Comments on: Retiring professor Mark Theissen Nation reflects on his ‘unexpected vocation’

By: Judy Foster

Judy Foster — Sun, 17 Mar 2019 21:30:44 +0000

Mark … I came upon this article in an unexpected way. I’m proud to have known you for even the brief time we knew each other at the library at CTS. You’re leading a full and productive life … good on you and may God continue to bless you. Judy Foster

By: Jeff Light

Jeff Light — Mon, 28 May 2018 04:27:08 +0000

Dear Professor Mark,
You challenged me and sustained me in my Christian development through your sincere encouragement. I have an enduring deep respect for you, your views, and your gift of teaching. Your heart for God’s testimony and your persistent decision to build on that ground is appreciated. I testify that you are the salt and the light and a good compass for the Truth. May the Lord continue to pour Himself out through you and may you and your family know every good blessing, in Jesus’ Name.

By: Mike Medley

Mike Medley — Sun, 15 Apr 2018 23:32:53 +0000

I am grateful for our mutual friend Mike Yoder’s recent comment on Facebook which prompted me to return this article and read it to the end! Mark, “we hardly knew ye”! Your story is a lesson that reinforces for me the importance of hearing each others’ stories in greater breadth and depth!

By: Rev. Dr. Titus K. Oyeyemi

Rev. Dr. Titus K. Oyeyemi — Wed, 11 Apr 2018 15:18:26 +0000

Now, truly, I see that it is the Lord who directs the journey of his called, chosen, and elected. God also has a divine way to keep his saints faithful to the end. Thank you Dr. Nation for allowing God to use you for his own purpose.

By: Ruth Stoltzfus Jost

Ruth Stoltzfus Jost — Tue, 10 Apr 2018 13:51:50 +0000

Mark,
Your classes were always rich, not only intellectually because of the virtual theological library in your head, but devotionally, because your life and words always inspired.
Onward!

By: Jeff Fletcher

Jeff Fletcher — Tue, 10 Apr 2018 00:56:47 +0000

Mark, I note the many ways that you expressed your gratitude to others for the gifts they have brought to your life. I would like to express my gratitude to you for the gifts your teaching and presence have brought to my life. I’m not sure to where God will call you next in ministry but I am certain that God is far from finished using your life and ministry to impact the lives of others. It may be that your most significant years of ministry are yet in your future.

By: Stanley Hauerwas

Stanley Hauerwas — Thu, 05 Apr 2018 10:47:23 +0000

dear Mark
A lovely story with just the right tone–that is not easy
Stan

By: J Gerald Janzen

J Gerald Janzen — Wed, 04 Apr 2018 11:33:45 +0000

Mark, you refresh the souls of all who know you, and encourage us all, as Joe Jones would say, in the Faith.

Gerry Janzen

By: Earl Martin

Earl Martin — Tue, 03 Apr 2018 16:20:45 +0000

Mark
What an inspiring and moving story of your amazing life! I just read it aloud to Pat as we are driving to a beach vacation with my siblings. (Some of those siblings have questioned Bonhoeffer’s commitment to the way of peace and I’ve referred them to your writings.)

Thank you for sharing your story! Thank you and Mary even more for your inspiring lives.

Earl Martin

By: Willard Swartley

Willard Swartley — Tue, 03 Apr 2018 16:02:52 +0000

Thank you, Mark, for telling here your life story. I knew bits of it before, but never the many twists and turns in your life. You have been truly a gift to the Seminary. Your understanding of your vocation (calling) is right on. May God bless you in retirement. May your pen flow to bring us more of the good news of God’s love for us and Jesus’ double commandment. Thanks be to God for your life and ministry.
Willard Swartley

By: Dan Seifert

Dan Seifert — Tue, 03 Apr 2018 10:42:05 +0000

Thank you, Mark, for your well prepared, insightful, challenging faithful witness in theological training — best regards on the journey.

By: Veronica Zundel

Veronica Zundel — Fri, 30 Mar 2018 15:27:01 +0000

Fascinating to read more of your journey, Mark – I had no idea your experience was so varied! Wishing you new joys and new challenges in your retirement.

By: Marvin

Marvin — Fri, 30 Mar 2018 03:34:21 +0000

Thanks Mark, you have left an indelible impact upon my life and ministry forever. God bless you in the new leg of your journey!

Marvin Lorenzana

By: Steve Morris

Steve Morris — Thu, 29 Mar 2018 14:07:14 +0000

Mark,
Thank you for your service and for just being YOU. A beacon of faith, hope and LOVE.