A Tribute

Two years ago today, our dear friend Mark Panzanella was ushered through the gates of heaven and into the arms of Jesus. Here on earth, he left behind his wonderful wife Nicole, and his two young daughters, Francesca and Gianna, who are now 8 and 6 years old. My heart goes out to Nicole and the girls in a special way today, so I'm dedicating this post to them and to Mark's memory.

Mark was radical. Nothing Mark did was "the norm." He laughed loud, loved hard, and served Jesus with an all or nothing spirit.

Hailing from Ohio, Mark was an avid Cleveland Browns and Indians fan. He and Steve spent many hours sharing their love of sports and razzing each other about who claimed the better team.

Mark loved being Italian. As couples we'd sit out on their back porch on the weekends eating the great food that Mark loved to prepare, listening to funky Italian music. One of our favorite songs was That's Amore. Mark is still the first person I think of when I hear it.

Mark gave the greatest whole-hearted, squeeze-you-to-death hugs on the face of the planet.

Mark stood up for us at our wedding and believed in our relationship when we were hearing from a lot of naysayers. He saw a God connection that didn't necessarily make sense and encouraged us to look to Him rather than for the approval of man.

Mark had a heart to worship God. He would play for hours on Sundays (and Thursdays and Fridays and Saturdays...) and seemingly never tire. He was a true 'Nagan' worshipper. We still love watching some of our old Church of the Hills videos and catching a glimpse of Mark on the keyboard. He had a gift for music that he gave back to the Lord by using it to honor and glorify Him.

Mark always, always, always kept his eyes on the Lord and drew his strength from Him. He and Steve were the key players in the video ministry at our church. For Steve, it was mostly a hobby. It was Mark's profession and livelihood. He didn't get paid enough and could have made a lot more money somewhere else, but he wouldn't think about it. He wasn't doing it for a particular church or for public acclaim, he was doing it for the Lord. He believed he was exactly where God wanted him to be and nothing else mattered. He knew God was his provider and Mark placed a much higher priority on living in the will of God than having a fat bank account.

I asked Steve this morning if he wanted to contribute any thoughts to this post. He said "Mark loved the Lord with all his heart. He was one of the most committed men I have ever met. And I am better for having known him. He is in heaven, side by side with his Savior and I know I'll see him again. That about sums it up. That's all that matters."

So Nicole, we love you. We know that this day is hardest on you as you remember all that you have lost here on earth. May your memories of Mark be sweet and may you feel the arms of Jesus around you in a profound way. May God give you the strength you need to raise your girls to be as committed to Him as their daddy was. May He provide for your every need in such a way that you can truly rest in Him.

Francesca and Gianna, be assured that your daddy is waiting for you in heaven. I see so much of him in both of you. In your broad smiles and the sparkle in your eyes. More than anything else, the legacy your dad would want you to carry on would be in your love for Jesus Christ. May God show Himself to you in such a real way that as you mature you become as sold-out and radical as your daddy was.

In our carnal minds, it's hard to understand why God chose to take Mark at such a young age. I can only imagine that God was so pleased with him that He wanted him in heaven more than we needed him here. I can almost picture Mark sitting at the feet of Jesus worshiping and praising Him...and asking that He would please give the Cleveland Indians a better season than the Browns had!