You’ve seen their t-shirts at Baptism. You have enjoyed their hospitality after Together. You probably have eaten some of their treats at a Blue Ridge special event.
But you may not know how God works in and through our Events Team.
Alex Richardson, owner and chef for {RA} Bistro, a restaurant downtown, began serving on the Events Team four years ago, and says it has given him new perspective.
“When I first came to Christ, I wanted out of the restaurant business…to go on missions, to make a difference. I was a bull in a china shop. I just did not see how I could serve God doing what I do. Thankfully we serve a patient God, and He called me back. He had me right where He wanted me, I just didn’t know it.” said Alex.
Being part of the Events Team was not something Alex desired. His work had been centered on food and hospitality, and he didn’t want to do that as his service to God. But through the Events Team, he began to see how God could use the skill sets and gifts He gave Alex in a new way.
“The community I connected and served with on the Events Team showed me how to use these gifts for God’s glory,” Alex said.
The Events Team leaders take turns coordinating different events. Alex loves the team and the opportunity to teach new members about cooking and food prep. He enjoys encouraging others.
The Events Team prepares special dinners for various ministries, such as the end-of-semester DivorceCare dinners and Christmas celebrations, as well as special events including the Father Daughter Dance. Alex said one of his favorite events is staff lunch once a month.
“I love being able to serve Blue Ridge leaders in this way,” he said. The lunch gives the staff time to connect and talk before the weekly staff meeting. And these lunches sometimes include special guests such as the construction workers who helped build our addition.
Alex said serving with Events has helped him to use his gifts differently and rather than doing things and hoping that God just shows up, he is going where God is already and that has made all the difference in his life.
“It’s a great team and I’m thankful to be able to serve God in this way.”
Learn more about serving and finding the place where God is calling you.