"God broke into my world. My life was shaken and transformed instantly." These words began the journey of transformation that took Mark Stevens (known for his role as Nick Page in TV's Neighbours, and as a worship leader at Hillsong Church and Life Church Bradford) out of a life bound by drug and alcohol addiction and into a new adventure of ministry and leadership that has touched all corners of the globe. Mark shares candidly his testimony of the excitement and temptation of celebrity fame and lifestyle, the devastatingly destructive effects of addiction, and the overwhelming and transforming power of God's healing and presence. He goes on to share from the many experiences and challenges of worship ministry and church leadership over the past fifteen years. Strength for the Road is Mark Stevens' first book, written to awaken and stir up the worshipper in each of us, to rise up and embrace the journey ahead of us with faith and boldness. Each of our journeys are different, but the truth of God's word and His love remains eternal and everlasting, giving each of us the strength we need - and more - to walk the road God has laid out before us.
Mark Stevens started in the entertainment industry in 1985. At the age of 13 he became a team member in the iconic Australian television show Young Talent Time, where he worked alongside Danni Minogue & Tina Arena. Following this, Mark played 'Nick Page' in the well loved Australian Television show Neighbours, working alongside household names like Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan. Neighbours was the show responsible for opening doors for Mark into the UK where he worked in theatre, recorded his first single and toured with Take That. Mark's life went on a downward spiral when he was gripped by drug and alcohol addiction in his late teens. By the age of 26 he had lost everything. It was in that place of desperation that Mark cried out to God in London in 1996. God's presence impacted his life in such a powerful way, so much so, that Mark would never look back. He was completely transformed overnight, walking away from his life of addiction and embracing a brand new start. Mark became a passionate and committed follower of Jesus Christ. A friend took him to Hillsong Church in London and it was there that he bumped into his purpose. He began leading worship and writing songs to glorify Jesus Christ. Soon after joining Hillsong Mark moved to Australia where he would base himself for 3 years at Hillsong Church in Sydney, singing, writing and touring worldwide with the Hillsong worship team under the leadership of Brian and Bobbie Houston, and Darlene Zschech, where 'All of My Days', 'God Of All Creation', and 'You Stand Alone' would become Hillsong anthems. Mark met Bethan at Hillsong in Sydney, Australia, and a year later moved to Abundant Life Church, Bradford, UK, working alongside respected global communicator Paul Scanlon, the Senior Pastor of Abundant Life Church. As the Creative Director at ALC, Mark served on the Abundant Life team for eleven years, active in leading worship, writing music, teaching, touring and creating successful dramatic productions. During Mark's time with both Hillsong and Abundant Life Church he has been involved in the recording and co-production of 19 albums. 2012 brought a new chapter to Mark's life, seeing him travel extensively leading worship, building worship teams, teaching, and consulting to pastors and churches, keen to benefit from his experience at the sharp end of ministry. Mark and Beth live in Bradford, UK, and have been married for eleven years, with two beautiful children.
