2004 Honorees, Jim and Heide Blair
Lakeland Evangelical Free Church in
Gurnee, IL
For the past 30 years, Jim and Heide have been faithful servants of the Sunday School Ministry at Lakeland Evangelical Free Church. They currently teach 3rd and 4th grade, but they have taught every grade level and are willing to serve wherever the need is at any given time. Whether its building elaborate cardboard mazes that fill the church gym to illustrate a biblical theme, or dressing up as the “Candy Man” and wearing 25 pounds of candy at the annual church picnic, Jim and Heide consistently show creativity in their Sunday School class and church.
Jim and Heide know the importance of being involved in the children’s lives and how to incorporate fun and excitement into teaching God’s Word. They spend hours preparing their classroom to be a nurturing and creative learning environment. They give special attention to each individual child and provide a healthy role model to future men and women of God.
“They give every student a present for their birthday. They host a class party at their home at the end of every quarter. They’ve tutored students who were struggling in school and cared for children whose parents were going through stressful times. All the children at our church want to be in Mr. and Mrs. Blair’s class, “ shares nominator Judy Crockett, Director of Children’s Ministries at Lakeland Evangelical Free Church.
2003 Honoree, Steve Olive
First Baptist Church
Columbus, GA
For the past 22 years, Steve Olive has been faithfully teaching three-year-old children in the pre-school department at First Baptist Church. Whether it's setting up a tent in the front of the church to talk about Bible characters who lived in tents, or introducing kids to new sights, sounds, smells and tastes that get them excited about learning about God, Steve consistently shows creativity in his Sunday School class.
"Mr. Steve," as his young students affectionately call him, knows the importance of being involved with the children's lives and the lives of their families. He helps parents reinforce Sunday School ideas and lessons at home.
"In a world that is often frightened of the idea of a middle-aged man teaching a pre-school class, my father provides a healthy and trustworthy role model for his three-year-olds long after they are three," shares Steve's daughter, Meg Olive.
2002 Honorees, Jack & Sherry
Herschend
First Presbyterian Church
Branson, MO
For the past 30 years, Jack and Sherry Herschend
have been faithfully teaching children of
all ages at First Presbyterian Church. Currently
teaching the 5th and 6th grade class, Jack
and Sherry's love for adventure and love for
others, shine brightly to their students,
in and outside of the classroom.
"Grandpa Jack" and "Grandma
Sherry," as they are affectionately called
by their students, go above and beyond to
live out their motto that "being a Christian
is fun." [Jack and Sherry] venture outside
the church doors and arrange endless 'Sunday
School Adventures' for the kids, such as hiking,
rock climbing, canoeing, swimming and barn
dancing," shares nominator Jerry McDonald.
More importantly, this couple
inspires the hearts of their students and
constantly shares their love for them. "I
have never met two people that have shown
as much patience and understanding as they
have," shares nominator and former student,
Miranda McDonald. "Even though they still
teach the 5th and 6th grade Sunday School
class, I never cease to learn new things from
them, even after being five years out of their
class."
Gospel Light
President Bill Greig III with 2001
Sunday School Teacher
of
the
Year, Lou Hays.
|
2001 Honoree, Lou Hays
First Baptist Church
Athens, TX
At 87 years of age, Lou Hays has
been faithfully teaching the Word of God for
68 years and currently teaches a senior women's
class at First Baptist Church in Athens, Texas.
By inventing creative activities, she inspires
her students to apply the Bible to their daily
lives. In spite of personal trials she continues
to live what she teaches with devotion and
much enthusiasm, often serving her students
outside of the classroom.
Nominator Sherry Carhart stated:
"She (Lou Hays) has an unwavering devotion
to her teaching and her class, as well as
the community. Her love of God is apparent
in each thing that she does."
2000 Honoree, Tim Norton
Covenant Baptist Church
Charlotte, NC
Noted for being a teacher who "walks his
talk," Tim Norton has made a lasting impact
at Covenant Baptist Church with over 8 years
of teaching the 1st and 3rd grade class. With
enthusiasm, devotion, creativity and a love
for teaching, Tim inspires his students to
get into the Bible and develop a relationship
with Christ.
Nominator Fern Mays stated: "He (Tim Norton)
is a humble, faithful man of God. He models
'Christ-likeness' in every aspect of his life.
He loves the Lord and all God's children,
and he unashamedly proclaims Christ in his
walk and his talk."
1999 Honoree, Nadine Blair
Believers Bible Church
Omaha, NE
Noted for being a gifted teacher, Nadine
Blair has made a lasting impact at Believers
Bible Church with over 30 years of teaching
the 3rd and 4th grade class. By inventing
games and crafts to help her students learn
the Bible, Nadine inspires her students to
apply what they have learned to their daily
lives.
Nominator Ellen Manuel stated: "I'm 33 years
old, and I can still remember the lessons
she (Nadine Blair) taught so dynamically when
I was just 7 years old."
1998 Honoree, Joe Donaldson
Southeast Christian Church
Louisville, KY
Joe's hallmark is his humility in creatively
teaching adults about Christ and the Bible.
In a genuine style where Joe admits many of
his own struggles, he identifies with many
in the church congregation. He challenges
students to think about their faith and to
know why they believe.
Noted for being a gifted teacher, Joe is
seen as relating well to singles because of
his strong emphasis on grace, personal sincerity
and love. Teaching two main classes called
"Salt" and "Light," Joe has watched attendance
more than double in the last two years. Moreover,
Joe created a talk show format called "Real
People" where numerous members of the church
were invited to be interviewed.
Nominator Richard Levinson says:
"Joe Donaldson is without a doubt the most
gifted teacher I have ever had. His love for
people, friends and family is exceeded only
by his love for the Lord."
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