What is the markOvation?

Marko (m?rk-)

n. 1. the former head dude of Youth Specialties, Mark Oestreicher

o?va?tion (-vshn)

?

markOvation (m?rk--vshn)

v. a silent sign of solidarity to show support and love for Marko at the upcoming National Youth Worker Conventions

How do I participate in the markOvation?

1. On your name tag at the NYWC, add a big “O” to your first name.

So mine would be LenO Evans

2. instead of waving at strangers or shaking hands with friends, merely form the letter O in sign language? when you greet each other.

3. Refuse to speculate or gossip about Zondervan releasing Marko or what Marko could have done to be released by Zondervan.?

They both have proven track records over the years to give them both the benefit of the doubt until facts are given publically to prove otherwise by a trusted source.

4. Enjoy the Convention.?

Let God reveal himself to you in the big and small things.

Rest. Take a nap or sleep in if you need to without guilt.

Connect with someone new. Pray for a new kindred spirit to be added to your collection of friend and peers.

Find common ground. If a speaker makes you mad, that’s okay. Don’t change your theology or doctrinal standards but find something they say or do that you can support.? If we focused more on what we have in common, we’d find much more common ground.

Think about what topic you want to lead during the Open Space time. If you have a burden for a particular issue or way of doing ministry, odds are, you are not alone.? Discover who those?future BFF’s?are and work on that topic you are all passionate about.?

Play with Jesus.? I loved it when Yac would tell stories comparing the spiritual life with playing hide and seek with Jesus or how life and our spiritual lives?are more like a roller coaster than hills and valleys.? Do all you can to make every moment a “Woo Hoo” encounter with the savior?who loves you and wants you to walk closer with him, so you can hear him whisper “You are my beloved child just the way you are.”

What the markOvation is not.

It’s not a protest against Zondervan. It is a silent and respectful way of?showing support for Marko.

It’s not meant to be a distraction during the convention.

It’s not organized, approved, or endorsed by anyone at Youth Specialties.? My dog woke me up about an hour ago to be let out and the idea for a way to honor Marko at the convention ran through my head and I knew if I didn’t write it down now, I’d forget.? Welcome to my ADD brain.?

What do I hope happens as a result of the markOvation?

I hope it’s a fun, viral way for youth workers to share with others they support Marko and the YS employed staff and volunteer staff during the convention.?

I hope it explodes and Marko hears about the hundreds if not thousands of youth workers who took a silent, creative approach to show that they support and love him in a way that honors God and doesn’t put the focus on the negative that some may feel and be tempted to share with others.

How will the markOvation be promoted?

1. I’m going to post this on my blog.?

2. I will make an initial tweet to the link to my?blog.?

3. I will make it a facebook note and tag 20 people (non of which will be YS employees) in the note so they will know and they can spread the word, if they want to.

4. You tell your friends.

5. Leave a comment on my blog or facebook note and let me know if you are going to participate and what you think. Thanks!

Join me in the markOvation!