Shreddies continues its Search for Goodness, local pastor nominated : Shelburne Free Press : https://shelburnefreepress.ca

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Shreddies continues its Search for Goodness, local pastor nominated

If there's someone in your community that quietly goes about volunteering continuously to do things to make life better for those surrounding him or her, Shreddies wants to hear about them.

Shreddies is one of the cereals made by Post Foods Canada Inc. It is repeating its Search for Goodness campaign that it initiated in 2011. In that initial campaign there were so many good news stories accompanying nominations that Product Manager Melissa Marchesano says it “proved that we really are a nation that strives to do good.

“When we do good, we feel good, and for the second year in a row we're looking for someone who embodies genuine goodness and deserves recognition for their selfless commitment to their community.”

In all probability, the persons nominated would be the last to acknowledge that they are sacrificing something of themselves to bring cheer to others.

Such was the case with last year's winner, Greg Epp of Saskatoon, who said in a phone interview from his home that he was pleased to see the campaign repeated because, “there are many out there who are more deserving than I.”

Mr. Epp more or less shrugged off the suggestion that the voluntary work he does every winter would be deserving of special recognition.

And maybe it wouldn't seem that way for anyone who has not experienced outdoor activity in a winter on the bald Canadian Prairies.

But Mr. Epp, for the past “seven or eight years” has been managing an outdoor ice rink. Neighborhood kids, including three of his own, have learned to skate and to play hockey on the often frigid outdoor surface, but Mr. Epp has also maintained a “warming shack” at the community rink where temperatures can exceed minus 40 plus wind chill. “It's a lot of fun,” he said but also acknowledged that “it's a bit chilly at times.”

This year's campaign has been happening since the beginning of October. And nominations close on Nov. 24, but can be made online at www.searchforgoodness.ca until that date.

So far, the only known local nominee is Pastor Gord Horsley of Shelburne, who was surprised when he got a call from the media.

“I've been nominated?” he said with obvious shock in his voice. “I don't know a thing about it.”

Similarly to Mr. Epp, the pastor didn't that he would be as entitled as many others for his community involvement.

But others evidently view it differently.

From the nomination, Shreddies has this to say: “Pastor Gord Horsley gives tirelessly to many of the needy in the area and is a shining example of selflessness. He is the parson for the local Legion, ministering to a large group of veterans and regularly visits the seniors' residences in town. He often fills in for other ministers that have been scheduled to hold a service for the elderly but are unable to fulfill the obligation. When the need is greatest the seniors will call on Pastor Horsley. He is the chair of the ministerial group for the town – added responsibility when arranging special multi-denominational events. Many other events benefit from Pastor Horsley's personal time. He has been a judge for Shelburne Idol, sits on panels for public speaking competitions and assists in countless civic activities. His selfless commitment is an inspiration, making him a worthy nominee in our ‘Search for Goodness',” Shreddies says.

“Well, yes. I do a lot of work at Dufferin Oaks but a lot of us (ministers) do that. Yes, I often fill in for others, but so does everyone else,” he said.

Nonetheless, he was grateful for the nomination. If he is one of five nominees short-listed by Shreddies, his story will be posted for a public vote. If he wins the vote, he will be featured in a Shreddies television spot, as has Mr. Epp for the past year.

Pastor Horsley and his wife and fellow pastor, Kate, founded Abiding Faith Ministries in Shelburne nearly 10 years ago. Their Sunday worship services are at 10 a.m. in the Dufferin Oaks auditorium.

The website for the fellowship says this: ”Pastor Gord and Kate have ministered for the Lord for over 23 years.

“They have been involved in missions, youth pastoring, inner healing, deliverance, prayer counseling & church planting.

“Their hearts are for the broken-hearted and those who need Jesus.'Religion is not where it's at...it's about a relationship with Christ and seeing people truly touched by God.' Gord is the Senior Pastor of the Fellowship in Shelburne and is also the founder of Abiding Place Ministires.

“Kate moves in the prophetic and intercession, she also has a heart for worship, and brings wisdom and balance to the leadership of the ministry,” the Website says.

By Wes Keller

Post date: 2013-11-21 09:24:44
Post date GMT: 2013-11-21 14:24:44
Post modified date: 2013-11-27 13:28:26
Post modified date GMT: 2013-11-27 18:28:26