H7 Story: Team Ball Award # 4
Team Code Maxim #4 “We celebrate everyday boring faithful service.” - Marlene Evans and Cindy Garstkiewicz.
by Wendi Kitsteiner
God has taught me the powerful lesson that it is better to champion than to compare, collaborate instead of compete, and communicate instead of criticize.” – Cindy Garstkiewicz
In sports, when someone hits some sort of career milestone or they have a particularly amazing game, the team will often award them a game ball. Years ago, we decided that even though we aren’t an athletic program, we can do the same here at FCC!
Every Year at Team Bash, we award “Team Balls” to some examples of FCCers who embody our team’s goals. Over the last few weeks, we’ve highlighted the individuals who received our “Team Balls” this year! And today, it’s time to call out a fantastic Mother-Daughter Duo!
Team Ball #4 went to Cindy Garstkiewicz and her mother Marlene Evans. This duo have faithfully served in Kids for over 11 years. Not just that, but they are an integral part of serving at multiple events at Chuckey Doak High School, and are an ever-present force and presence at our Afton Campus. Before Cindy became involved here at FCC, she and her mom were involved in ministry in Illinois for 30 years.
Campus Pastor Tommy Staggs did an amazing job summarizing what everyone who meets these ladies thinks when he said, “Wow, it’s hard to sum up the impact of Cindy and Marlene in just a couple sentences.”
(Yes! We all agree! Even being asked to write this story felt intimidating because they do SO much!)
He went on to say, “They have been the core of our outreach and connections at CDHS … so much so that many teachers and students recognize them and know their names.” Tommy shared that Cindy and Marlene have put in so many hours that counting them would be impossible. “But more than that, they have put their very hearts into loving the community in what they do. It’s been a true joy serving alongside them!
Fellow Afton member and Kids Min volunteer, Meredith Shrader shared how Cindy has blessed their team. “Cindy is an invaluable part of Kids Min at the Afton campus. She is faithful, dedicated, always has a welcoming smile and hug for each child, and is always eager to share God’s love and truth with each one.”
Sonya Higgs echoed both Tommy and Meredith’s comments when she wrote, “Marlene and Cindy are the dynamic duo when it comes to hospitality. They serve with cheerful hearts and in ways that show they truly care for those they serve. The love of Jesus shines through them and they honor Him with their lives. I’m so thankful for the opportunity to serve alongside them and see the work that He is doing through them.”
When Cindy was asked the best part of serving she said that it was getting to be the hands of feet of Jesus. “To share through serving is not only Biblical but fulfilling; it regenerates my soul.”
Never one to shy away from passion and living, Cindy broke down all of her reasons for serving: “I have learned that everyone (even when you think they have the perfect life) has burdens and struggles, but with God, he has leveled the playing field with His Word, hope, grace, love, and his promise of life with Him for ETERNITY.” She went on to tell us that she finds that sharing our struggles with our Christian brothers and sisters can bring peace and understanding. “His ways are not ours. He wants us to have community. He created us to live in community, giving and receiving support, which leads to generosity and gratitude.”
Cindy concluded by saying, “I am nothing without Jesus. Nothing I have in this life is mine, it's all HIS. He bought and paid for me, so my mission is to serve Him and help build His Kingdom. I have also learned that a strong community of brothers and sisters in Christ is so important.”
Cindy and Marlene show up year after year, at event after event, to prep and plan behind the scenes and in ways 95% never see until the event and they do so with smiles on their faces to make sure everyone is well taken care of!
In sports, when someone hits some sort of career milestone or they have a particularly amazing game, the team will often award them a game ball. Years ago, we decided that even though we aren’t an athletic program, we can do the same here at FCC!
Every Year at Team Bash, we award “Team Balls” to some examples of FCCers who embody our team’s goals. Over the last few weeks, we’ve highlighted the individuals who received our “Team Balls” this year! And today, it’s time to call out a fantastic Mother-Daughter Duo!
Team Ball #4 went to Cindy Garstkiewicz and her mother Marlene Evans. This duo have faithfully served in Kids for over 11 years. Not just that, but they are an integral part of serving at multiple events at Chuckey Doak High School, and are an ever-present force and presence at our Afton Campus. Before Cindy became involved here at FCC, she and her mom were involved in ministry in Illinois for 30 years.
Campus Pastor Tommy Staggs did an amazing job summarizing what everyone who meets these ladies thinks when he said, “Wow, it’s hard to sum up the impact of Cindy and Marlene in just a couple sentences.”
(Yes! We all agree! Even being asked to write this story felt intimidating because they do SO much!)
He went on to say, “They have been the core of our outreach and connections at CDHS … so much so that many teachers and students recognize them and know their names.” Tommy shared that Cindy and Marlene have put in so many hours that counting them would be impossible. “But more than that, they have put their very hearts into loving the community in what they do. It’s been a true joy serving alongside them!
Fellow Afton member and Kids Min volunteer, Meredith Shrader shared how Cindy has blessed their team. “Cindy is an invaluable part of Kids Min at the Afton campus. She is faithful, dedicated, always has a welcoming smile and hug for each child, and is always eager to share God’s love and truth with each one.”
Sonya Higgs echoed both Tommy and Meredith’s comments when she wrote, “Marlene and Cindy are the dynamic duo when it comes to hospitality. They serve with cheerful hearts and in ways that show they truly care for those they serve. The love of Jesus shines through them and they honor Him with their lives. I’m so thankful for the opportunity to serve alongside them and see the work that He is doing through them.”
When Cindy was asked the best part of serving she said that it was getting to be the hands of feet of Jesus. “To share through serving is not only Biblical but fulfilling; it regenerates my soul.”
Never one to shy away from passion and living, Cindy broke down all of her reasons for serving: “I have learned that everyone (even when you think they have the perfect life) has burdens and struggles, but with God, he has leveled the playing field with His Word, hope, grace, love, and his promise of life with Him for ETERNITY.” She went on to tell us that she finds that sharing our struggles with our Christian brothers and sisters can bring peace and understanding. “His ways are not ours. He wants us to have community. He created us to live in community, giving and receiving support, which leads to generosity and gratitude.”
Cindy concluded by saying, “I am nothing without Jesus. Nothing I have in this life is mine, it's all HIS. He bought and paid for me, so my mission is to serve Him and help build His Kingdom. I have also learned that a strong community of brothers and sisters in Christ is so important.”
Cindy and Marlene show up year after year, at event after event, to prep and plan behind the scenes and in ways 95% never see until the event and they do so with smiles on their faces to make sure everyone is well taken care of!