2008 Winners

Paula was born and raised in Decatur, IL. She attended ICC and Illinois State University, majoring in accounting. She worked for several years in the banking industry and was also a pre-school teacher. She and her husband, Steve, were married in 1980. They have three children and two grandchildren. Paula began her relationship with Jesus Christ seventeen years ago. After doing a Bible study with Millie Moser, Paula realized that she needed a Savior and that she could do nothing on her own. She received Christ as her personal Savior and Lord. Even though she was a young Christian, she already saw the need for service and thought she would volunteer at The Women’s Pregnancy Center. At the time she thought this was the place where God could use her. He had a different plan and directed her on another path.

Paula faithfully served for several years in various volunteer positions at her church, eventually stepping forward to head the Vacation Bible School to be held in June of 2000. This was no small task as the yearly program serves approximately 800 children from the community. She led with positive enthusiasm, gentleness, and very evident faith. Later that year, she was asked to become the Director of Children’s Ministries and, as Paula puts it, “Life changed.” Her new heart’s desire was to see these children (and all children everywhere) come to a saving knowledge of Christ. God had shown her the need to share the love of Jesus with children, giving them real hope. After diligently serving the Lord in this capacity, He then gave her a heart for underprivileged children living in poverty. Life changed again. Although she was already very busy and, at times, didn’t want to obey, she started a ministry with District 150’s Glen Oak School in the fall of 2003. There, she and fifty to eighty volunteers from her church were able to help children with their educational, physical, and spiritual needs. The ministry thrived.

Paula remained on staff at the church until 2004, when she began having some health problems. She steadfastly continued her service at Glen Oak School, even as her health condition worsened. Eventually, she was diagnosed with a rare disease called Multiple Systems Atrophy and, in May of 2007, Paula had to terminate her physical service with the school. Life changed again. Paula has trained others to carry on with the ministry. She has continued on, praying for the students and faculty of Glen Oak School as well as the volunteers who serve them. Paula has been an inspiration and encouragement to all those who have watched her willingness to serve wherever the Lord called her and to trust that He would do His work through her — no matter what.

Paula has said that her service to the community has made her realize that “we have a lot to learn from one another. And we go through nothing, no matter how insignificant it seems, that others cannot benefit from. It’s all about God. He has a better plan and that’s what it’s all about.”

Coordinator of Vacation Bible School * Director of Children’s Ministries * Adopt-a-School Ministry Founder and Coordinator / Good News Club Leader — Glen Oak School * Many other volunteer positions

Family: Married 27 years to Steven Klisares, three children and two grandchildren * Currently: Faithfully continuing to love and serve the Lord in her home * Church: Grace Presbyterian

Life Verses: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23 (NIV)

According to Darin, he “was diapered in the church.” His parents were Christians who would faithfully attend every service, revival or gospel sing at their church. Although he was born and raised in Peoria, Darin made his personal commitment to Jesus Christ when, as a nine year old boy, he went forward at an altar call at his cousin’s church in Lewistown, IL. That same evening, he and his cousin were both baptized. He feels that both of his parents were big influences upon his spiritual life. He was blessed, not only to see his father preach occasionally, but to watch him live, with conviction and passion, a life of service and integrity. Darin graduated from Woodruff High School, and later, from ICC with a degree in Diesel Mechanics Technology. He moved on to various jobs, eventually going to work for Peoria Public School District 150 as a diesel mechanic. As he got older, other men had an impact on both Darin’s faith and his call to service. A short time after the death of his mother, he heard Dr. Bruce Dunn preach a sermon on serving. That led him to begin exploring God’s call for him to begin working with boys, beginning with Boy’s Brigade.

Since December of 1989, Darin has devoted himself to helping young boys grow to be God’s men. In the process, he has been amazed to see how the Lord has grown him through service. On any given Wednesday, Saturday morning or Sunday, you will find Darin surrounded by the boys from his Sunday School class, Boy’s Brigade, youth group or discipleship group. He spends his three weeks of vacation every year volunteering at two different camps. Many parents thank God for the influence that Darin has had on their sons in the areas of integrity, responsibility, morals, values, compassion, faith and service. Many boys look to him as an example of Christianity in action.

Darin shares he has found “that if you are willing to serve out of a love for God and His people, He will never stop bringing you opportunities...and strength...and resources...and more servants to help you...and more strength and more opportunity.” He feels that if he can encourage or disciple boys and make some difference in how they live for Jesus, even in just one area, it is well worth anything that he invests. The reward, this side of Heaven, comes when the boys grow up and he is able to watch them to see what God is doing in and through them. Darin says, “But the thing that amazes me the most, is the fact that He uses me. I’m nothing special... except to Him. And I just want to keep serving Him and giving Him all the glory for what He does with and through me for His Kingdom.”

