Pleasant Valley Baptist Church

The Epistle of Jim

July 2003

In the classic movie It’s a Wonderful Life, George Bailey thinks that his life is worthless. But an angel visits George and reveals the tremendous impact he has had on all the people around him. Without him the entire town would have been a very different place indeed. George Bailey made his mark on the town of Bedford Falls, a true legacy.

David Lochner is like George Bailey to Pleasant Valley Baptist Church. He probably would have denied that he had done anything out of the ordinary for the church, but we know better. Just look around Pleasant Valley and you will see David’s influence everywhere. The praise songs are David’s stamp on our worship. Take a look in the nursery and you will see a wonderful mural painted by David (a special thanks to David’s brothers, Ed and Chris, and their helpers for touching up and finishing the picture). Our men play in the David Lochner Memorial Softball League. And this month we should see the ground beyond the pavilion being leveled and prepared for David Lochner Memorial Softball Field.

But anyone who knew David will tell you he was not just about music, art, and sports. These things were really only tools in his hands to give thanks and glory to God. Beyond his physical talents, David was a great encouragement and motivation to many people. David Lochner left quite a legacy.

As I look at David’s influence all around I have to ask myself: What will my legacy be? How am I impacting my world? What difference is my life making for those around me?

What about you?