22Jul 08
Because Jesus is in my heart!
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Not too many years ago, we were eagerly anticipating the arrival of the 11th member of the Wilkes Team. On the day of the delivery, Grandma and Grandpa graciously came over to 
help at our house while Dad and Mom headed to the hospital. No one knew whether the Lord was sending a baby boy or baby girl our way. But oh the squeals, shouts of joy, and anthems of praise that erupted in our midst when the call came that a little boy had been brought into the world. A natural follow-up question was what we would name him. While many ideas had been tossed around, there was some difficulty experienced as different names were proposed.
Dad had a vision for naming our new brother with not just a name that flowed well or was common at the time, but with a name that brought meaning and purpose. The decision finally settled upon the name, Mark Christopher.
Shortly after deciding on the name, questions began rolling in. Is new little Mark a junior after his father? No, Mark Christopher is not a junior. He was named Mark Christopher for a very special reason. Mark means, “mighty warrior.” Christopher means, “Christ bearer.” Mark Christopher is going to be a mighty warrior bearing 
Christ to the world. Time after time this answer has been given. And so from almost the day he was born, Mark Christopher has been mightily bearing Christ because of his name.
This week our family was reminded once again of the call upon Markie’s life. Mom, Adam, Hannah, and Markie stopped by the hardware store to check on prices for some upcoming expenditures. The employee attending to their needs was taken back by the genuine smiles on the faces of Adam, Hannah, and Markie. After spending several moments watching them while trying to assist Mom, the gentleman looked down at Markie and asked, “Why are you so happy?” With joy and confidence, Markie replied, “Because I have Jesus in my heart.” The store employee, who it turns out was also a Christian, went on to briefly share his salvation testimony. And so the body of Christ was uplifted and exhorted through the decision of a young man to confess His Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to the world.
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it 
is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth… (Rom. 1:16).
Thank you Markie for being an inspiration to boldly proclaim the name of the Lord!
Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God (Luke 12:8).
Markie thankyou for your example of boldness. You definitely encourage me, keep at it, and remember where your boldness comes from.
I am sooooooooo glad you are in are family Markie! Thankyou for your love for us.
Markie praise the Lord for the wonderful testomony of the light of Christ in you which from it were able to encouraged someone else!
Go Markie! Man of valor and might! The joy of the Lord is our strength indeed!
We read this verse the other day and I immediately thought of Markie’s testimony. Psalm 144:15 “Happy is that people, that is in such a case: yea, happy is that people, whose God is the LORD.”
Markie, God is truly your Lord! What a blessing that is. Your testimony is evident of God working in you and through you to reach those around you for Christ.
Markie, “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” 1Ti 4:12
Amen! Markie, God is already using you to proclaim His goodness. Keep being a light to the world!
It was great to hear that story retold during the FEW weekend, Joshua. Thanks for your faithfulness in finding ways to creatively praise and encourage you younger brothers and sisters. We look forward to many more such stories.