John Mark's Testimony

John Mark has become a good friend to me and after hearing his testimony and background I feel compelled to want to record it on this blog and to be able to share it with others.  His story is a common slight in India and many of the young children at the orphanage come from similar backgrounds.


John Mark's was born into a very poor Hindu family that lived in a small village outside of Hunsur.  His birth name is Venkatesh which is the name of a Hindu god.  He is the youngest of three with one older brother and sister. He had a very hard upbringing.  

At 11 years of age his mother became very sick and was in and out of hospital often.  Unfortunately the hospital bills were costing the family too much money and stress so the mother decided to commit suicide by drinking poison.  This caused him great sorrow and pain as she was the only one in his life that showed real love and affection towards him.   His father was constantly getting drunk and showed no love towards him.  He pressured him to quit school, which he loved, and to find work.  But at 14 years of age his father passed away also which left him with no one.  

It so happened that Raju was visiting his particular village one day and began to ask questions as to where his family were.  Once Raju found out that he had no family he told him to pack up his belongings and come live at the orphanage. 

He had very few possessions, a few t-shirts and two pairs of pants, and that was it.  Raju told him that he was now his father and can call him daddy.  Very soon after staying at the orphanage he became saved and decided to be baptised.  This is when he changed his name from Venkatesh to John Mark, to represent the change in his life.

He then went on to study in physical education where he finished his degree with distinction.  In 2011 he started teaching P.E. at the Christian school that Raju runs and plays a major roll in organising different events for all the students.

In 2013 he moved from the orphanage back to his village as his brother gave him his fathers plot of land.  He built a house on the land and farms it in his spare time.  He has always worked very hard with his hands and always had very little.

He faces great persecution from the people in his village on a regular basis as they are heavy opposed to Christianity.  He is a light in the midst of a world of darkness.

John Mark is now 26 years of age and has the desire to get married, build a house, and live faithfully serving the Lord.  His difficult past has only strengthen his faith in God