For the last five years I've had the privilege of working with Michael and his amazing team. Most of you probably don't know me. If you're a member of Friends Online or have been on one of the cruises or events then we've probably crossed paths.
One of my primary 'roles' here is to work with Michael's fan club 'Friends Online'. While doing that I get to sometimes go on the road and meet many of you face-to-face. It truly is an awesome privilege. I tell you all of that so that I can begin to tell you about my friend, Mark.
(I'm going to type this message as a straight-stream so I can get my thoughts down - apologies for grammar and misspellings)
When I started in this job, I got to meet a 'Friends Online' member named Mark Johnson and we became close friends. I met Mark via the Friends Online message board back in the summer of 2006. We talked for a while and only after a few months did we both realize that we lived about 1 mile away from each other (at the time I was living with my family in Ohio). Funny how that works! ANYWAY, Mark and I got to know each other pretty well and I can actually remember the day that we came home from the hospital with our brand-new baby daughter who was the first person to come visit? Mark Johnson (my family lives in Illinois, my wife's in New York - so we didn't have a large support system nearby)!
Mark's heart was always in serving, counseling, talking, and just sharing life with all of the Friends Online members. I could go on for hours - his testimony is so amazing. I wish we had it recorded. Through Mark I really learned the purpose behind Friends Online. Here's the quick version:
In 2008 (?), Mark had to go on a business trip to Europe. (Quick Aside: Mark had a pacemaker attached to his heart when he was pretty young due to an illness when he was a young man) While in the Netherlands visiting a museum by himself his pacemaker started to fail and was shocking his heart multiple times per minute. He was rushed to the hospital. Mark was alone in a country where he didn't speak the language. But just as suddenly Friends Online members were there to be with him. Two friends, Harm and Marja, rushed to his side with their families. They prayed and stayed with him until his wife was able to make it over to him. Wow! I love that story - and I love hearing it from Mark even more!
Fast forward 2 years to 2010 and lots of "life", Mark met me at a concert outside Detroit and gave me a ride back to Cleveland, we got to talk for 4 hours about nothing and everything. So Great! It was only a few short weeks later that Mark learned he was battling lymphoma and his health started to decline. For nearly the last 12 months he has fought a battle with Cancer that I can't even begin to fathom. In and out of the hospital, various treatment regiments, just every day was a new battle and something new to try and win the battle. But I know for Mark it was more about enjoying every last minute until God's place for him was prepared. Just as encouraging as watching Mark fight has been the inspiration of watching his Friends Online family move and support him with even one member, Alice (aka ParishMinister), moving from Washington D.C. to be his caregiver after many personal challenges for Mark. Again, wow - I am humbled by the way that Michael's Friends Online was able to bring people together.
Mark and I have shared some pretty amazing talks over the last several months and I am so encouraged to know that he is/was ready to be 'welcomed home'. As he was this morning, August 25th.
Mark is an amazing Dad, Husband, and Friend. I will cherish so many conversations with him. But none better than that drive from Detroit last year - personal and private conversations are always those that mean more to me - I'm glad I have some of those with an amazing man!
Mark, you taught me that none of us are perfect, but that's what's awesome about life. Live life; you'll make mistakes, you'll learn from them; you'll move on; you'll find people that matter - and when you figure it out - GO MAKE SURE YOU HELP OTHERS FIGURE IT OUT! SERVE OTHERS!
Here's how I'll remember Mark... with his 'FRIENDS'!
This is the second person that has 'gone home' in the last two months that I got to know and be close with via Friends Online. First was a good friend, Paul Fletcher, and now Mark. I know they're together up there preparing each of our spots! We'll see you on the other side gents!
My relationship with Mark has inspired me to do even more to connect with Friends Online members - you all are amazing people - but even more than THAT - his life has inspired me to SERVE others, something he never took lightly!
I write this with tears in my eyes.. So many memories of Mark over the years, so much wisdom and good advice. He helped me through a rough time in mylife and will never forget him..There is a special place in heaven for you markm may God confolrt your family, Lynn
by Linda Reed
Mark A. Johnson - 2011-08-28
Beautifully done, Derek...Thank You!
Mark was such a wonderful friend inside and out. I was shocked to hear of his passing last night. I will always cherish the memories we had built over the years. I will forever be grateful for his kindness and wisdoms.... Knowing him have made me a better person. Will miss you very much, my dear friend.
by Eternallife72
Miss you, Mark - 2011-08-28
Mark fought the good fight, never lost his smile, his faith nor his trust in God even in the darkest times. Miss you, my friend-see you on the other side.
by Melissa K
mark - 2011-08-28
Derek, thank you so much for remebering Mark in this way, Mark touched a lot of lives because he truly cared. I will miss talking with him,and his updates from the hospital but I know that you can't wipe the smile off his face or joy in his heart with what he is doing right now-Dancing with God.
by Rdunn
Welcome Home Mark - 2011-08-28
Thank you Derek for a wonderful tribute to Mark. Even though we knew his time was coming, it's still so hard to take. I will hold so many dear memories of him, from early chat days on FOL, to the Carribean cruise, to so many concerts, gatherings (with his 50th birthday) and Nashville events. He was so enjoyed by my family. Mark took a special interest in my teenage son, praying with us through some tough times. Such a blessing to so many! He certainly lived the life for the world to see the Truth. See you at the Big House Mark!
