In 1998, Mark participated in a Wycliffe mission simulation event at which he was told, ‘It doesn’t matter what you do, we can use you.’ ‘I am a dog trainer, can you use me?’ Mark asked. Despite no known need for dog trainers, Mark and Lorene became members of Wycliffe Bible Translators in 2003. Over the next 16 years they filled roles in Papua New Guinea as Lae Regional Centre Managers, Directors for Regional Centres, Port Moresby Regional Centre Manager (Lorene), Government Relations Officer (Mark) and as Staff Care Managers. They also served in Australia as Member Care Coordinators and State Representatives, and founded The Red Sea Counselling and Member Care Centre in Cairns, Far North Queensland, which opened its doors in February 2023. Mark and Lorene are currently assigned to the Wycliffe Australia National Office, serving remotely with the Personnel team, Mark in Training and Lorene in Applications.

Footnote: Mark had the privilege of assisting the Lae Police Dog Squad, proving God can indeed use a dog trainer in cross-cultural service!