In 2013, the Houston Astros selected pitcher Mark Appel as the first overall draft pick.

“That was one of the best days of my life,” Mark remembers.

Pitching for half a season his first year, Mark was heading into the 2014 season with high hopes but after spring training, he was sent to a Minor-league team in Lancaster—a city known for having hostile weather conditions for pitchers. With horrible conditions in which to play and all the expectations of a #1 draft pick weighing on him, Mark’s performance struggled.

As Mark’s spirit was breaking, God was at work creating something beautiful in him. Watch Mark tell his story of expectation, frustration, and ultimate hope:

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