When I first entered the doors of CLA in the spring of 1997, little did I know what God had in store. That was the beginning of the transformation of my life and subsequently my family's life. As a lost Lutheran at the time, my walk, my beliefs and my understanding of who and how the Lord can be in my life began to be enlightened. I never knew this. I was truly changed. From there my wife's walk was changed and in time the lives of our two wonderful daughters began to be formed and filled with His love.
From that start in my spiritual walk, He also began working on my career. I didn't go to Bible school; I had never even considered the thought of working at a church. But God did. From volunteering in 1998, to part-time staff in 2000, to full-time media staff in 2002, I can look back now and see how God was totally in control. He put me where I needed to be to use my skills and talents to further my life, but most of all further His Ministry here at CLA.
My passion for what I did continued to grow. I learned more and more about the church in the 21st Century and how my talents could be used. From media and drama, to communications, web, social media, retail and event organization, God had taken slices of my experience and blessed them and grew them. Even to this day, I am learning more about how He wants to use these skills to further His kingdom. HE is AMAZING!
All of this could not have happened without the love and support of the close to 40 pastors, hundreds of support staff, and thousands of congregation members - and most of all the close to 200 volunteers who have tirelessly served and sacrificed in Audio, Video, Lighting, Photography, Staging, Web, Social Media and Retail. From the youngest teens to the seasoned retirees, each of you has left their mark not only on me and my family, but on the legacy of media at CLA. I am eternally grateful and may He continue to be praised.
After over 1500 services, 200 funerals and 38 productions at CLA; as well as much time, prayer and consideration, I feel God is calling me and releasing me to share this knowledge, skills and experience with others. Where and how is yet to be defined. But I am confident that the Lord has a plan for my life and that of my family.
Thanks to Pastor Paul Wislocky for taking a chance on an unknown young man in 1997 and everyone at CLA for making these last 17+ years truly memorable. May God be praised!
Serving Him,
Richard Foster
No comments:
Post a Comment