American Faces #35

I am often amazed at where the road of life leads each person. It’s never a straight line. It sometimes has straight-aways, but always throws you a few curves, hills, valleys. Andy’s life began in Korea where he was lovingly adopted by his parents Jeanne and Jim Schultz. Andy’s formative teen years were spent in his home in Plymouth, MN. It was at Vision of Glory Lutheran Church where he began to sense a calling to ministry, first as a worship band guitar player, then as an apprentice youth leader, and finally as a paid staff youth pastor. But the story doesn’t end there. As time marched on, Andy realized that being a youth pastor was not a permanent calling for him. For a time he stepped away from leadership in the local church. The next curve in the road for Andy was a paid position at Schmitt Music where he gave guitar lessons, and eventually managed a store in the Minneapolis Metro area. Throughout all the curves that Andy’s early life took, there remained a love for music – a love so apparent that if you were to see him singing and playing on any given Sunday at NorthRidge Fellowship, it would make you smile. Andy has had some amazing people in his life to encourage him: Connie in youth ministry, and Josh Skogerboe and Pastor Bob Halverson in worship and pastoral leadership. Shortly before Andy took his current role at NorthRidge Fellowship, Josh and Pastor Bob affirmed what Andy was feeling: a call to be a worship pastor and mentor of others. Andy’s been serving at NorthRidge for nearly a decade. He plays, sings and leads the church with passion and intention. His heartfelt words and approachability makes everyone feel welcome. The road of life is never easy, but the journey is always interesting, and always more rewarding when we take it together. I know I’m very thankful for the part of the journey I’ve shared with Andy. Take time to get to know others around you, and walk a little ways down the road of life together. You may just make friends with a fellow human who’s Korean by birth, with the last name of Schultz. Think on that!

American Faces #34 - Tim Kreps

If you were to look up the word generosity in the dictionary (or on Google) I’m pretty sure Tim Kreps’ face would pop up. I think that’s why I felt compelled to include Tim on the list of amazing people I’ve photographed for my American Faces series. Over the 20 years I have known Tim, I’ve seen a man who has freely given of his time, talent and treasure. He cares so deeply for his fellow man. You see it in his smile, you feel it in his handshake, or the big bear hug he’ll give you. Life just seems better, more vibrant and more, well, full of life when you’re around Tim. When I asked Tim why he is so generous he said, “The Lord has blessed me so much! How could I not help others?” Tim is currently battling pancreatic cancer, but that doesn’t discourage his giving heart, nor diminish his love for Jesus. I see him walking around at church greeting people, and with each one sharing a smile and a laugh. I know my life and my business has been profoundly and positively changed by Tim. A million thank-you’s would not be enough to express the depth of gratitude I have for how Tim has already poured into my life and the lives of countless others. So, from me and a whole bunch of others, Tim Kreps, “Thank you” — for showing us what it means to be a husband, father, follower of Jesus and a man of great generosity.

American Faces #33

Meet Dave, a long-time art teacher, who since his retirement has traveled and hunted all over the world. This American Faces (#33) is actually the sequel to #32 featuring taxidermy artist, Jeff S. Dave first met Jeff when he hired him for his taxidermy skills, and they quickly formed a friendship through their mutual enjoyment of the outdoors and hunting. But it was their shared backgrounds and passion for art that created a true connection between these two guys. During our time together, Dave expressed his appreciation and respect for Jeff’s abilities to create a life-like feel in the mounts that adorn the walls of his home in Minnesota.

Now, I know a picture of dead things on a wall, or even the hunter who took them, may not be appreciated by everyone. But I can say these are two great guys, and I know the places they hunt, and the remote communities to where they often travel, are positively impacted by them and other hunters like them. Tribes and local people groups receive the meat and hides, the local guides are well paid, and money for licenses is used to support wildlife conservation and habitat improvement.

To Dave and Jeff, I say “thank you” for being such willing subjects for these American Faces portraits, and for taking time to share some stories of your epic wildlife adventures!