Unsung Heroes

Every once in a while, a certain phrase drives me into a tailspin of overanalysis. Today, that phrase is “unsung heroes.” I probably don’t have to explain what an unsung hero is, but today my mind wandered to what a sung hero might be. It's probably a reference to some Greek hero or another ancient culture where stories were told, sometimes literally by singing them. But then, if I tell a story about an unsung hero, wouldn’t that make them a sung hero just by the act of me telling their story? Naturally, I had to Google the etymology of "unsung hero" and sift through the results to confirm my assumptions and understand it fully, all because someone mentioned "unsung hero." My mind is not a fun place sometimes.

Our church is full of unsung heroes. They will remain truly unsung because I can’t carry a tune, but I do have to share how some of these individuals are making a huge difference in our church and our mission of making disciples.

The young adult small group is the most active group and has grown more in the past few years than almost all our other small groups combined. One of the main reasons for this is their leader, who is the most proactive about personally inviting people to join. It doesn’t hurt that they also have some of the best snacks.

We have a father/daughter team that runs our media and lights for both services every week. Since I have been here, they have volunteered for over 1,000 church services, showing up for rehearsals during the week and arriving hours before everyone else on Sunday mornings.

One of our video producers has helped train a dozen volunteer camera operators, is committed to excellence, and is one of the most grace-filled people I’ve ever worked with. He was also the pivotal voice that convinced our church to fully invest in a robust streaming design instead of just getting by.

Speaking of the camera operators, every single one of them is committed to creating the best possible online experience. They know it is perhaps the only means of worship for some, but more importantly, it is the first experience many people will have with our church. They are such amazing volunteers that they are constantly sought after by other ministries because they are fully invested in the mission of making disciples.

I can’t even begin to do justice to the next-gen volunteers. These are the ones who have volunteered in youth ministry for decades, love the cry of infants, can listen to a toddler explain the war between diesels and steamies, or the amazing volunteers who take a week of vacation just to lead a small group at VBS.

There are the greeters who make people feel welcomed as soon as they step into our sanctuary, the ushers who just make things happen, and the coffee fellowship volunteers who show up early to make sure we’re caffeinated, help us treat guests well, and ensure everyone has a chance to have a conversation with someone.

On any given Sunday, I can name over 70 volunteers who give their time and talents to the church to help us make disciples. This doesn’t include the paid staff or all of the volunteers and committees who work throughout the week to make sure the AC is working, bulletins are made, and people are prayed for.

Don’t get me wrong, we are incredibly blessed to have those 70 volunteers, and it might sound crazy to ask for more, but 70 isn’t enough. Many of our volunteers serve in multiple capacities. One of our youth-aged volunteers arrives before 8 each Sunday, runs a camera or fills in for whatever spot has a gap (this guy can do everything and is incredibly smart and humble), either goes to youth Sunday school at 11 or helps run something tech for the traditional service, goes home for a few hours, comes back for youth band practice, and stays for another 2 hours of youth.

So yes, we need you even though we already have 70 volunteers. You can make a difference in our church and be part of our mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. But it’s not just about you serving the church. When you join one of our teams, you also find yourself surrounded by other amazing people. You make meaningful friendships with some of the best people out there.

If you want to help but don’t know how to get started, you can always drop by the church office and talk to one of the staff. We would love to help you find a spot to get plugged in. Mark your connect card, talk to one of the people who are already volunteering, and just ask, "How would I become a greeter?” Joining a team isn’t just about volunteering, it’s about becoming part of our church family and making disciples.

Where is God?

It is no secret that I am an animal lover. I have always had pets, and am crazy about cats. The saying about cats having staff and dogs having masters is very true from my experience. I currently have a house full of too many cats who are kind enough to allow my husband and I to share their home, and I have one very large, very grateful dog, who thinks we hung the moon. 

My dog (who was free on craigslist about 9 years ago) has had a decline in his health. I have noticed that now he wants to be close to me when I am home, and he comes to get me when it is time for his medicine. On our walks, he prefers to stay close to me, and to walk our familiar street. He has grown more dependent on my husband and I, and has become more clingy with us. 

I think about when things seem to be going great in my life, and how I feel independent, like I can take on anything. I can do it all on my own. And then something unexpected happens. A health situation occurs, an unplanned expense comes up, or a stressful personal situation takes place. It is at these times that I then wonder, "So where are you God"? "Didn't you see this one coming"?  

My dog's illness reminds me that God has been with me, through both the good times, and the troubled times. Just as my dog walked so confidently when he was well, seemingly aggravated that he needed me on the other end of the leash. Now during the tougher times, he leans on me for reassurance. 

God has not promised us a perfect, healthy, stress free life. But He has promised to stay with us, alongside us, providing us  with his love through it all. Being grateful during the good times, and keeping faith during the tough times. And knowing that our God is with us through it all.

Taste and See

You’ve probably seen them without even realizing what it is you’re looking at. Over the past four years, a company has almost created a whole new identity for themselves and increased revenue by 10x. The only thing they changed was the color of their cup. Ok that might be over simplifying it a bit, but Stanley cups are everywhere now.

Contrary to what you might think, Stanley cups are not the same company as the Stanley tool company. However, they’ve been in business for over 100 years selling camping cookware. Until a few years ago, they were pretty much unheard of. They had a small scattering of business, mostly men looking for adventure gear, but the general public had no clue who they were. Then a few women saw the potential in this product. They got with the executive team at Stanley and convinced them that by just changing colors and convincing them to use social media marketing. Now, everywhere you go you will see these crazy colorful tumblers in the hands of women.

