schools, different areas. It really was just a prank of opportunity. We did it out of love.
Either you get picked on because folks don’t like you, or because they think you are cool. We toilet papered your house because you were cool.
I’m sure you still are.
Happy Birthday Good Sir!!!
I am grateful that our paths have crossed in this life.
HOLLA!!!

E!

You tell this story better than I do. Back in high school, when I barely knew who you were, might have been the first time I ever met you, we were playing I think poker at Taborda’s house. You decided to pull a fast one over the guys by saying you had I think 5 of a kind (which we all know is really possibly); however, no one noticed but me until I called you out on it!

Mark,

You and Chris have impacted my life in ways that are indescribable. I know I have a loving, stable, home to go to when I just need to process events, am looking for wisdom, and/or advice. I have never felt judged by either you or Chris, but accepted and loved. You both have helped foster and grow my relationship with Christ. I am very grateful to both of you for that and my life infinitely changed the moment you and Chris became a part of it! Love you both!!

I believe you will be known for your kind, encouraging words, strong spirit, endless generosity, and crazy comic performances of YoungLife!

Mark! I hope you have a wonderful 50th birthday, filled with laughter, smiles, and fun! You are immeasurably loved by those you connect with! Have a great one!

Happy Birthday 50th Birthday Mark from your favorite God parents! We love ya

Billy and I loved all of the fun and also, serious preparations, with Mark leading up to our wedding ceremony last year. After our wedding, the comment we got most was how special, fun and Christ-centered the ceremony was. That is exactly what we wanted, so I will always be grateful to Mark for that!

He discipled and mentored the incredibly special man that I married. And then, he was front and center on the most special day Billy and I will ever share as he presided over our ceremony.

Pouring his life into other men, and helping to build strong leaders for God’s Kingdom. I know the impact Mark has had is not even quantifiable for those he has discipled.

Happy Birthday, Mark! I know that Billy loves and cherishes your friendship and influence, and I have reaped the rewards of the sacrifice of time, love, energy and prayer that you’ve poured into him. I hope that God illuminates to you just how impactful your life is for His purposes.