Mark fundraising for world vision by selling chocolate
The first time I attended the Drop-in Centre program, I felt a bit out of place. Walking into a new environment, not knowing anyone, and unsure of what to expect made me feel nervous and vulnerable. It’s always awkward trying to find your footing in a new space. But then I met Mark.
He was the kind of person you couldn’t miss—his presence was warm and welcoming. What struck me most wasn’t just his friendliness, but the quiet way he paid attention, noticing the little things most people miss. He had a genuine curiosity about who I was and wanted to know more about me.
As we got talking, we discovered that we had a mutual friend named Andrew. It turns out that Andrew had been Mark’s youth group leader back when Mark was a teenager in Wellington. Andrew had been a significant influence on Mark’s life, and the bond they shared helped shape Mark’s faith journey. It was indeed a small world. From then on, every time Mark saw me, he would ask, “How’s Andrew doing?” as if we were old friends, even though we had only just met. It made me realize that Mark had a way of making everyone feel like they were part of his life, even if he hadn’t known them for long.
Living with Purpose
As I got to know Mark better, his story unfolded in ways that were both inspiring and humbling. Mark lives with a disability, but he has never let it limit him. Instead, he pours himself into serving others, often in ways that require more effort and humility than most of us will ever see.
His commitment to serve others started when he was a teenager. Mark has been raising funds for World Vision by selling chocolate. This was a creative alternative to a paper run, given his condition. Mark found a way to make a difference in the best way he could, supporting a cause that’s important to him. His sense of purpose is rooted in his faith, and it continues to shape everything he does, reflecting God’s love.
A Culture of Belonging
What’s remarkable about Mark’s presence in the church community isn’t just that he’s found a place to belong, but that his presence has inspired a deeper kind of welcome for others too. When Mark first began attending, the church responded by building a wooden ramp at the front entrance to ensure he could access the building with his wheelchair. It was a simple, thoughtful gesture, but it spoke volumes: You matter. You belong here.
More recently, the church has begun the process of installing an accessible bathroom. These changes go beyond meeting practical needs; they are intentional acts of care and inclusion. They say: We see you. We’re glad you’re here. We want you to participate and thrive.
True belonging goes beyond accessibility. It means being able to participate fully, to be seen and valued, to share your gifts, and to grow as part of the community. It’s what love looks like when it’s lived out.
A Place to Grow and Give
One of the things Mark appreciates most about his church is how it encourages everyone, regardless of ability, to contribute using their gifts. This inclusive model has empowered him to take a more active role in the life of the church. Whether it’s leading communion, speaking on Disability Awareness Sunday, or being part of the men’s group, these opportunities have helped him grow in his faith. They’ve allowed him to nurture the faith of others by advocating for accessibility and inclusion in ways that go beyond the physical environment, making him feel like a valued part of the wider church community.
Relationships That Matter
Mark’s story reminds me that real inclusion isn’t just about making things accessible—it’s about relationship. It’s about care. It’s about being intentional with how we notice, welcome, and support one another. We are relational because God is relational—first and foremost, we were created to live in relationship. God designed us to be connected to Him and to each other (Matthew 22:36–40). Scripture calls us to connectedness from the very beginning. While each of us is called to play a part in God’s story, most of our work happens within the context of community.
As Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 12, the Church is like a body made up of many parts, each with unique gifts, each essential to the health of the whole. We are not meant to do everything alone; we are meant to use the talents and strengths God has given us to build one another up. When each person brings their gift to the table, the body of Christ flourishes. Jesus said, “By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35). Mark’s church has been faithful in reflecting this mission, making sure that the church doesn’t just open its doors but lives out a reminder of what true community looks like. Mark isn’t just a participant; he’s a valued voice.
Mark’s Encouragement to Others
For any person living with a disability and unsure about church, Mark offers this advice:
“Buddy up with someone. Having someone
there makes it easier. You do not have to step
into a space alone.”
Mark’s journey has taught him the power of companionship—how a supportive friend or familiar face can ease the challenge of navigating new spaces. Inclusion doesn’t have to be complicated; it often begins with one person walking alongside another. His experience at church has shown him that no one should face inclusion alone. When someone reaches out, it changes the experience from daunting to empowering. The people who have walked with him in his church community have helped him feel comfortable, grow in faith, and find belonging. Mark believes everyone, regardless of ability, deserves to feel valued in community. Through companionship and genuine relationships, we can create spaces where people connect, grow, and fully participate. Sometimes, simply buddying up is what helps someone truly thrive. He’s grateful to have Mike Potter by his side at church.
Mark’s story is about more than just advocating for those with visible disabilities or church programs. It’s about what happens when someone decides not to be limited by what they can’t do but instead lives fully into what they can do, and brings others along for the journey. As Mark’s dad used to say, “We all have a minor disability of some sort.”
Mark carries that mindset and wisdom with him. On the tough days, he doesn’t back down as he says
“I may be a wounded soldier, but I wouldn’t leave without a fight.”
This attitude of resilience, despite the struggles he faces, highlights the strength of his character and the importance of never giving up, no matter the obstacles. It is a reminder for us to live a purposeful life and be part of a community where one can be supported to grow, lead, and belong.
Written By Jacqui Sua
Mark leading communion at the Elevate centre
Want to read the full magazine? Click here to read the current and previous issues, or sign up to get the Encourager magazine delivered straight to your inbox when it is released each year!