On the morning of July 3rd, 2022, my family and I were informed of the devastating news of our editor and friend’s passing. As we comforted each other and talked about the legacy of this great man, I felt the need to honour Mark in the only way I knew how— to write an article about the great man he was.
When I first officially met Mark, the quirky, loving, grandfather-like editor of Christian Today, I was immediately made to feel welcomed, appreciated and valued in the writer’s community I had just joined.
All I had when I started out was a love for English, literature, and writing, and as a newly graduated high school student going into University, Mark gave me an opportunity to pursue all of those areas freely.
When I first started out in 2016, Mark discovered I also had a love and passion for film. With this knowledge, he gave me the opportunity to take on the newsy bit’s videos, filming of the writer’s conferences, and many other film projects.
His heart for the films I created was to “bring the writer’s community together” and to ensure “everyone was connected”, as he would say.
Despite his stutter, Mark always had something to say, and I always had ears to listen. He was inspiring in how passionate he was about the Christian Today mission and its community, and this passion came through all his emails, messages, and scripts for the films he wanted me to create.
Every writer’s conference, every email, every phone call, Mark was so joy filled as he spoke with such love and excitement into all the new opportunities arising within Christian Today.
He would email me every month when my article came out to tell me how much he enjoyed it and how much it had blessed him and will bless others. He was always such a supportive man, with the biggest heart to love on others.
My family have known Mark and Delma for a long time now and I cannot remember a time since meeting them where they have not blessed us in more ways than one. Mark, together with Delma, always had so much love to give, and it never went unnoticed or unappreciated.
Mark was a people person, and he always seemed to thrive off community. He had a way of nurturing his writers and was always so proud of all our accomplishments. He never failed to celebrate every single moment of success in our lives, both personal and within Christian Today.
Mark had a grandfather heart for everyone. He was always the first to comment on a new post I had put up on Facebook and/or Instagram, always with a quirky remark, dad joke, or a loving comment. He would also always take it upon himself to know all the details of the on-goings-on in all our lives, but with the pure purpose and intention to pray wholeheartedly for all of us.
I often think back to when I started dating earlier last year. I think he was more excited than I was—and I was VERY excited. When my family and I would go and visit him and Delma, Mark would often say to me “I pray for your man every day! God has someone special out there for you. So, get ready. He’s coming!” Well, if I didn’t believe it before then, I certainly did after he told me.
It is a hard thing to say goodbye to such a great man with an incredible legacy, but fortunately for us, he has not only left behind a legacy, but he has ensured that we all continue it on proudly with the pure intention of ‘spreading the Gospel’.
Mark, you have left behind an incredible legacy that no one will ever forget. You have inspired everyone who knew you, and even those who have not.
Thank you for all you have done for my family and I. We will never forget the kindness, support, generosity, and love you showed us in all stages of our lives while we knew you.
You will forever be in our hearts, and we thank God for blessing your hands so you could then bless ours with your love, kindness, generosity, and joyfulness.
Rest in peace Mark.
“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” – Psalm chapter 73, verse 26.
Cartia Moore is a sword fighter, trained and skilled in the art of fencing. She has recently graduated from her Bachelor of Arts degree and has completed an Honours in Screen & Media Studies. She is now going on to do a Master of Teaching (Secondary), focusing in the teaching areas of English and Film studies. She is passionate and driven to inspire and encourage others to seek and find their worth and value in Him.
Cartia Moore’s previous articles may be viewed at http://www.pressserviceinternational.org/cartia-moore.html