Mr. Viencek (pronounced “Vin sek”) grew up in Syracuse, New York. His family lived in an area of the city called “skunk city” consisting of first, second and third generation immigrants. Mark’s father (like his father’s father) drove a ten-wheel dump truck. There were no attorneys or other professionals in the family (on either parent’s side). In contrast, most, if not all, of the other kids from the Catholic school he attended were from a wealthy, suburban neighborhood. Mark is thankful for for his upbringing because he feels it instilled character and helped shape him into the kind of person he is today. He has seen others who, to their detriment, have had it easy and have had much handed to them.
Mark’s parents were Catholic. He was an alter boy, went to Mass on Sundays, and attended a Catholic grade school and high school. However, those who considered themselves to be Christians did not seem any different than people who weren’t Christian. Mark found himself from time to time asking God to show him if Jesus was real and for a reason to believe in Him. When he was 21, God answered his request and he had a powerful encounter with Jesus Christ that forever changed his life. Click here for his salvation testimony.
Ten years later, in 1994, Mark became ill and remained sick for several years. He had virtually no strength or energy, was in a great deal of pain, could barely eat or sleep and lost a lot of weight. These were extremely difficult times. However, when things got real bad and he didn’t think he would make it, God showed him in some remarkable ways that He had a plan for his life and would restore him – which is just what He did!
Mark enjoys helping others through difficult times in their lives by sharing the things he’s gone through and the lessons learned.
Education
- State University of New York at Geneseo, B.A., cum laude 1985
- Syracuse University Law School, 1985-88
- Intern, Christian Legal Society 1986
- Runner-up Best Advocate in NY State – 1986 Domenick L. Gabrielli Appellate Competition
- Finalist,1987 Lionel O. Grossman Trial Competition – SU Law School
- Juris Doctor Awarded 1988