Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses,
let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely,
and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us (Hebrews 12:1)
Let me tell you about John Kovac.
John was a member of the church I served in Cincinnati, Gloria Dei Lutheran. He and his wife Liz were longtime members and John was a lifelong Lutheran.
John was always at Gloria Dei. Either coming by to fix something, or by coming to drop something off in the office, or coming to worship, or coming by to just talk, or by showing up to all of my Bible studies, even if it was only he and one other person. This meant so much to me as a young pastor, the support that he gave me. In fact, John was at Gloria Dei so much I would joke that he was at church "more than Jesus."
He and Liz grew up in Pittsburgh. They moved to Cincinnati in their early 30's. They lived there for over 50 years. And he NEVER stopped being a Steelers fan! In fact, I took him to a Bengals-Steelers game once and he was cheering like you wouldn't believe as they beat up on the Bengals.
John was generous and loving. When we were beginning a capital campaign in 1998, John had saved money to buy a personal computer but decided to give the money to the campaign instead. He said, "Instead of going for the "www - world wide web" we will go for the "wwjd - what would Jesus do." I still remember that phrase. Another parishioner was so moved by this that they got John and Liz a computer as a gift. Such was the love that others had for John.
He and Liz came with Heidi and me, and many others from Gloria Dei, on a trip to Germany in 2000. I still remember him putting down a few beers on the last night and dancing with my mother-in-law, the waitresses, our tour guide, and others as his wife Liz looked on and laughed with the rest of us as John was overjoyed at being the "life of the party."
When John turned 90, he held a party and took all of his family and closest friends out to dinner. He wouldn't let us pay because he wanted to "celebrate all of us" at this special time. I remember thinking that if I can only make it to 90, I will do the exact same thing. As I think of John Kovac, I find that there are many things that I will seek to do exactly like him.
He was a regular at the 8:30 early service. This was a wonderful service with a consistent group of 30-40 who came every week. Often many of them would go out for breakfast. They would talk about the sermon or discuss the issues of the day. John and Liz were the only Democrats and would often take ribbing from their dear Republican friends. Still, they all loved John and Liz because they knew that their heart was so big because it was often so broken.
John and Liz have three children. Their youngest child, a son, struggled with mental illness and often made their life difficult. However, John would go above and beyond for his son. Both he and Liz gave so much to help their son. It did not end up well many times. Still, they would take their experience of pain and struggle and use it to be there for those who were most in need, especially orphans, the homeless, and those on the margins.
John modeled many things for me. He modeled the meaning of "showing up" and seeking God in all manner of ways -- worship, serving others, bible studies, etc. He modeled the importance of thinking of others before yourself. He modeled being a wonderful husband and father. He modeled staying true to your "childhood" teams. He modeled reaching out in friendship and remaining friends with those who do not always agree with you. He modeled a willingness to try new things, even at an advanced age. He modeled generosity, openness, conviction of ideals, and commitment to faith. In fact, I came very close to naming my first child, Noah, after him instead.
On this All Saints' Day I encourage you to take time to consider the people, like John Kovac, who have modeled the faith for you. Because they are a true gift from God, the saints of God in our lives!
