Stars on the Field

Published on April 30, 2010 by Pastor Jeff Zabel

On April 16th, we hosted a truly wonderful Christian band called Starfield (www.starfieldonline.com).  While the turnout was not as we had hoped, nonetheless, we enjoyed an amazing night of energetic, heart-felt worship.  Brothers Jon and Tim Neufield, the front-men for Starfield, presented themselves with such professionalism, humility and transparency.  This is the second time that I personally have been able to work with these guys and I can't say enough about their integrity, humor, and love for Christ.  It was a joy to be with them again!

Interestingly, the highlight of the whole day for me might not be what one would expect.  The most impressive part of the day took place in the morning - during the "load in" with a group of 12 men (a biblical number?)... Here are the guys:

Jim Barton
Denny Dahl
Larry Dearing
Matt Falk
Larry Finley
Earl Johnson
Bill Zabel
Jon Zabel
Brian Moody
Danny Posthuma (and his friend CJ)
Bruce Eldridge

These men not only worked very hard and skillfully for several hours, but did so with joy.  To set up what you see in the picture took sweat and strain...but we had the right group for the mission!  In fact, Mat Crisp, Starfield's tour manager, said he had never worked with such quick and skilled volunteers.  That is something to celebrate!

But even MORE inspiring than that was the reality that the majority of these men who helped set up for the concert, didn't attend the concert (even though they could have...for FREE).  What???  Why?  Well, simply stated, the style of music that Starfield represents isn't exactly their 'cup of tea'.

Here's a group of men that served...simply to serve.  Any other motivation need not apply.  What an amazing testimony to the faithfulness and character of our volunteers at 1BL.  I thank God for these type of attitudes in our church... The rest of the volunteers who gave of their time are to be commended, too... Without their help at merch tables, ushering, ticketing, and tear-down, we would have been sunk.  Thanks to:

Liz Zabel
Sarah Nitikman
Dave Dahl
Pat Kinney
Roy Kinney
Trent Lewis
Beth Medley
Kathy Smalley
Holly Ignas
Mike Ignas

You are the true stars on the field.  May God bless you for your gracious outpouring.

-Jeff