Ken & Janet Martin
When I was in sixth grade, I attended Granger Middle School in Aurora. I had the honor of serving as a “Junior Janitor,” which basically meant that instead of study hall, I assisted the janitor, Mr. Patterman, with emptying trash cans, sweeping floors, cleaning the bathrooms, etc. I really enjoyed working with Mr. Patterman because he had a great personality, and always had only good things to say about people. He had a saying that has stuck with me all these years – whenever I would begin to complain about somebody specific he’d say, “Ain’ t nobody perfect, ‘cept for the Lord.” And you know what, he was right! On the final day of classes, the student body was called to the gymnasium for an assembly. The school wanted to say goodbye to all of the sixth graders who would be advancing to the newly built Waubonsie Valley Junior/Senior High School in the fall, but there was another person that would be saying goodbye. The Principal, Mr. Pepiot, called Mr. Patterman to the stage and explained that after serving as janitor for 40 years at the school, he would be retiring. I knew this must be a difficult time for him, for his work at the school and the relationships he had developed with students and teachers for so long would be coming to an end. As he received a nice plaque acknowledging his 40 years of service, Mr. Patterman wept. (To be honest, I did too). Before getting on the bus that day, knowing I would probably never see this man again, I ran to his office to say one final, “Goodbye.” Mr. Patterman and I embraced, and he thanked me for my friendship. As I felt the strong embrace of this man’s arms, he whispered, “Don’t forget, Kenny. Ain’ t nobody perfect, ‘cept for the Lord.” This has stuck with me for many years. As a pastor for some twenty years now, I have come to realize the importance of this simple phrase. A church is a unique and sometimes odd grouping of people – people from all walks of life – people with very different upbringings – people from many cultures and varying races – people with no knowledge of God, and people with too much for their own good (I’ve been there, too). All of these people come together for one common purpose – to discover God in a more real way, and to become better people …better husbands and fathers …better wives and mothers …better employees and employers …better disciples of Jesus. At New Life Fellowship you will find no perfect people. We believe that, in God’s eyes, we are all the same – sinners whom He loved so much that He gave His most precious gift - His only Son, Jesus the Messiah. Newcomers or members of 35 years, ushers and greeters, Sunday school teachers and singers, pastors and nursery workers, and everyone else – we believe God has gifted all of us uniquely, and if we serve Him with these various gifts, we will all be rewarded equally – no one person above another. Our greatest desire is to see people come to the knowledge of God as Lord of their life, and to grow as His child - seeking to discover and fulfill His greatest plans. Friend, God has a plan for your life…and it’s wonderful! Let us help you discover that plan so you might come to a place of celebration – rejoicing in God’s great salvation, his life-changing power, and the place of knowing you are serving Him to your fullest capacity! There’s no peace like His peace. Oh, and don’t forget…”There ain’ t nobody perfect, ‘cept for the Lord.” New Life Fellowship – “Ordinary people helping other people discover God and realize their fullest potential, one step at a time.”
Ken N. Martin
“And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer.
And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” (Acts 2:42, 47)