These are the testimonials for Mark
and Cheryl's Sunday night class.
The Teachers ... a poem by Kenny
read out loud at our last class
Sunday nights are special, I'm
learning how to dance
I want to look just perfect when I put on my black
pants
The girls are very nice and very
friendly too
Drugs, swearing and some drinking are off limits and
taboo
Mark and Cheryl teach us, we try to
do our best
In the middle of the session we take a little rest
They tell us in the lesson our
brains will fall out soon
I hope I make it through the hour before this
impending doom
The years have come and gone, we
will miss them very much
I hope that Mark and Cheryl will try to keep in
touch
We all will miss the dancing,
Sundays will be a waste
We love you Mark and Cheryl, we will miss this happy
place
Hi Mark and Cheryl,
Thank you so much for all that you
have done for our community. My only regret is that
I didn't find the dance class sooner. It really has
helped my self esteem. You both will be missed
dearly. Would you please add me to your mailing
list? I want to stay informed and hopeful someone
will attempt to fill the big shoes you have left
behind. Thank you so much May God be with you
always. Hugs and kisses. Susan
It is better to light just one
little candle than to stumble in the dark. You have
lit a candle for so many. Your kindness and caring
have helped those who might have been lonely or lost
on so many Sunday nights. You shall both be missed
very much. Thank you seems so small, but thank you
for a wonderful experience. I hope you enjoy the
light of the candle. Adele
How tremendously generous you have
been with your time and talents. You will be greatly
missed by many many people. Love. Tona
Thank you for your time. The dance
lessons, your caring devotion, and your friendship.
We will all miss you. Karen
People like you Mark and Cheryl
bring out the best in others. You have a special way
of caring and making everyone feel welcome. The
dance class has been so much fun. We will miss the
dancing and especially both of you. Thanks for being
you. Best wishes. Be health and save. Jane and
Walter
Dear Mark and Cheryl. You both are
extra special. Thank you for saving so many lives,
including mine. The very best to you both always.
Fran
You two have been so amazing. Your
ministry offered a port when I was in a storm. Then
you showed your hearts to serve and I was amazed.
We'll certainly miss you. Michelle and Richard
Cheryl and Mark. Thank you so very
much for your time and patience. Both of you are
special and greatly appreciated. Cleo
Thanks a lot for your time to teach
me East Coast Swing dancing. It's very much
appreciated. Good luck. Sincerely, Haim
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Robert and Tamara
The Sunday night dance has been one
of the highlights of my social life during my
snowbird stays in LV. Thank you both so much. Don
Hello Mark,
Once again, I want to thank you for
what you have provided to our community and to me
personally via your weekly Dance class. I will miss
you and your wonderful sense of humor and your
unique emphasis on having fun!
I have talked about you and the
Dance class ministry to many friends and
acquaintances, and everyone sees immediately what a
treasure it is. What an incredible resource to the
community, and how it makes such a positive
difference in the lives of so many people. And no
one had heard about anything like it before.
In my opinion, you have done such an
amazing job of organizing and producing every aspect
of the class, it seems like it would be entirely
possible to replicate the idea in other communities.
So I was thinking of working with you to put
together a video that was both informative, and
hopefully inspirational enough to perhaps motivate
other people in other communities to do something
similar.
When I heard your announcement on
Sunday, I was sad that by my not talking with you
sooner, that I had "missed the boat". But then I
thought, maybe this was the impetus I needed to just
get moving on the idea. I know nothing about how to
do something like this, but my friend Graciela who
attended your March JobBait workshops does know
about video production. I have attached her
resume... which, by the way, is 1000% improved over
what she had when she came to your Work Ministry
class! Although Gracy has not actually ever made it
to one of your Dance classes, she is a dancer, and
she has seen the positive difference in me, before
and after attending your classes. Sima
Thank you from the bottom of my
heart for being so loyal to the dancing singles and
couples. Char
Dear Mark,
I am very sorry to hear you are
leaving. You will be greatly missed by everyone.
Wishing you and your wife all the best of luck and
success, Karen
Mark and Cheryl, Thank you so much
for the great service that you have provided with
these dance classes! You have helped many people! I
appreciate it very much! Sincerely, Mike
Thanks to you and Cheryl for your
dedication to the dance class. You will both be
missed. I started the class in January 08. Had no
idea how to swing dance. After a few non-threatening
lessons, I gained the experience and the confidence
to dance at the local clubs in Vegas. Not only have
I lost 21 pounds since January, I have made lasting
friendships with the wonderful men and women who
attend the lesson. I met the 'love of my life' on
the dance floor at the Red Rock. This life changing
event occurred because you gave me the tools and
training. My life has dramatically changed because
or your efforts. Thank you again, Chris
Dear Mark & Cheryl,
I am so glad I am coming back to
catch your last class. Kirk & I will miss you
terribly. We started with you in the fall of 2006.
