Hey there, Mark here the author of this blog. I am a guy who is a Christian, a husband & a dad. I am also the executive pastor at Discovery Church, in Simi Valley, CA. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are mine and not necessarily those of Discovery Church.
I love my wife, Michelle. I love my son Jaxon (whom we adopted from Taiwan). I love hanging with the fam. We recently finished the process of adopting boy #2, Levi…he hails from Vietnam. Be sure to go to the calendar and go back to October and November to read about our story. Can i say this again…I love my family.
I love going to the beach, especially when i can actually surf. I love the church. When it is hitting on all cylinders there is no better place. When it is missing a few beats it can be one of the most difficult places to be. That is why i love it. Constantly changing.
This blog, as you will see, has a few different purposes. One is on a personal level. To keep family and friends informed of the goings and comings of the McKinney’s. We have family in 4 different states and we have friends, well, from all over the world [Kentucky to Nigeria].
Secondly, is to hopefully challenge you, the reader to do something in the world. I believe the Bible when it says we literally have God living inside us…His children. This should mean we have an incredible capacity to do something in our world for His Kingdom. Even if you are not a follower of Christ, you were still created to do good things. So, hopefully as i jot some thoughts down and share from a dad perspective, pastor perspective, husband perspective, on a mission trip perspective or just from a Christ follower perspective you will be challenged to get out and do something with your one and only life.
This has got to be the longest ‘about the author page’ i have ever seen so i will stop…you get the drift.
blessings, m
Mark, I cannot begin to tell you how much I have enjoyed this “time with you and your precious family”. Wish I had a cup (not bag) of coffee while reading this. ha. Take care my friend and May our loving Abba Father show his favor on your little family. Blessings, Dorcus
Mark & Michelle,
I’ve enjoyed reading all your postings (from the comfort of my own home!) I feel for everything you’re going through, but WOW! you’re going to have some amazing stories to tell the rest of your lives! We are definitely praying for you (I use the corporate “we” as I speak for my family) and can’t wait till you’re home. We’ll try to resist the urge to squeeze little Levi for the first week or two to not terrify him, but after that, there will be all kinds of cheek-pinching going on!
Love you guys lots. Praying for your safety and quick completion, and specifically for that crazy-long flight home!
Lisa Moon
Mark & Michelle,
Sunday afternoon and have just read about your adventures. I want to let you know that I have faithfully been praying for you and somedays felt such a strong sense to pray. Now I know why. I love the pictures and am so excited for you all to return home to the states. God will use you in mighty ways. Others will learn and be encouraged to reach out in many different ways. Mark, your comment on leaving a legacy for your boys is right on target. I have often thought of that. Did I do a good enough job, did I direct and discipline right, did I show compasion and forgiveness. But I promise as they grow and mature you get tibets of wow they listen, wow they have adpoted and imbrased the qualities you instill in them and then as young adults you hold your breath and watch them hit the mark most of the time and are so blessed. Then crenge when they are off a little or complety miss it. As you stay the course so will they. Michelle, your boys will love you and want to protect you. Now they are treasures to you, a gift from God, but you will become a treasure to them and you will become their gift from God.
I pray God’s blessings over you and Michelle, Jaxon and Levi. I pray for health and REST for you all. May the remainder of your journey bring fond memories and an assurance of a blessed future. We will continue to lift you up in prayer.
Kelly
Mark and Michelle,
Your family is in our prayers- and we are on bended knee. Your family at CrossView loves you and is praying for your family to be together. Be still and know that HE is GOD!
Hi Mark and Michelle, we are the Dalkes. My husband and I and our 2 bio boys ages 4 & 2 are adopting from Vietnam also with VCI. I think we’re somewhere very close to the top of the wait list. Marvin and Carol are still revising it. We just finally were able to get your blog address from VCI, but have been praying for you during your whole journey. We’d love to chat sometime. Drop us an email. Congratulations! We’re so glad you’re all home safe.
Time to update the “About” page… I’m sure Levi wants a little McKinney recognition. The 2nd kid usually gets the shaft…
hey mark,
i’ve been reading you and todd’s blogs…sounds like you guy have cool thing going…praise the Lord…have fun serving Jesus…
Hey Mark,
“I believe the Bible when it says we literally have God living inside us…His children. This should mean we have an incredible capacity to do something in our world for His Kingdom. Even if you are not a follower of Christ, you were still created to do good things.” Brotha, this is my conviction too. Since I have been on staff at Shepherd I hear only great things about you, and your commitment to the impact Discovery makes on the community around you. I have been meaning to share this with you for a while, and finally decided to take action. Keep letting God lead you to do “good things!”