From the excerpts from Steve Ellisor’s From the Rec Min ,Oct 2011. Steve always left us with good words and it is good to read them again.

“I was listening to Christian radio this past week when I heard the announcer energetically encouraging his listeners to “get in the fight!” No, he wasn’t by any means advocating violence, but was encouraging us to, in a sense, put our efforts where our mouths are. He tapped his microphone which made a loud bumping sound over the speakers and said, “This isn’t the fight!” He added, “Calling ‘Sound Off’ isn’t the fight, making sarcastic comments about the government during dinner with friends isn’t the fight, listening and agreeing with an angry talk show host isn’t the fight.” He said, “We must act!” Then, in a “What would Jesus do?” type statement he said that we must make peace, be merciful, bear a pure heart (see Beatitudes in Matthew 5:3-12). We must hunger and thirst for righteousness above all else. We must serve by leading. We must MAKE disciples by BEING disciples!

In Matthew 7:16 Jesus tells us, “By their fruit you will recognize them.” He is telling us that the work we do and the results, thereof, will identify us as disciples…or, not disciples. The work you put into teaching and mentoring children, witnessing your faith, and serving as a personal example is the “light” you shine which moves people to “glorify your God in heaven” (see Matthew 5:16). You are bearers of the Word! James 1:22 says, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says!” Through your dedicated service, hundreds of children and adults have indicated that they have accepted Christ during the various C-Sports seasons. I pray that God continues to use you in ways that transform lives and make disciples!”

Marcia K. Gibney,
Director of Recreation Ministry