Mark Allen Atchley

Mark's love for the Lord Jesus Christ was evident in e erything he said and did. He demonstrated the fruit of the spirit through the love and joy he spread. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Responses to Mark’s Tribute Derrick Richardson Yes, Tim, it is so hard to put into words the ways Mark has impacted my heart. But here’s one example: there have been many times when things were so heavy on me that I would see Mark, and he would smile and hug me. The love and hope of God would just ooze off him, right onto me, for he truly expressed God’s heart. What a quiet giant he was. You’re right. Through our conversations, Mark definitely honored you as his brother, trusting God and you as his pastor. I will deeply miss him and was blessed that GOD placed him on my path. You and your family are in my prayers. Sue Gilreath That is so true! He will be sorely missed, but he has been loaded with rewards now, and knowing Mark, he was greatly surprised by that. Vickie Ewing A little short story about Mark, if I may! Bobby and I went to visit Mark in the hospital. Scott was there, and Mark said Vickie, there’s a bathroom you can use if you need to, just right out of the blue. But see, I know why he said that with Mark in the back and watching over everybody; he noticed that I go to the bathroom sometimes quite often in church. There he was in the bed in the hospital, thinking of me and my needs. I just don’t know what to say. I know that’s a simple little story, but It just showed Mark’s heart and his service to others. I guess it’s silly, but that really touched my heart, as he cared that much about me and others. True compassion and sweet, kind spirit! I used to tell him he was one of my favorites! He would just laugh and tell me he loved me! Tom Howe Amen! Every time we met, I was amazed that he showed such heartfelt interest in me. His boyish enthusiasm, with a twinkle in his eye, was always inspiring. He truly walked in the poured-out love of God. Butch Sprain That was a good tribute to Mark. Mark kept me going on many jobs, and everybody who met him was really impressed at how gentle he was. He is missed at the supply houses and some of our jobs. I truly miss him. He was great and very humble, and his rewards are now taking place. I said many times that I love you, Mark, and still do, and thank you for being in my life. You were a great one, man. Jason Charkosky Yes, I agree. Mark was special. He was like a brother to me. I will miss Thursday nights when I do not see his face as soon as I come through the door. High-fiving me or hugging me. He was definitely special. I'm glad I was a part of his journey. I mean, he welcomed me on Sundays, too. But it always seemed to bring me a smile after a bad day at work. Meredith Hammond Mark had such a sweet presence in him. The kind that you would only have from knowing Jesus. When I was a teen, he encouraged me to be on the sound team and thought I'd be good at it. Although I never did that, years later, he returned to Harvest and served Jesus and others to the fullest. I joined the Worship Team and got to serve alongside Mark in that way. He always arrived early, ready to serve, ready to serve others. I'm going to miss seeing him in Church, making sure he said hello, and seeing him in the back of the Church, making sure to say something before I left. Usually, saying bye to me in a funny way. I rejoice because he knew Jesus, and my heart aches for him not being here with us. The Light of Jesus shined bright in him. I'm so grateful for my friendship with him. Karmen Madan The biggest thing is that he always had a smile, a warm embrace, and kindness at the ready when he saw you—anyone who came in. I will miss the sweetness of his presence at our gatherings. At the baby shower for baby Eden, he was so sweet with the gifts he picked out for her. It was his first baby shower, and he wanted to know how he did. He was a very special man. Bill Smith I never knew Mark until I was introduced to him at special occasions like Christmas and Thanksgiving gatherings. He would always ask me about fishing, and like myself, I knew he loved to be on the water. I never got the opportunity to go with him, but like so many times in our lives, we never know what God has in store for us. I will truly miss our conversations at those special gatherings. Thinking about you, Mark. Billie Rickman Mark meant a lot to Bob and me. He always made a point to speak with us and show us his love. He also spoke to my family members when they came to Harvest. My son Matt remembered him, prayed with us for Mark, and sent his condolences to the family. What I really appreciated was how Mark, in all that he did for others, found time to come to our Small group. He was one of the most faithful members, and he would always show up with food to share. He was a great encouragement to us, and we enjoyed his banana