Sunday School Teacher (Sixth Grade) * Boy’s Brigade Leader * Discipleship Group Leader (Seventh Grade) * Jr./Sr. High Youth Group Leader * Counselor — Camp Kaskitowa * Counselor — Grace Presbyterian Youth Camp * MetroKidz Ministry Volunteer at Taft Homes * Volunteer for other ministries

Family: Never Been Married * Currently: Employed by Peoria Public School District 150 * Church: Grace Presbyterian

Life Verse: I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. Galatians 2:20 (NKJV)

Brent was born in Rantoul, Illinois at Chanute Air Force Base, where he spent the majority of his childhood. He received the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Savior at eight years of age and further committed his life and ministry to the Lordship of Jesus while in college. Brent’s family provided a strong Christian foundation and the Lord provided several key mentors to help shape him for the ministry that God was preparing for him. Brent is the Founder and Executive Director of The Moriah Foundation in Normal, Illinois. Brent is a licensed counselor and ordained minister. He graduated from Judson College in undergraduate studies and Illinois State University with a Masters in Counseling Psychology. Brent and his family reside in the Bloomington-Normal area. He and his wife of nineteen years, Kim, have three children.

The vision of The Moriah Foundation is to aid and assist both the local church of Jesus Christ and individual believers. They train Lay Counselors in developing the skills to become gifted people helpers. The Moriah Foundation also provides a safety net between Professional Counseling and the local church. The mission of Moriah is, quite simply, “Freeing wounded hearts to live in the love of God.” Toward that end, Brent has developed over a dozen classes to help Christians on their healing journey. He also prepares and leads monthly renewal services, which include teaching, worship and time for reflection. Brent leads conferences and workshops as well. A close observer has reflected, “The Moriah Foundation Ministry has been humbly, faithfully, tirelessly, and passionately directed by Brent Hanson for the last ten years. Brent has invested his life’s work into seeing others healed in order to have a vibrant relationship with Jesus Christ.” Brent has said that he believes that a healing journey with God is important because true intimacy with God develops as we find Him in the broken places of life. The observer continued, “Brent is using every gift God has given him...to give the glory to God and to reflect God’s goodness. You cannot help but want more of the Lord after hearing Brent talk.”

Ordained Minister * Counselor * Founder of The Moriah Foundation * Conference and Workshop Speaker

Family: Married 19 years to Kim Hanson, three children * Currently: Executive Director of The Moriah Foundation * Church: East White Oak Bible

Life Verse: For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings. Hosea 6:6 (ESV)

Allison accepted Christ as her Savior when she was about four years old. After Allison attended a children’s program where she heard about Jesus dying on the cross, her mother helped her understand how to ask Him into her heart. The older she has gotten, the more she has realized how important it is to have God in control of her life. She tries to spend time in God’s Word each day and is trying to grow more in her relationship with God by putting the things that she learns into practice in her home life, with her friends, and in youth group. This relationship with God manifests itself in her loving and caring attitude for others.

Allison’s Youth Pastor has referred to her as, “the type of servant leader that I pray God would continue to send to our youth group, church, and community.” Others have described her as “a quiet leader.” Allison demonstrates by the use of her time that she understands being a servant is not limited to a few single acts of service, but is a lifestyle. Through her school and church youth group, Allison has been involved in many activities that reach out to others. Since she is interested in going into social work, she has gotten involved helping with two different after school programs. When her church started a Good News Club at District 150’s Garfield School, she thought it would be a good way to gain experience and a great way to reach kids for Christ.

Last summer, Allison’s desire to serve both God and others led to participation in a short-term mission trip to Guatemala. There she helped with a VBS program, worked with an orphanage, and was involved with several work projects. The fact that her family is in the process of adopting a child from this orphanage made the trip both more meaningful and more difficult.

Allison feels that service has changed her in many ways. It has helped her to understand what it means to serve God all the time, even in the moments when she doesn’t necessarily want to do so. As she serves, she finds that she is becoming more aware of new ways she can help others. Service has also shown her the need to be selfless, doing everything for God’s glory. Allison’s faith in God, giving heart, and passion to serve others define who she is.

B.A.C.E. Tutor * Garfield After School Program / Youth Group Leadership Team / Rosewood Nursing Home Ministry Coordinator / Visitor Outreach Team / Nursery Team — Bethany Baptist * Key Club * Varsity Tennis Team Co-Captain * Mission trip to Guatemala

Parents: Ken and Amy Park * Age: 17 * Currently: Morton High School * Future Plan: Olivet Nazarene University * Church: Bethany Baptist

Life Verses: Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me, put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9 (NIV)

Alex says that he has grown up in a family that tries to completely surround itself with God. His parents are the kind of people who bring God into every situation. His own walk with God began when he was ten years old. His father took him to The Christian Center to see The Power Team. Alex found himself wanting to be just like these guys who had amazed him with their skills. At the end of the program, the leader of the group came to the microphone and said, “God is the One who strengthens us and He can do the same in you...all you have to do is just ask Him into your heart.” Alex went forward to receive Christ that night. Alex concludes the story, “From there on I have been running towards God and haven’t looked back.”

