Mark McGrath Dies

Victory Assembly of God
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** NATIONAL YOUTH MINISTRIES' MARK MCGRATH DIES

The Assemblies of God national headquarters and the national Youth
Ministries office received shocking news Sunday morning as word
that Mark McGrath, the global ministries director for the national
Youth Ministries office, passed away Saturday evening. McGrath was
47 years old.

McGrath had been ministering at the Louisiana District youth camp
during the past week, had traveled to San Diego Friday for an AIM
commissioning service and had just returned on Saturday. When he
arrived home on Saturday evening, he held a counseling session,
then explaining that he was not feeling well, he went to bed.
Later that evening, he passed away from an apparent heart attack.

Before leading the Arizona district as the district youth director
(DYD) for 7 years (1993 - 1999), McGrath had worked with the youth
in his home church, Victory Assembly in Tucson, Arizona. In 2000,
he accepted a position at the A/G national Youth Ministries office
in Springfield, Missouri. At the national office, he was known for
his sense of humor, optimism and dedication to Christ.

"Mark was a man of God whose zest for life was revealed through a
busy schedule that included pulpit ministry and many missions
trips as well as administrative responsibility," says Tom Greene,
national director for Youth Ministries. "However, his priority was
his wife and sons. Along with his commitment as a husband and
father, many across the nation were made to feel he was their
best friend."

According to colleagues, McGrath's passing was completely
unexpected as prior to this, he appeared to be in good health.
McGrath leaves behind his wife Donae and four children: Dylan, 17;
Griffin, 15; Conner, 12; and Sawyer, 8.

Alex McGregor, the Sun City missions director, was at the AIM
commissioning service on Friday and drove Mark to the airport
Saturday morning. He says McGrath's final message was impacting.
"In his last service," McGregor wrote, "he spoke on the feeding of
the 5,000 and told us that we need to be ready to give what we
have to see God do His work."

"Mark's entire ministry was dedicated to students and their vision
to touch the world with the gospel," Greene says. "His personal
investment in thousands of young people will reap a great harvest
until Jesus comes.

"In national youth ministries, we feel we have lost more than a
Christian brother," Greene adds. "He was and is our brother."

McGrath's funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 30, at
James River Assembly in Ozark, Missouri, with burial in
Springfield. Viewing will be from 9 to 10 a.m. prior to the
service on Wednesday.

A memorial service is also being planned at Victory Assembly in
Tucson. Once finalized, the time and date will be posted on the
church's Web site at .

-- Dan Van Veen