About Mark

Educational & Personal Growth

Mark is an avid reader with a deep passion for learning. He has taken many classes out of pure curiosity and firmly believes in keeping the mind sharp. In 2010, he earned his G.E.D., scoring in the top 2% of the state. Mark is also dedicated to mentoring others, guiding those who seek to turn their lives around or strive for self-improvement. He hopes to apply the knowledge he has gained to build a better future in the free world.

    • Leadership Academy (Completed 2025)

    • Cognitive Intervention (Taken 3 times, last completion 2020)

    • Rod Program Phase One (Completed 2016)

    • Leadership Training (Completed 2011, Assisted 2011-2017)

    • Anger Management (Completed 2022)

    • Overcomes (Completed 2011, Assisted 2011-2017)

    • Windham Trade School – Bricklaying (Completed 2018)

    • Windham Trade School – Construction Fundamentals (Completed 2018)

    • Teacher’s Assistant – Bricklaying (2017-2018)

    • College Vocational Masonry – Trinity Valley College (Completed 2015)

    • Abiding Fathers (Helped teach, ongoing 2023-2025)

    • Small Group Bible Study (Ongoing 2010-2025)

    • Ministry/Evangelism (Ongoing 2006-2025)

    • Christian Basics Fellowship (Ongoing 2002-2025)

    • Authentic Manhood (Completed 2023)

    • Voyagers (Completed 2023)

    • Systematic Theology (Completed 2022-2023)

    • Kairos Stewardship (Completed 3 times)

    • Kingdom Man by Tony Evans (Completed 2022)

    • Experiencing God by Henry Blackwell (Completed 2022, 2019, 2014)

    • At The Altar of Sexual Idolatry by Steve Gallagher (Taught 2017-2023)

    • Christian Apologetics (Completed 24 courses by mail, no specific date)

    • Christian Doctrine (Completed over 100 courses by mail, no specific date)

    • Books of the Bible (Completed 2015)

    • Kairos Walk (Completed 2015, Active Kairos member)

    • Ministry 101 (Completed 2014)

Vintage classroom with wooden desks and chairs, books on desks, hardwood floor, and large windows.

Entertainment Favorites

Being incarcerated doesn’t mean losing the small joys that people in the free world might take for granted. In recent years, Texas has introduced electronic tablets in correctional facilities, giving inmates access to entertainment, education, and a connection to the outside world.

For Mark, these tablets offer a break from the harsh reality of his situation, allowing him to enjoy movies, music, and video games. Whether he’s watching a favorite film, listening to music that brings back memories, or sharing a game with fellow inmates, these moments bring him comfort and a sense of normalcy. Here are some of his top favorites.

Music

Close-up of silver and brown over-ear headphones on a table, featuring metallic ear cups and a leather headband.

  1. Trouble – Cage the Elephant

  2. Send the Pain Below – Chevelle

  3. Letters From The Sky – Civil Twilight

  4. Wasteland – 10 Years

  5. November Rain – Guns N’ Roses

Movies

3D illustration of a movie clapperboard with light accents on a gray background.

  1. Dune 1 & 2

  2. City of Angels

  3. Wicked

  4. Gladiator

  5. The Patriot

Video Games

Super Nintendo controller with directional pad and colorful buttons on a dark background.

  1. Legend of Zelda

  2. Pokemon

  3. Baseball Advance

  4. Street Fighter Alpha 3

  5. Street Fighter 2

“ The Lord has used me to lead many men to him in accepting Jesus Christ. I teach men how to live for God in a practical, real-world way—without being over the top or fanatical—by demonstrating through my actions how to exercise their Christian faith daily in a tangible and meaningful way. Through discipleship and mentoring, I help them grow in their faith.

I believe true discipleship and mentoring require a 24/7 commitment, which is why I work closely with individuals and small groups. This is my passion. This is what I will continue to do in the free world when I am released. It’s who I am, and it’s what I do. I strive to be a man who inspires and gives hope to others—a light in the dark. “

— Mark A. Lasher