2005 Winners

Milo grew up on a farm and was saved at the age of 12. He felt God’s call to ministry while serving in a U.S. Army Hospital in Shanghai, China during World War II. While in Shanghai, he had extensive contact with missionaries from the China Inland Mission, and the Lord turned his focus from the farm to ministry. That led him to training at Taylor University and Asbury Theological Seminary, then to the pastorate of Groveland Evangelical Mennonite Church, a country church which served about 200 people. After four fruitful years there, the Lord called Milo to lead the formation of Grace Evangelical Mennonite Church in Morton. He served as the senior pastor there for 33 years and was instrumental in planting three new churches. Presently, these four churches serve about 6,500. Since retiring in 1991, Milo has served as interim pastor in four central Illinois congregations and is now faithfully serving in his home as the primary caregiver of his wife of 60 years, who is an Alzheimer’s patient.

Seeking the lost has always been a priority for Milo. God has used him in a mighty way to share the Good News of Jesus Christ, and his life has had an impact on many, both directly and indirectly. He has spent a lifetime of ministry actively engaged in missions, both at home and abroad, preaching the Word and encouraging believers to invest their time, talents, and resources to reach others for Christ. Milo’s faithful obedience to God’s call is an example to all, and the success of his ministry is evidence of his servant’s heart and humble attitude. Milo would say that this award should be shared with the many other servants who helped him along the way, but today we praise God for Milo’s life and the servant leader that he has been.

• Farmer
• United States Army
• Taylor University and Asbury Theological Seminary
• Pastor of Groveland Evangelical Mennonite Church, 1954-1958
• Senior Pastor of Grace Evangelical Mennonite Church, 1958-1991
• Instrumental in starting Eureka Bible Church; Faith Church, Bloomington, IL; Northwoods Community Church
• Interim Pastor of Salem Church, Gridley, IL; Oak Grove Church, East Peoria; Calvary Mennonite, Washington, IL; North Danvers Mennonite Church, Danvers, IL
• Served on numerous boards
• Active in the ministries of the Peoria Rescue Mission

• Family: Married for 60 years to his wife, Violet; 3 children, 2 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren
• Currently: Primary caregiver of his wife
• Church: Grace Evangelical Church (Formerly Grace Evangelical Mennonite Church) Morton, IL

Life Verse: In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:6

Lindy’s life was changed forever in 1961 when he put his trust in Christ as his Lord and Savior. Through the preaching of the Gospel and the prompting of the Holy Spirit, Lindy made a decision to be a follower of Jesus Christ, and it is because of this decision that he has become a faithful servant. Lindy demonstrates his servant’s heart, not just in his church, but in all areas of his life, being a good steward of all the time, resources, and gifts that God has given him. He has been a Godly leader and servant to his own family and when his wife Jean died in 1997, he took on the roles of grandmother and grandfather, hosting family dinners and holiday celebrations and often babysitting for his grandchildren.

Lindy continues to say “yes” as he is called to teach Sunday School, lead Bible studies, or serve as a leader in his church. He has been a great example to the body of Christ as he has put others first and shared his faith with many. As God has opened doors of opportunity for him, he has been a witness to many as he has obeyed God’s calling with a faithful heart.

• First and Second Grade Sunday School Teacher for 40 years
• Elder for 30 years
• Clerk of Session for 25 years
• Vacation Bible School Teacher for 12 years
• Church Treasurer
• Men’s Small Group Bible Study
• Grief Share Support Group
• Community Bible Study
• Gideons
• Peoria North Camp - Camp Treasurer and Memorial Bible Chairman
• Couple’s Bible Study for 25 years - Leader for 2 years
• Served 35 years as East Peoria’s City Clerk/Finance Officer

• Family: Married 38 years to Jean Ann Arnold, who passed away in 1997; 3 children and 9 grandchildren
• Currently: Retired and faithfully serving his church, his family, and his community
• Church: Grace Presbyterian Church

Life Verse: Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And he shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5,6

Seeds of faith were planted in Paula’s life as a child, but didn’t take root until she was confronted with the Gospel at a Christian Women’s Friendship Bible coffee at the age of 29. It was then that she trusted in Jesus Christ alone for her salvation and dedicated her life to know and love Jesus and serve Him wholeheartedly. It was through a mentoring relationship that Paula developed a deep passion for discipleship through small groups and one-on-one mentoring. Since 1984, she has worked with ministry teams to start and help develop many ministries at her church - ten years as a volunteer and ten years serving on the church staff. In 1995, she and her brother, Steve Wiegand, formed a team that started Camp of Champions USA in Central Illinois, which was modeled after a day camping ministry Steve had founded in Atlanta, Georgia.

Paula’s passion is to see others grow in their faith and use their own gifts and talents to serve God. She not only seeks to live a life worthy of her calling, she challenges others to do the same. Her humble attitude and desire to do God’s will is evident in the many lives she has touched.

• Watchman Prayer Ministry
• Small Groups
• Crossroads Sunday School
• Stepping Stones Sunday School
• Marriage Care
• Family Night
• Divorce Care
• Grief Share
• Single Parent Support
• Step Family Support
• Club All-American All-Stars
• New Hope 12-Step Recovery
• Crossroads Ministry Teams
• Mentoring and Coaching
• VBS
• Moms in Touch
• Relational Evangelism Focus Group
• Kids and Teens 519
• Comeback Kids
• Camp of Champions
• Women’s Ministries
• Little Lambs Moms-Morning-Out
• TLC - Touching Lives for Christ
• Navigators 2:7
• Stephen Ministry
• Sunday School Teacher
• Special Events

• Family: Married to Fred Kaufman 34 years; 3 children and 5 grandchildren
• Currently: Director of Small Groups and Crossroads Ministries - Grace Presbyterian Church

Life Verse: Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5,6

Josh’s spiritual pilgrimage began early in his life as he was born into a Christian family and accepted Jesus as his Savior at a young age. God used situations in his life, such as his grandmother’s illness, to work on Josh’s heart and prepare him for what was ahead.