pudding, too. He was the first to come and always seemed eager to fellowship with us. He is missed, but we look forward to seeing him again. Matt Bailey Mark was a man who I looked up to as an example of what it means to love people and God. You would always find him serving in whatever way he could. He did so cheerfully and with warmth and caring. He didn’t let challenges stop him, either. If it were 20 degrees out, he would still go out and share the Gospel on a Saturday morning, even after a late night of ministering to inmates. He was a man who worshipped God in spirit and truth. His whole extended family and church family adored him, and he them. He always greeted people with a big smile and embraced them. The fragrance of Christ was on all he did. He leaves a big hole in our church and our hearts. I look forward to worshipping together with him again in heaven. Jesse Mason So beautiful. My time spent knowing him wasn’t long, but he made such an impact that I felt I knew him forever. Your words perfectly described the beautiful soul he was. I selfishly wanted more time to get to know him. We had plans when it warmed up to have a cookout and sit on our porch and visit. His love for us all was beyond. I’ve been in tears for a man who I barely knew. That shows the great impact Jesus working through him, he was making. I am praying for you and your whole family and our Harvest family as we learn to walk this life without him. Sarah Howe There are so many ways Uncle Mark has impacted my life. From seemingly small ways to large. From the flowers that grow in my garden each year that came from him (all because he knew I loved flowers, so he was determined to get me flowers) to the bottled water and coffee on my table every Thursday and Sunday night. He supported me in anything I did. He encouraged me every time I saw him, told me how proud he was of me, and said he would find a way, no matter what it was, to help me be a success. He'd beat me to church every Thursday and worship his heart out, even through a bumpy worship practice. He would be the last to leave so that I wouldn't have to lock up or shut down when I was finished.  He'd show me new plants every spring and summer. He made us dinner if we mentioned a meal that sounded good to us. I was so lavishly loved, and it changed me. He especially loved my daughters, having gifts ready for them every Sunday, encouraging them with their gifts, and telling them how proud he was of them. They were special to him, and they knew it too. Aidyn Howe Uncle Mark always loved to help other people, the church, and other things like that. He loved to help me. I always loved how every Sunday he'd bring us gum or money and Stuff like that. You felt very loved. Susanna Howe Uncle Mark always helped you. He was always there to celebrate our birthdays. We will miss him. Daryl Sims Hey Pastor Tim, I want to tell you personally that even though I didn't know Mark, as long as others, I loved him and appreciated him. People can't help but love him; he was the kind of guy who made people feel welcome and loved. I prayed a lot for Mark’s healing and prayed over him while he was in the hospital, and it was a hard pill for me to swallow to see him go at such a young age. I thanked Jesus for him and that I knew him, and I told Jesus to tell Mark, “Thank you for all the times you prayed over me.” I know Jesus told him that. Mark didn't hesitate to pray over people if they asked, or he was led. Unfortunately, I have to work on Saturdays, so I can't attend Mark's celebration of life. Otherwise, I would be there. I'll be there in spirit. God bless you and your precious family! Jeremiah Johnson The thing I remember most about Mark was his gentle kindness and his smile. I always looked forward to seeing him when I ministered at Harvest church. He was so encouraging and edifying. He was always so helpful and ready to serve.He was just the type of person that believed the best about everyone. I definitely encountered Jesus through Mark’s life. Thankful to have had a chance to know him. Robin Ulibarri Benjie and I are so grateful to have known Mark. It isn't just words when I say he holds a special place in our hearts. He sometimes would go to lunch with us after church, and we so enjoyed the sweetness of his fellowship. While we fully rejoice with him, we feel the loss keenly and mourn alongside you. We are praying for God's comfort for all the family, just as we know Mark is comforted in the Lord's presence. Stephanie Jernejcic His name gives it away immediately because that’s the person he is. Mark leaves a literal “mark” everywhere he goes. I know for a fact that he’s leaving marks with every being he runs into in Heaven as we speak. Every Sunday since I’ve known him he’s greeted me at the door with the biggest sincere smile on his face. There’s a presence he carries that shows how much God turned his life around