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From our Perspective
Following is an interview with Mark Munden who is
a
serving Elder of Grace Church. He is
committed to Christ, leads Four Streams Ministries,
and is well known for his forward thinking knowing
God will accomplish great things through His
people.
What has God been teaching you lately?
A painful theme through my life has been one of
fatherlessness. As a result, the main lie the enemy
has used against me throughout my life is that "I
am on my own as a son, as a husband, as a father,
as a man." As my life and our ministry move
forward, God is keeping this whole theme before me
as never before. I think for two main reasons. First
and foremost, God is restoring and healing
me (Isaiah 61:1). I am experiencing (not
just learning) that I am a beloved son to Him and
that I am not alone as a son, as a
husband, as a father as a man. Second, I am to
be a faithful steward of the character and lessons
learned from the hardships He has allowed in my life -
to use them to bless others and lead them to
freedom in Christ - by being a man in other's lives.
What is the most important thing you've learned
about walking with God?
Walking with God is the only way we can hope
to discover the path that leads to life - that's what a
disciple is - a follower of Christ. So we must
follow. Walking with God (following) is
not formulaic or principle-driven. Rather, it's about
the heart (Proverbs 4:23) and a personal walk with
God comes to us through wisdom (skill in
living) and revelation (listening to His voice).
Much of what God asks us to do is counter-intuitive,
so we must have eyes to see and live by faith, or we
risk missing those driving moments.
How do you keep your time with God fresh?
I like to mix things up by reading books (I love to
read) and, since I am a visual person, watching
movies that talk of the larger story in which we all
live. God often touches my heart and speaks to me
by using words and images from these media. Music
is also very important to me, as it can be a powerful
vehicle in leading us to His throne in worship.
Who was influential in your spiritual growth?
My wife Laurie has had the most profound impact.
God has taught me so much about Himself, and about
me, through my loving bride. Her capacity to love,
to give, and to be a servant amazes me and causes
me to worship the Lord for who He is through her. I
would also include the three men who were my youth
pastors.
If you could experience an event in the Bible,
which one would you choose?
The resurrection. To me, that is the main point -
Life! (even though I did miss that one, I'll get to be
at my own).
What is something the people of Grace would be
surprised to know about you?
I love dirt bikes and that I used to race motocross
(and still do so non-competitively).
Some day I'd like to...
Own land (such as a ranch) and build facilities that
would help us fulfill the vision for our ministry.
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