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From the time Jim Steller wakes up in the morning, until he falls into bed at night, there’s something he strives to do for the Lord each and every day. He considers this goal his mission statement, his life’s verse and it’s found in Galatians 6:7-10, where Paul writes,
"Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to reap the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers."
"I came across this passage several years ago and felt that it was written for me," said Jim. "I fail miserably most of the time in my attempts, but this is my goal every single day and it’s a goal I will not give up trying to accomplish."
Jim grew up in the Lutheran Church, but never really understood what it meant to have a relationship with Christ until a good friend of his seemed to possess something Jim didn’t. "I couldn’t figure out what he had that I didn’t. After all, I was married to Deb, we had a home, good jobs, reliable cars, and he didn’t have any of that," recalls Jim. "There was a glow about him that seemed to draw people to him though."
Out of curiosity, Jim began attending church with his friend. One Sunday Jim found himself talking and praying with the pastor up near the front of the church. "I wasn’t quite sure what had happened. I knew it was important but no one ever explained to me what I had just done."
It wasn’t until several years later at another church when Jim fully understood what had occurred. On January 3, 1988, Jim recommitted his life to the Lord. "This time I knew what I was doing and why I was doing it," said Jim.
NEXT THING YOU KNOW…..
God began using Jim in many areas of service, including caring for teenagers. In 1999, a new youth pastor was hired from California named Ray Harris, one of the first things he did was require all of his staff to go through a spiritual gifts assessment. Jim recalls how awed he was to know that he was endowed with certain gifts that God expected him to use in serving Him.
"I quickly learned that my two areas of spiritual gifts are in drama and service," said Jim. "I have always been able to do things in the area of service, but my passion is to do drama. I feel closest to the Lord when I am doing any sort of drama for Him." Unfortunately, this is one area of Jim’s life that he had never felt as if he was fulfilling his potential for the Lord. That was soon to change.
In January 2005, Jim and his wife, Deb, went to Ray and Lisa Harris’ home to hear about a new church they were starting. "It didn’t take us long to decide to be one of the first couples to help Ray and Lisa start The Pointe Church," explains Jim.
It was during a summer meeting for The Pointe that plans were unveiled to begin a kid’s program called Kidstuf. Jim recalls the immediate excitement he felt when he realized drama was a big part of the program.
"Ever since that first Sunday in August, I have had a part to memorize and I love it," exclaims Jim. "I am not only doing drama, but am in charge of setting up all of the children’s areas as well as the tear down of the entire church every Sunday morning. For the first time in my entire Christian life, I feel I am doing exactly what I am supposed to be doing for the Lord."
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Want to Share Your Story?
Here at The Pointe we are all a part of God's Family, and we want to get to know each and every one of you. An easy way to do this is by devoting an entire web page to focusing on the amazing ways God has worked in the lives of His people.
We want to hear your story of God's glory! If you'd be willing to share your story of salvation or spiritual life change for Next Thing You Know, email Shelley at ShelleyG@ThePointeChurch.Net.
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