The Absolom Family If you want to have a GREAT laugh – Mark is the man to be around. If you want total support of the Cherries – Mark’s the man. If you want a family man, passionate about hospitality…….you’ve got it, Mark’s the man. If you want a man who loves God unashamedly – it’s Mark Absolom. The warmth, love and passion that flow from this man is brilliant. Stephen and I just love being with Mark, Lesley and their beautiful daughters – not to mention Lady, their dog. Read on to find out more about Mark…..
M.M: The saying “From the Nations, to the Nations” – Did it ring true today? What are your thoughts?M.A: Yes. The style of worship had a flavour for the bigger picture. Cogs within cogs. We sensed the wholeness of God where we can spread dreams and visions beyond Gateway. We are HUGE – owning the vision of New Frontiers and being a part of it. Having you guys and Evan – there is a sense of belonging. In Christ, there are no barriers. The service brought out our oneness.
Mark Absolom – What FUN!
M.M: Fantastic! What do you foresee for Gateway Church?M.A: I’m hoping to see growth – numerical growth, baptism, salvation, babies, and marriages. Gateway is prophetic as Steve said; in being an opening for people to come in – a sanctuary, a safe place. It is also near a Port, the coast – it will not only bring people in but send people. It is a Gateway to Europe, to send church planters, teachers and vice versa.
M.M: Yes, yes, YES! Having visited Zimbabwe 8 months ago, what are some of your reflections?M.A: I fell in love with the country and the people. Despite the depths of despair and nothingness, I could see hope, joy, expectation, looking and longing for a better future. The HOPE is in God – through Foundations for Farming, the pre-school in Mguza. You are in this with God. Zimbabwe is like a cream cake – once you’ve tasted it once, you need more.
M.M: Any hope of you coming back to Zimbabwe?M.A: Yes, most definitely! It will be two fold: to celebrate my silver wedding anniversary and to serve you guys.
M.M: Anytime! Anyday! What are your thoughts of the church n general?M.A: As a New Frontier movement, we are on the edge of something new and exciting with church plants and leaders being shaken and stirred. God has more – a new jaggered edge – moving on and feeling a tug of God. There are new cities to be taken. It’s exciting. The leadership has a real heart and it stirs and challenges you. Looking at the church at large can be demoralizing, particularly in the West, because of churches closing and it’s more about me. It needs to be challenged as it’s about the gospel of Christ.
M.M: Totally. Any closing thoughts?M.A: I want to learn Arabic. I feel it’s a God thing. I also want to play football at 50 and to keep revisiting Zimbabwe as much as possible.
M.M: Thanks so much Mark. I’m inspired and really look forward to seeing you and Lesley back in Zimbabwe. May God continue to use you both as you to reach out and minister to people in your community and beyond. Oh yes – Up the Cherries!
M.M: Yes, yes, YES! Having visited Zimbabwe 8 months ago, what are some of your reflections?M.A: I fell in love with the country and the people. Despite the depths of despair and nothingness, I could see hope, joy, expectation, looking and longing for a better future. The HOPE is in God – through Foundations for Farming, the pre-school in Mguza. You are in this with God. Zimbabwe is like a cream cake – once you’ve tasted it once, you need more.
M.M: Any hope of you coming back to Zimbabwe?M.A: Yes, most definitely! It will be two fold: to celebrate my silver wedding anniversary and to serve you guys.
M.M: Anytime! Anyday! What are your thoughts of the church n general?M.A: As a New Frontier movement, we are on the edge of something new and exciting with church plants and leaders being shaken and stirred. God has more – a new jaggered edge – moving on and feeling a tug of God. There are new cities to be taken. It’s exciting. The leadership has a real heart and it stirs and challenges you. Looking at the church at large can be demoralizing, particularly in the West, because of churches closing and it’s more about me. It needs to be challenged as it’s about the gospel of Christ.
M.M: Totally. Any closing thoughts?M.A: I want to learn Arabic. I feel it’s a God thing. I also want to play football at 50 and to keep revisiting Zimbabwe as much as possible.
M.M: Thanks so much Mark. I’m inspired and really look forward to seeing you and Lesley back in Zimbabwe. May God continue to use you both as you to reach out and minister to people in your community and beyond. Oh yes – Up the Cherries!
By Molly Manhanga
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