At that time Kirk was just about to stand without
falling. Your dance classes have been a tremendously
therapeutic as part of physical therapy for him in
helping him recover from his traumatic brain injury.
The insurance stopped but your dance classes did
not. He loved swing dance before his accident and
your classes helped him to recover.
When Kirk first began to come to a
few of the dance classes, I had one lady ask me "if
he can talk".. She just rolled her eyes at us.
Fortunately at the time Kirk was unable to
comprehend the by play going on. We persisted and I
for one has really come to look forward to a night
of just easy going social exercise. I have met some
wonderful people and I am surely going to miss you
two.
Many Many Thanks for the wonderful
time both Kirk and I have had with you. Kirk & Lois
Mark and Cheryl, I was sad to hear
that you are leaving. I'll miss you. You are both
wonderful people. Your love and dance ministry has
been a blessing in so many ways. When I think back
on it I thought I was coming to learn how to dance,
but looking back I realize I gained so much more
from it. Jackie
The fellowship that you nourished
through your dance ministry has touched many lives.
Many thought they were learning to dance...that was
second to God's plan for all that attended the
Sunday night class. May God's peace and grace always
be with you. Aloha Pumehana, Char
Whew, how can we begin to express
how much this couple and their ministry has meant to
the Las Vegas community. As a single I counted on
this dance class and the socials to be a safe, fun
place to socialize with new and old friends. And now
my husband & I still find this our main place to
meet with those we care about.
Mark & Cheryl make us feel like
we're some of their favorite friends - as I'm sure
they do with most of the dancers. They have met with
this class every single Sunday evening - holiday or
not - except for a few on church event days - and
their commitment did not go unnoticed. This town is
often criticized for the transitional nature and
lifestyle of the area and Mark & Cheryl have brought
a cherished stability to many. Also, there are
stories of many dancers who offered a friendly word
or help to newcomers.
Let's find a way of continuing the
'Hovind Dance Ministry' for years to come. God bless
you as you continue your journey of giving... Toni &
Bob
I want to thank you and Cheryl for
all your hard work and time you have so generously
put in to doing this for so long. Have a great time
in whatever you do. Again, my thanks and prayers are
with you. Bonnie
Mark and Cheryl are not only
fantastic dancers, they were always available to
each and every one of us who had a concern, a
problem, needed advice, or just to be listened to
with a strong shoulder to lean on. They turned no
one away and were always there with an eager ear to
listen and an open heart to offer encouragement and
support. Dance class was never canceled - come rain
or shine - unless First Presbyterian needed the
facility for a church event.
Some people are unique and special
and are remembered warmly and kindly as time passes
and the years go by. Mark and Cheryl's contribution
to singles and couples in the Las Vegas valley will
long be remembered, treasured and cherished by the
hundreds of lives they touched.
So precious to me is having had the
opportunity to be a part of the initial start-up
team and to watch the success, growth, and spiritual
connections made as a result of Mark and Cheryl's
selflessness and unceasing commitment to do all that
they could for our community.
To my special friends, Mark and
Cheryl Hovind, may God bless you in all the ways you
have blessed those of us fortunate enough to know
you and to love you!
Love and blessings, always ~
Michele
I would like to express my gratitude
to a great group of people and to Mark and Cheryl
for their dedication to this dancing ministry. I
live in WI and visit Vegas a few times a year. I
love to come to the Sunday Dance Group and I even
plan my trips to ensure that I can make the dance
group on my way in and out of town. It has been
through this group that I have met some wonderful
and truly great people that I count among my
friends. I have had the pleasure of dancing in the
group on Sundays and dancing with members of the
group out in the community during the balance of my
visits. I thank all of you for making me feel
welcome and included as I dance when I get the
chance.
With music in my heart and dancing
in my feet - Jill aka- "Wisconsin"
Dear Mark and Cheryl,
In the 15 months since I
accidentally discovered this powerful group, my
personal and spiritual lives have been enriched and
blessed by you two and all the great folks at
DanceGig. My testimonies about how your ministry has
changed my life are heartfelt and on record.
