Richard Simmons Visits FBC

Can you believe it?!?! Richard Simmons himself in Washington Iowa. If you've paid a visit to the Faith Baptist Church gym the past few Sunday mornings, you've had the privilege of watching Richard in all his glory leading an exercise/dance/music class. It's a sight to see! It's a new ministry model we're trying - Sunday School/Dance/Exercise/Richard - we think it's going to be a huge hit. jk.

Actually, the junior high students in this particular Sunday School class have no idea who Richard Simmons is. It's just that I cannot stop thinking of those 80s exercise tapes as I watch Tony teach these students the songs for Vacation Bible School.* It's not because Tony's wearing a leotard. It's not because he's grown his hair out into a fro. And it's not because the music sounds like its from the 80s. It's just that Tony is hysterically funny and goes all out with his goofiness and boundless energy as he helps these students get excited about serving at VBS.

This year our junior high students are leading the Opening and Closing sessions for VBS and Tony is gracious enough to lead them in that responsibility. He is crazy talented at working with students! He's made it a blast for them to learn childish songs, all the while setting an incredible example to them of the pure enthusiasm you need when serving children. It's an amazing sight- he's got 7th/8th/9th graders dancing their hearts out to silly VBS songs so that the kids @ VBS next week will feel God's love through adults and students that care enough to join them in learning at their level.

I wish I could capture Tony's heart and attitude and put it into words, but as these last few paragraphs have shown, my words just aren't adequate. For heaven's sake, here I am comparing him to Richard Simmons.

*You may be wondering why in the world I ever watched Richard Simmons' exercise videos. I'm really not sure. I think my Aunt Karen had them. I spent some of my elementary days a little on the pudgy side, so maybe my Mom kindly invited me to spend an hour with Richard every once in awhile. I really don't remember. Unfortunately, those ugly images are scarred in my memory forever.