Kentucky Minister Drowns on Mission Trip to Mexico
Kentucky Minister Drowns on Mission Trip to Mexico Save Email Print
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His mission in life was to minister to others.
But in the end, it was that ministry that may have cut a Kentucky man's life short.
41-year-old Mark Angel was on a mission trip in Mexico, when he drowned Sunday night.
He was swimming with two college students at the time. They tried to save him, but couldn't.
His friends and family say he really was an angel, whether he was hiking the hills, building homes for the homeless, or creating liveliness for those in need.
They say he was one man who truly practiced what he preached.
Angel interned at Southland Christian Church, and went on to be the youth minister at Russell Christian Church in Ashland.
Angel leaves behind a wife and a four year old daughter.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete.
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Posted by: Chris (Tkach) Chelette Location: Cleveland, TN on Dec 30, 2007 at 10:53 PM
I am almost speechless at the loss of Mark Angel. Most people don't fulfill their life's purpose, but Mark surely has. The Lord knows the number of hairs on our head and the number of days we will live on Earth before we return to live with Him in Heaven. Mark used his days wisely. Just like his favorite music artist, Rich Mullins, Mark ministered to so many people. Our friendship dates back to 1985. He was mission-minded and loved people. He left this Earth doing what he loved...serving Gog and serving people. For his friends who were with him when he passed...just know that his last day on Earth was also his first day in Heaven. For his wife...he chose you to spend his life with and for that you are so blessed. For his daughter...what a great Daddy he was and how much he loved you! The entire Angel family, congregation, and friends are in our prayers. Mark was always so special to me, and he will be greatly missed. We are all blessed to have had him in our lives!
Posted by: Clara Location: San Diego, CA on Jun 16, 2007 at 02:34 AM
Just a few people always have time to listen and encourage you. Mark Angel was one of the few. I will always remember him and how he blessed me and my family. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Posted by: Sue Location: Harrison, OH on Jun 15, 2007 at 02:58 PM
Mark was a close friend of mine from Jr. High through college. Though I have only seen him a few times in the past 20 years, my heart is broken with his death. I feel like a part of me has died, too. I am so glad he is in Heaven and we will all see him again some day. My heart goes out to Lori, Riley, his parents, and brothers. I continue to pray for all of you!
Posted by: Melissa Location: Cincinnati on Jun 10, 2007 at 10:27 PM
My heart is heavy as I have just found out the loss of one of our brothers, Mark Angel. Mark and I worked together at Howell's Mill Christian Assembly church camp in WV when I was a teenager. He had a gracious spirit about him, and his love for the Lord was strong. My thoughts and prayers go to his family, to his church, to the thousands of lives he has touched. It was a blessing to have had fellowship with him. May his light shine bright and the Lord's work continue. God Bless you Mark Angel.
Posted by: Lucy Romo Location: Matamoros,Mexico on Jun 8, 2007 at 03:37 PM
Thanks God because my husband Jorge and me were blessed with the chance to meet Mark Angel, we could appreciate the great love and peace of this heart, In our hearts is sadness so we trust someday shall see him again then we'll talk the same language, Our prayers go out to Mark's family specially for his wife and daughter God Bless you
Posted by: Vangie Location: Hudson, MA on Jun 8, 2007 at 05:26 AM
My thoughts and prayers are with Lori and Riley at this very difficult time. I met Mark and Lori last year when Barb and Brent Fowler brought them to Massachusetts. I was only with them for a short time but it was as if I had known them forever. I was very impressed with them as a couple and was so happy that my stepdaughter and her husband had such wonderful best friends. God Bless you both, Lori and Riley.
Posted by: Michelle Location: Matamoros, Mexico on Jun 7, 2007 at 09:38 PM
This is a translation of the message below from Pastor Gerardo: Our hearts are heavy. Here on earth we have lost a Christian brother and a friend. Mark, last Sunday morning, shared Communion with us in the church here in Matamoros. We sang together, prayed together, worked together and enjoyed time together. I have been blessed to have the opportunity to know a great man of God, to have fellowshipped with him, and to be with him that day. We send our deepest sympathy to his wife Lori and his 4yr old daughter,to his dear friends and to his church where they regularly unite to worship and serve. Even through the sadness, we know that this is not a "goodbye" but rather a "see you soon friend." Because Christ lives we believe that Mark Angel lives and we will also live forever. With love: Gerardo Dominguez Barrientos. Pastor of the Villa Chrstian Church, Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico
Posted by: Pastor: Gerardo Location: Matamoros Mexico on Jun 7, 2007 at 03:18 PM
Nuestro corazon esta adolorido. Hemos perdido aqui en la tierra a un hermano y un amigo. Mark, el domingo por la mañana, compartió la Santa Cena con nosotros. Cantamos juntos, oramos juntos, trabajamos juntos y nos divertiamos juntos. Tuve la bendicion de haber conocido a un Gran hombre de Dios, de haber convivido con el, y de haber estado a su lado en su ultimo aliento. Enviamos nuestro mas sentido pesame a su esposa Lory y a su hija de 4 años, a sus amigos amados y a su iglesia donde se reunia regularmente para adorar y servir. A pesar de la tristeza, sabemos que este No es un "Adios", sino un "hasta pronto amigo"; "Porque Cristo Vive, creemos que MarK Angel Vive y nosotros viviremos tambien para siempre. Con amor: Gerardo Dominguez Barrientos Pastor de la Iglesia de Cristo La Villa Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico.
