Dave and Leah emigrated from Canada in 2006 and have been a part of Cornerstone fellowship since 2010.
As infants, both Dave and Leah were baptized in the Roman Catholic Church, and grew up knowing very little about God’s love and saving grace and the knowledge of a personal savior. “I always knew there was a God but never really thought about Him unless I had strife or trouble in my life. My faith was something that I left at church and was a very personal mater, which I never easily or openly talked about.” Dave had never even opened a Bible until moving to the U.S. He will tell you that prior to leaving Canada, God was knocking on his door and was beginning to reach him through worship music that his wife intentionally played often.
After arriving in Cincinnati, Ohio, a friend took them to a non-Denominational Christian Church. It was an attractive transition as this church experience was like none they had ever had. First Leah was saved and she continued to pray for Dave and fed him God’s word through Music. Slowly and lovingly, God opened Dave’s eyes. Instrumental in Dave’s journey to salvation, God placed incredible men in Dave’s life who pointed him to Christ and Dave felt Christ’s gentle loving tug on his heart. The Semarks were surrounded by caring Godly families who invited them into their homes and lives….. and bible studies. In the fall of 2006 Dave participated in a Missions trip to Honduras. “The trip was one of the hardest physical and spiritual experiences I had ever undergone. Despite being surrounded by poverty, these people had hope and their faith was incredibly strong.” It was on that trip to Honduras that Dave gave his life to Christ.
The Lord brought Dave and his family to Dover in 2008, and led them to Cornerstone Church in 2010, where they were soon both baptized. They are so thankful to a part of the body of Christ in this church family. Currently, by attending small home groups, Dave’s family is blessed with building and strengthening relationships, digging into God’s word collectively, and praying together.
While their interests include camping in the spring, summer and fall, the Semark family like to frequent hockey rinks in the winter. Dave enjoys playing hockey as well as watching his daughter and son play.
Working for Procter and Gamble, Dave is in his 35thyear. Leah is a homeschooling mom to Eve (10yrs) and Benjamin (13yrs) and they belong to a local Christ centered homeschooling community.