Mark Davis's Personal Testimony

By: Mark Davis

12/14/2000 - Mark Davis has always known Christ. He grew up attending church with his mother, and treasuring the times he spent among his family and friends in the church. At the tender age of 8 years old, Mark lost his mother, but this was the beginning of his realization that when times are toughest, Jesus Christ is really there for you to lean on for strength and guidance. As Mark grew into his teens he drifted from the strong base he had grown up in, but when he met that "special" girl he knew that he wanted to not only share his love with her, but he wanted to share his love in Jesus Christ his Savior. Mark and Tilly began their life together, but they also included their love of Jesus Christ in their lives, and at a fishing tournament Tilly accepted the Lord as her Savior. Although Mark has already been confronted with heavy challenges in his life, his faith in the Jesus Christ never waivers. Then once again, another test of faith was placed before Mark and Tilly, when their baby son James arrived prematurely. But placing their trust in Jesus Christ, it soon became apparent why this event had occurred. Both of our fathers had the opportunity to see and know their new grandson. Only 2 weeks after the birth of James, one of our fathers passed away and barely nine months later, our other father was gone. As trying and difficult as this time was, Mark knew that God was in control. Mark's fishing career moved forward and he was blessed with many successes and support from the industry. But Mark and Tilly both had a weight problem that they knew had to be corrected if they were to continue to compete at the top level of the sport. Also they wanted to be in good health for their son James, and to be there as he grew up, giving him the love and support of a Christian Family. With no idea were to turn, the Davis' heard of a new surgery that just might be the answer for their weight control. The procedures were expensive and it was not easy to you decide which surgeon was the right one to use. Again Mark turned to the Lord, and again God came through. Mark vowed to God that if his will was that Mark could lose the weight he would praise the Lord and give him the credit. Well, 110 pounds lighter - Mark Davis moved onto another plateau. In 1995 he accomplished what no other angler in the history of B.A.S.S. has ever done... winning the "Elusive Grand Slam", capturing both the B.A.S.S. Angler of the Year and the BassMaster Classic Championship. Praise the Lord! In 1998, Mark once again claimed the B.A.S.S. Angler of the Year title. But major arm trouble in both of his arms arose and yet again, he was confronted with problems that truly challenged his faith and his career. Mark only knew one answer, put his problems in the hands of the Lord. So again he turned to his faith in Jesus Christ and along with family and friends prayed that the power of prayer would prevail. In August 2000, Mark again rose to the top and took the "WCF" World Championship Fishing title in the Monroe, Louisiana event. His arms were healed and his praise to the Lord overflowing. People from all over the world have lifted Mark up for healing. When God is in control He can bless you beyond your prayers and the Davis Family owe Him the Glory Praises and the Credit for all they have. Mark has certainly seen many obstacles from a young child in emotional stress to an adult with physical needs, but God has been there the whole time. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding: in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.