Recruiting

Posted in Serving on April 21st, 2008 by Administrator| | .

“For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.” II Chronicles 16:9 (NIV)

Recruiting has become big business in our world today. Talent scouts from pro and college teams, major businesses, the armed forces and others are always on the lookout for talent. The Bible teaches us that God is in the recruiting business. He is constantly searching for a committed heart to bring glory to him and to make a difference for the Kingdom of God here on earth.

God spotted a committed heart that turned out to be a blue chip recruit on a farm in Elliott County, Kentucky. This farm boy showed promise early of his committed heart. During the depression to support his parents and siblings, he left his hometown of Wells Creek, Kentucky and joined the Civil Conservation Corps. He was sent to Gold Beach, Oregon and later Libby, Montana to serve in the forest department. The entire time he worked for the CCC he would send half his paycheck back home to his parents.

Uncle Sam recruited him to the Army to serve in World War II. He served in Battery B, 66th Field Artillery Battalion of the 4th Armored Division of the Third Army. He was a tank gunner serving under General Patton landing on Omaha Beach during the D-day invasion. His resume included fighting in the Battle of the Bulge, and the liberation of Bastogne. He was in Prague, Czechoslovakia when the war ended. He would later be given a Purple Heart Medal, fighting wounded during the Battle of the Bulge.

After the war he married his hometown sweetheart, the lovely Virginia Ruth Blanton. They were married for 53 years and had four children. They would later be blessed with eight grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. One of those four children just happened to be my wife’s mother, Luanna Todd Rutherford.

Because of his committed heart to his family and nation, God recruited him into full time ministry. He would serve the Lord faithfully for more than 50 years, and became a church planter to reach young children and families in his hometown of Wells Creek.

This blue chip recruit, Purple Heart winner, family man, minister’s name was Drexel Todd, my wife’s grandfather. Grandpa Todd went to be the Lord on February 20, 2008. I admired his committed heart so much that my son Todd is named after him.

The strength of Grandpa’s life was in his commitments. The Bible says that God is constantly searching for committed hearts. Over the next two months our church will have plenty of service opportunities for you to display just how committed your heart is. My prayer is that NorthStar Church will become one of God’s favorite recruiting spots.

Marlon

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