Mark’s commitment to education is not just a profession but a passion. He has served as an adjunct professor at Atlanta Metropolitan State College and as a Social Science and Special Education teacher at Redan High School. His passion for teaching, and his unwavering dedication to empowering others through knowledge and mentorship, has had a profound impact on the lives of his students and the community at large.
Previously, Mark was the lead pastor of Atlanta Urban Church from 2007 to 2011 within The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel Denomination. Under his leadership, the church became a beacon of hope in Atlanta’s Lakewood district, particularly for residents re-entering society after incarceration. The church provided free preschool care, afterschool programs, mentorship, and daily meals, serving as a community hub for support and growth. Mark’s work significantly improved the lives of many in the community.
Mark’s service includes eight years in the U.S. Army as a non-commissioned officer and paratrooper stationed in Hanau, Germany, and at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. His military experience, which instilled discipline and a global perspective, further enriches his ministry and community development approach. This international perspective gained through his extensive travels, particularly in Africa and Europe, has inspired his work and broadened his understanding of poverty and community development.
Through Rebuild the City Inc., Mark addresses critical issues such as gangs, mass incarceration, sex trafficking, substance abuse, homelessness, and poverty in Atlanta. His personal experiences and encounters with these issues have fueled his passion and commitment to making a difference. He collaborates with non-profit organizations, corporations, foundations, and individuals worldwide to meet the spiritual and socioeconomic needs of the inner city. His vision, which includes establishing comprehensive transitional housing and discipleship programs, offers hope for a future of sustainable community transformation. Mark’s goal is to create a model for community development that can be replicated in other urban areas, bringing hope to communities worldwide.
Mark’s work has transformed the lives of individuals and the communities they are part of. His efforts have significantly reduced crime rates, increased access to education, and improved living conditions. His work with Rebuild the City Inc. reflects his lifelong commitment to empowering individuals to rebuild their lives through faith, education, and community support. Mark is passionate about challenging inner-city residents to embrace positive change and believe in the Gospel’s transformative power. His life’s work is dedicated to reaching those in the inner city and beyond with the love of Christ, establishing effective discipleship, and implementing community development programs that uplift and empower.
