I wanted a chance to write a tribute to Mark Houston, of Texas, AA member, who died this week 28 years sober, and one of the greatest influences in my life, and the lives of many members I know. My sponseor found his talks on the internet, (on xa-speakers.org -official aa site), and she was in a hopeless small town of anything goes meetings, she was dying , even thought 15 years sober, and finding Mark and Dave's 2001 FSOTS workshop on the steps, she just used those tapes to take herself thru the steps- there was no-one else interested in her area. she shared her 5th step with someone, got to her amends in like a couple of weeks, and turned her like completely around. In Melbourne, all 3 of my sponsors- who have never met each other- all hand out Mark and Dave's Step- ONe-Workshop cd from the 2001 FSOTS (fellowship of the spirit) weekend oof steps workshop, off of the xa-speakers site- and for good reason- they all have found it a revelation- as did I. . That tape alone has shifted the consciousness of many people here in Melbourne. Mark Housaton nearly died at 10 years SOBER - of untreated alcoholism, and he described this in his talks so well. Since the (that was 1992) he threw himself properly into the work of the steps, and became a powerhouse in his own life, and began to be asked by hundreds of people all over the world, to talk and to guide them through the work, which he did. As a result, many many people have had thier lives change. Mark worked tirelessly in service to A.A
Rest in peace Mark, from someone whose life you have forever altered. Sooz, Melbourne Australia.