RASNICS: LONGEVITY IN A CHURCH

     In our society, relationships are thrown away about as quickly as trash in a dumpster.  The number of marital relationships that are short-lived seems ever to increase.  And personal and family relationships with churches also seem short-lived.  Some of this has been referred to as "church-hopping" in which persons skip from one church to another always looking for a better deal.
     No doubt sometimes changing churches can be a positive move.  Afterall, pastors sometimes change churches because they are led by God.  Lay persons can also be led by God to other churches.  Others change because of geographical moves or other considerations.  In fact, if persons move from one location to another it is hoped they would find another church family instead of dropping out of church.
     I became aware of the importance of longeity in church relationships as I attended a reception for Jack and Robena Rasnic who have been members of First Baptist Church for over 60 years.  Rev. James Dinkins was the pastor and Robena was in what was called the "Bride's Class" with former member, Ruth Frazier.  It was in First Baptist Church they found places of service and a foundation for the faith of their children who grew up in First Baptist Church.
     Jack worked on the railroad in the days when the railroad was a major employer in Nevada.  Robena was active in missions and in the sympathy committee.   The sympathy committee provides meals for family members of those who have lost loved ones.  Robena organized-- and I mean "organized" the meals.  When she stepped aside from the leadership position, she handed in a book that recorded every meal, the family name, the menu, and the date for every funeral dinner through the years.  How thorough can one get?  Bill and Ciny Wynn would not miss the Rasnic reception because Jack always came over to their daughter's wheel chair to talk with Kelly.
     Jack and Roben have seen many changes in the world, the community, and in First Baptist Church through the years.  Like many people, I am sure there are times when they were not in agreement or disappointed with First Baptist Church.  I don't think they were enthused about moving to our new location at Highland.  The old location at Main and Hunter was familiar to them.  However, they eventually came right along.
     This says something about the Rasnics.  Through thick and thin, they have made FBC their church home.  They celebrate a long-term marriage.  They also celebrate a long-time relationship with a church.  To do that people have to adapt, to change, and to grow.  They have to work through problems instead of running from them.  More of that kind of fidelity would make a big difference in our day.