and that he’s excited about it. I believe other than Jonathan Howe and Angel Richardson, I rode in the car with Mark Atchley the most for saturate groups. This was significant for me for advancing the Kingdom together but also because during that time I was still with someone who treated me poorly. Yet Mark was intentional about making sure that no matter what neighborhood I was in that he’d always be ready to step in for me if there was any threat of danger or a simple transition where it would be safer for a man to speak in my place. If I was at one house and walking to the next; he was there with the car following each mail box until I was ready to get back in. Although I can assure you that Mark was ready for action because the second I’d get back to his vehicle he was ready to take off! The funniest memories I have are of him driving through neighborhoods and me holding tight to my seatbelt… and maybe onto the other passengers… with my eyes shut. There was one time I will never forget where I was in the backseat with two other passengers and we were at one house getting ready to leave. Mark suddenly (without checking the back window) goes “Let me know if you see any cars comin! I can’t see hardly anythin.” As he is saying this, he is rolling backwards quickly down the hill and all I can see are trees on both sides. I started nervously laughing and holding on for dear life until we were safely on the road. Then we continued more houses for saturate. Something else too, not only would he greet me at the door every Sunday, but I knew that he was all for David Burke being with me. He made sure we knew that every time we came in. He would be eager to hear about what David’s been up to with work or worship and I’d enjoy hearing the conversation and being part of it. There was always something encouraging and uplifting in each time he spoke where you knew he really cared. The last time I saw Mark, I was hanging out with the worship team on a Thursday night. Tim Buyck and Mark were interested in hearing more about the accident I was in with my car and how God worked it all out. They gave me a hot cup of coffee and it still means so much to me. I’m still processing how the last time I talked to Mark the topic was about the fact that I was still alive after the accident. He was so encouraging in that and completely invested in all I had to say about it. And the fact too with how he went home the day before my birthday. I hope I’m not hurting anyone by saying this, but I speak mostly in the present tense about Mark because the truth is that he is still alive, too. He is just done on this side but he’s in no more pain and he’s in the best place he can ever be and that’s in the Kingdom with Jesus. I’m almost jealous because I’d love to see his perspective right now and I’m excited cause one day I’ll see it too. I’ll get to see Mark again when it’s my turn to go home. And right now I know he’s having the best time and dancing with his hands raised hi. He’s missed here so much already by those that he loves and those who love him. It helps to know that this is a victory in the Kingdom and not a defeat. Mark had a win-win situation: whether going home or by having a testimony. His choice is still a victorious one. We love you Mark, thank you for obeying the Holy Spirit and for serving the way you have. It surely did not go unnoticed and it is still being actively touching people today. Thank you for leaving your “Mark.” Amy Jernejcic Mark was always serving and ready to serve.  He was what I remember the scripture says. Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.” Mark 9:35 Mark was always welcoming and I always saw him doing.  He was an example and a blessing to us all.   His smile, humor and gentle nature lit up the room.  I’m going to miss Mark, it won’t be the same without him. Neil Silverberg I would like to share the famous dip dog story. There wasn’t a time when I saw Mark that we didn’t recount that story. Mark was with me one day and we were doing some visitation. Before we did the visit we stopped at Weigels to get a cup of coffee. Mark took a dip dog but forgot to pay for it and left the store. As we were driving towards the visit, I asked Mark if he intended to pay for the dip dog. Realizing he hadn’t paid for it he insisted we return to the store. We did and Mark immediately paid for it. It showed me that Mark was a man of integrity. He was faithful to God even in small matters. Hannah McConnell I distinctly remember when Uncle Mark first came back into our lives. On two separate occasions I happened to be working at the church with Dad, and surprise, in walked Uncle Mark. It was like seeing the ghost of a man from my past. He was so grey (I remember that shocking me) the first time he came. He looked like death. then some months later, once again working at the church and surprise, there he was again; but this time he stayed. This