What a shock I had last Saturday night when, at the Annual Dinner of the Munster Chamber of Commerce, I was named "Citizen of the Year." It was a total surprise. I am not sure how Nancy and John were able to keep it a surprise. I have no idea what I said that evening, when I was introduced, I hope it was OK. I am humbled by this honor, and hope that I can represent it well. While the honor was given to me, it really is an honor for Ridge Church. Ridge Church has made a concerted effort to reach-out into the community. We have done this historically by making weekly meals for the Warming Shelter every Monday, the State Street Center every Saturday, participating with the Salvation Army through their "Angel Tree" and helping people with rent/utilities support. Some ministries that really are making a huge impact in Munster are fairly new: our Open Gym program that allows middle school and high school students a place to come and hang out — our "Winning At Life" breakfasts in which the men feed sports teams and activity groups at Munster High School and share with them a "two minute drill" story about how to live a better life. These, and many more, are the reasons that I was selected to be "Citizen of the Year." How many of these ministries to I actually participate? As I said, this honor really belongs to Ridge Church.
Thanks, Michelle, for nominating me (when you told me I was nominated, that was more than enough!). Thanks Nancy and John and everyone else who worked to put together the bio and pictures. Thanks Rhonda and the chamber for bestowing this honor on me.
Thanks!
