PORTLAND, OR (June 27, 2009) \u2013 Following is the text of the award message.
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\nThe Evangelical Covenant Church grants this Theodore W. Anderson Award to Robert and Oreta Bentz.<\/p>\n
Caring, compassionate, empathetic, and committed to serving the Lord Jesus Christ\u2014these are just a few words that describe the character, lives and ministries of this servant couple, Robert and Oreta Bentz.<\/p>\n
Reta has served in many capacities: faithful teacher, deaconess, president of Covenant Women Ministry, service group member, local jail Bible study volunteer, lunch buddy and mentor to grade school students, formal and informal tutor and mentor to people of all ages, and volunteer leader with Celebrate Recovery, a women\u2019s dependency small group. Reta\u2019s love and grace have been transformative for generations of people who have been touched by her ministry.<\/p>\n
Bob\u2019s entire life is characterized by his love for God and his true heart for serving God\u2019s people. Bob has served on the Trustee Board, the Board of Christian Education, and the Missionary Committee. He has also served as church chair, chair of the diaconate, usher, and \u201c55 Alive\u201d instructor for many years. In addition, he volunteers at the local nursing home.<\/p>\n
Together Bob and Reta have hosted prison ministry contacts in their home, provided transportation to and from doctor visits, served as foster grandparents, and have engaged in countless acts of service in their community. Through all of their service, they demonstrate a deep dependence in Christ, and through the excellence of their ministry, encourage others into Christian service.<\/p>\n
We celebrate and thank God for the life and ministry of Robert and Oreta Bentz, \u201ca great help to many,\u201d and \u201ctested and approved in Christ,\u201d recipients of the 2009 T. W. Anderson Award.<\/p>\n
Signed,<\/p>\n
Gary Walter, president
\nDonn Engebretson, executive vice president<\/p>\n