After high school, Josh made plans to become an electrician, but the Lord had bigger plans and called Josh to do a short-term mission assignment. It was through this nine-month assignment that God continued to work on Josh’s heart and called him into the ministry. During this time, Josh was also taught about the power of prayer, the importance of the Body of Christ, and God’s desire for each of us to be missionaries wherever we are.

Josh lives his faith each day as he spends time in the Word and in prayer, and sees difficult situations as opportunities for the Lord to work. His positive outlook on life and his love for people are evidence of his servant’s heart, and his dependence on Christ allows him to stay focused. As Josh continues with his training, God has not yet revealed the specific area of ministry to which he is being called, but is equipping him to teach and preach the Word of God. Josh knows that only God holds the plans for his life and it is his job to continue serving.

• YES (Youth Evangelism Service) � Mission trip to Peru
• Started Men’s Bible Study for young men in his church
• Mentoring
• Resident Advisor at Lincoln Christian College
• Organized Service Projects and Bible Studies at Lincoln Christian College
• Attended “Purpose-Driven Church” Seminar
• Attended Bill Allison’s “Cadre Ministries” classes
• Youth With A Mission � Service Project
• Gift’s Discernment Committee
• Usher
• Church Visitation
• Organized Service Project for young adults at his church
• Sunday School Teacher
• Organized Tornado Disaster Service

• Parents: Gene and Carol Lehman
• Age: 24
• Currently: Intern at Calvary Mennonite Church through Lincoln Christian College

Life Verse: Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” Matthew 22:37,38

Brittany trusted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at the age of five, however it was just three years ago that she fully grasped the important and essential place that God holds in her life. She now knows that He is to be the chief focus in everything she does and that increasing her understanding of God is vital to leading a Godly life. Since then, God has been working in amazing ways in Brittany’s life.

Brittany believes that Christian living is an everyday, all-day lifestyle, and it is defined by our ultimate goal in life as Christians: to bring glory to God. Brittany plans to attend Moody Bible Institute this fall, majoring in Bible Theology and eventually teach Bible class in a high school setting.

• Missions trips to Mexico and California
• Election Judge
• Christian Center volunteer - Skatepark and Parent’s Night Out
• Camp of Champions USA counselor and volunteer
• Started high school ministry at her church called “Serving Saturday”
• Co-developed a mentoring program for junior high and senior high girls
• Church nursery volunteer
• VBS
• American Red Cross Blood Drive
• Organized 30 Hour Famine at her school
• Axis Prayer Leader
• Alethea Youth Group Leadership Team
• National Honor Society
• Student Council
• Senior Class Secretary
• Student Outreach
• Evangelism Explosion
• Rotary Club Honoree
• Initiated Independent Study of Biblical Morals and Ethics

• Parents: Doug and Becky Klaus
• Age: 18
• Currently: Peoria Christian School
• Church: Bethany Baptist Church

Life Verse: The LORD is my strength and song, And He has become my salvation; This is my God, and I will praise Him; My father’s God, and I will extol Him. Exodus 15:2

During Julie’s high school years, God has allowed her to have many opportunities to share His love with others. She selflessly and tirelessly gives her gifts and talents to further God�s kingdom on earth. One of the gifts that she�s been given is that of working with children and teaching them of God’s love.

Her leadership style and ability empowers Julie to be supportive and encouraging, recognizing others abilities, and helping them aspire to excellence. No need is too great or too small to gain Julie�s attention; one finds Julie serving in whatever capacity she is needed. She has an incredible understanding that to imitate Christ is to lead by serving others.

• Mission Trip to Belize
• Teens for Life Club
• Drama Club
• School play
• Retreat Team
• Dead Theologians Society
• Student Ambassadors
• National Youth Leadership Conference (by nomination)
• National March for Life
• Key Club
• Organized Red Cross Blood Drive
• Liturgy and Concert Choir
• Sunday School Teacher
• More than 400 Service Hours

• Parents: Randy and Becky Knoblauch
• Age:17
• Currently: Peoria Notre Dame
• Church: St. Peter�s Catholic Church, Peoria, IL

Life Verse: You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone. As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead. James 2:22,24,26

Lisa has seen in amazing ways how God is working out the plans for her life. She has become a young woman who has not only grown stronger in her own faith and personal relationship with Jesus Christ, but has also grown stronger in her willingness to share His love with others. She has become bold in sharing her faith and is known for “standing up for Jesus” in her school. Quite often Lisa will step forward and assume leadership roles solely because she recognizes the need to do so.

As Lisa prepares to go to college and makes plans for the future, she is excited to see what God has in store for her. As she surrenders her life to Him more and more each day, she knows that God is in control and will continue to use her life for His glory as she enters the next stage of her life.

• Mission Trip to Greece
• Youth Praise Band
• Youth Choir
• All-State Youth Choir
• Dare-to-Share (learning to share your faith with others and putting it into practice)
• Handbell Choir
• World Changers (construction and evangelistic outreach mission trips)
• HOPE - Hands of Praise Evangelism
• See You at the Pole
• GASS (Gathering at Six on Sundays)
• Marching Band
• Concert Choir
• Soccer
• Guidance Office Helper
• E-team (youth evangelism)
• Vacation Bible School Teacher

• Aunt and Uncle: Richard and Linda Picton
• Age:18
• Currently: Limestone High School
• Church: Woodland Baptist Church

Life Verse: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11