Construction sites are no place for soft hands, or soft speech. Most people don’t possess the skills or tools to be their own handymen. Over the years, the trades have become a lucrative career as less and less people know electricity, heating/cooling, and plumbing. It appears that there will always be a job market for those skilled with their hands.

Build relationships. Make a difference. This is what Oakland Elementary School is doing. This public school in Bloomington is setting the pace when it comes to relationship building in education. They know that they are entrusted with a huge privilege and responsibility.

Joni did not want to be one of our “extraordinary” stories. She is convinced that she is just an ordinary person who does an ordinary job. But Joni is extremely faithful.

When Coach Heimer steps onto the football field, the linebackers of Normal Community’s Varsity team know the rumors. Coach Heimer is one of the most fun and fiery coaches on the staff. Coach Heimer loves to strategize and compete. Coach Heimer is serious about teamwork and integrity.

There is not a specific moment Rachel can look back to and pinpoint the moment she came to know Jesus. Her faith was simply there, an ever present anchor that she could turn to from even her earliest days. She grew up in a Christian home, and as a little girl she thought she’d wind up on the mission field or as a teacher like her parents, and set out to work towards those goals.

Mike Somers is the son of a hardworking entrepreneur, who was a constant example of what it looked like to chase hard after your goals and make your own way. When Mike was around 12 years old there was a shift in the home when his dad came to know the Lord.

If you asked anyone who knew Kristin 10 years ago what she would be doing today, there is no doubt that the answer would involve singing. She has a God-given gift when it comes to vocals, and from the moment she graduated high school and moved to Nashville to attend Belmont University, pursuing a career in the music industry was a no brainer.

There was never a time when Chase had to question what hard work looked like. Some of his earliest memories are of watching his dad and grandpa not only working, but enjoying it. That love of work was ingrained in him and is something he has carried through to his own career.

Rachel has always had a bit of a restless soul. Growing up, her family moved around a lot and each new place brought its own set of adventures. This “on to the next thing” mentality has carried itself full-force through to her adult years.