Last Updated: Wednesday - 01/05/2011

Concert with the Cross

Mark Mallet spreads God's word in Stettler

STETTLER — Before the final song of his two-hour concert, Mark Mallett invited all the young people and children to come to the stage.

"You are the future of the Church so let us sing to Jesus," Mallett said.

On its stop in Stettler, the pilgrim World Youth Day cross was featured in Mallett's concert, where it was stationed at the centre of the stage illuminated by a red spotlight.

"For me personally, the significance of WYD cross is that the pope is behind it," Mallett told the WCR.

Behind the tour of this cross, there is an "undiminished call to the Church to evangelize, to be a sign the world desperately needed and to witness to the world" of the love of God, said Mallett.

"The joy of this is indirectly touching the hand of our pope and being a participant in the call of the new evangelization."

Nearly 200 people attended Mallett's concert at the town's Performing Arts Centre.

The audience was treated to country, folk, bluegrass and even a touch of pop spiritual songs, which Mallett wrote and performed with his wife L‚a.

Years ago, Mallett and his wife were invited to an evangelical church. Enthralled by the vibrant community of young people from that church, they thought they would join and be active members.

"The Lord spoke very clearly in my heart . . . it was like an inner voice. He said 'Stay and be light to your brothers and sisters.'"

"I heard it twice," said Mallett.

He shared it with his wife and said, "I think the Lord is telling us to stay in the Catholic Church."

They stayed and Mallett was inspired by another message that "music is a doorway to evangelize."

"From that point on, I believe God just poured out his (grace) on me to write spiritual songs."

Mallett's personal relationship to Jesus is what inspires and empowers him to do ministry through music and testimony.

"It just keeps getting better and better and my relationship with Jesus has different levels and depths because God is infinite."

"When we're united with him, . . . there's always new inspiration."

Of all the places and events that Mallett has performed, Stettler is special for him.

"It's a pretty awesome privilege and what a wonderful crowd."

"I'm trying to respond in my own way to the call of the new evangelization and trying to do my part to reach out."

For Mallett, it does not matter whether one did a big part or a small part in evangelizing the people.

"It was a little part I did tonight but it was a real honour and privilege to be part of this celebration," said Mallett who received a standing ovation from the audience.

Performing in different Canadian schools will be an unforgettable experience for Mallett.

"I will never forget that because it's difficult to do school evangelization. But when a student comes up to you and thanks you for sharing the message, you just have to believe that God is working in them."

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