time neither he or I, or Dad, or Harvest Church would ever be the same again. Uncle Mark blew in like a fresh wind refreshing us all in a time when it was most definitely needed. His positive attitude, generous love, infectious enthusiasm, and outstanding gift of service was both amazing and humbling to see. He loved me, my family, and Harvest church dearly, and he showed that love everyday. He was part of everything from then on. Every birthday, every family gathering, every holiday… he even was our go-to house sitter. He was the Uncle I always dreamt of having, but never hoped to have. The most miraculous and precious gift I could ever asked for. It was our delight to try to spoil him becaue he always spoiled us. It wasn’t hard and it didn’t feel like work. Everywhere he went he was sharing just how much Jesus did for him and how much Jesus loved them too. One day we (my son Timothy, husband Justin, and I) went with Uncle Mark to do “Saturate” (where we walked door to door to leave a gospel flyer and dvd on house’s door handles). I was amazed by his tenacity and passion to see it done even though physically it was clearly very hard for him. When I worked at the church, he very often dropped in so he could help and cover anything he could for me. One day he even walked in and said, “Your car needs washed and buffed, give me your keys and I’ll take care of that for you.” It took a lot to talk him out of that one. :) I could tell a million more stories about him that could fill page, after page, after page… I’m trying my best to keep this somewhat manageable though. Suffice it to say, losing him feels like a piece of my heart has gone with him. He ministered to me, blessed me, and loved me so deeply - and I loved him deeply back. BUT… I don’t grieve for him because I know he is happy, healthy, and standing in the presence of the One he loved most, Jesus. My grief is simply that I am going to miss him until I join him someday. And someday, I will! I cannot wait! Oh what a hope we have in Jesus that this is not goodbye, only “see you later.” What a good Father He is to have redeemed time with Uncle Mark to where I was shocked to discover how “short” the time was - it has felt like he’s been with us all along. The impact Mark has had is as if he’d been at it for many, many, many years. What a good, good God we serve. Timothy McConnell I remember the first time I met Uncle Mark was in 2020. He came into the church on a Sunday and offered me some hand-sanitizer. He was doing something nice for someone all the time. He would buy me packs of gum every Sunday for the longest time, and when some of the gum was a kind I couldn’t chew, he switched the kinds of gum he bought. But it wasn’t the fact that he gave out gum Sundays that made everyone love him. Everyone loved him because he really loved everyone around him. It didn’t matter if someone was ever mean, or annoyed with him, he loved them just the same. But, over everything else, he really loved Jesus. He served in the church in so many ways, not because he felt obligated to, but because he really loved Jesus, more than anything. He also did it because he loved everyone in the church. I remember many times we were at the church working on something, Uncle Mark would come and help with whatever it was we were working on. He could have had plans to do something or go somewhere, but he would go to the church if he knew PopPop (Pastor Tim) was working on something, and he would help for days in a row even. I love Uncle Mark, and I miss Uncle Mark, but I know he is with Jesus, and is happier than he ever was on this side of eternity. I am counting down the days ’til I see him again. Justin McConnell I still remember the first day I met Mark. We were doing some work at the church when this “strange” man wandered in that I didn’t know, wondering to myself “Who let him in here?” He talked to Tim for a bit and then left, and Hannah told me “That’s my Uncle Mark.” My first impression was that he looked like walking death, as you could tell his body had been abused by some sort of substance and his facial expression looked devoid of happiness. He looked very rough, enough to make me a bit nervous. From that moment, I am not sure how much time passed until I met him again, but he was not that man I first met. He was full of joy and happy to meet me, and there was a profound kindness and love behind his eyes that wasn’t there previously. The way he walked was different, the way he talked was different… It did not feel like I was talking to the same person I had met before. Ever since the second meeting, Mark continued to increase in his profound kindness and love, and he became a very dear friend and brother. Though technically he was Hannah’s Uncle, not my own, it felt very much so like he was my own blood and like he had always been a part of my life. Whether it was encouraging my on how I played