1994 Herb Vann

Everybody likes Herb!  I like Herb; you like Herb; everybody likes Herb!  It is funny but I remember my first vivid memory of spending personal time with Herb but I don't remember what set that memory up.  For those who have been at Northwest for 15 years the story is a bit old but in short - we had an Isuzu pickup truck that I did not change the oil in (ever - I know - young and stupid and irresponsible) until 40,000+ miles.  I just got innovative and decided that all of the oil that I put in it over time probably needed to be drained and any gunk set free.  Unfortunately, gunk was all that my engine had and 4.5 quarts of new detergent oil broke down everything that was giving my engine compression.  The crank lossened and began rapping against the block - it was horrible.

Being a young, new youth minister in a family that was only taking what we needed, we had no money for a car or mechanic.  These were the days before Northwest's Elder system and before the leadership understood and embraced that if staff was not going to take more than they needed - then in crisis, the Church must provide for the unexpected and abundant need.  Anyway, no money - no new vehincle and therefore I bought the parts with some encouragement from Micky Sewell and began to rebuild my truck engine with the late night help of a shade tree mechanic.  Unfortunately, I was raised in the inner city and suburbs (the concrete jungle) and knew nothing of engines, much less cylinders and oil pumps.  Weeks and hundreds of dollars into the deal, Herb walked into my basement garage to help.

I don't remember much but I remember that he looked at the pile of parts and block and things I was cleaning and he looked hopeless.  It must have been like walking in on a surgery being performed by a monkey.   Herb got in and helped.  Herb ignored my frustrations.  Herb didn't say anything bad about the shade tree mechanic.  Herb kept trying to get me to accept that a machine shop would have to get involved.  Herb listened to me speak of lack of money. Herb helped me get parts from an old friend.  Herb watched me throw a wrench or two.  As far as I remember, Herb kept checking in on me and helping right up until I gave up.

To this very day Herb and I are friends.  I was talking to him in the sanctuary after church about motorcylce riding.  He is so much older than me (probably 25+ years) but he has always treated me with respect, honor and most importantly as a friend.  He listens, he shares, he doesn't expect a thing and he has never gotten "upset" with me because I didn't call this week.  But then again, Herb is always at church with the rest of us.  Herb is on his third career having retired from 2 previous careers.  Herb wasn't always so gentle.  Herb was always as fun. 

Herb never said anything to discourage me during that Isuzu disaster but he did forge a respect from me and a friendship and a partnership that has lasted through church troubles, departures of mutual friends, deaths, fun times, times of growth and times of trial.  I hope God never leads Herb or I to separate ministries - but I am certain of this, neither of us will depart unless God does the departing.

Everybody likes Herb.  I know I do.  He is not perfect and has never claimed to be.  He always tries and he most often figures it out.  He is a partner, a fellow, a friend and it shows.  Perhaps that is why everybody likes talking to Herb.