Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital Hosts Book Signing Event Featuring Chaplain Author Dr. Mark Young

HOUSTON, Oct. 17, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital recently hosted a free book signing event featuring their very own chaplain, Rev. Mark Young, D. Min., who serves as the hospital's director of spiritual care and values integration. His book, Faith Prints: God is Here, was recently published by Westbow Press, a division of Thomas Nelson and Zondervan, and features a compilation of devotionals which he writes and shares daily with hospital employees, patients and guests.

As a church pastor for more than 30 years, Dr. Young honed his love of writing with pastor's columns, sermons, wedding homilies, and funeral eulogies. So it was only natural when he joined Houston Methodist Willowbrook four years ago that his writing would continue. 

"Faith Prints are primarily scripture selections brought to life in story," said Dr. Young. "I focus on telling sacred stories from the heart, moments where God is present -- whether we know it or not -- empowering us, teaching us and guiding us through the matrix of complexities that seem to be at every turn. My hope is that Faith Prints will cause the reader to take a moment to pause, reflect and remember that spiritual evidence of God is found in everyday life."

What originally started as monologue quickly turned into a dialogue as staff, guests and patients began reading the devotionals and responding.

"The relationship building and the rapport developed with readers has truly been a gift through this journey," said Dr. Young. While some of his stories are hospital-based, the vast majority are inspired by Dr. Young's life experiences and interests, ranging from space travel and exploration to life in the country to God's creations and presence in daily activities and interactions. The book features 150 of his favorite devotions, selected from over 1,000 Faith Prints, providing a deeper reflection about the holy and wonderful God in our midst.

Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital is part of Houston Methodist, a faith-based hospital system that has a relationship with the Texas Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. As such, hospital chaplains work closely with local church leaders to create an environment of compassion and spirituality and to help meet the comprehensive health needs of the community.

"Dr. Young's devotional book reflects our culture and values that we live out each and every day at our hospital," said Beryl Ramsey, chief executive officer at Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital and senior vice president of Houston Methodist. "Even with the advanced care and technology available at our hospital, we are committed to meeting the emotional and spiritual needs of our patients, never losing sight of the importance of the human touch."

About Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital
Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital is a not-for-profit, faith-based hospital, which is part of Houston Methodist. The campus has expanded in Northwest Houston to serve the comprehensive health care needs of the community.

Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital has been named a Magnet recognized health care facility by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's (ANCC) Magnet Recognition Program^®.

Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital has received its chest pain and stroke accreditations, performs complex surgeries such as neurosurgery and open heart, and focuses on women and children in the Women's & Children's Pavilion. For more information on the comprehensive services available on the Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital campus, please visit houstonmethodist.org/willowbrook. To find a physician, call 281.737.2500.

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SOURCE Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital