Mark Beckworth began attending Trinity Christian Academy in 1971 when he was in the 4th grade. Mark’s first exposure to his need to be “saved” took place during that first year at Trinity. He learned about the gospel and even responded to an invitation to be saved, but true conversion did not take place and his life remained unchanged through his middle and high school years. After graduation in 1979, Mark received his AA from Florida Junior College at Jacksonville, and headed to Florida State University. In Tallahassee, for the first time being on his own without any real authority, Mark’s life took a downward turn as he engaged in many of the pleasures offered by the world.

In 1983 Mark completed his course of study at Florida State with a Bachelor’s degree in Risk Management/Insurance. He then moved back to Jacksonville, taking a job in the insurance industry and continuing the same lifestyle to which he had grown accustomed while in Tallahassee.

In 1985 Mark was invited by a good friend to visit Westside Baptist Church. At that time, Westside had a vibrant singles ministry. Mark saw this as an opportunity to break away from his existing lifestyle and possibly meet someone with higher moral character than he was used to. Although Mark’s motives for attending church were misplaced, God used that time to draw Mark to Himself. As Mark became more involved at Westside Baptist, he began to recognize the significant differences that existed between his lifestyle and the lifestyles of genuine believers. He also was exposed to the teaching of God’s Word on a regular basis. The Lord graciously brought Mark to the painful realization that he was not a Christian. Even though he had an intellectual understanding of the gospel, there was no true commitment to Christ. At this point, early in 1986, the Lord saved Mark and he surrendered his life to Jesus Christ as Lord.

Mark’s life was completely transformed as “all things became new.” His perspective changed as he began to see life through the filter of God’s Word. For the next several years Mark continued to worship and serve the Lord at Westside Baptist Church, remaining active in the singles ministry and teaching a college and career Sunday school class.

1996 was a significant year in Mark’s life. The Lord had brought a beautiful, young, elementary school teacher named Jenny to Mark’s singles class. The two became great friends as Mark was drawn to her love for Christ and His Word. Mark and Jenny were married in July of 1996. Around that same time, a good friend of Mark’s started a church in the Mandarin area and asked Mark to come and help him. Believing it was the Lord’s will, Mark and Jenny began attending and serving at Grace Community Church of Mandarin. To this day, Mark continues to be actively involved at Grace, serving as an elder, teaching adult Bible study, shepherding a home Bible study and overseeing the church finances.

The year 2001 marked a very significant time for Mark and Jenny. Jenny was pregnant with their daughter, Grace, and the decision was made for her to stop working after Grace was born. Despite this, Mark believed God was directing him to make a massive career change. This change involved leaving the comfort of his salaried job and benefits, to become a self-employed financial advisor. Even though it did not make sense at the time, God blessed Mark’s willingness to trust Him.

Since that time and by God’s grace, Mark has built a successful practice as a financial advisor. He is an associate with National Financial Services Group, providing financial planning services to both individual and corporate clients. In 2009, he was able to purchase a small health insurance agency, National Financial Brokerage, Inc. This career path has been a great blessing to Mark, providing for him the freedom and flexibility to see the needs of his family met as well as having time for ministry opportunities.

Currently, Mark, his family and their two dogs live on the Westside of Jacksonville. For recreation, Mark loves to play golf and is an avid fan of the Florida State University football team.

Mark’s life has not turned out anything like he would have imagined back in his days at Trinity. As he reflects upon the last 35 years, he is thankful for the marvelous work of grace that the Lord has performed and is still performing today.