God has given Alex an unusual platform for service through his involvement with Metamora High School football. He has been dressing for the varsity team since freshman year, and this year he was the Captain of their 5A State Champion Football Team. He is known for leading his teammates in prayer on the field after every game. He also leads a Bible study for about twenty (freshman through senior) guys. Alex comments that during his time in high school, he has come to realize that many of his peers and other teenagers of his generation are becoming hungrier for God.

Alex feels that service has changed him by holding him accountable and by helping him make sure that he stays involved. He states, “Service causes me to make sure I am helping take care of the people around me or people that I come in contact with.” He is open to God’s call to service. Currently he works with the Dream Center in downtown Peoria because he feels called to work with kids in the inner city. His experiences there have opened his eyes to see what a different world they come from. Alex summarizes his involvement this way, “I love to lead kids and get involved with their lives and see where I can make an impact.”

Youth Basketball Volunteer / Friday Night Light at Taft Homes / Backpack Peoria — Dream Center * YFC Mission Trips to Arizona & Indianapolis * Relay for Life Team Leader * St. Jude Volunteer * Past YFC Student Leader * FCA Member / Leader * MTHS Worship / Prayer Meeting Leader * MTHS Big-Mini Evangelistic Outreach Leader * MTHS Football Captain * MTHS Track Team * MTHS Bible Study Leader

Parents: Jeff and Sherry Luhring * Age: 19 * Currently: Metamora Township High School * Future Plan: University of Minnesota * Church: Riverside Community Church

Life Verse: Finally, let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. Gal. 6:17 (NIV)

Bethany has been raised in a Christian home where she has always felt the presence of the Lord. As a young child, her father encouraged her to accept Jesus as her Savior. Since that time she has simply been seeking Jesus. Her father has continued to be a large influence on her faith, demonstrating what a godly person should be. She delights in seeing God at work in everyday life and loves living with Jesus by her side. Bethany’s enthusiasm for her faith has led her to demonstrate it through a consistent commitment to her local church and community as well as a broader world.

Bethany is an example of quiet, steadfast servanthood. Because she believes God has put children on her heart, her involvement at church includes teaching Sunday School, and working in the nursery. She wants kids to know that church is a safe place where they are loved. Her goals are to plant seeds of faith and to remind kids of Jesus’ love for them. Prayer has also been a special dimension of faith for Bethany. Even as a small child, Bethany consistently encouraged her church to pray for another child who had cancer. Now Bethany is a part of the intercessory prayer team at her church. Her service extends beyond her church or her neighborhood. She is involved with organizing and fund-raising for the World Vision 30 Hour Famine. She also sponsors a child in Africa through World Vision.

When asked how service has changed her, Bethany replied, “I am who I am today because of my service.” She realizes that even though service can sometimes be hard, God always pulls her through with a joyful heart. It is Bethany’s desire to continue to live out a life of service as she majors in Social Work, specializing in Adoptions Counseling.

Sunday School Teacher * Church Nursery Worker * Church Food Pantry Volunteer * Intercessory Prayer Team * Worship Leader * World Vision 30 Hour Famine * World Vision child sponsor * PHS Cross Country Team Captain * Student Council (multiple positions) * PHS Track Team Captain

Parents: Tom and Vicky Eckhardt; Jacque Buurman * Age: 18 * Currently: Peoria High School * Future Plan: Trinity Christian College * Church: Bradley Epworth United Methodist

Life Verse: The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners. Isaiah 61:1 (NIV)

Ryan accepted Jesus into his heart when he was five years old. He feels, however, that he never understood what it really meant to be a Christian, let alone a servant to God, until the summer after his sophomore year of High School. For the first time, he attended the Grace Presbyterian Youth Summer Camp. This weeklong event changed his life. Not only was he impacted by the acceptance that he found there, but by the message as well. The theme for the week, “One Gets It Done”, was taken from Ephesians 4:1-6 and emphasized the importance of the Body of Christ working together to accomplish things for God’s glory. Ryan took that message to heart and has been growing in his relationship to Christ and in service to others ever since.

Ryan feels that service has given him a heart to look at others’ interests and not just his own (Philippians 2:4). He has found several ways to do his part in the Body of Christ. They include, among others, using his gift of guitar playing and singing to lead worship, and working with Jr. High kids throughout the year and also at summer camp. Through the years, he’s realized how much this world needs a Savior. Through his service, he feels that he can show that Savior to others and help prepare young people to do the same. Someone who knows Ryan well has said, “Ryan’s life and actions are marked by and made possible by his faith. He has proven himself as a faithful, hard-working, and dedicated leader.” Ryan sums it up this way, “God has given me so much to be thankful for and this is my way to give thanks to Him. I enjoy it so much!”

Mission Trip to Puerto Rico * College and Jr. High Ministries Worship Leader * Jr. High Ministry Leader * Adopt-a-Block and MetroKidz Volunteer * Summer Camp Counselor * Two Year Old Department Helper

Parents: Rod and Karen Haggerty * Age: 19 * Currently: ICC * Future Plan: Olivet Nazarene University * Church: Grace Presbyterian

Life Verse: Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge.” Psalm 62:8 (NIV)