| "We'll find a church!" exclaimed Jay in 1997. Both Jay
and Darlene knew the importance of regularly attending the house of
God. Both found each
other through their employment. Jay, manager of an Aurora gas station,
and Darlene, teller
at an Aurora bank felt like God had arranged their marriage. Both with
two older children,
knew finding the right person would be difficult venture.
Unfortunately, both were running
from the experiences of their youth. Darlene had been raised in a
"One-God, Holiness
Church" knew in her heart what type of church to go to. Jay raised in a
Apostolic
Church movement, a holiness organization which wasn't Pentecostal, was
open to a number of
possibilities.
"Let's just try Bro. Dixon's Church!" exclaimed Darlene
one day. The
Lord had been dealing with Darlene, but she thought for sure Jay
wouldn't want to be
Pentecostal. Thankfully, Jay knew his new bride wouldn't be happier any
where else, felt
like it was the place for him. Both responded and began to live
committed lives before
God.
<>Last fall, when Jay's job as a Employment
Recruiter, was in the process of relocating from Chicago to West
Suburbs, the couple along
with their two children, Jessica (20), and Jeremy (19) moved to
Cortland, a small city
right next to DeKalb. Their family has been a wonderful addition
to our church.
We've had the benefit of their thoughtful gestures, vibrant worship,
and helpful support.
Both have gotten involved in whatever project was going on, suppers,
youth activities,
ushering, or Sunday School work. As a family, Sis.
Grimm and her children are fluent in Spanish.
In June of 2003, they took over as Youth Director where
they have done an outstanding
job. Bro. and Sis. Grimm plan a year of fun, enrichment, and
spiritual growth for a
youth group of about 25. They are constantly challenging them to grow,
become Christ-like,
and develop responsibility. We feel privelaged to have them
direct the youth
program.
In August of 2005, a new challenge was added, Austin, 7,
to their family. Wishing
to help out a family member in need, Jay and Darlene have pledged
themselves to take care
of him. He has added an additional bundle of joy and happiness to
their home.
In January 2006, they took over as Evangelism and
Outreach Directors. Currently, they co-ordinate 6 comfort care services
throughout all of DeKalb (in nursing facilities, and independent living
facililities. In June of 2007, they began a children's program
for Wednesday Evenings called Kids Bible Blast. Their are approximately
15-20 children every Wednesday Evening gathered for teaching and
ministry.
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