There are often times when we take the passage of Scripture from John 15 and use it erroneously to imply that the ultimate price paid is "dying". However valiant one may be in death, I would encourage us to consider that laying down one's life at the last breath may only be part of the challenge. Sacrificial giving, or I might say "Sacrificial Living" is truly laying down one's life in every aspect as well. No one goes into service of any nature with the intent to die... but rather to live and carry out his duty for those that are dear to his heart.

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Pastor and Mrs. Stokka... that is how I knew them in most of my growing up years. Bruce and Elenore... ( I would never have called them by their first names back then) Pastor Stokka was the pastor of the congregation that I attended in my growing up years. Mrs. Stokka, his wife, fulfilled the equation of an amazing couple that I would say spent their lifetimes in sacrificial living for God and the community that He called them to serve. I learned so much from them... not just knowledge... but the principle of serving. Pastor Stokka taught those of us in our early to mid teens in a "Bible Instruction Class" that has proved so valuable to me. Mrs. Stokka taught many how to play the piano... She even tried with me. Her home was open to so many of the youth. Something I admired about the Stokkas was their servant heart. Pastor would be the first to shovel snow if need be... He would play football with us kids... He always was willing to help the street people whenever possible. Mrs Stokka would often make sandwiches for these folks when they were hungry, but only after Pastor would attempt to get a little chore accomplished with the individual that would be getting the meal... "Kindness...not welfare". I do remember one gentleman that was waiting for a sandwich... The story goes that he asked for something instead of a cheese sandwich... "since he was starting to turn yellow".

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I know numerous people to this day that would attest to the fact that Pastor and Mrs. Stokka were more than willing to "lay down their life". Sacrificial living calls for us to die to ourselves. There are numerous Scripture passage that speak to that and I would encourage all of us to consider this challenge.

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I would encourage you to read in entirety John chapter 15. Excellent words. And finally... Jesus did lay down his life... for His friends... and those that hated Him as well... "Now... that is love"

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This photo is from a number of years ago... Pastor is with Jesus in Glory.