Mark Franklin, Leader of the FFBC, promoted to glory

Those were precious words from Frank Sansone.

I spent time training under Pastor Franklin in the summer of 1989. I count my time with him as the most valuable part of my training for the ministry. The Hardingville Bible Church family, his joy and crown, also made a great impact on my life. For the past 24 years, Pastor Franklin and his church family have been dear friends of our family and church family.

To say that Pastor Franklin will be missed is an understatement. Yet, we rejoice that he is no longer suffering and that we will see him again.

We are praying for the Lord to continue to bless and keep Liz, his wife, and all of the rest of their family and church family.

We look forward to joining the many people who will gather to rejoice in the life and ministry of Pastor Franklin.

On a lighter note - Pastor Franklin enjoyed my telling him about the days when Frank Sansone and I worked security at BJU. I am not sure he was convinced that the campus was as safe as Frank and I knew it was under our “watch.”

http://www.hardingville.com/2013/10/news/pastor-franklin-with-the-lord

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Mark William Franklin, born in Darby, PA on September 19,1957 to parents George and Margaret Franklin, departed from this earthly life to his heavenly home on October 7, 2013, leaving a deeply saddened family and church family who loved him dearly. Mark devoted his life to the service of God, serving as pastor of the Hardingville Bible Church for over thirty years and administrator of the Gloucester County Christian School for sixteen years. Being well-known for his strong position based on the Bible, he associated himself with the Fellowship of Fundamental Bible Churches and the American Council of Christian Churches where he served in leadership positions over the years.

His devoted and humble heart toward ministering to people through the Word of God extended to many places in the state, the nation, and around the world. Dear to his heart were young men whom he mentored in ministry, preparing them practically to serve the Lord in various places around the country. Mark believed that ministry involved not only preaching and teaching the Word of God, but also working alongside people to help them. He hayed with farmers, hammered with builders, moved countless people from home to home, and cared for the sick and dying. He also loved the fellowship of church dinners, family movie nights, and dinners out with friends. He was an avid outdoor sportsman.

He leaves behind his wife of 33 years Elizabeth and four children, Victoria married to Aziz Atweh, Andrew married to Melissa Greenwood, Kirby married to Christina Piotti, and Asa. He has two grandsons at this time, Braydon and Blake, and expected to meet his new grandson Owen Mark in November. He is survived by four brothers and two sisters, several sisters and brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews who loved and admired him greatly. They will miss his godly wisdom and hearty laugh.

In lieu of flowers, please send gifts to Hardingville Bible Church or to the Gloucester County Christian School. A scholarship program for young men who sense God’s call into the full-time pastorate will be established.