A post on the Stonecroft Wall of Honor reads:
God used Elaine Holbrook. She saw potential I didn’t know existed and mentored me. Because of her I became a better follower of Jesus Christ. How powerful is that!
Vera Velk became acquainted with Elaine when she moved to New Jersey. Vera was familiar with Christian Women’s Clubs (CWCs) back in California and wanted to be involved in her new community. She asked about CWCs at church and discovered that the Stonecroft Area Rep, Elaine Holbrook, attended that same church.
Immediately, Elaine noticed Vera’s bright, sparkling personality. She heeded the advice from a National Rep: “always look for the sparklers.” So Elaine recruited Vera to serve in the vacant Vice Chair position of the local group. Later, Vera became the Chair for this group that hosted 400-plus women. Through these early leadership years, Elaine came alongside Vera, walking her through each responsibility until she felt secure in her duties. Elaine continued to encourage Vera once the training was over. The two became friends and their influence on one another continued to grow.
“Elaine is an example to me,” Vera says. “She lives out and models the values of Stonecroft.”
For decades, Stonecroft women have influenced each other in ministry, long before the word “mentor” became a buzzword. They’ve been faithful prayer warriors and placed a high priority on encouragement. These significant relationships continue to form throughout Stonecroft.
Stonecroft’s Wall of Honor pays tribute to the people around us who have influenced us in our spiritual walk. For many of us, it will be that Stonecroft volunteer who, like Elaine, noticed our potential as leaders. For others, it may be a parent or grandparent, Sunday School teacher, instructor, co-worker, or another person of influence who taught us, became our examples, or encouraged us in our efforts to become more Christ-like.
Stonecroft invites you to honor the person who took the time and effort to encourage you on your spiritual journey. Write a tribute to that person and submit it soon; mail must be postmarked by Dec. 31 or submit your tribute online by that date. Go to Stonecroft.org/wall-of-honor for information on how to participate and read about the people who made the difference in our lives.