2003 Winners
- Ruby Thompson, Servant Leader of the Year
- Jacob Bland, Student Servant Leader of the Year
- Kristie Kleinow, Student Servant Leader
- Alec Macaulay, Student Servant Leader
- Anna Mortenson, Student Servant Leader
I do believe we are soon going to see our Lord's coming in the air for His church. And, oh, what a meeting it will be - surprises galore throughout all eternity, never to part, to be with our Savior! I just wouldn't miss it for anything, and no one has to.
For over sixty years, Ruby Thompson has been a Bible teacher in homes, churches, schools, and on the air, where her twice weekly radio program can still be heard. Countless stories of Ruby's influence are heard from multitudes of today's Bible teachers who trace their own beginnings back to Ruby's influence.
Ruby is regarded with deep respect for her prayer life. She is known for getting answers to her prayers, and for her great faith. She often has said that she will "ring the bells of heaven until she gets an answer." And she always does! Many have benefited from the emphasis she has placed on memorizing God's Word and praying it back to Him.
The underlying philosophy of Ruby's life is "occupy till I come." (Luke 19:13) When Ruby says "occupy," she means spending time, energies, and resources so that they count for eternity. Her days are filled with talking to the Lord, studying her Bible, praying scripture to Him, and teaching others His ways. Ruby has not been known to go to a restaurant, ride in an airplane, or talk to anyone without leaving a witness - all with the urgency, humor, and boldness with which she has lived her life.
The reason for her faithfulness is simple. Ruby plainly and simply loves the Lord with all her heart, soul and might. Presenting her body as a "living sacrifice, holy, and acceptable unto God," Ruby has offered her life as a sweet fragrance of service and devotion to the Lord.
Ruby has said that she wants to be remembered as one who fully trusted in her Lord Jesus Christ in every avenue of her life; as one who stayed faithful unto death and held Jesus as the only way to heaven; and as one who encouraged people to believe that there are always new beginnings with Him.
Age: 100
Currently: Lutheran Home
Church: Grace Presbyterian
Life Verse: "He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us
all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things." Romans 8:32
During a mission trip in Puerto Rico, a man stopped me after a musical performance and said he had a gift for me. He was a poor man, yet he gave me a very generous gift - his screwdriver, the tool of his trade. Daily, I hope to give to others as much as that man gave to me. I want to always remember to give sacrificially.
Many times, people have heard Jacob admonish others to make the most of their lives by using their talents to the fullest. Looking beyond himself, Jacob is always seeking ways to serve his community, school, and church. Whether sharing his faith verbally, or through one of his many music ministries, Jacob brings the word of God to others with kindness, good humor and consideration for the needs of a hurting world.
Demonstrating his faith through action, Jacob has gained the respect and affection of his peers and adults alike. His exceptional integrity is evident in everything he does. One of his high school teachers once publicly said this about Jacob, "How has he been able to accomplish so much? It is his unquenchable energy and zest for life." Yet, his achievements are surpassed by his most outstanding quality - his humility. In everything he does, it is Jacob's faith in God that directs him to serve and to be an effective Christian leader.
- Bradley Fellows Program
- 2002 Valedictorian Pekin High School
- Worship @ Full Volume, Living Water, and Reachout music ministries
- Web design and graphic art service to Pekin Miller Senior Center and St. Jude
- D.A.R.E. substance abuse speaker to area schools
- Big Brother mentor
- Boys and Girls Club, Relay for Life, Easter Seals, Swipe-a -Meal, See you at the Pole, newspaper columnist, speaker at area churches and ministries, and numerous other volunteer and extra-curricular activities.
Parents: David & Valerie Bland
Age: 18
Currently: Bradley University
Church: Normandale Reformed Church
Life Verse: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this
not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast. " Ephesians
2:8-9
I want to serve as an overseas missionary, preaching the Gospel where it has never been preached before, training and raising up native missionaries, and encouraging missionary women.
More than just active, Kristie uses her creativity and conviction to redefine or reinvent many of the activities in which she immerses herself. As the 2001 BRIO Girl, Kristie served as a contributing writer and speaker for the Focus on the Family BRIO magazine.
During a five week mission trip to help the street children of Zambia, Kristie was described as an "angel on earth" by the children as she tirelessly worked to teach school, build furniture, and minister to their needs.
Kristie is known as a poised and articulate leader among her peers and a friend to all, with a heart of compassion for those who do not yet know Christ as Lord and Savior.
- 2001 BRIO Girl - Focus on the Family
- Freshman Chaplain - Moody Bible Institute
- 2002 Co-Valedictorian - Richwoods High School
- Instrumental in implementing the "See You at the Pole" for Richwoods High School
- Key Club, Knights of the Cross, Loaves and Fish Mission, Practical Christian Ministry - outdoor evangelism, and various oversees mission trips
- Prescott Bloom Service Above Self Award
- David C. Wright Leadership Award
- Hugh O'Brian Award
- Cross Country, soccer, and volleyball
Parents: Kurt & Burt Kleinow
Age: 19
Currently: Moody Bible Institute
Church: First United Methodist Church
Life Verse: "This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down His
life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers." 1 John 3:16
There are three things I want to be in my life: charismatic, a leader, and a gentleman. God has helped me to become the person I am, and I'm so thankful for the gifts He has given me.
With a busy life full of ministry, extracurricular activities, and athletic and academic honors, Alec believes in the power of enthusiastic leadership to impact others to serve Christ. Not only does he participate in numerous service projects, but he also challenges and encourages others to serve in their own communities more effectively.
Alec has made outstanding contributions to the Central Illinois area as an ambitious, mature, and humble leader, who has an unwavering faith in God and a passion to help and support those in need.
- Lt. Governor for the IL-Eastern Iowa District of Key Club
- Youth preacher and teacher at Westminster Presbyterian Church
- IHSA Lamp of Knowledge Scholastic Award
- Honor Society
- Sterling Merit Award Winner
- TOP TEN
- Illinois State Scholar
Parents: Clay & Pam Macaulay
Age: 16
Currently: Senior at Woodruff High School (Co-Valedictorian)
Church: Westminster Presbyterian Church
Life Verse: "Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others,
faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms." 1 Peter 4:10
It is my desire that God will continue to use me to glorify Him, both through my nursing and through opportunities to serve in my church and local community.
Anna doesn't just tell her junior high girls about Christ's love, she demonstrates it for them. Her first desire is to serve, but she also has the graciousness to lead - representing Christ with the utmost humility and integrity.
Anna is a fun-loving individual who cares deeply for kids. Beyond the hours she gives when working at planned events, Anna also spends countless hours in relationship building outside of organized church activities.
It isn't unusual to hear Anna say "thank you" when given the opportunity to serve in ministry. She simply tries to be in the center of God's will so that she can be used most effectively by Him.
- "Counselor of the Year" and extensive involvement - Camp of Champions
- Junior High student ministry - Grace Mennonite Church
- Extensive volunteer work
- Desire to become an oversees missionary
Parents: Terry & Margie Mortenson
Age: 20
Currently: St. Francis Medical Center College of Nursing
Church: Grace Mennonite Church
Favorite Quote: "Where ever you are, be all there. Live to the hilt. Every
situation you believe to be the will of God." Jim Elliot