Nothing that has happened so far
compares to what has happened now. The flood of
prayer, personal contact and all types of support by
DanceGig folks rallying to my side during my current
illness, speaks eloquently to the power of your
ministry and the wonderful message of spiritual
civility that you two have inspired in the hearts of
DanceGig members. Folks who know me well, or hardly
know me, or who may even have gently crossed swords
with me, have blessed me and lifted me to a serenity
and sense of worth never achieved before in my life.
All of this must reflect back
directly to Cheryl and Mark. It is their ministry.
It is their people. The good flows from them through
others and on. Outsiders think this is just about
dancing. We know better!
Thank you, Mark and Cheryl, and
thank all of you at DanceGig. You give me The Heart
Of A Dancer. -- Art
Hi Mark and Cheryl: I just wanted
you to know that I have been attending your dance
class for a year now and my life has changed
dramatically because of it.
At my second class, I met a very
nice man who has turned out to be a truly good,
wonderful addition to my life. In addition to that,
I have gotten quite good under your tutelage and am
now dancing at least three days a week, with a
resulting improvement in my body and my outlook on
life.
Thank you very much for sharing your
special talents with us all. The Sunday night dance
classes remain the highlight of my life. This is a
spiritual as well as social experience.
Jeanie
Mark and Cheryl know my personal
story. They know how I traveled to a life of
decadence, self-indulgence and self-destruction. And
they know how my accidental discovery of the Sunday
Church Class Dance Experience change my life,
spiritual and personal, for the better. Mark and
Cheryl are, after all, in the ministry of changing
lives.
Sometime after I left a life of sin
and began attending the Sunday church classes, I
took my 12 year old son to see the latest and final
edition of Star Wars. In this film there were a
series of scenes in which Anakin abuses his free
will to become the evil Darth Vader. These scenes
were very uncomfortable for me to watch, because I
had recently free-willed myself into a terrible,
morally offensive, lifestyle. I had done exactly
what Anakin did. Except my actions were real, not
fiction.
It happened that my son and I saw
the last Star Wars episode on a Sunday afternoon.
That evening, before the start of First Presbyterian
Church dance classes, I spoke with Mark and related
my experience from earlier in the day. I told Mark
how uncomfortable I was watching Anakin ruin his
life as I had done making wrong choices.
Mark took me by the shoulders,
looked me square in the eyes, and said, "it doesn't
matter where you have been and what you have done.
What matters is that you are with us now."
I have never been overwhelmed with
such a comforting feeling of acceptance, forgiveness
and tolerance as I was when Mark said that to me.
Mark welcomed me into the spiritual warm community
of the Sunday Church Dance Group, never mind what
evil and damage I had done before I showed up at his
and Cheryl's doorstep for my first dance class.
So this is why Mark, Cheryl, the
Church and the fine folks who dance each Sunday, are
special to me. God love you all. I sure do.
Art
Dear Mark & Cheryl, Your dance class
is one of the the highlights of my week! You make
the lessons easy, relaxing & FUN in a safe &
wholesome atmosphere! Your dedication to these
classes & the people that attend them is such a
blessing to all of us!
Our thanks, love & prayers are with
you always,
Patty B.
Mark & Cheryl, I came across the CD
of Halloween photos and as I browsed through them
and remembered how I love these dear people – I want
to be sure to thank you once again for this
ministry. ‘This place’, these people, and my CLC
Singles Ministry group - are the most dear to me
outside of my family...
Love & Prayers,
Toni
I went to your dance for the first
time on Sunday I had a great time...every one was
friendly...all in all a great crowd. I am thankful
to have discovered this venue...also the fact that
there is no smoking and drinking. I love it thank
you ....Oh yes ..The lesson is great. I was able to
catch on the some new moves.
Robert Winett.
Thank you Mark and Cheryl for
another great swing dance class Sunday. In my
too-recent unchristian-behavior days, I enrolled in
The Dark Side. How I got there is unimportant--that
I used my free will to go there begs eternal
forgiveness. You note on your website that you
change lives. You certainly have changed mine. Thank
you both.
Art
I just wanted to thank all of the
members of your group who donated items for our
Easter Party at the shelter. We would not be able to
to our work without the assistance of our community.
Although Easter Candy is not life saving, it goes a
long way in making our shelter feel a little more
like home for our residents. Thanks again for your
generosity!
Andrea Sundberg
SAFE House
Thanks, Mark and Cheryl, for the
love and devotion for us singles. I'm sure you want
to be alone some weekends, just the two of you. We
appreciate your presence every Sunday night, rain or
shine, and Easter too. WE love you very much. May
God bless you and reward you richly ... and Happy
Easter. OK
Dear Dance Group: On behalf of the
Board of Directors and the victims of domestic
violence we serve, we wish to express our heartfelt
appreciation for your donation of Easter items to
S.A.F.E. House, Inc. It is through the support and
generosity of individuals like you that we are able
to help families and continue the fight against
family violence. Your involvement goes a long way to
help us Stop Abuse in the Family Environment and
strengthen families. Again, thank you for your
donation.
