Thank You for Giving to the Lord

                                                 Ellen, Martha Chrouch Pollock, and Larry by Judy Haag

When we look back over our lives in Christ, there are many people who blessed us and poured life, love, and the gospel into our lives. Few people have done more to impact people to live an abundant life that Larry and Ellen Chrouch. Larry "graduated" from his earthly home to the heavenly home recently. Many of us from Cincinnati to Oslo and China are are still rehearsing the way God used him  to bless us.

A number of us gathered Friday at the Village Church at The Shell Point Retirement Community in Florida to celebrate the life of Larry and honor his memory with his wife Ellen, and daughters Laura and Martha, plus families.  The Chrouch's were married in 1956 and lived in love for 62 years.

The service was led by Rev. Don Pullen who read notes from family members that spoke of Larry's great generosity, grace, and encouragement.  Notes from grandchildren were beautifully written and sent with blunt humor and warm remembrances.

The music was symbolic of Larry's life. Amazing Grace, and It is Well with my Soul as a congregation and the powerful My Tribute: To God be the Glory by Jean Hawkins.  He also showed a short video and written of testimonies sent in by people who had been impacted by Larry.

A long time friend, prayer partner, and fishing buddy, Bill Koontz, delivered a well crafted and touching tribute of heartfelt admiration and love. He intertwined a list of Larry's family, ministry and business accomplishments with testimonies from people that had been blessed mightily by the Chrouch generosity, spiritual power and personal support.

Ron Rand and I as well as Bill Koontz represented the staff of College Hill Presbyterian Church where Larry and Ellen spent many years serving the Lord. Laurie Cochrane represented the Vineyard Church, NW where they also volunteered.

In the six decades I have known Christ, there have been many outstanding examples of men and women whose Kingdom impact has been great.  I have know famous preachers, highly regarded pastors, well-known musicians, wealthy donors, and TV, Radio and authors. Few, if any, have been more impactful in the Kingdom of God than Larry Chrouch,

Ray Boltz sang a song just made for people like Larry. It has become a favorite of many of us who are in ministry because it says so beautifully what we want to say about the people that are called to walk with us in spreading the good news.    It is called Thank You for Giving to the Lord.