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. . . rejoice that your names are written in heaven.
--Luke 10:20
The Matt Manderfield Barbecue Pit
Matt Manderfield
lived all his eighty-some years in the Copper Country. An extrovert always
ready to share some of his many opinions, he never seemed to fail to immediately
strike up serious conversation with friends or strangers who happened along.
He was energetic and industrious and not at a loss for ways to occupy himself
or provide for his large family. Most everyone who has spent some length
of time in this area is familiar with Manderfield, Inc. (formerly Manderfield
Electric), a successful local contracting business he originated. Before
that Matt served as an instructor at Michigan Tech in bygone days, and was
also a chicken farmer at one time.
Maybe it is the latter connection that moved the local Kiwanis chapter to dedicate the Dee stadium barbecue pit, site of their annual chicken barbecue, to Matt's memory. This is pure speculation on my part. The fact is, I'm not enough of a "local" to know the reasons for sure.
But when I noticed Matt's name on that barbecue pit recently, I wondered how much of an honor it was to him or, for that matter, how much of an honor it could be to anyone. How long would it be till the paint on that sign peels and the wood rots and the Kiwanis membership turns over to where no one remembers who Matt was or why in the world a barbecue pit was named after him.
No, I'm not turning into an existentialist. Nor do I mean to make light of honoring others. The Bible teaches that it's good to honor one another.
However, the Matt Manderfield Barbecue Pit sign reminded me of the reason I appreciate Easter. It reminded me that there is no way our fleeting accomplishments and the fleeting praise and honor they might bring, can come close to the satisfaction and contentment of knowing my name has been memorialized eternally in God's book of life (see Revelation 20 & 21; Psalm 87, & Philippians 4:3). The resurrection of Jesus Christ has made this incomparable honor possible and personal for every believer. What an honor!
What a joy!
-- Steve Wilson, Pastor
For more information, contact
Evangel Baptist Church, Dr.
Steve Wilson, Pastor
1114 College Avenue, Houghton, MI 49931
906/482-6626, evangel@up.net
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