Recognizing Great Service

Chris and I were eating out with some friends from the church and had the opportunity to receive some great service. This waitress responded to our needs and even anticipated them bringing us an extra portion of steak fries (just what we needed?). We had volunteered to pray for her and she was deeply appreciative. It turns out that we had set in a different section the last time we were there but we had prayed for her upcoming surgery a couple of months before. She explained that they found cancer and Chris was able to share with her some encouragement having just come through some similar situations. The last time we visited she sought us out and updated us on how things were going. We prayed for her again. Please remember this young single mom, Heather, in your prayers as well. In this case we were glad to recognize great service with a large tip and some much needed prayer.

I appreciate good service, and this past Sunday we had the opportunity to recognize such service with more than a tip. Russ Dusky has put in almost as many hours as his tractors have here at Brookwood, serving the body by taking care of the grounds. I cannot begin to tell you how faithful he has been in helping keep the lawns and outside plants presentable to our many guests and a pleasure to all of us members. Of course we are not discounting the many people who have helped and will continue to help in this task, but we did want to recognize the man who has for years sought to glorify the Lord by taking care of His house. Donna has done similar work with the Young at Heart group as her latest project. Both are worthy of receiving an award for great service.

Howard and Fran Saxton have been solid supporters of the Lord's work here at Brookwood and have even at times risked life and limb in their service for the Lord. Can you remember Fran 35 feet in the air putting in insulation and Howard reaching out over space helping lay down sheet after sheet of our metal roof. Whether it is sewing a quilt (not Howard) or hauling away metal (not Fran), their service has gone above and beyond.

Bill and Dixie Evans are at the church as much as the staff. We often do not see them here unless we walk around the back of the church and see their truck or car. They not only do ministry worthy of the chairman of deacons but also do many maintenance things that most people never know about. We would not be approved (sans elevator) for our final occupancy permit without Bill, Dixie, Dede, and John Lute. They each put in a lot of effort and time with diligent inspectors to wrap things up on this worthy goal.

Of course we have failed to recognize so many people who have put in hours of work and effort to make this a great place to meet God. These couples are now retired from jobs but have not retired from serving God. While they cannot do all they want to or once did, it will take a lot of work from the younger generations to match the zeal, commitment and just plain faithfulness of these Christian pioneers. Many more have given us (the body of Christ) great service, but, I am glad we have had the opportunity to recognize these fine servants of the Lord.

Thanks Mark for the inspiration and the work putting this together.

 Pastor Albert