This past week I attended two celebrations; one a memorial service commemorating the life of Don Hanley, the other a luncheon honoring Tex Kakuda's forty years of service on staff at Pine Cove.

Don Haley was a founding member of the board of directors of Pine Cove and was the chairman of the board in 1983 when I became the executive director.  Having just turned 31 I knew a lot more than I know now, but Don was a wise and encouraging mentor.  He wisely and graciously walked me through those sometimes rocky early years.

I remember entering my first performance review; anticipating the worst, expecting my faults and shortcomings to be laid bare before the world.   Don gave me a few things to work on but mainly he reviewed the progress I had made and the accomplishments of the year.  I left encouraged and ready to take on the challenges that lay ahead.

He brought family and friends with him to camps and conferences.  He shared his resources, wisdom and influence.  His smile lit up a room.  And his commitments touched lives around the world.  Only eternity will tell the full story of Don's life and influence.

Last week Tex Kakuda celebrated 40 years on staff at Pine Cove.  Tex came as a counselor, served as a cook, made his mark as the landscaper and continues in housekeeping.  Forty years is a long time.  The Children of Israel wandered in the wilderness for forty years.  Solomon rules Israel for forty years.  And Tex has made a quiet and powerful impact at Pine Cove for forty years.

His hard work and artistry transformed red clay and sugar sand into a lush garden and a setting were thousands of lives have been transformed for God's glory and purposes.  The beauty of the setting that he developed created the context in which hearts were easily opened to the Spirit of God.

In 1983 I asked a family to give $5,000 to install an underground sprinkler system at Pine Cove.  It was my first fundraising call and it might have been the easiest money I ever raised. I learned quickly, if it would help Tex, people would freely give.  I should have asked for $25,000.

The differences between Don and Tex are obvious but they share more in common than you may see at first glance.  Loving God and loving others unleashed lives that count for eternity.