This is my family. They are my first priority. Deborah is my wife of 12 years. She is the greatest gift God has given me besides His own Son Jesus. Hailey is my sweet daughter who comes across extremely shy but don't let her fool you. She can blow your eardrums in just one squeal. Noah is my warrior daredevil. He jumps off couches, beds, and trees and has no fear whatsoever. My family always comes first and they are the love of my life and I am blessed that God has given me the responsibility to be the spiritual leader over my family.

My second love is my extended family, my church. The students God has given me to pastor is an honor. I am here to serve them and their families. I have a dream for my students. One day I envision the students that God has given me today leading a church that looks like "The church that I see"....

The Church that I see is a Church of influence. A Church so large in size that the city and nation cannot ignore it. A Church growing so quickly that buildings struggle to contain the increase.

I see a Church whose heartfelt praise and worship touches Heaven and changes earth; worship which influences the praises of people throughout the earth, exalting Christ with powerful songs of faith and hope.

I see a Church whose altars are constantly filled with repentant sinners responding to Christ's call to salvation.

Yes, the Church that I see is so dependent on the Holy Spirit that nothing will stop it nor stand against it; a Church whose people are unified, praying and full of God's Spirit.

The Church that I see has a message so clear that lives are changed forever and potential is fulfilled through the power of His Word; a message spread to the peoples of the earth through whatever means necessary.

I see a Church so compassionate that people are drawn from impossible situations into a loving and friendly circle of hope, where answers are found and acceptance is given.

I see a people so Kingdom-minded that they will count whatever the cost and pay whatever the price to see revival sweep this land.

The Church that I see is a Church so committed to raising, training and empowering a leadership generation to reap the end-time harvest that all its ministries are consumed with this goal.

I see a Church whose head is Jesus, whose help is the Holy Spirit and whose focus is the Great Commission.

YES, THE CHURCH THAT I SEE COULD WELL BE THE FOREST LAKE CHURCH

This is the church I see the students of today being leaders today.

God in your face,

Mark

youth pastor