Mark Leonard Jones

Dear Mark, to hear of your passing earlier today was a shock to me. The few interactions I had with you while at the NMC were wholesome and evidenced your love for God and for people in every way. I pray for an abundance of comfort for Paula and your children and grandchildren. Rest in the Lord’s bosom till we meet again.

We didn’t have the privilege of knowing Mark as well as many, but the bit of time we had with him we were deeply impressed by his simultaneous genuine concern for others and lightheartedness. Much love and prayers to Paula and the rest of the family (and IW family) as we miss his presence here. Christ in us, the hope of glory!!!

Dear Paula and family,

Words can't express our sadness for your loss, and the impact of his passing on the international community. Mark has been an amazing blessing, bringing hope and help to many thousands around the world in the neediest places, and encouraging local leaders and us international workers. Ever since his visit to our tiny team in a tightly closed Asian country many years ago (we all climbed a big rocky hill in the mountains), we've loved every precious opportunity to see him and Paula. His work and care touched so many - for example, in recent years here in Asia, he assisted local leaders during and after a leader's tragic death, and helped them with last year's earthquake relief and new programs for the disabled, strengthening their faith in desperate times and greatly increasing their ministries, outreach, and impact on people's lives across the country.

Mark's thought-filled, caring, creative, exuberant, fun faith in action inspires us to keep up the good fight and faithfully continue our own race, as he triumphantly finished his. God bless you. Thank you for letting us remotely attend his beautiful, meaningful memorial service. Heartfelt thanks for your part in Mark's amazing life and ministry, and for sharing him with us around the world.

Loving prayers continuing for you,
J&J

Paula,
May the God of peace, who shepherds our souls, fill you with His love, with His hope as you reflect on the past and anticipate the future to come. Mark finished the race first. He completed what God asked of Him. Our relationship with Mark, and with you, revealed that it is a life well lived. The impact of his life and the values he lived for will live on through others and the power of the God who inspired them.

Our hearts have a Mark-shaped hole, that will not be filled by others. But Jesus is there comforting and reminding us that His grace and mercy are sufficient to fill the emptiness. And the same God who raised Jesus from the dead is exalted and praying for those who mourn.

May you have comfort and strength from God at this time.

With much love, Lorne and Kathy-Lu

On Mark Jones

I received the news of Mark’s death the morning of my Dad’s Celebration of Life Service. We’d been losing my Dad for years; I’d only heard of Mark’s illness a week before. The speed of his passing, at least by comparison, was jarring.

Could the man who had visited our way-out-of-the-way home so many times no longer be planning a trip to see us?

Could the colleague who had vouched for our competence so many times no longer be there to open yet another door for ministry for us?

Could the friend so often around the table when somebody raised a question about serving yet another new group of hurting people, really not be there to say, “Why not?” with a chuckle and a big grin?

Could “Uncle Fish” really not be there to hear Elijah, Isaiah, and Jeremiah’s next story?

How could Mark be gone? Next to the Holy Spirit, he was about the most universally present person I knew. His heart was so big, his experience so extensive, his networks so vast, and his skills so useful he was a welcomed member around any table.

As a friend, I knew his later years were marked with the struggle of rest and labor. What do you do when the ministry and people you love are intertwined and scattered all around the world and those to lead the work grow fewer?

Mark, you sojourned longer on planes and roads, on ZOOM calls, in front of laptops, and around meeting tables. You were the first person I remember using a vacation responder (and actually saying you were on vacation), and the one we most worried about working too hard. You made sacrifices, slowed down when you realized you needed to or were forced to; and shared with us, along with the victories, the times of pushing too hard. You modeled that leadership wasn’t always getting it right, but was sharing the full story with humility and grace.

So Mark, consider this a last hug - which I know you hate: my bumbling way to say, “Thank you, I love you, and I’ll miss you brother.” Like many others, I wish I’d had a chance to say it to you face-to-face.

You worked hard to see, “Christ’s kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven,” and I’m glad you now get to be at rest with Jesus experiencing that kingdom on the unbroken side of eternity.

Dearest Paula,
Our sincere and deepest sympathy as we mourn the sudden passing of Mark.
I remember well the many times we prayed for you and Mark as God called you into some difficult situations and tasks. He is always faithful! May the God of all comfort shower you and yours with His peace and precious Presence!!
In Christian love
Bev & Wayne Hill

Love sent to P. Kurt, Kyle, Keira and their spouses and grandkids. What a blessing to have been connected to the Mark and Paula Jones family for 40 years in Canada and Asia, for studies, work and play. Mark is loved and will be missed in the world. 🌎

Our sincere condolences. What a beautiful tribute. The light and life and love of the Lord was always so real, so alive in Mark, in his eyes, his smile, as he talked and lived. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Chuck and Evelyn Collins.