Tell us a bit about yourself.

I’m a pastor. People say, “why pastor?” I care deeply about people and healthy relationships. Pastoring is how I express that passion. I grew up in Cambridge, Ontario. Before coming to the Village I worked on the Spiritual Care Team at the St. Catharines General Hospital where it was my job to support the faith journey of people from all different backgrounds. In my free time I enjoy reading, Spikeball, bocce ball, basketball,  hiking and camping.

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If you could only watch one show for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Honestly, I don’t watch a lot of TV. I am quite into audio books. If I had to chose only one audiobook, I would probably listen to Lord of the Rings or Harry Potter.

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What’s your favourite thing to do if you have free time on a weekend?

I enjoy kayaking and hiking. If I had the whole weekend off, I would be camping.

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What food could you eat for the rest of your life?

Hamburgers. So much variety and all the food groups!

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What would you eat for your last meal?

Whatever I could find in the fridge. Leftover roast (soo good!) and leftover smoothie from breakfast.

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How many countries have you been to? Which one was your favourite and why?

I lived in the US for my graduate studies. I have been to India twice. And Costa Rica with my sister and a few countries in Europe: France, Italy, England. Perhaps my favourite place was Costa Rica. The weather and the diversity in plant and bird life was quite astounding. 

 

 

What do you work towards in your free time?

My wife and I just bought a house that is over a hundred years old! We enjoy the work of fixing it up, though at times it is a little overwhelming. Noelle comes from a farming background and myself a landscaping background, so garden design is a particular passion. 

 

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Who is the most influential person in your life?

My wife. She is the most wise person I know. Sometimes I don’t know if I want to go to her for wisdom, because I know her instincts will be spot on and I know what I want to do already. She has an ability to speak with both truth and tenderness - a hard combo to get right.

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If you could have lunch with anyone, living or dead, who would it be?

Probably Tim Keller, a preacher I respect.

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What do you like about working at The Village?

I love that I get to be a friend to people with no strings attached. I get to witness and encourage the work that I see God doing in the lives of people I care about. I can’t imagine a more meaningful job than that. 

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What keeps you coming to work everyday? Why are you here?

I come in because I sense that I am supposed to do this work. I feel summoned by God to it. It’s a honour to know that you have been led into what you are doing, especially on the hard days.

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What would you tell someone who wants to get into “spiritual” work?

Try a lot of stuff in the church. The more areas where you volunteer, the more you will find where you are best at, and where you are supposed to be. Also, find a good mentor who will give you the opportunity to practice with feedback. 

 

 

Thank you Pastor Mark for sharing your story! 

Sure! Happy to sit down with anyone who is exploring faith. Feel free to text me if you would like to grab a coffee or tea (289)880-2699.