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humbling that we were recognized. Ken Marks has done our Baseball Chapel for twenty years and deserves all the credit,” Hoppel continued, “Ken does so much for our franchise, and he touched the lives of many of our players and coaches.”

Spring of 1990, Ken was contacted by the chapel team leader who knew he would be transferred in the coming months. Ken’s predecessor was aware of the Marks’s involvement with Fellowship of Christian Athletes and invited Ken out “to take a look at Baseball Chapel.”

Only four or fve days later, the transfer came through; Ken was contacted and told “it’s all yours.” “It is almost impossible to put into words just how much this ministry has meant,” said Ken. “And to be recognized out of more than 170 baseball clubs in the minor leagues is very humbling. It’s a joy and pleasure to be able to provide an opportunity for young men to worship and share their faith.”

Some of the players seen in Baseball Chapel have made it to the Major Leagues. Tim Salmon, Brad Ziegler, and Cliff Pennington are examples of the many with whom Marks stays in touch. Marks conducts chapel every Sunday on which the Rockhounds have a home game. Services are also provided for the visiting team and the offciating crew. Two seasons ago, George Bernal began providing a service for Spanish speaking players. “He provides a comfort level,” Ken said. “The

players chose him. Many of the young men from the Dominican Republic and Mexico want to attend chapel, but language can be a barrier. George communicates so well, and he has added so much to the ministry.” The frst meeting was held at the Midland Lee Field House in 1983. Thirteen boys attended. The following month, FCA held their frst event which spotlighted former Dallas Cowboy great, Bob Lilly as the keynote speaker. Four hundred and ffty kids crowded into the fellowship hall at First Baptist Church. The meetings became coed and attendance grew. In 1984, the Marks’s opened their home to the ever-expanding FCA family. On the second and fourth Mondays of the month, equipped with a Juke box, pool table and Mary Lea’s food, the Marks house was the place to be. Through Ken and Eddie’s encouragement and guidance, each young athlete left with a deeper understanding of faith, grace and mercy. The numbers continued to grow. “The night we had ninety four kids here at the house, we knew we had to move to the Midland Lee Youth Center. That was in 1993 and we have been there since,” said Ken.

“Fields of Faith” and FCA summer camp are key, annual events to which members look forward. “Fields of Faith” is a peer-to-peer ministry event. Students invite their own classmates and teammates to hear fellow students share their testimonies, be challenged to read the Word of God and follow Jesus Christ.