Posted by: Angel Beardsley Location: Ashland, KY on Jun 7, 2007 at 01:14 AM
My heart and prayers go out to Mark's family as well as all of the lives he has touched. Many of my friends are at a loss at this moment, I'm not very eloquent, but He is in Heaven...without a doubt. We suffer on earth because of the ache...you shall see him again my friends! I believe his influence both professionally and personally will live on.....God Bless Mark and his family...Everyone involved will be forever in my prayers and I shall see you some day, my friend. ~Angel Beardsley~ Ashland, KY
Posted by: Peggy Location: Ukiah,Ca.95482 on Jun 6, 2007 at 09:19 PM
My prayers to Lori and Riley, I am Barb Fowlers mom and I remember Mark well...
Posted by: Travis on Jun 6, 2007 at 04:06 PM
Mark was my minister and one of my best friends. I would not be the man or minister that I am without his influence in my life. My heart aches for him and most especially for Lori and Riley. This world will never be the same without him but his influence and ministry live on through each of us. In the midst of the hurt and the whys Stacy is right, his ministry was his life not his death and it continues on.
Posted by: Stacy Location: Cincinnati on Jun 6, 2007 at 01:14 PM
My husband is one of Mark's closest friends. Mark was an amazing man. His magnetic personality and kind spirit shined. Mark married us just 2 months ago in Russell. A gift more cherished now than ever. I would like to say that I did not appreciate the way this story was introduced. The ministry did not cut this man's life short. It seemed negative to me. We live in an imperfect world and accidents happen. Mark's absence will be felt forever. But even through tragedy, God will bring beauty. Thank you for celebrating him. He is in heaven. He is home.
Posted by: Daniel and Bethany Location: Flatwoods on Jun 6, 2007 at 12:59 PM
Words just can't describe Mark Angel and what are great friend he was. His legacy will continue in this community and around the world. If you would like to share your memories of Mark more indepth...We are making a book for Riley, so that she may some how grasp the love her father shared and the legacy that she can continue. Send your favorite photos and stories of Mark to: thedebordes@peacemail.com or drop them off at Russell Christian Church Russell, KY FOR: Daniel Deborde. I am sure there will be many many submissions and we can't wait to print them ALL. With love and prayers for Lori, Riley, and their families.
Posted by: Phil Location: Shelbyville on Jun 6, 2007 at 10:57 AM
I met Mark when we were in college together. He's the kind of guy that you like instantly, as soon as you meet him. He had the ability to get along with everyone and always rooted for the underdog. He had a great sense of humor. After college we would see each other about once a year at various conventions and youth events. No matter how much time had elapsed between funtions we could pick right up where we left off and laugh, remember and enjoy each other's company. I'm saddened by his passing and I pray for his family but I know he's already cracking the saints up in heaven and probably organized a softball game to get everyone involved. I'll miss my friend but hopefully not for long.
Posted by: Jane Location: Cincinnati, Ohio on Jun 6, 2007 at 08:00 AM
I grew up with Mark at White Oak Christian Church. He was a wonderful person who always was smiling and kind to others. He had a real passion for kids and bringing them to the Lord. He was a genuine person and he will be missed.
Posted by: David Location: Flatwoods, KY on Jun 6, 2007 at 07:02 AM
Mark was extremely passionate about ministry. He didn't always do things the way other might have done it, but he was was always successful in any endeavor he set out to do. From his youth ministry days until now, he was constantly leading and mentoring. You couldn't help but like Mark. Many young men are in ministry today - locally, nationally, and internationally becuase of Mark's encouragement and mentoring. In recent years Mark was a master at his job as Involvement Minister. He had an amazing talent for getting you involved before you even realized he just got you involved. Mark has left a whole both collectively and individually that will be hard to fill. Always with a smile on his face, Mark did his job with excellence and never wanted any recognition for it, he just wanted to touch as many lives as possible. The impact of his ministry is absolutely amazing.
Posted by: Deb and Jim Schroth Location: Houston, TX on Jun 5, 2007 at 04:17 PM
We are so, so sorry to hear this. My friend, Deena, from Lexington just e-mailed me this news. We loved Mark when we were going to church at Russell Christian Church. Our prayers are with his family and the church family.
Posted by: Prayers Location: f-fort on Jun 5, 2007 at 09:41 AM
God needed a good man so he took one. I dont know the family but I will be praying for them
Posted by: Donna Location: Danville on Jun 5, 2007 at 08:56 AM
Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Posted by: Vernon and Sandy Ortenzi on Jun 4, 2007 at 06:51 PM
Our prayers and thoughts are with the family. GOD BLESS YOU!
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