Rev. Mark Walz, Sr.
by John 10:11
Mark Walz grew up in a family of 6 boys in Maryland. He came to Kentucky to attend Asbury College in 1971. While at Asbury, Mark answered the call to full time Christian ministry. After graduation, he became an associate minister at Park UMC in Lexington, KY where he served for 11 years. While there, he completed his Master of Divinity degree at Asbury Seminary. Since his ordination in the Kentucky Conference of the United Methodist Church, he has served several appointments in Eastern Kentucky, including 10 years as chaplain at Pikeville Methodist Hospital (Now Pikeville Medical Center), and currently serves as pastor of First UMC in Prestonsburg, KY.
Mark is known for his creativity in presenting the Gospel. In worship, this may include setting up a visual worship center, singing a solo, portraying a biblical character in costume, updating a Bible story to a modern setting so kids (and adults) can relate to it, and of course, adding humor. He creates fellowship opportunities as a tool to draw people closer to Christ, whether he is cooking a gourmet meal for the church or leading interactive games or small groups. He constantly invites people to enlarge their worlds, recruiting groups for events such as Promise Keepers and short term mission trips. Many people can witness how their lives have been changed by going on a mission trip that Mark has led.
Perhaps Mark’s greatest gift is his passion and true concern for everyone he meets to know the Lord or deepen their relationship with Him. So, whether a close friend or a total stranger, even a brief encounter with Mark is likely to lead to a word of prayer, an invitation to participate in a church activity, or encouragement in a time of need. People’s lives are deeply touched by his caring and genuine concern.
Mark’s own life was deepened and enriched when he met and married his wife, Julie (see below). They have served in partnership and ministry for over 17 years. Their marriage has been blessed with 5 children. Mark is a wonderful husband and involved father, investing much time emotionally and spiritually into the maturation of his children. He prays that they grow in favor with God and man. One of the hardest parts of the cancer treatment has been being away from his children.
Mark remains an obedient servant of the Lord. His healing from this cancer is God-sized task, but already he has seen the hand of God using this to touch people in a special way. Mark’s desire, whether before cancer, during the cancer, or after cancer, is that his life will bring glory to God. Mark rests in God’s all-sufficient grace. Please pray for his continued healing, patience, and strength for the entire family for this journey.
Julie Walz
By John 10:11
Julie was a teacher from Winchester, KY and on fire for the Lord, when in 1987 she attended a workshop for starting a single’s ministry. Mark, a confirmed bachelor at the time, was at the training as a resource person. With Julie’s quick wit, easy laugh, and love for the Lord, it was a match made in heaven – literally. It was love at first sight for both of them, and they married a few months later. So instead of preparing her for a single’s ministry, God was preparing Julie for the life of a wife (a preacher’s wife, no less) and mother. God blesses the life committed to Him, but not always in the way we expect. Julie has been a true partner in ministry with Mark, and like Mark, seeks to influence every person for the Lord.
With the children, Julie’s heart’s desire is to always be there for the children and to establish them in the Lord. So as an educator and a mother, she has home-schooled all five children, in order to nurture not only their minds academically, but also to nurture their hearts and spirits in the ways of the Lord. Things are always lively at the Walz household, and Julie finds joy and humor in everyday life with her husband and children. Julie is also an accomplished musician. She teaches violin and plays at many weddings and special events. In addition to her music, she enjoys cooking, reading, and crossword puzzles.
Mark’s cancer is the most difficult thing the family has had to face. Julie is grateful for all the ways God is showing his love and concern for them, and using the situation to touch others as well. Pray that she will have grace, strength, and patience for each day, as she continues to support and nurture Mark and the children.
Mark Jr.
Mark is 19 years old and is a Freshman as Asbury College in Wilmore, KY. He has a steadfast relationship with the Lord and varied interests including painting, drawing, computers, piano, guitar, singing, bell choir, reading and Boy Scouts. The Pikeville High School has a lauded art program and Mark will benefit greatly from the teacher’s instruction. This school year Mark will also complete his remaining requirements for his Eagle rank in Boy Scouts. Though quiet and reserved by nature, Mark enjoys playing music, doing artwork, taking photos, working on his website, and getting together with a few close friends.
Katie
Katie is 17 years old and a senior at Pikeville High School. Extremely extroverted and exuberant in nature (definitely her father’s child), she loves people and makes friends wherever she goes. Her interests include math, science, 4-H drama, chatting online, babysitting and talking on the phone. She has expressed an interest in the drama department of the Pikeville High School and possibly trying out for the girl’s soccer team. Through babysitting an autistic child, whom she loves dearly, she has expressed an interest in pursuing pediatrics as a career. She also has a strong relationship with the Lord and is sensitive to His discerning Spirit.
Michael
Michael is 15 years old and a sophomore at Pikeville high school.. A thinker by nature, Michael, thrives on consistency and predictability. Though his words may be few he rarely forgets and can be counted on to follow through on what is required of him. He seeks the Lord in his quietness and enjoys memorizing scripture through our church’s AWANA program. His interests include soccer, skateboarding (long hair included) with friends, playing video games, and working construction kits such as Magnetix and K’NEX.
Christine
Christine turned 13 years old this month and a 8th grader. She has a terrific sense of humor and enjoys doing impersonations of family members. Her interests include soccer, fashion from shoes to nail polish, listening to Zoe Girl and Relient K, and hanging with her friends. Memorizing scripture and studying God’s word through our church’s AWANA program is important to her as she desires to grow in favor with God and man.
Matt
Matthew is a typical 9 year-old. Surrounded by four older brothers and sisters he never lacks for entertainment. His “guys”, as he calls them, are very important to him. He loves attention and is extroverted by nature. Often times his desire to function at the vocabulary level of his brothers and sister far out distances his comprehension and makes for some hilarious moments in our household. Matthew accepted Christ as his Savior two years ago while laying on our living room couch and he also enjoys memorizing scripture with the church’s AWANA program.