Mark Russell inspires youths with a vision to serve Jesus

1 Mar 2007

Mark Russell, Church Army’s new, young Chief Executive returned to the place where he has served as youth leader with a plea to put Jesus first in making decisions about life's priorities. Addressing over 150 young people between ages 15-22 at a young leaders conference held at St Andrews Church in Chorleywood, Russell (32) shared something of the experience of well-known figures in following their visions. Russell said, "Most people who accomplish significant achievements are visionaries. Alexander the Great had a vision to conquer the world. Thomas Edison had a vision for the light bulb. Walt Disney had a vision for a massive entertainment park. Martin Luther King had a vision for a land where all people could be free.

"Richard Branson had a vision to start an airline, Wilson Carlile had a vision to found a society to reach the least the last and the lost with the transforming good news of Jesus Christ. That society is the Church Army, which 125 years later I have now the privilege of leading. All these visions have been realised. Visionaries succeed because they see a vision which drives them forward."

Russell added, "You see, life can either be a random journey without real direction, or it can be an adventure, reaching for a goal, and with a purpose. It is vision that makes the difference."

Mark Russell who had been a youth leader at the IMPACT Youth Ministry at Christ Church Chorleywood for six years was invited back to be a speaker at the annual young leaders conference. At the conference, he highlighted the work of Church Army, in particular, , which will give young people the opportunity to serve God and their community both at home and abroad for a year. More information about the Global Gap Year can be found at: www.churcharmy.org.uk/gapyear

See also:  Mark Russell on Twitter