my musical instruments, or on how I was doing raising my son, I always knew he deeply believed in my and loved me. His love for my son, Timothy, and his niece, Hannah, also meant the world to me, knowing that they each had someone in their corner who loved them and was always cheering them on. While our dog Amos was still alive, Mark was our go-to person to house sit and check on the dog. And even our dog was madly in love with Mark. Sometimes I think he preferred Mark to us, and I can’t rightly blame him, as Mark would check on Amos multiple times a day and hang out long enough to make sure Amos wasn’t lonely. Mark never did anything half-way, especially when making sure someone was cared for. It didn’t matter if it were an animal or a person, the Mark he had become was full of love and you had to stop him from overdoing it. Well… you could try to make him slow down or stop loving so hard, but that Atchley stubbornness would just be channeled through his love. Like when he started giving Timothy a pack of gum every Sunday… Which turned into two packs of gum every Sunday… Which turned into two packs of gum every Thursday (worship practice) and Sunday… Nothing we could say could dissuade him from expressing his love towards our son in the form of excessive gifts of chewing gum (to the point his dresser drawer was about half-full of nothing but gum)… Thankfully Timothy got braces so we were able to tell Mark the gum had to stop because the orthodontist said “no more gum.” But again, the Atchley stubbornness just led him to say “okay” and switch from gum to something else, but truly I didn’t mind that my son felt such great love. I did worry Mark spent too much of his fixed income, but Mark chose to spend his time and resources on blessing others. Getting started writing about him makes me want to keep writing about the man he was after that first meeting, as it was evident that the love of Jesus was constantly spilling out of his life and refreshing everyone around him. He never just “talked to you” or “talked at you,” he was very present in the moment connecting with you. At the end of the day, he was literally one of the most loving people and able to make me feel that love no matter how hard of a day I was having. I am going to miss his friendship, miss his smiles, miss his hugs, miss his conversations… But since he is not the same man I first met, I know I will meet him again soon one day in heaven. As much as he loved me and my family, I know he loved Jesus first and most. I treasure the day when I will get to see Jesus myself and meet up with Mark again. Thought it was only five or six years from that first day I met him, the impact he has had on myself and my family feels like a lifetime of love, and I am thankful I had the opportunity to know him and be known by him. Johann Van der Ham Although Retha and I knew him so shortly, I can truly say Amen to how you described dear Mark. He climbed right into our hearts too. Kelly Bailey Mark showed the love of the Father so well. He was always smiling and had a warmth and kindness to him. He brought up to me many times in the last few years how he remembered Matt and I having him and Sue over to our mobile home for Spaghetti and how he needed to have us over for spaghetti. He loved to share his tomatoes with us and often saved a bag of them to give us. His passion for Jesus and sharing the gospel was so evident in him, it radiated from him. I was honored to call him a friend. John Oginni Mr. Mark and the Saturate Team by the Spirit of God led me to Harvest Church which have been a blessing to my spiritual growth and my family. This led me to join Saturate (Evangelism) with him. I can say I have got to see Mr. Mark most Saturday morning as we reach out to our communities about the gospel of Jesus Christ. Mr. Mark demonstrated exemplary leadership. He took me as a son, always asking how my family and I were doing. He will surely be missed. He showed us how to keep serving the Lord no matter what. Some Saturday morning appears tiring but his passion to share the gospel of Jesus always inspires me, and that always keeps me going. For the Saturate Group we will always remember your passion for the soul of men and how you don’t just say but how you have led gracefully. Most Saturday mornings after Saturate, he would always propose we get smoothies and talk, which is always refreshing. He loved deep. He would talk about his son and wife and how much he loved them. We will miss you sir. But our joy is that you are with the Lord and resting on the bosom of the Father. Jacques Shonrock My dear friend Tim, I’m terribly saddened to hear of the passing of your dear brother Mark. He had such a beauty to him that truly stood out, and that came I believe, from his guileless nature, his love for God and all the qualities you mentioned above. All this made him very attractive to me and the people who met him. I love Mark and I will miss him dearly. And yet I’m so happy for him and dare I even say a tad envious that he is with the Person we so long to be with as well. Please do accept, and pass on to the family, my deepest sympathy and condolences for your loss. Liz Shonrock Dear Tim and family, I was so sad to hear about the passing of Mark – what a dear and beloved brother. I am so sorry for your loss and grief and we will be praying for you all at this time. Mark was such a precious, kind and gentle man, and he will be so greatly missed it. He leaves a space in our hearts all the way over here in the UK. May God bless and sustain you over these coming days. