He was an alcoholic, spiritually desolate, bound by fear and full of insecurity. In a time of desperation, he cried out to God for deliverance from his horrible addiction. The turmoil within drove him to his knees and God answered his plea. Mark McQuistan committed his life to God over 22 years ago and a lot has changed since then. During that time, the Lord introduced him to people that could lead him toward emotional and spiritual healing.
In 2003 Mark joined our church family. Really desiring fellowship, he visited ABF classes and eventually plugged in to one. It was there that he met Jay and Becky Troutman, Singles Ministry leaders. This class became a place for Bible study, friendship and eventually where ministering to others would arise from.
One day Mark got a call from Jay asking if he would go downtown and take a group with him to minister to some of Houston's homeless, after church on Sunday afternoon. This gathering is called the Circle of Love open-air church. Being motivated by mercy and compassion, he immediately answered, “yes.” They showed up at the designated location; there were about 100 people there in addition to the man preaching and others who bring food and drink to serve. They looked around for volunteer serving opportunities. In this setting, many are needed to pray with people, serve them food, something to drink or just give some time to conversation about life and God’s love. Mark was excited about serving others in need, saying, “It’s all about what Jesus taught in ‘being about the Father’s business.’”
One moment of impact really stands out to Mark. It started with his first trip down to the corner of St. Joseph and Chevette Street location. He remembers, “There was this big guy, there, with a cold look in his eyes. I approached him but he would not talk to me. That afternoon ended but I kept going back, week after week. Every time I saw this guy I would start conversation with him. Slowly, over the weeks, he softened. One Sunday afternoon I gave my testimony and it was soon after that he gave his life over to the Lord! I was so grateful and humbled to be able to see his early transformation.”
Mark is a trucker by trade and accustomed to the nomad type lifestyle; he has spent the last 17 years on the road. Although, these days he tries to take only local jobs, he well understands what it is like to sleep in a different place each night between destinations. He believes this aids in relating to those without a home, who at this point in their lives, are destined to travel the streets of Houston. He also believes that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and love. Viewing others as God does keeps him reaching out to those that others may not.
With strong conviction and encouragement, Mark says we can all give to and serve others. "It’s not difficult, we just need to step out where God is leading us to. Remember, Jesus taught us that what ever we do unto the least of the brethren we have done it also to him (Matt. 25).”