Practical Faith Academy - Episode 9 - Mark Trieglaff, From Hopelessness to Hope

The Practical Faith Academy Podcast from Cecil Taylor Ministries presents guests who have important things to say about putting your faith into practice. Cecil interviews each guest to understand their life stories and their ideas for living a seven-day practical faith.

It’s not often that the podcast serves as a testimonial time, but the story of Mark Trieglaff justifies the format. Trieglaff walks through a life shaken by his parents’ divorce, his descent into addiction, his abandoned suicide attempt, his acceptance of Jesus, living a Christ-directed life, and his encounter with three terrible tragedies in a row, using his faith to get him through them. Along the way, you’ll learn the core elements of a seven-day practical faith and how they provided a foundation of hope that would not be shaken in the worst of times.

Highlights of the podcast:  

1:04    When Mark discovered his family wasn’t what he thought it was

2:55     How he sought stress relief during his parents’ divorce

4:47     How Mark reached a point of hopelessness that led to a suicidal event

8:02     A co-worker at a zoo led Mark to Christ

11:16   Even after salvation, Mark was lost on how to proceed as a Christian but finally developed his faith

15:10   Mark experienced a quick succession of three family tragedies but leaned on hope instead of hopelessness

20:16   Mark spoke of hope at his daughter’s funeral

22:46   The third tragedy: losing his wife

25:36   How Mark’s wife Joy became an organ donor

27:35   Scripture that has sustained Mark in tragic times: John 16:33, Romans 8:28, Revelation 21:4-5

30:23   Mark’s reaction to being approached about turning his story into a book and a movie

32:56   Mark’s profession in disability enablement and how he puts his faith into practice

During the podcast, Trieglaff references several organizations with which he’s involved or recommends:

• https://joniandfriends.org/ - Christian disability ministry
• https://www.agapeukraine.com/en/about-us/ - Agape Ukraine is the location for a future building to address the needs of disabled Ukranian soldiers.
• https://giftofhope.org/ - Organ donation website
• https://www.eversightvision.org/ - Eye bank featuring cornea donation

Cecil Taylor is an author, speaker, podcaster, blogger, and provider of Instant Content to churches and small groups. You can learn more about Cecil and what he offers at https://www.CecilTaylorMinistries.com, at https://www.facebook.com/ceciltaylorministries ,  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ceciltaylor/ , and the Cecil Taylor Ministries YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHP_khu3r77ubl5jvHsf5-w .

SPEAKER ALERT! You can hear Cecil speak at a free seminar on Sept. 15 at 4:00 p.m. at Creekwood United Methodist Church in Allen, Texas. The seminar is entitled “Proactive and Reactive Parenting,” based on his new book, “Unison Parenting.” Childcare is provided, and a book signing and an ice cream social will follow. More speaking events are being scheduled, such as in San Antonio, Texas, so please check this space with every podcast or check CecilTaylorMinistries.com.

Cecil is now a Chicken Soup for the Soul author! He is a contributor to “Tales of Christmas,” a Chicken Soup for the Soul book available on Oct. 15.

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