by Sarah Dillman
Mark - 2011-08-28
Mark was like a father to me and my best friend! He was always there for me anytime day or night when I needed a friend to talk to! I learned so much from him! He taught me that no one is perfect and to love one another as yourself! Mark and I had a lot of good times together that I will treasure forever! From long talks over the phone, late night chats on Facebook and on FOL, to my very first FOL Gathering in Erie, PA, to my vacation at Marks, to Smitty Fest 2! Where Mark and I were together, we always had a BLAST! He always made me laugh! I will remember you always Mark! May You Rest In Our Savior's Arms! I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU MARK!
by Clarke
Dear Friend - 2011-08-26
I just found out and this is so tough. You were such an inspiration to me. So kind. I will really miss you. I know you are watching over us now.
by Mallory
Mark - 2011-08-26
Mark, you taught us all so much. Thank you for sharing your life with us. See you on the other side.
by Judy
Mark - 2011-08-26
what a beautyful tribute, and very well written words. thank you for sharing this.
by Lenie
Smitty Section - 2011-08-26
Well done Derek. When Mark called me a few months back to tell me his news about his cancer, we cried together. I will miss him so much - but he told me at that time that he will be waiting for me in heaven in the Smitty Section! Miss you muchly Mark!
by Cindy (aka kutzky)
Mark - 2011-08-26
I was saddened to hear of Mark's passing. The last I read on Facebook he had returned home, extremely tired, after more treatment. I did not expect to read such sad news. Having survived cancer myself I always knew what a difficult fight he was fighting. He did it with dignity and grace. Now he is home with the Lord, no longer sick and in pain. I only met him once on the second cruise in 2007 and he was a wonderful, friendly, warm man, always with a smile for everyone. Thank you for the wonderful tribute Derek and the great pictures. Mark will be missed.
by Debbie Gallup
home - 2011-08-26
Thank you for sharing, Derek. Thinking of you, and all of Mark's family and friends.
by Amy M.
Welcome Home my friend - 2011-08-26
I was blessed enough to meet Mark on the MWS cruise to the Carribean a few years ago. We became friends quickly. Mark hosted a "SmittyFest" in Cleveland a short time after. It was there that I got to know him even better. He's had a rough couple of years since then. It seems after I finished my cancer treatments, he was diagnosed again. We shared a lot of similar life experiences. I will miss our Facebook chats but know I will have a friend in heaven when it is my turn. Welcome Home and I Will Remember You always!
by Nickie Sattler
Mark - 2011-08-26
Markey.. I will forever miss you... Will cherish all the fun convos we had. You are truely a man of God... and Welcome home.
by Nelley
Mark Johnson - 2011-08-26
I'm having a hot dog with stadium mustard on it.. :).. Gonna miss you so much..
by Melinda
thoughts - 2011-08-26
Anbsolutely beautiful tribute to Mark. Derek, thank you for your thoughts, your words and video . . .
by Dorbert
Dear Friend - 2011-08-26
I just found out and this is so tough. You were such an inspiration to me. So kind. I will really miss you. I know you are watching over us now.
by Mallory
sweet mark - 2011-08-26
I used to blog alot with Mark and Terri. What a great christian. Love you Mark and Terri, Lynn
by Linda reed
Welcome Home - 2011-08-26
Mark was a blessing. I met Mark on the Caribbean Cruise......withIn 5 minutes, it felt like we were old friends. We were both believers, both attended Indiana University and both Smitty fans. I'm thankful that we Mark isn't lost....."lost" indicates that we don't know where someone is. We know where Mark is.....he's in Heaven singing holy is the Lamb of God.
by Lori Ferguson
Mark - 2011-08-26
Mark was such a dear friend. I am so glad he is finally healed, but I will miss him so much. Going to Smitty concerts will never be the same...
by Dee Jakel
Mark - 2011-08-25
I was heart broken to hear of his passing. This video is a beautiful tribute to a wonderful man. We will miss you.
by Kari
Smittyfest - 2011-08-25
You said it right Derek, thanks for sharing. Mark was such an incredible man of God and friend to many. I know that I am blessed to have known him. I first met him at Smittyfest so many years ago..and he was never a stranger but immediately a friend. The angels and Mark are surely dancing today. His thoughts and wisdom will be missed greatly.
by Amy
Mark. 8/25/2011 - 2011-08-25
What a beautiful tribute to your friend, Mark, and our Friends On Line....thank you Derek...
by Nancy McCabe
Mark - 2011-08-25
I was heart broken to hear of his passing. This video is a beautiful tribute to a wonderful man. We will miss you.
by Kari
welcome home... - 2011-08-25
So sorry to hear of Mark's passing and so happy he has indeed been Welcomed Home. I had the opportunity to only meet Mark in person once but I feel as if I have known him for a long time through the FOL forums. He defines what the term "All in the Serve" means ... he will be missed! Thanks Derek for such a wonderful tribute to Mark. It says it all...
by Bob Williams
Mark - 2011-08-25
Great tribute, Derek. Mark was a person that didn't know the meaning of the word "stranger". He was the first person th welcome me to FOL. I have seen him on many occasions reaching out to people he didn't know and by the time they were finished talking they knew him as a friend. He will be missed greatly.
by Cathy Geisel
Beautiful - 2011-08-25
Beautiful tribute to your friend.
by Jennifer
Mark - 2011-08-25
Brian and I lost a dear, dear friend this morning..we loved him so much. Brian is going to miss all the talks while he drives the country in his truck..Im gonna miss my concert buddy. But I am so thankful that he is dancing with Jesus and we are going to see him again!!!..cant wait.
