The first paragraph on the Acknowledgements page of Muddy Jungle Rivers reads “This memory journey began with a series of essays I wrote while attending writing classes taught by Dr. Mark Christensen at Bemidji State University (BSU). His suggestions and prompts were instrumental in illuminating those nocturnal conversations I had with “Buddha” Ed Thomas. Mark’s encouragement allowed me to explore depths I had shied away from.” (“Buddha” Ed Thomas was the captain of the riverboat I served on in Vietnam. Ed Thomas and I reconnected twenty years after Vietnam—before he died in 1999 he would call me in the early morning hours, troubled, intoxicated, reliving those days on the boat.)
Today’s Bemidji Pioneer features an interview with Dr. Mark Christensen. “Five decades later: BSU English professor to give senior voice recital.”
This article provides some insight to this gifted, humble man.
Today I count Mark as a friend and mentor. Thank you, Mark.
I would like to thank the Sunday School teachers at Trinity Lutheran Church in Puposky. Because of them I know Jesus, and have the promise of Eternity in Heaven.