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Yes.....I Believe A little over forty years ago, a handsome young man named Glenn Polk walked into my life. He was fun, exciting, and full of charisma. At that moment, my destiny and purpose in life was set into motion. Somehow, deep in my spirit, I knew that this was the man with whom I would spend the rest of my life. Wow! What a life! We were eventually blessed with three beautiful children. Jason, in 1970…and in 1971, our twins, Jeff and Amy were born. Now, our children are grown and married. Our son in law, Steve Sever, along with Jason’s wife, Tracy, and our granddaughters, Nicole, Savannah, Kynnzie, and Jaslynn, have all become such an important part of our lives. As I reflect on the events that brought us to this point, it would probably make an informative book. After over 40 years with Glenn, to think about where we have been, the trials we have endured, it is almost a compliment that the enemy has worked so hard to bring us down. Our marriage has withstood almost every conceivable difficulty. Yet, through it all, we have stood together in love. Many of the things that we encountered are faced by virtually everyone who is reading this. Others…I hope you never have to face. We were told in 1990 that Glenn had only 5 years to live. To hear that kind of a report from a doctor can be pretty devastating. Evidently, that doctor didn’t know the Physician in whom we placed our faith. Look at Glenn now! In 1984, our 13 year-old son, Jeff was killed in a tragic accident. Through that horrible time in our lives, the Lord proved to be so faithful, allowing us to just put our heads on His chest and be held by Him. He held us up until we could begin to walk on our own feet. That time in our lives was a turning point. Many couples and families do not survive the loss of a child. I had to make a decision to be what God had called me to be, a wife and mother. I had a husband and two children who needed me desperately. Together, with the help and grace of God, we all managed to get through that terrible time of “going through the motions” until we managed to put our lives back together. I do not tell you these things to make you feel sorry for us. Not at all! I say it to remind you…and myself of what an awesome and mighty God we serve! Looking back on my life with Glenn, I remember when I met his family. I fell in love with all of them. His parents, brothers, and sister were all a fun-loving close family. Always singing, laughing, and enjoying each other. I remember thinking that his family was very much like my own, a very close, loving one. I was welcomed with open arms and, over the years, I grew to love them all. Little did I know that his younger brother, Chip, would be such an integral part of our lives. Over 30 years ago, Glenn felt the call of the Lord on his life to be in some type of ministry. He didn’t feel that he was to be a pastor, but he knew that there was “something” he was supposed to do. He simply didn’t know what it was. Our pastor, Ken Andress, gave Glenn some very good advice. He said, “When you’re ready…and when God is ready, you will know exactly what it is.” I was a huge part of “not being ready”. We both had strong Christian backgrounds, but spiritually, we were not on the same page. That waiting period had to happen in order to get us to a place of spiritual agreement. It took lots of trials, tribulations, love, discipline, and teaching. Some painful “pruning” had to occur before God could use us. Then, in 2000, God revealed to us what our ministry was to be; sharing the Gospel through drama. God had been patiently preparing us for the task set before us. Glenn had always had a love for acting and has a degree in theater. We had been involved in productions at our church for many years, but there was more that the Lord had in mind. When He gave us the “revelation” of what we were to do, we hit the ground running and began to travel across the country to scores of churches, doing a one-man presentation of the testimony of the apostle, Paul. What a wonderful time that was! We met so many sweet and caring people…in virtually every denomination you could name. Still…God had more in store. When He gave us the drama ministry, I believe it was not only to share the Gospel, but I think it was also a testing ground. He trusted us with a little, before He would allow us to be trusted with much. That “much” was Ragtown Gospel Theater. Our awesome God had been planning this since the beginning of time. It is amazing to me how He has brought all of our gifts and talents into place. Glenn’s brother, Chip and his wife, Robin are extremely talented people, with gifts too numerous to mention. Our family and extended family, along with so many friends….. and others who have felt the presence of God at Ragtown Gospel Theater, have all joined together to bring such a huge vision and dream to reality. It is difficult for me to talk about my role in all of this. I suppose one would say that I have a supporting role, offering encouragement and affirmation to those around me. I have believed, trusted, and have been willing from the beginning. Not only do I believe and trust in the Lord, but also in Glenn, Chip, and Robin. I love deeply and have “stood in the gap” during this process of developing Ragtown Gospel Theater. We have demonstrated our faith, given finances, and lots of just plain old fashioned labor. It has thrilled my heart to be a part of something so big, and all for the glory of the Lord. The ministry that God “birthed” in all of us, He produced out of our obedience…and it has evolved into something much larger than we could have ever imagined. Every person who attends Ragtown Gospel Theater talks about the enormity of the vision…the dream. We are not “there” yet in completing the dream, but it is well on its way to reaching its full potential. Because God led us to say “yes” to the dream several years ago, I feel that we are all on the journey to reaching our full potential: Chip in his writing, art, and music. Robin in her designing, decorating, and organizational skills, and Glenn’s acting, directing, and leadership, along with his genuine love of people…and I believe that I have the gift of “helps”. What a wonderful journey this is! As each of us continues to develop our full potential and operate in our individual giftings, ultimately, God will receive the glory and honor He so richly deserves. So many people have commented on the fact that we are “family”. and how hard it must be for family members to work together so closely. I realize that many brothers couldn’t do it. However, Glenn, Chip, Robin, and I have such tremendous respect, admiration, and deep love for each other and are offered much grace. We are big fans of each other’s talents and work together beautifully as a team. Each of us offers a different piece to the puzzle and we strive to be the best we can be for each other. This tapestry called Ragtown Gospel Theater is woven together, reflecting the abilities of not just the four of us, but countless others who have offered their help, finances, materials, time, abilities, and most importantly, their prayers. Several years ago, when Chip had the idea of building Ragtown Gospel Theater, he came to Glenn with the proposal. When he shared his dream with us, we immediately said “Yes.” That “yes” became a huge decision, with an unbelievable succession of events. It was almost like a birth. That “union” that took place has evolved into a partnership and a wonderful place that the Lord has used to soften hearts and change lives. It is exciting to anticipate what the future holds. Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ was…and is…the “Master” planner. He is the designer and provider, who is working through us and so many who have helped in this project. Together, with Him, I feel that a “Masterpiece” has been created. Philippians 2:2 talks about “agreeing, working, loving one another, with one heart, one purpose.” I think that pretty well describes our partnership with Chip and Robin. In the very beginning, I said…“Yes, I believe.” I did…and I still do believe in the four of us as a team. I believe this is exactly where we are to be…doing exactly what we are doing. What a wonderful feeling to know that! However, the most important “I believe” is in answer to the Lord’s knocking on our heart’s door. That is the most significant “Yes, I believe” any person could ever have! And so…..we have dedicated this “mountain” to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. May it ALL be for His glory. God bless you, |