Serving with Venture Teams International
Mark's Testimony: I was raised as a missionary kid in Peru with godly parents, a brother and 2 sisters. From grade 2 I attended boarding school where there were many who modeled their faith in Christ. Though I had that privilege, I didn’t respond in faith until I was eleven (I was too busy chasing football’s, snakes and such). Without question, chasing the Lord or seeking Him is more meaningful and rewarding. I attended Caronport High School then Briercrest Bible College. During that time I met this young lady from Prince Albert named Cheryl Dearing. It took some time but finally in 1983 we were married. We lived in Lethbridge for 7 years, where I picked up my Journeyman ticket as a metallurgical fusion specialist (a welder) and saw our family begin to grow.
Because of my experience with Friends and Followers in 1979 we were invited to join the Kasama Team in 1987. This was a churchplanting team with several other alumni in the Philippines. After one year of fruitful ministry there we came home. We were expecting Josh at the time and also my dad’s cancer had reached a critical stage. I continued working as a welder while recording several albums and doing some touring. The Lord closed the door to further ministry with SEND in the Philippines but at the same time opened a door for us to work again with VTI.
Mark's Role At VTI: I love to work with young people and watch them grow in their musical talents. Even more, I am thrilled to see them grow in grace. I often hear reports of team members developing a passion for the Gospel and gaining a sense of freedom and confidence in the Lord. There is no better program than VTI to help people develop a heart for ministry and the skills that make them effective. I enjoy being a facilitator and in many ways that is my role here; training and mentoring in Music, Youth Ministry, Sound Equipment, Leadership and Administration, Summer Teams Coordinator, and Major Events. More recently I have taken on the role of Executive Director. I am thrilled with the possibilities at Venture Teams, in spite of the challenges we are facing, and I look forward to what God has for us.
How You Can Help: We are a faith based mission; which means we need your partnership in prayer and your financial and practical support. We are presently looking to increase our support level by a minimum of $2000 monthly. If you would like further information such as a budget we would be glad to provide it for you.
How You Can Contact Us:
Office Phone: (403) 777-2970
Home Phone: (403) 248-6912
Fax: (403) 777-2973
Email: msorell@vti.ca
Address: 3A 3023 - 21 Street NE
Calgary, AB
T2E 7T1