Teens Receive GARBC Service Awards

Posted June 25, 2009 in Association News, GARBCnews, Web Exclusive

ELYRIA, Ohio-Three high school students have been awarded GARBC Service Awards during the Students Alive meeting on Thursday morning.

McKenzie Baker (Graham Road Baptist Church, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio) was nominated by her youth sponsor, Teresa Rush [pictured on left].

“MacKenzie is a is a wonderful Christian young woman who provides spiritual guidance and leadership to others,” says Teresa. “She looks for opportunities to serve Christ in the church and in her community, reflecting the light of Christ to those around her. At church gatherings, McKenzie works behind the scenes, completing whatever needs to be done without being asked.”

McKenzie volunteers in AWANA in which she leads groups of T&T and Sparks. She is a recipient of the prestigious AWANA Citation Award. During summers, McKenzie has served with Child Evangelism Fellowship as a counselor at Camp Good News. This summer she is ministering as a Five Day Club missionary, while continuing to work three jobs to pay for college. McKenzie graduated in the top percentile of her class.

McKenzie Baker is faithfully committed to the Lord Jesus Christ,” says Pastor Larry Engle. “Her decision to give her life to Christ as a young teen and her evidence of spiritual growth have been a constant source of joy, not only to me, but also to our congregation.”

“As she has grown in the Lord, we realize her potential of being used to bless others. She faithfully attends youth services and ministries. She has been on two missions trips with our young people, one to help missionaries in Alaska, and another to assist a church in New York City by reaching young people on the streets. In a physical capacity, McKenzie has worked on a church building project.”

In addition, McKenzie has been recognized by her high school as a Rotary student of the month-an award presented for her community service, good school attendance, and positive attitude.

Katie Foy (Tri Lakes Baptist Church, Columbia City, Indiana) was nominated by Bill and Kathryn Walter, family friends.

Katie was saved when she was six-years-old. Early in life Katie was prompted to serve the Lord, influenced by her parents’ desire to honor Christ in their home and in their activities. As a child she attended Twin Lakes Camp every summer where she heard the testimonies of missionaries. Those testimonies, along with her parents’ support of missions, have influenced Katie to pursue a missions degree upon entering college.

Katie’s initial experience with public witnessing came when she and her youth group interacted with people on the streets of Chicago about their spiritual needs. This experience prepared her for a missions trip to New York City where the teens used puppets and VBS curriculum with inner city children. On another mission trip, Katie ministered to children in South Carolina and painted houses for senior citizens. In addition, Katie went with Teen Missions International to Nepal and used her soccer skills for a ministry with nationals. While lodging at an orphanage, Katie and the youth group used drama, puppets, and music to share the gospel daily.

In church Katie has sung in the youth and adult choirs and in Christmas musicals. She has played her flute, worked in the nursery, served as a children’s church co-worker, assisted with preprimaries in the Word of Life program, and served as a helper in VBS.

Katie was a member of her high school soccer team, swimming team, and diving team. In addition, she was an assistant coach for middle school students in those sports. She was a member of the Students Against Destructive Decisions and a mentor to freshman students.

“I am happy to endorse Katie Foy for the Student Service Award nomination,” says Pastor Dave Schiedel. “Katie has a sweet disposition and has shown a servant’s heart with her family and with her church.”

Jennifer Anne Nierman (Tri Lakes Baptist Church, Columbia City, Indiana) was nominated by Bill and Kathryn Walter, family friends [pictured on right].

Jennifer desires to exemplify Christ at school, in the home, and in the church. No one is a stranger to Jennifer-she connects at some level with everyone she meets. “Compassion” could be her middle name! Jennifer is an outgoing teen who boldly shares her testimony and relates well to people of all ages. She is a strong leader in her youth group and soccer team. Jennifer’s confidence allows her to undertake a task without second guessing her ability to complete it.

In church Jennifer has participated in singing in the youth and adult choirs, undertaking missionary projects, going on a summer missions trip; attending leadership camps; helping in VBS; facilitating games in the Word of Life program; leading worship in her OASIS youth group; and remodeling the parsonage into a youth meeting area. Jennifer uses her musical abilities by playing her guitar and singing with the OASIS youth group and by singing solos in our Morning Worship Services. Jennifer is a prime example of a teen who is a sold-out Christian!

Jennifer is in the National Honor Society. Along with a great academic record, she has served as captain of her soccer team and as a member of the Future Educators in Action. Jennifer has received numerous awards including AWANA’s Timothy award, Work Ethics Award; Academic All-State Award, and Senior Grand Champion Scrapbooking 4-H Award.

In her community Jennifer has sung in the Community Christmas Choir, made gifts for Senior Citizens; rung bells for Salvation Army; taken part in 4-H for ten years, and participated in the community parade representing the church’s Vacation Bible School and her soccer team. This spring she is assisting a middle school soccer team and coaching staff.

“Jennifer has my endorsement for this award,” says Pastor Dave Schiedel. “Thanks for your careful consideration of this fine Christian teen.”