09/01/2009
Author: Luke Olson
We are saying goodbye and praying for God’s rich blessing on Luke as he moves to Colorado Springs for a fall semester start at New Life School of Worship for studies and ministry. We at FEFC have had the privilege of watching him grow up and grow into Christ over his life and in recent years he has blessed us with his ministry, especially with youth, college and music. Most of all, Luke has poured his faith and himself into others and though his move is a great loss, he leaves a legacy of ministry behind.
From Luke:
Shortly after I bought my first guitar, I was invited to bring it to the Middle School Youth Group and help Joel Grace with the worship time. Although I wasn’t much of a musician, it allowed me to grow in my ability on the guitar and I started to learn how to play with a band. Throughout my time here at FEFC, I’ve had many more opportunities to be involved in the area of worship. As I moved from middle to high school and then to college, I was given the chance to lead worship in each setting. Whether it was playing with Gabe Jensen or Pastor Gordon, I began to see that I had a real passion for praising God through music.
During most of my years in college I played in the band Not Yet Seven with my brother Matt and our friend Jason Carr. And while most of our music wasn’t congregational worship music, this was a very powerful and impacting time in my life. I was able to see how God could use music to move people towards him and I felt alive while I was doing it.
Two years ago I began work at the church as an intern. I was involved in the High School, College and Worship Ministries. As I began to grow more comfortable in my role at the church, I started leading worship more often on Sunday mornings. I really enjoyed being able to connect people with God’s heart using music. Of course I didn’t do everything perfect and there were some bumps along the way, but I never lost the passion that God had put in my heart to worship him. I just didn’t know that following that passion would take me to Colorado Springs.
In my desire to strengthen the talents that God has given me, I applied to the New Life School of Worship and was accepted. It is a ten-month program in Colorado Springs, CO. While I’m there I will have the opportunity to improve both my knowledge of worship and also my musical ability. I will be in the class room from 8:00 until 12:30, Monday through Thursday morning. I will also be taking guitar and voice lessons, singing in the choir, leading prayer and worship services, and volunteering in their worship department. I know that this time will stretch me and I hope to be able to take what I’ve learned and be able to bless others because of it.
August has been a month of changes for me. Not only am I moving to Colorado, but I also got engaged on August 13. My fiancée Meghan and I will be married on March 13 in California. Your prayers are greatly appreciated.
While I’m excited to be starting a new chapter in my life, I’m also sad to say goodbye to so many friends. The FEFC body has felt like family and I’m going to miss each of you. Thank you so much for your prayers, your support and encouraging words over the years. So many of you have helped me grow into the man that I am today. I look forward to a break from school when I can visit with you all again. Until then.