Julie Proctor
S.A.F.E. House, Inc.
Dear Mark & Cheryl. Thank you
doesn’t sound like enough, but thankfulness means so
much for being who you are and for sharing your
specialty. I sincerely thank you! You have made a
big difference in the life of our church and in our
lives.
God’s Grace.
Steve and Linda.
Mark & Cheryl - Thank you for all
your time and dedication to our dance class. I'm
sure that you will never know how many lives you
have changed because of your efforts. On behalf of
all of us, I want to thank you for helping make our
lives so happy.
Many years ago after my divorce I
prayed to God to help me not become an angry,
depressed person who only thought of revenge. I
didn't want to become one of those hard, bitter
people who could only remember the painful & ugly
times of their marriage. Believe me, I prayed long
and hard because I didn't like myself anymore. God
answered my prayers and put me back together.
After moving to Las Vegas three
years ago, I again asked God to help me. I moved to
Las Vegas to be near two of my children and
grandchildren. The move here was wonderful, but I
left all my old friends & family in San Jose. Most
of the new people that I met in Vegas were heavy
drinkers, gamblers, or had other problems, so I
stayed home on the weekends. I joined Central
Christian Church, which is a wonderful church, but
they didn't have a singles group.
So in moving to Vegas, I became a
very lonely person. God & I had many long talks and
I cried my heart out. Last New Year's Eve my
daughter & I decided to take some ballroom dance
lessons. We wanted to lose a little weight and meet
new friends. We joined Dance Elegance and we met
Richard & Andrew who encourage us to attend the
dance group on Sunday night at the First
Presbyterian Church. Boy!!! how that one chance
meeting changed my life. Thank you God for putting
me in the right place at the right time in my life
to meet such great people.
See Ya!
Annette
I've become somewhat of a hermit
since my dad died in May - and Dance Class is one of
the few places I go besides church and work.
Learning new steps is just a bonus to getting to
meet nice people. My Mom came to the Halloween Dance
and had a very nice time - thanks to our attentive -
very nice - men and women. May others lives be
blessed as mine has been the past year+.
Regards,
Toni
I want to express my thanks to Mark
and Cheryl for their unique and useful service to
the community. The Sunday night lessons are THE
HIGHLIGHT of my week!
I was quite lost emotionally when my
wife ended our marriage of 25 years. I had tried to
get it together with the aid of a (self-styled)
“educational organization”. They seemed OK at first,
but later on tried to change my religious faith, and
get as much money as they could talk me into giving
them. I was very discouraged and downhearted
(especially after the experience with the “E O”). I
was becoming a bitter, depressed old hermit, only
going out to work, and to church.
I learned of Mark and Cheryl’s Dance
lessons through SOAR. We had tried ballroom dancing
lessons when we were married, but I couldn’t get the
hang of it. I came to the dance class anyway. I had
to force myself to come in, afraid I’d be
disappointed.
After a couple of Sunday night
lessons, I was hooked! I could actually DO this! I
like the method of teaching here. At first, my
depression would go away, at least for a day or two.
As I continued to come for these 10 or 11 months, my
weeks got better and better. I was less and less
depressed, and I actually had (and still have)
something to look forward to.
I don’t think that someone can dance
and be depressed at the same time. I know I can’t.
Thank you, Mark and Cheryl for your time and effort
and the service you give so generously to the
greater Las Vegas community!
gratefully
Jim Baker
I have been a single woman for 16
years and a Christian for 10. For 8 years I didn’t
go out and I have never had many friends. I just
went to work and home.
I found this dance class through
SOAR and what a change it has made in my life. I
have always loved to dance but was never taught how.
I love how Mark and Cheryl teach; they have got such
a gift at teaching and they making it so easy. I
have always felt isolated as a Christian single
woman but now I feel included because not only do I
get to go out and dance (through the message board
on the website) without having to go on a date but I
have met so many good friends.
For the first time in my life I feel
part of something and it so happens that I love it.
Thank-you Mark and Cheryl for giving your time,
money, energy and effort. Truly I don’t know what I
did before dance classes. I so appreciate both of
you. May God Bless you both. You are truly a God
Send, you have no idea how you have impacted my life
and this community.
Debbie Kraft
DanceGig Testimonials