Becky Fragasse, Administrative Assistant to Mark DeVries and the Youth Department since 1998, was inspired to pay tribute to Mark this year reflecting upon on his many contributions since 1986 for our youth.

'THE DEVRIES' ROAD
(The Years Are Twenty—Not Enough, But Plenty!)

by Becky Fragasse

Listen my friends, and listen with ease
Of the past 20 years of Mark DeVries!
The church, for the youth, was dating disaster,
For they were in need of a daring Youth Pastor.

Then in came Mark, which for them was a "gain" - -
He had done nothing wrong—he was newly ordained!
The 1st day of April—nothing stood in his way,
And many years later, his son married that day!
And everyone thought Mark was oh, so great—
This grown up kid, only 28!

There've been Prayer Partners, Ski Trips, and thousands of skits,
Mission Trips everywhere—all of them hits!
The Banquets for Seniors and Pillars for all,
Prayer Vigils, Youth Choirs, and of course, Basketball!
Don't forgot the Youth Sundays, Small Groups--10:24,
Mark's bittersweet sermons, filled with laughter and lore!

We've had Seminars, Vespers, Explosions, and Crud,
Inquirers, Pancakes, Barn Bonfires, and Dads' Club!
Stuff & Mail, First Club, Home Base, and Rhoadz Rulz,
Bible Studies, Service Projects, and much Sunday School!

Mark had Debbie, Colyer, and Ginger; before Ellie--Jen,
And our dear, precious Interns came again and again!
Youth Directors, Leaders, Teachers, and COWs,
Since '98—me . . . and he still has me now!

There once was Mark Schultz, who came on the scene,
Mark gave him a break and discovered his dream!
And sometimes for youth or the poor—he would beg;
The money would come, and so would friend, Craig!

Mark's traveled widely and written good books,
Embraced by all, for his wit, charm, and looks!
And if ever he felt that his missions were losin',
He was lifted with love by his own faithful, Susan!

Baptisms, funerals, and blessings on marriages—
Mark's done it all—and pushed baby carriages!
He's counseled kids--and parents since their wedding,
Having no clue where a family was heading!

We remember you, Mark, for your laughter and smiles—
For your hugs, calls, and emails that go with you miles.
We thank you for Debbie and also for Leigh,
And your "Adam's apple" doesn't fall far from your tree!