Show Me A Billboard
I had the blessing to visit with Gina, part of our tech team at Pine Valley United Methodist Church. She directs and runs the camera. Since 2006 Gina had gone to another church and volunteered running cameras. She loved doing that and was very blessed by it. She got to film Shandra Pearce, the Gaither Band, and Michael W Smith. Last year she found herself looking for a church that was strong in Scripture. Right before COVID, she visited PVUMC two or three times and then had her mom come visit when she was in town. They both loved the small feel of PVUMC and found it very welcoming! During COVID, she watched online. She missed filming but thought all of the tech team at PVUMC were professional.
Like me, Gina always asked God, not just for a sign, but a billboard. At her former church, there was a screen in front of her, the size of a billboard, that asked for volunteers to work on the tech team. That is how she got involved there. She said she was too intimidated to just go and ask about serving in that capacity. While watching PVUMC online, one of the opening slides read if you were interested in helping with the tech team to notify them. Feeling this was another sign from God, she did and became part of the PVUMC tech team. She said God had directed her twice because He knows her so well! And because she has her eyes open watching for Him!
One morning the tech team was taken to breakfast as a thank you to the hard-working volunteers. It was unusual for her to be off that day, but it worked out for her to go. As the team was being thanked she spoke up and shared that they also receive blessings while serving. She shared about one specific Sunday. She said because she doesn’t have to think about every single thing she is doing, she can be in the moment with worship. She also believes that God opens her eyes to see things. This morning God opened her eyes to a little girl around six years old. She was spinning, dancing and twirling to the music. She was very free. She was praising God in her own way. She was joyous in her worship. Gina said she was reminded of David dancing before the Lord. 2 Samuel 6:14, “David was dancing before the Lord with all his might.”
Across the gym was an older lady who had both arms raised, worshipping God. Psalm 134:2, “Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and praise the Lord.” She felt like both ends of the spectrum were worshipping, both in their own way. She said it was very moving for her. She said a lot of people do not think they can worship while volunteering but she can. If you are looking for it, He will give you eyes to see! Matthew 13:16, “...blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear.”
Gina said it is very fun to be at Pine Valley UMC. She feels welcome and loves that Pastor Tim knows her name. We all like to feel special! Luke 12:7, "Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered." She said getting connected has given her a place to belong. She has made new friends, and they are starting to pick on each other. (‘Pick’ is southern for teasing each other.) Recently three of them were referred to as the three stooges while laughing together.
She said she shared her story at the breakfast just to show how she had been blessed. Then Pastor Barry thanked her for the story he had heard at a staff meeting about her glory sighting while serving. Then she called her mother and said some lady from the church wants to take me to lunch to hear my story! With that, she said, “I knew I was supposed to share!”
Thank you, Gina, for using your gifts and talents for God’s glory at PVUMC!