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Anna Marie Sprain Such a great photo of Mark Atchley. Butch and I are so very sorry for your loss. We have spent time sharing the last two nights of how much he meant to us personally. Having met him many years ago in our Trinity days and reliving so many precious memories. Mark was a wonderful man who loved the Church so very well and we were blessed to have known him. Butch will miss the laughter and sharing that they would do when they were working together. Mark would make a cup of coffee and have it sitting on the back row chair waiting for his friend Butch who was always running late on Sunday morning. When he discovered the comfort of a chair pad for me he would hunt one and have it back there for me. We always enjoyed our visits and meals that we would get together for. Mark was faithful to come to visit when we were down in our health with surgeries or illness and was always ready to help with anything that we might need. We will miss our friend Mark Atchley. We will miss his kindness and presence, his smile, and his hugs. We rejoice in knowing he is whole and healthy now as he stands in the presence of His Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Till the day we see each other again our friend. Jonathan Howe I consider Mark one of my truest friends. He is my wife’s Uncle, and we all call him Uncle Mark, but he is so much more than an Uncle. He was a man who would come alongside you and simply want to be a part of whatever you were doing and serve while being full of the joy of the Lord. He loved going door to door, passing out gospel tracks with me and a team, and soon took over that ministry. He impacted nearly every area of ministry at Harvest Church. It was his great joy and delight to be able to share the transformation that he had encountered with others. But the greatest treasure that I will hold in my heart is the impact that his love made on my two daughters. He treated them as he would his own grandchildren and spoiled them at every chance he could get with little gifts and simply coming around to celebrate them. The impact he made on them is felt very deeply. He has left a deep impact on my life as one who always encouraged me and brought a sense of peace with him to every gathering. Thank you, Mark Atchley, for the love you poured on me and my family. We are forever grateful for the time that you gave to us.

Mark was an outstanding gentleman who always had a way to make you laugh even on some of our roughest days. He was the type of guy who would help you in any way he could. I will miss his smiles, his humor, but most of all the inner peace he seemed to perfect in his latter years. Mark was a part of my life in all phases and I cannot express how much he will be missed. My heart aches for all who lost a very special man. Mark will forever be in my memories and my heart. Sending heartfelt peace and comfort to everyone who grieves. 💙

My Big Brother Who was this man? My big brother, Mark Atchley. Such a simple, unassuming, seemingly average, but great man of God. Luke 22:24 Now there was also a dispute among them, as to which of them should be considered the greatest. 25 And He said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those who exercise authority over them are called ‘benefactors.’ 26 But not so among you; on the contrary, he who is greatest among you, let him be as the younger, and he who governs as he who serves. My brother embodied this truth beautifully. He was at his happiest when serving others. He was teachable, respectful, and humble. Although I was the younger of the two of us, he treated me as the older one with great respect. I was his pastor, his mentor in spiritual things, and he made sure everyone knew that. He was proud of it. He loved grabbing a fruit smoothie together and just talking for a while. He always wanted to know more about the things of God when we talked. He was a sponge for the New Covenant Gospel. He desired that all those he knew would know Jesus. He quietly and humbly filled so many places of need within Harvest Church Knoxville without ever speaking about it or making others aware of how much he was doing. He was happy to do it. If he learned I was doing