By the world’s standards, Mark was successful. At 22, he had an MBA and a great job with a prestigious “Big Four” accounting firm. He owned his own home in the suburbs and was down the path to an average upper middle class life. However, he had a passion for more than business and numbers. He wanted to change the world.Patrick had an eye for beauty and a heart to serve the poor. He went to a Christian college for youth ministry, but quickly realized God had called him to more.
Together they dreamed of working together to advance God’s Kingdom and
change the world. They wanted to stand up together and fight for those who cannot fight for themselves.
change the world. They wanted to stand up together and fight for those who cannot fight for themselves. After a trip to Nicaragua in December, 2008, Mark was overwhelmed with the poverty and brokenness surrounding him. Going back to his desk in Charlotte, North Carolina was not enough. He wanted to serve God’s children in Nicaragua.
Together, Mark and Patrick started Project: Nicaragua, a project which sold t shirts and the proceeds helped to feed families in the villages and slums of the third world. What began as a mission to feed the hungry quickly evolved into a passion to empower God’s children stuck in the vicious cycle of poverty. They then expanded Project Nicaragua to a for-profit company called One Thread Outfitters.
One Thread seeks to use business to holistically bring people out of poverty. They seek to promote creativity, show the poor ways to support themselves, as well as spreading the hope Christ offers all of His children.
Mark and Patrick are ordinary men with extraordinary passion. Living an average life is not an option for them. God has called them to more, and they are being obedient in following His voice. With plenty of opportunities to live a life that the world would see as safe, they are not content with normalcy. They cannot sit back and watch as people around the world suffer. They are using their gifts to advance God’s Kingdom.I am blessed and inspired by my friends and their passion. I am proud to know people who are not afraid to chase their dreams, men who will follow Christ to the places most people do not want to go. Mark and Pat have a vision to change the world and the courage to pursue it.
