Yet Another Valentines Banquet!
Every year, come Valentines Day, the creative ingenuity of the Headquarters Staff swings into motion as they tirelessly organize an extravagant banquet for the IBLP Directors. The efforts put into the banquet this year were as meticulously detailed as ever! Without the help of many willing workers, each displaying the heart of a servant, the banquet would never have been possible!
I had the privilege of being in charge of the portrait studio. It was a daunting task: shoot 23 studio quality images, edit them, print them, frame them, and have them ready to display in less than 5 hours! Having never directed this before, I learned very quickly that properly delegating tasks is an important aspect of being a servant. Sacrificing the enjoyment of doing it myself, I had to teach others how to do what needed to be done and let them do it, or else, the finished product would never have been possible!
Zach worked the entire time behind the scenes. When asked why everyone was able to work together so well, he answered “Everyone was willing to do whatever job they were assigned to; and they did it with their whole heart.” His words back up his own actions, “When there was a break in washing dishes, I would carry the plates or do other odd jobs; there was always something to do.” A servants hands never lack for work, and without them, the desired outcome would never have been possible!
Jordan was a joyful server. He was one of many servers bringing out the food and taking back the dirty dishes. Why were the servers so good at meeting the needs of the guests? “Because they were cheerful and punctual” he explains. “And those who knew very little about their job listened to those who knew much. This is why everyone worked together so well.” Without joyfulness, punctuality and a listening spirit, flawless serving would never have been possible!
Congratulations HQ Staff for successfully hosting yet another incredible Valentines Banquet! “Servants, be obedient, . . . not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; with good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord . . .” (Ephesians 6:5-8)
Wow
It was quite amazing to hear you tell of all the things that were done when you taked to us a couple weeks ago – most of which could not be included in the post. It truly was wonderful – just to hear about – and the guests deserved every ounce of it!
Looks like a *ton* of work was put into the whole event. It’s amazing how that cantaloupe was carved. The bow tie on the bear was a great idea 🙂
I’m impressed! The banquet is a wonderful way to show the directors how much they are appreciated. Our world would be a different place if those in the workplace and in the home would all exhibit the same servant qualities.
Isn’t it amazing how the enthusiasm of one dedicated servant spreads so quickly and inspires others? A hearty congratulations to Clayton, Zach, Jordan, yourself, and everyone else who had a hand in the banquet! I agree with Michael – I was quite amazed to hear about it when we were talking with you a couple weeks ago. But if I was surprised then, seeing all the pictures has shocked me even more! Unbelievable!
Your post reminds me of the command I’m working on this week: “Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.”
Great pictures, James!!