As all Star Trek devotees know, the mission of the Starship Enterprise was “To boldly go where no man has gone before…”  Last night, it was also the theme for the celebration of my cousin’s husband, Jerry Shoap, as pastor of the Hanover Church of God for the past 25 years.  As anyone who knows Jerry would expect, this was no ho-hum event.  It was truly a party celebrating a man who I learned last evening, was not the church’s first, or even second, choice for their new pastor 25 years ago.  But he was God’s choice.  And through Jerry’s faithfulness, God was able to use that young rebel with a cause to boldly go…to rebuild His church in Hanover, Pennsylvania.

Just traveling to the event was a heart-thumping adventure.  Yesterday’s glittering snowfall, while gorgeous, caused treacherous road conditions for those who ventured out mid to late afternoon.  The 40 mile trek took a harrowing 90 minutes, but was well-worth the effort.  Upon arrival at the church’s new facility built in 1997, I was amazed (but not surprised) at the sheer number of people who were gathering to celebrate Jerry in spite of the Winter weather.

In true Jerry style, he was more than a little embarrassed by the lengths his congregation had gone to honor him.  Collectively, we laughed and cried as we watched the scenes of his life flashing on the screen behind the stage, and listened to countless individuals and groups share loving tributes to a truly great man of God.  While deflecting the praise, he was visibly touched by the accolades of those who love him.  I was inspired as I sat there last night.  As our boys’ Godfather, Jerry is a beloved part of our family, but I never really saw him as those he serves see him.  Over the course of the evening, I came to realize what a huge impact Jerry has had for the Kingdom of God.

I must also admit to being challenged as I sat there.  Convicted even.  On this day, I would not want to meet God and have to answer for the way I’ve ignored the gifts He has given me to use for Him.  But as we continued to praise God for His servant Jerry, a new thought took hold.  I could be one of those whose life was changed because of Jerry’s faithful service.  Starting right now, I could recommit my life to serving others, and being the person God has called me to be.  I could start anew with my writing, and share God’s hope with those who are lost and hurting.

I learned last evening that Jerry’s motto over the years has been “Just one more…”  Just one more person touched by God’s love, just one more soul won for eternity.  What a legacy!  And my life is not over yet…as long as I have breath in my body, God can use me for His Kingdom.  So in the words of Ray Boltz, I want to say to Jerry…  “Thank you for giving to the Lord, I am a life that was changed.  Thank you for giving to the Lord, I am so glad you gave.”