Ministry:  Five Oaks Church

Location:  Woodbury, MN

Project:  Classroom space and new main entry

Story:  This story isn't just about a 5th grade student named Zach who was impacted by his Sunday school teacher, Patti, but an example of the powerful impact such volunteers can have on others for Jesus Christ.  This particular volunteer made such an impression, that earlier this Winter, she participated in Zach's baptism. 

Everyone likes to know that the time and energy they give volunteering is a blessing to someone.  Patti Meras of Five Oaks Church has clear evidence that she has impacted at least one life for Christ.  One of her Sunday School students, Zach, decided to be baptized the year following having Patti as a teacher.  Jeni Carlson, Director of Children's Ministries at Five Oaks Church, received a message from Zach's mom explaining Zach's choice of person to baptize him and why he made this decision.  "Patti was Zach's teacher last year and I have to tell you, Zach and I think she is amazing.

When I told her at church on Sunday that he was going to be baptized, she got all choked up and was just so excited for him. I relayed this to Zach after I left church as he was at a hockey game. He looked at me and said "'Mom, I want Patti to baptize me, she was so supportive of  me last year when I thought about getting baptized and always offered her help!'" So, I know she teaches during the service he will be baptized, but is there anyway she could sneak away for the baptism part?  I know she wanted to witness his baptism and she said she was going to try and see if she could sneak away briefly," wrote Zach's mom.

"Zach's Mom didn't know that the office staff was so impacted by the request and the maturity of Zach's inquiry, that there wasn't a dry eye in the office," comments Jeni as she relates this story.

We all have people that touch our lives in special ways, like Patti and Zach.  It is easy to overlook God's provision of the facility that provided the space and setting for these lives and many others to be touched.  Ministry Campaign Services and Christian Investors Foundation are honored to be able to participate in God's work by providing capital campaign consulting and financing for facilities like the new classroom space at Five Oaks Church.