What’s fascinating for me is that Stanley had the right product all along. They didn’t make any engineering changes to their cups, they literally just changed the color to appeal to a different demographic. The cup keeps water just as cold as it did before, a fact that if not true would be disastrous for the cup maker.

This kind of reminds me of Psalm 34, “Taste and see that the Lord is good.” David was inviting people to give God a chance. He knew that that God was good and that when you find refuge in Him you will be blessed. One of the biggest problems then, just as it is now, is getting people to take that first step. We know that God is good, but how do we get people to taste and see? For Stanley that meant changing colors. For us it might mean we leave our comfort zones. Maybe it’s starting with just asking people to try it out (it’s really hard to change anything else if you don’t even ask).

My Wife

The Lord has given me so many blessings and gifts throughout my life: health, happiness, and the ability to play praise songs to share with His beautiful children every Sunday. I can keep going on! One of the greatest gifts He's ever given me is my wife. Waking up next to her every day is like my personal heaven. I believe that God has a way of protecting and speaking to us through life by channeling through our spouses. She loves me so much that He knows He can go through her to reach me when there are times that I am not listening. Yes, at times I don’t listen. Not that I am challenging our Lord, but I get so caught up in things that are just materialistic stuff and forget to just breathe. Most, if not all, can relate. So, when the door in my so-called brain is shut, she always has the key to get in and pull me out of whatever struggle I am going through.

In return, it's not a job but an honor to give back. All my love, trust, and protection I give to her. I will treat her with understanding. She is my equal partner in God’s gift of new life. I will treat her as I should, so my prayers are not hindered (1 Peter 3:7). I did leave one sentence out of that scripture, “She may be weaker than I am.” I find that very hard to believe. Now, if we are talking about strength, NO WAY!!! Gentlemen, have you pushed out a baby lately? That’s the closest thing a woman can come to death—giving birth. Of the mind, my wife stops and thinks before she springs into action. She has about a 98% success rate too (me, 75%). Yeah, I’m bragging about my wife! You men should too. She is the greatest gift that God can give us men! Why? Because she is a gift who can bear more gifts that God blesses us with. Children.

So, behind every man is a great woman. Not to do as we say, but to catch us if we ever fall back. She is my comfort blanket, my treasure, the one I wouldn’t even hesitate to die for. She is my blessing that I get showered with every day! So, men, let your wife be a fountain of blessings for you. She is one of the greatest gifts God can give you! Thank you so much, God, for this gift! Thank you so much, Christina Boast, for your gift. God is GREAT!

Riding Life’s Rollercoaster

In the world of amusement parks, rollercoasters stand tall as beacons of thrill and excitement. But beyond the loops and drops lies a deeper story—one of anticipation, fear, exhilaration, and growth. Much like the ups and downs of a rollercoaster ride, the journey of a student can be related to this exhilarating experience.

Rollercoasters trace their origins back to the 17th century when Russian ice slides provided the initial thrill. Over time, these evolved into the more familiar wooden and now steel mega-structures found in amusement parks today. Similarly, the journey of a youth group student begins with the innocence of childhood, gradually evolving into the structured environment of high school.

As riders set off on the initial incline of a rollercoaster, there's a mix of anticipation, excitement and anxiety-induced butterflies. Along that same line, entering middle and high school marks the beginning of a student's ascent into adulthood. The climb is characterized by academic challenges, social adjustments, and the exploration of personal identity. Much like the slow climb of a rollercoaster, this phase may feel daunting but sets the stage for the thrills to come.

The defining moment of any rollercoaster is the exhilarating plunge—the sudden rush of adrenaline as gravity takes hold. Similarly, students encounter pivotal moments that propel them forward. Whether it's achieving academic success, forming meaningful friendships, or discovering personal passions, these experiences shape their journey and provide moments of pure exhilaration.

Rollercoasters are renowned for their twists, turns, and unexpected surprises. Likewise, the middle/high school experience is filled with twists and turns, from navigating relationships to facing academic setbacks. These challenges test resilience and adaptability, teaching students to embrace the unpredictable nature of life's journey.

As a rollercoaster nears its end, there's a sense of accomplishment and relief—a feeling of having conquered the ride. Similarly, the culmination of high school marks a significant milestone in a student's journey. Graduation represents not only academic achievement but also personal growth, resilience, and readiness to embark on the next chapter of life's adventure. Side note, we will be honoring the 2024 graduates next month.

By embracing life’s rollercoaster ride, students emerge stronger, wiser, and ready to face whatever thrills life may bring. This is why I emphasize the importance of youth groups in contemporary society so much. A youth group like Revive is like having a safety net for said rollercoaster. We're here to encourage one another, provide support during challenging times, and remind each other of our shared journey. We also prioritize camaraderie, forging bonds that can withstand the test of time, and equipping young individuals to navigate life's complexities with faith as their compass.

Our activities extend beyond traditional Sunday school sessions. From engaging game nights to thought-provoking discussions on faith and life, Revive offers a ever-changing environment where growth and fellowship flourish.

So, next time you feel as though you’re not tall enough to ride life’s rollercoaster, just know that your faith in Jesus will see you through to the end. Let’s continue nurturing the next generation, fostering friendships, and guiding one another in said faith. God Bless!!

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog,

Chris Gersic