something at the facilities, he would just show up ready to get his hands dirty, cut up while working together, and just take in the moment like it was the greatest time of his life. He became a staple at my family's gatherings, even among in-laws. He was a pleasant, happy, eager-to-love, and eager-to-be-loved soul. He wasn't argumentative, and he did not overtake moments. He simply enjoyed being part of them. I tip my hat to this man who embodied what it means to serve through love those Christ has joined you to. To serve with no need of recognition. To serve simply because you love what is yours. He called Harvest Church his family, and he embodied that reality. According to Jesus, humility is the sign of greatness. He was so humble that he failed to realize that, in many ways, he was the older brother, although, in spiritual matters, he would say I was his mentor. However, he also taught me without words but with attitude and actions. I wish more people had the chance to know this great man. He earned my respect because of who he truly was. Although I thanked him often for the ways he served and even tried to convince him to cut back on it, I feel I came up short in comparison with my giving of thanks. I will miss this man who stole the hearts of so many through his love and service. His life, as simple as it was and as physically challenged at times as it was, made a real difference to so many. In the kingdom of God, some come alongside, and then some move right into your heart. Mark moved into my heart. He took up a large space there. I am thrilled to know he is now with our Lord and seeing things I, too, will one day see. I write this to honor my big brother, Mark Atchley, who may have seemed simple, if not average, to many but was truly one of the greatest in the kingdom of God.

My Big Brother Who was this man? My big brother, Mark Atchley. Such a simple, unassuming, seemingly average, but great man of God. Luke 22:24 Now there was also a dispute among them, as to which of them should be considered the greatest. 25 And He said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those who exercise authority over them are called ‘benefactors.’ 26 But not so among you; on the contrary, he who is greatest among you, let him be as the younger, and he who governs as he who serves. My brother embodied this truth beautifully. He was at his happiest when serving others. He was teachable, respectful, and humble. Although I was the younger of the two of us, he treated me as the older one with great respect. I was his pastor, his mentor in spiritual things, and he made sure everyone knew that. He was proud of it. He loved grabbing a fruit smoothie together and just talking for a while. He always wanted to know more about the things of God when we talked. He was a sponge for the New Covenant Gospel. He desired that all those he knew would know Jesus. He quietly and humbly filled so many places of need within Harvest Church Knoxville without ever speaking about it or making others aware of how much he was doing. He was happy to do it. If he learned I was doing something at the facilities, he would just show up ready to get his hands dirty, cut up while working together, and just take in the moment like it was the greatest time of his life. He became a staple at my family's gatherings, even among in-laws. He was a pleasant, happy, eager-to-love, and eager-to-be-loved soul. He wasn't argumentative, and he did not overtake moments. He simply enjoyed being part of them. I tip my hat to this man who embodied what it means to serve through love those Christ has joined you to. To serve with no need of recognition. To serve simply because you love what is yours. He called Harvest Church his family, and he embodied that reality. According to Jesus, humility is the sign of greatness. He was so humble that he failed to realize that, in many ways, he was the older brother, although, in spiritual matters, he would say I was his mentor. However, he also taught me without words but with attitude and actions. I wish more people had the chance to know this great man. He earned my respect because of who he truly was. Although I thanked him often for the ways he served and even tried to convince him to cut back on it, I feel I came up short in comparison with my giving of thanks. I will miss this man who stole the hearts of so many through his love and service. His life, as simple as it was and as physically challenged at times as it was, made a real difference to so many. In the kingdom of God, some come alongside, and then some move right into your heart. Mark moved into my heart. He took up a large space there. I am thrilled to know he is now with our Lord and seeing things I, too, will one day see. I write this to honor my big brother, Mark Atchley, who may have seemed simple, if not average, to many but was truly one of the greatest in the kingdom of God.