Some Shining Stars

It has been a while since I have posted here, sometimes things go in seasons and I think this one is coming to a close.  But before I sign off I have a group of stars to mention.  

There is a shift of people that work at Suncor, the L-2 shift I believe is what they call their shift.  A few years back they decided to start a prayer meeting on their "short change" day at 9:30 am.  So a group of them have met for years now and they pray for a variety of things but they continually pray for safety in their work place.  Now I am told that their shift has a safety record way better than the norm not only in their company but in the industry.  Prayer changes things.  

So I want to thank, Warren, Sean, Jonathan, Brock, Tony, Mike, Mark, Matthew and the many others who have been a part of this prayer group.  Safety is important and as such it should be a matter of prayer, thanks for being such a good example of praying for the important things and then living it out as well.

So the latest star of Wood buffalo is the Suncor L-2 Shift Prayer meeting crew!

Preacherman

Star #25

Star #25 of Wood Buffalo is someone who enjoys making a difference.  She has spent a lot of time and energy helping those in need and encouraging people who are struggling.  Whether it has been through her time at the local Soup Kitchen, raising funds for Orphans in Honduras or at the Centre of Hope, Kathy Dewar has been a great example of making a big difference while trying to remain in the background.  It always encourages me to know people who volunteer so much of their time and energy and have such a big heart to give and help.


Kathy, thank you so much for all you do!  You are one of the stars of our community.  Please keep up the great work, it is so very appreciated.


Preacherman

Star #24

Star #24 is someone who I have known for a couple of years.  He has a great heart to help others and serve people and our community quietly behind the scenes.  He always seems open to help out others and even if he is the only person who shows up to take on a task, he will press forward to accomplish it.  Yet inside this quiet and service oriented guy is the heart of a leader and the mind of someone who desires to make a difference here.

Whether Warren Steckley is helping someone move to their new house, doing what he can to make sure the VBS in Anzac has what they need for the kids, gathering people and support for orphans in Honduras, or taking time to pray for his co-workers and work place safety, Warren always has a relaxed and friendly attitude.  Warren has reminded me of the importance of connecting with people because everyone needs friends, our "old friends" need to know we still care and the new people we meet are just waiting to become some of those "old friends".

Warren you are not always a man of many words, but your life and the words you do use mean a lot to me and are a great example of how everyday people can help make our community great!  Thanks Warren for all you do and for being a part of our community, you are Star #24!

Preacherman

Star #23

Star #23 is someone who always has a warm welcome and a big smile.  Friendly, encouraging and full of the "can do" attitude that expresses our community.  Maybe you crossed his path at a community event?  Maybe you met him at Campbell's Music where he is the Manager?  Yes, Scott Meller is Star #23.


Scott, thanks for your great attitude and community spirit.  You are a wonderful example of how the everyday people here in our community make it such a great place to live.  3 Cheers for Scott as Star #23!


Preacherman

Star #22

Star #22 is another young person in our community.  She is a great young lady that has a heart to make a difference.  I always see her volunteering her time and serving others without complaining.  She seems to always have a smile and a laugh that brightens up other people's day.  Whether she is helping people learn how to skate or helping with children's day camps, she seems to always be busy.  Breanna is a great example for her peers as to how to get involved and be a part of making a difference in the lives of others and our community.

Breanna Ward-Pollock, thank you for all that you do here in Fort McMurray, you are one of the stars in our community.

Preacherman

Star #21

Star #21 is a young man who spends a lot of his time beneath the radar.  He is not on a bunch of committees or a leader of many organizations.  Instead he is a high school student who serves others with a willing heart.  He has been known to speak up when he sees that something is not right and I really like those qualities in a young man.

Ryan Hlushak is Star #21 for His dedication to being a part of things that help others be effective.  Things like our Church multimedia team, where he has given a lot of his time not only for regular Sundays but also for special events, weddings, funerals, childrens events etc...  I see the qualities in him that are much needed in the younger generation in our community.  Qualities like - a willingness to volunteer, a good work ethic, a respectful attitude, steady dedication to a cause and tasks.  Thanks Ryan for all you do and the example you are even at your young age.  You are a Star here in our community.

Preacherman

Star #20

Star #20 is someone I really appreciate.  I have known him for a few years and have seen him do quite a few things to make a difference.  I have seen how he runs his business life with good character and efficiency.  I have seen him volunteer in a variety of roles with different organizations.  He has often been active in assisting many community groups in their fund raising efforts.  You may know him from his time at Wal-Mart or McMurray Coin or even Marks Work Wearhouse, Derek Esabrooks is a good friend and great member of our community.

I could probably take way too much time here to talk about how I have seen Derek make a difference.  He has a heart to make sure that young people and children are growing and healthy.  He has sacrificed literally MONTHS of His life volunteering.  A real leader, yet often happy to quietly be in the background, Derek is always someone you can count on.  He is someone who always encourages me.

Thanks Derek for who you are and all you do, you are one of the stars of our community!

Preacherman