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Throughout the early 1990’s and 2000’s, Mark worked closely
with Reverend C. L. Johnson, director of Fairside Community
Center. Fairside Community center focused on encouraging
inner city youth to direct their energy toward positive
thoughts and positive activities. The first thing children
did when arriving to Fairside was their homework. All
children learned the Golden Rule (Matthew 7:12) “Do unto
others as you would have them do unto you.” Also, all the
children learned and recited daily Fairside’s memory verse
“I can do all thing through Christ which strengthens me
Philippians 4:13.
“Fairside was a refuge
and safety zone for many children across the city who might
have experienced or been exposed to some of the unsavory
elements of city life. For many it was an extension of
home. These youth, many young and African American males
were loved, nurtured and mentored through the center.” ERJ
During the school year the
center provided dinner at no cost to the youth. Mark and
Reverend C.L, used their money and resources to supply food.
Fairside eventual began providing breakfast and lunch to the
children through grant funding.
Mark had been involved in
door to door political grass roots campaigns for various
candidates and issues. He has worked for the Lucas County
Board of elections as a voting location manager. Mark has
served in various capacities at his church including;
Deacon, men’s mission, Sunday school Superintendent, board
member faith and food ministry, videographer, visiting the
sick and shut in, barber (cutting the children’s hair for
little or no cost).
Mark loved his family, his
church and everyone he met – no one was a stranger. His most
favorite thing was pointing them to Christ. In Mark’s daily
walk, he lived to the fullest by relying on Christ Jesus as
found in the book of Isiah “those who trust in the lord will
renew their strength, they will soar high on wings like
eagles; they will run and not get weary, they will walk and
not faint.” Wait on the Lord. Isiah (40:31)
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