The Mission Field

Most of the kids in our community returned to school this week. What better time than this to share the testimony of our very own Rob Knabel, our Traditional Service Choir Director. Rob is passionate about the next generation. If you’ve ever seen him in action with his students, you can see how they mean to him. And on the other side of that, you can see how much those students love Rob. Take a look at what Rob shared with us. - Ashley Allen

I have served as a music director at HUMC since 1981. I am now entering my 46th year teaching music in PCSB. What a journey it has been, seeing how God blesses what we offer to Him as a living sacrifice to glorify His name. There is no limit to the good God can accomplish through those with an obedient heart that is pure and free of self. He entrusts to them a special degree of His strength, power, and might.

I taught at two other schools before my present assignment to East Lake High School, and I am now entering my 30th year there. My work at my first two schools was all about me and what I could accomplish to make a name for myself and get noticed by others. I was young, still full of self, and driven by the insatiable desire to be a big name. The ever-increasing demands of life brought me to my knees in the mid-80s, and when I was assigned to ELHS in 1996, my first time walking into that room, I knew I was placed there for something bigger than myself.

I knew this was going to be a mission field for the Lord. As teachers, we cannot preach the gospel, but we can still live it out day to day in the classroom. In the present darkened world we live in, young people are hungrier than ever for a sense of belonging. As the culture shifted into its present state, it has resulted in a lot of brokenness, hurt, and pain. Social media has done nothing to alleviate it—it has made it worse. Technological advances have moved us to a point at which human dialogue and interaction are less necessary, and even less desired.

The youth of today still have the basic needs that have always been crucial in the teenage years: a sense of belonging; fair and consistent discipline; love, encouragement, support, and understanding. These are all biblical principles! When an environment provides these on a consistent daily basis, kids will want to be a part of it. They seek it out, and when found, they can become the human beings God intended them to be—gifted and teeming with potential to be a major force in the world for good, love, and light.

As I became more and more drawn to the concept of my classroom being a mission field, God has blessed in a mighty way the work I have offered for His glory. Matt asked me years ago to bring in students to support our music ministry. Wow! It has been the perfect example of symbiosis—mutually beneficial. The choir has certainly benefited from their talent, but kids who visit here feel something special. They always comment on the people being so kind! Isn’t that a fruit of the Spirit?

I am excited to begin my 46th season making music both at school and at church. But now, more than ever, it is to glorify God. Every Sunday the choir sings is a chance to present the medicinal effect of music and how it soothes the soul—not only for those who listen, but for those who sing as well. We continue to cherish the support of our church family! -Rob Knabel