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Mark Appel

A former first overall draft pick by the Houston Astros, Mark is currently a starting pitcher in the Philadelphia Phillies organization. He also serves with the ministry The Imperfect Cross.

Q&A

What effect does your faith have on your lifestyle?

Faith in Jesus is extremely important. Faith for me translates into a life of actions that follow my belief in God. Some people will say they believe one thing but they live in a way that completes negates that, I don’t ever want to have that sort of life. Faith is manifested through our actions and words. One of my favorite passages about faith is found in Hebrews 11:1 which says, “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”

Describe how your Journey with Christ began.

Both of my parents are Christians and I grew up going to church every Sunday. I went to a Christian private school as well so I was surrounded by people who knew the Lord and I learned about Jesus at a young age. My parents did a great job of teaching my brother and I about what it meant to be living life for Jesus and why we shouldn’t sin but instead live for the Lord. They encouraged us to really consider whether we wanted to live as a follower of Jesus or by the ways of this world. At ten years old, I made that decision to follow Jesus for myself and I was baptized.

Who have been the mentors in your life? How did God bring these people into your life?

My parents have to be the number one mentors in my life. You can usually take a look at someone and figure out what their parents are like or vice versa. The greatest ministry that is done is when Godly parents raise their kids. My parents really taught me truth at a young age and I’m so thankful for that.

What does the Increase of Christ mean to you?

John 3:30 is a great reminder that Christ should increase in all things. When I go out and have a great game, I always want to remember that everything we ever do comes from Christ. Why I am able to do what I love and live a life that is abundant and full is all because of Jesus. My relationship with Jesus is a personal one where I am to give all glory to the Lord in both the good circumstances and the bad.

What is your life verse and why?

1 Corinthians 10:31 says, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” Glorifying God is not only when you are in church, singing praise songs to God, it’s in every moment of life: eating, drinking, driving, walking out on the field or interacting with your teammates and coaches, these are all opportunities to glorify God. Living a life for Christ is not a checklist, it’s living life in such a way that fulfills the passions that God has put on your heart, showing love to all people and fulfilling your purpose in Him. The more we cling to the Words of the Lord, the more we understand His nature. The more we understand His nature, the more we are able to glorify the Lord in all that we do.

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