Mark Writes:

My journey to becoming a missionary started long ago. Like many children I was “taken” to church as a child. At a certain age, I decided that was enough church going for me. I had other ideals and plans of my own such as playing or watching TV. Many years later and nearing graduation from college, a minister on the radio kept repeating the Good News that I knew was true. I finally embraced the Jesus from my childhood. My life was changed forever, I was born again. (See Know Jesus for more information) After graduation and receiving a job that I thought would be the answer to all my dreams, I started working. After a few months I can remember saying “Is this all there is to life?” My dream was not what I thought, I was not happy. God had a greater calling that I didn't even know about, and spiritually I was not satisfied. Later at this company for which I worked the Lord sent a man on my job that knew the Lord multitudes better than I. The Spirit of God and He began to school me in the things my denomination knew nothing about. Then finally I received the infilling of the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in tongues. It was a great day! Then later Lord dealt with me about leaving my job, which I now liked, to go to Bible School...

I had a big decision to make, follow God or follow myself. Thank God he helped me, and I left my job and moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma to attend Rhema Bible Training Center. After graduation in 1997, I eventually became heavily involved in the helps and children's ministry at Cornerstone Word of Life, Madison, AL. I was eventually became employed there full time. This allowed me to be involved in many aspects of the ministry which I am using today. It was during this time in 1999 that I met my wife Verna on my first missions trip to a place called the Philippines. Looking back, I had NO ideal that this was the place of my calling. I only knew that I had a great time and that I lived in a blessed placed called America. I had no thoughts of leaving 'again', much less becoming a missionary and moving to Manila, Philippines.  Jeremiah 29:11 says

For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome. God had a life plan for me that included a wife, children, a ministry... and a country.

ABOUT MARRIAGE: I didn't pick my wife, I agreed to it. Read on: When I first saw Verna, it was not a physical attraction, or some other advantage that I might gain that attracted me. I saw her spirit, and it was beautiful. The Lord gave me a wife after His heart, according to His plan. I didn't know I would be moving to the Philippines, but he did. Everything in the natural didn't make sense to my mind. There were some details that I didn't have answers for, but I knew it was God. Enter faith. God knew my future and knew it would work out. Now I have two beautiful children a ministry and a future.

After two years of marriage, and a 6 month old, the Lord gave us instructions to move to Manila. Without hesitation we sold our house packed up and moved to Manila, Philippines. In 2003 we starting CWOL Manila in our home. We have a church and children's ministry which you can read more about on this site.

Verna Writes:

I got saved and filled with the Holy Ghost in 1987. My family didn’t have a lot of money to earn a decent living so I learned to trust God in everything. During those times I sought God in His word. I remember the days that I diligently read my bible and spent hours and hours worshipping Him by playing the guitar. I experienced the Presence of God in a greater way. I learned to commune with the Holy Spirit early; so that even when I was in college I liked to be alone, just to talk to Him.  I knew deep inside of me what He was saying. It was awesome! I remember the time I needed Him to remind me what I’ve studied for oral recitation. He never failed me! The Holy Ghost knows everything, even in natural things. When I was 16 until now God used me in Praise and Worship and in composing songs. Songs that flows from a time of worship. In 1998 I studied in Domata Bible School. The Lord used me to help the music director. II did my best to be a blessing and God rewarded me in return. I found favor from the music director that became like a mother to me. In 1999 Domata had a crusade in Santarosa Laguna. There I met my husband. God is a rewarder. He sees our heart. My life changed because He honored me. Only He can satisfy our innermost being. To see myself used by God is a privilege. He used me in America, India and even here in the Philippines to lead people to worship Him. To encourage those who wanted to have a mate to believe God! He sees every man and woman on the earth that can help compliment your call and gifts. It's all about Him! When I was in India I saw these girls watching me and wondered how I got my American Husband. I believed God for mine. I served and loved Him with all my heart and he rewarded me. I encouraged those girls that they can believe God like I did. There’s nothing too hard for Him, if He did it for me He can do it for them.