Mark McIntosh
Mark has been a volunteer with the New Life Program since 2014 through his nonprofit, A Stronger Cord, where he leads a weekly workshop and an offsite “Service Saturday” opportunity.
What inspired you to get involved with the Mission?
There was a time in my life where I was going through disappointment, and I was doing way too much unhealthy consumption of alcohol and recreational drugs. But only through God’s grace, I got through that. I felt God saying, “McIntosh, I’ve given you certain gifts and talents, go help those guys.” They needed somebody to run the morning devotion for the New Life Program guys, and so that was the birth of A Stronger Cord, and we’ve been doing it ever since.
What do you do every week with the New Life Program participants?
I have a slogan, “See what others can’t envision.” That’s what I try to encourage, saying, “Some people can’t envision you having a successful life, but I know Denver Rescue Mission sees it, and A Stronger Cord sees it. We just have to convince you to see it.” We talk about sports, we talk about life, we talk about faith. We weave in Scripture and bring in various sports personalities. It’s a way to build a social network for when they graduate.
Is there a moment of impact that stands out to you from
your time serving?
It’s really fulfilling when you see guys graduate and they move on, and you see how they’re doing well. And you have an understanding that maybe A Stronger Cord played a role in that. I think God calls us to use our gifts and talents and serve others and so I’m just trying to be obedient. I mean this is not work; this is a calling. I just am enriched and filled up when I hang out with these guys.
This post is part of July’s Changing Lives Newsletter. This month, we’re sharing Randy’s story of resilience in the face of hardships in: Becoming Me Again.
