After a month with Debbie's parents, we moved to an apartment in an empty building in Chester, WV (rent-free, courtesy of a special friend). I spent the next several months looking for any kind of a job that would produce income. Finally, Debbie and I interviewed with the Shelter Care social serving agency in Akron, OH. Short story: we were hired and began work about two weeks later.
At first, we lived in Cuyahoga Falls. On Sunday, we knew we'd attend the Cornerstone Church; we had attended seminary at the same time as Charlie and Brenda Young. We'd heard of the stability, vision and growth of this congregation and were excited to be a part of their ministry.
I called ahead to get the times for worship. We arrived early: me, Debbie, Troy (15) and Tracie (14). We stood in the foyer waiting for the first service to end. As the service time grew closer, the foyer began to fill! Eventually, we were pushed over to the entrance to the office suite. More and more people crowded into this limited space. We could hear the worship team leading the congregation in the closing song. Excitement was building! By now the room was so packed with people, I wondered how anyone would get out of the service.
Suddenly, the ushers (I remember that Dave Potter was one of them) pushed the doors open and people started streaming for the front doors! Amazingly, the crowd parted as they passed through. People were high-fiving us as they left the building, giving hints of what we should expect! At one point Troy (over 6' tall) leaned over to me and told me, "Dad, I think I'm going to like this church!" We were all feeling the excitement; I asked him why? His response was golden: "There're a lot of good-looking girls that attend here!" :-)
Gradually, we were able to squeeze through the crowd and enter the sanctuary. People were literally running to get seats! Dave Haydu was the worship leader at the time; he did a great job! The music was new to us and invigorating spiritually. Brenda Young's message was on-target! We knew we had found our new church.
That very day, the congregation was saying farewell to an associate pastor. As a result, Brenda fairly quickly asked if I was allowed (by Shelter Care) to hold another position. In a matter of weeks, I started as a part-time associate. In June, her other associate left to attend seminary. I stepped into the full-time role of Lead Associate and stayed for nearly six years.
Being free of the lead role, I was able to work in areas of strength and develop relationships. I trained several Men's Ministry Teams while there. I did a lot of oversight of the nearly twelve members of the staff (many were part time). I picked up the nickname of the guy who wore many hats.
Our lives were on full-throttle during these years. The Cornerstone family accepted us completely. They also enfolded the many children and youth that we brought from our shelter home! We felt so blessed to be part of this phenomenal work of God. Cornerstone is the only church I've ever known where seventy-five percent of the congregation are first-generation believers! It may sound like an exaggeration to say that we saw commitments to Christ EVERY WEEK - but it's the truth!
Jim Stetler became a role model and dear friend during these years. He's one of the most amazing evangelists and disciplers that I have personally known. He was tenacious! I admire him deeply!
Working with Brenda was a highlight of my career! I learned so much from watching her and sitting under her ministry! She is an exceptional leader who invests deeply and places great demands on her staff! I will be fore ver grateful for the investment she made in my life and ministry!
Our time in Akron was fraught with ongoing family dilemmas and stresses. Our Cornerstone family coddled us and our kids and our shelter kids. The prayers of God's people saw us through a seven-year process of recovery. And praise the Lord, Troy remained in Akron and at Cornerstone even when we moved on to New Middletown. He became established in his faith and began to participate as a leader in the young adult ministry! Thanks be to God.
It was when we arrived at Cornerstone that I decided to change my name. On our first Sunday, I asked Brenda if she would help me do that. I had always disliked the name Harold, so, with her help everyone in Akron began to know me as Hal. :-) [It's short for Hallelujah!]
There are SO MANY stories that could be told. In the late fall of the same year we arrived, I stepped in temporarily as worship leader. The connection with the people was so strong that I continued that role until we left in the summer of 2003. The church grew to three services during that season and we were thrilled to be a small part of it!
We were led into ministries that we would never have dreamed of. Debbie came to lead a Bible study for a group of women who were trying to break away from destructive life patterns. She remembers mentioning Moses in the first study meeting; these women said they'd heard his name, but wanted to know who he really was. We were called to some of these homes for crisis interventions at all hours of the day (or night). They became our newest friends! God was so gracious and kind to work in us and through us during these years!
Gradually, my role emerged to be more of counseling than anything else. Brenda also counsels. We also had a counseling center in the church staffed by members of the congregation: Cornerstone Care! We were constantly reaching people who were caught in the perils of life and were looking for a lifeline!
Discerning and training leaders was a major part of our role! No one does that better than Brenda Young! She taught me to hold the crown over people's heads and let them grow into it! [Those who know Brenda have heard those words before...]
I feel the pain of the current congregation as they leave a building that has many memories. However, I am fully confident that He who began a good work in you, WILL COMPLETE IT until the day of Jesus Christ! Keep the ministry strong, Cornerstone people! Keep loving and caring for those who need it! Keep snatching them from the fire! God isn't finished with you YET!!!!! Trust Him to cover the details!
Much love and frequent prayers from Pastor Hal!!!!!!!!!
Great post, Hal. God's blessings on you and Debbie. Miss seeing you.
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