Bear Ministry 7/11/2007
When I started worshipping at R&C in the fall of 1993 as a college student, there were several people who left an impression on me which helped me keep attending at R&C. Mark Copeland and I talked about my high school chemistry teacher who Mark knew since both attended Harding at the same time. Jackie Horton, every time we worshipped would come by and shake every college student’s hand either before class or Sunday night worship. Then…. there was David Koone. For some reason, he took an interest in me, and I am so thankful he did, because he, Michelle, Kayla, and Owen have been a blessing to me and my family for 14 years now. One could easily say he was just doing it because he was a deacon and felt obligated. Or maybe, just maybe, it is because he is a good man with big heart and loves the souls that God has put around him. Maybe it is because he purposely chose to get involved in a young college student’s life and make a difference. Over these 14 years, I have watched him and his family serve not only this congregation, but those around them. He and Marty Knight taught the gospel to co-worker Michael Davis and the Lord converted him because of their willingness to teach the gospel. This is not the first time David, or Marty have shared their faith with fellow co-workers. David, Michelle, Kayla, and Owen have all been a part of Barton Bible Camp and served it well as counselors and campers. Space does not allow for me to elaborate more, so I will close with this thought. My life is simply one of literally 100’s that the Koone family has influenced and blessed, not because of being a deacon or a deacon’s family, but because they are Christians trying to do what God wants them to do. I have full confidence that they will continue to serve those around them because they are Christians. That is what the last 14 years have shown me. Let’s follow their example as they follow God. Prov. 27:17; 1 Cor. 11:1; Rom. 12:10-16; 1 Ptr. 2:17.