By Julie Overholt
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| Kay is lady #3 in the front row. :) |
It seems love is in the air a little
thicker these days, and I have someone I would *love* for you to meet! You may
want to grab some chocolate to go with your coffee or tea while you enjoy
reading our interview this month. I’m seeing an abundance of it in the stores
right now along with all of those love notes and cards, and one piece (or two)
can make a moment sweeter. :)
Once upon a time, (a month that focuses
on love deserves a fairytale beginning don’t you think?) there was a gentleman
named Clayton Bjurstrom and a lady named Kay…
Clayton and Kay met while they were
both attending Grace College. They were in the same choir class together. At
the end of a spring break choir tour during their freshman year Clayton first
asked Kay to go out with him. They talked the whole way home and have been
together ever since! They have celebrated 36 years of marriage together. Their
three children are now grown and their family has extended to three more
children, and three grandchildren. Their oldest child is
Kent. He is married to Stephanie, and they have three boys: Trey, Colby, and
Cayden. Kent is the youth pastor here at SGC. Cassie Jarrard is Clayton's and Kay's middle
child. She is married to Josh and is employed with Sail-Rite in the marketing
department. They live in Columbia City, IN. The youngest child of Clayton and Kay is Keith. He
is married to Casey and they live in Noblesville, IN where Keith is a recruiter
for the Petro-chemical industry.
Kay says that she and Clayton enjoy
doing many things together, but something that has kept them particularly close
has been working in ministry together. It has given them common ground rather
than each of them moving in a different direction. They are able to talk
together about the ministry as well as having the same people in common that they
come in contact with as they minister.
Kay has been at Sugar Grove all of her
life and as a result has been involved in a variety of ministries. Over the
years these have included: being a choir member, pianist, co-leader of Kids in
Christian Singing (a children’s choir), Sunday school teacher, nursery worker,
VBS worker, and Bible study leader. Her greatest passion in ministry has been
working with the youth of SGC. Clayton and Kay have been involved in the youth
ministry for roughly 34 years. “It is fun, challenging, and very worthwhile!!”
(My own daughter has benefited from Kay’s youth ministry, and has been blessed
by her warmth and caring heart. Thank you Kay!)
Kay was born and raised in Goshen. She
graduated from Concord High School and later, Grace College. Her major was
Biology and after graduation she worked as a bacteriologist at Plumrose in
Elkhart. She was employed until she had her first child, after which she stayed
at home to raise her family. It was at that time that she decided to try teaching
piano lessons to make a little spending money. She has now been teaching piano
for 32 years! She also accompanied the choirs at Northridge High School for 10
years.
Kay has known Jesus all of her life.
She was blessed to be raised in a Christian home. They began every morning with
family devotions and it was during one of these precious family times at the
age of 3 ½ that she accepted Christ as her personal Savior. Her parents were
very involved in the church and so she was there a lot. As a result she became active in the children’s and youth activities. The summer before going
into Jr. High she was baptized and it was at this time that she also
rededicated her life to Christ. “As with anyone, the Christian life is a
process and it was the same for me. I didn’t always say and do the right things,
and I have a few regrets, but I am very thankful that God is patient and didn’t
give up on me.”
Kay has been involved in
the Precept bible studies since they began at Sugar Grove close to 20 years
ago. “I don’t remember exactly when they started, but I love digging into God’s
Word and seeing what He wants me to know. I just wish I could remember
everything I have learned. This has probably been the best thing I have done to
deepen my relationship with God, and to grow in my Christian walk.” Among many
verses from God’s Word that are special to Kay, several from Colossians 3 have
always been a favorite: “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set
your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. When Christ, who is your
life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.” Colossians 3:1-3
Kay’s life has been influenced greatly
by her mother. “She has set a great example of being a servant and a prayer
warrior. She has taught me much in regards to leading a child to Christ, which
in turn gave me confidence to talk to adults and teens. I know that our family
has also benefited greatly from the prayers of my parents. I will not fully
know the effects of their prayers until I get to heaven, but I can see their
results even now.”
In the midst of a busy schedule Kay
enjoys the following in her free time: “I love to read, play the piano, work
outside, sew, travel, work out, and play with my grandkids!!” Her favorite
holiday is Christmas, but she really does enjoy every holiday and their
respective seasons. “About the time I get tired of one season, the next one
comes along. I love the changes that each season brings and the special times
associated with each of them.”
And now, some quickie questions:
What brings laughter into your life?
Friends, funny people, my grandkids, funny movies, and “I Love Lucy.”
Something people may not know about me?
I have a great fear of birds. I like to watch them from a distance, but if they
are close enough to swoop on me, peck me, or flap their wings in my face, I
freak out! I have embarrassed many of my friends by screaming loudly, digging
my fingernails in them, and hiding under chairs at the beach to get away from
them! (Am I the only one chuckling at this mental picture?) :)
Three words to describe myself:
outgoing, caring, fun-loving
Tomboy or princess? Tomboy, but I do
have princess moments.
Coffee or tea? Coffee
Oceanside or mountainside? Oceanside
The perfect meal? Any that I don’t have
to cook or pay for!
Worst food ever? Cooked dandelion
greens
I’d love to travel to: Israel
A favorite Bible character? Esther. She
was beautiful, courageous, and didn’t back down from doing what God asked of
her.
Three activities/things that bring
peace to your life and help you to relax? Quiet times alone with God. As I
focus my thoughts on His Word it brings perspective and peace. Working
out/exercise. And, vacations.
I personally want to thank you, on
behalf of all the women of worth at SGC, for sharing part of you with us, Kay!
And, this month as we focus on love it is my prayer and desire for all of us to
remember the One who loved us FIRST and loves us the most. No matter your
circumstances, whether good or difficult, painful or joyful, may you come to
know and understand in brand new ways the great love the Father has lavished
upon YOU.
