IT’S NOT ABOUT THE TOILET

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.
Tradesmen are a vital part of society. They provide far more than repairs and maintenance. The development of any society rises and falls on their skills. Without these talented people, our lights wouldn’t work, our sinks wouldn’t drain, and we’d have to build fires to stay warm in the winter.
The work ethic required to succeed in these fields is exemplary, and we could learn a lot about grit by laboring alongside an electrician or plumber. We underestimate the expertise acquired within such complicated fields. It’s not until we have a problem that we begin to fathom the wealth of knowledge stored above that blue collar. But the trades can also be a dark place. Many of the stereotypes – crude language, surly interpersonal skills, inappropriate humor, etc – have come honestly. A construction site can be an uncomfortable place for anyone, but especially for a person of faith.
Andrew’s story reminds us that not all tradesmen fit the stereotype. There are companies where integrity and charity rule the day. There are crews whose faith inspires them to put forth a great product and treat people fairly. “It’s not about the toilet,” is a phrase from Andrew that I’ll take with me the next time I interact with a plumber. The way these professionals show their faith is in the way they take care of people while taking care of the product.
When I call a tradesman it’s because I’m out of my league and beyond my area of expertise. The plumber who takes my emotional state into consideration is the one who will receive my business. The tradesman who shows up to fix the problem, doesn’t overcharge, and completes the project with excellence is the one I trust. When people are the focus, quality products follow. When products are the focus, even in the trades, people can easily be forgotten, neglected, or mistreated.
Thank God for EXTRAordinary stories like Andrew in the trades!
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IT’S NOT ABOUT THE TOILET

Andrew Mueller

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.

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A SCHOOL YOU CAN TRUST

David LaFrance

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.

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THE GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT

Joni Parker

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.

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CREATING A LEGACY

Casey Heimer

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. Coach Heimer is creating a legacy...

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WHEN DEVIATIONS LEAD TO DESTINY

Rachel Dalton

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. She learned that the best opportunity for missions is to be a doctor....

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ALL IN

Mike Somers

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. He began to exemplify what it looked like to be intentional with your faith in all areas of life – work included, he was all in...

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FAITH IN EVERY SEASON

Kristin Moore

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.

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WORKING TOWARDS THE END GOAL

Chase Simpsen

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. From watching them, he learned that if you want something, you set goals and...

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SETTLING INTO ADVENTURE

Rachel Lovejoy

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. Since graduating high school she’s moved a total of 5 times...

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