The Author

“Mask of God” collection

Photography by Lesa D. Van Meter of Shadowlands Photography

Luther’s theology of vocation is one of the most unique contributions of the reformation to

Western thinking. He saw in the ordinary stations of life ways where everyday people and

everyday activities were actually incarnate “masks of God,” which in turn sanctified the simple

ways individuals serve each other. The invisible, eternal God was actually directly serving the

neighbor indirectly through the tangible kindness of a neighbor. So, every “secular” station of

life - being a mother, sister, daughter, citizen, artist, etc, now had sacred significance. God was

using the ordinary to communicate the extraordinary.

This concept resonates deeply with me. So, when Cornelia Schulz of AllWalls.art asked me to

consider participating in the “Mask of God” exhibition, I immediately remembered a profound

experience I’d had back in 2013. I was talking with a friend who made the statement that “God

is in our city”. Shortly thereafter, I found myself pulled into curiosity for several days...exploring

various pockets of Fort Wayne. I was on a quest for evidence that God was, in fact, in this city.

And my proof, in the end, boiled down to the people I met. Not being from Fort Wayne, the

dualistic and cheeky introduction I was given in 1998 as “the city of churches and strip clubs”

proved to be a slice of only the extreme sides of the pie - the lifeblood of this town is something

far greater and far more inspiring.

The everyday people, the everyday callings, the everyday jobs hold like great secrets the gems

of Fort Wayne.

Suspect number one: Henry Graf: The Author. He has authored a few books, has the best

memory of almost everyone I know, he is covered in tattoos, has been a pastor, and once upon

a time was the head of a midnight Fight Club. He digs deep, dreams big and unapologetically

takes action in a catalytic form that motivates others to follow along with enthusiasm and

excellence.

Then there’s Lynne Doctor: The Retiree. Now, don’t be fooled by her soft appearance - this

woman commands productivity for the sake of tireless compassion (and puts to shame those of

us who hail good intent yet waiver in execution with our laundry list of excuses and fears). Hip

replacement surgery, age, nor anything else has dampened her passion for her Generosity

Project. What started as casual assistance to some Kenyan refugees to help guide them in

assimilation into American culture has grown into several arms of love outreach projects

including Griffin’s Gift (providing thousands of blankets to children in crisis nationally and

overseas), Serving Our Soldiers (providing blankets for de- ployed military men and women), as

well as providing blankets to tornado victims and preemie blankets to NICU patients.

Next up...Lewis King (The Barber). While setting his sights on moving to Atlanta, Georgia, Lewis

had a dream about starting a humble barber shop in Fort Wayne...a unassuming place where

exceptional things are expected. Lewis contains his excitement but his fervor and resilience

bubble over once you get him talking about his ideas for bringing his community together. It’s

not just through grace-filled conversations during a trim but also by meeting some tangible

neighborhood needs - whether it’s serving as a launch- point to distribute baskets of food or

offering $5 kids cuts.

Now let’s move on to Cole Metzger: The Barista. She’s just one person...just one light, but not

under a bushel. She’s not associated with a non-profit or a movement, but she herself

represents great Hope and Beauty. Part barista and part mad-talented artist & art teacher, she

has the grace to lovingly and patiently walk with others as they journey through life. And, oh,

she also makes some mad good cups of joe at Old Crown.

Donny Manco: The Tattoo Artist. If you have watched The Big Lebowski, you will undoubtedly

recognize the bits of Donny that resemble “the dude”. Perfectly and consistently absorbed in his

creative and specific plan to end poverty, engaging in conversation with him demands a certain

energy to get him to talk about anything else. The poor have captured his heart and he urges

those around him to share his charisma and intentionality to love the poor and break the cycles

of poverty. If you know Donny, you know his desire (oh...and that he is also hands down the best

tattoo artist in Indiana...although he will never tell you that).

Originally from the Gold Coast of Australia, Rachele Jordan (The Healer) is a coach and

manager at Anytime Fitness. Her enthusiasm for whole person health and for living with a

positive outlook is contagious...especially with her adorable accent and warm, knock- out smile.

She’s got the smell of grace that reminds you that God himself formed you, called you and

wants to love you.

Tim Baron (The Skater) is one of those guys who continually surprise you. By day, he is a mild

mannered skater dude and father of four daughters. But around midnight, Tim turns into a

monster-creating illustrator with internationally-recognized skateboards, children’s books,

science fiction, toys making appearances on television, and MORE to his name. His self-

admitted addiction to comic books and action figures (especially vintage ones) - and the fact

that he used to be enviously long-haired - further decorate him with intrigue. Tim sees his art

vocation through a beautifully dark glass.

Matt Spinks (The Entrepreneur) started The Fire House Tea & Coffee Cafe in East State Village

of Fort Wayne. Their fair-trade and organic treats in the nostalgic building lure spiritual seekers

of all types who are all welcomed to partake in the unfathomable love and joy that they pour into

every spot of tea.

Willie Smith was the Volunteer Coordinator for The Rescue Mission at the Life House. This

gentle hope-filled man exudes joy and takes passers-by along in stride with his infectious belief

in the amazing power of prayer. You cannot end a conversation with Willie without him inviting in

the Higher Power to intervene in the everyday.

The two lasting impression each of these wonderful people left on my spirit is that Fort Wayne is

full of humble, talented citizens who do not make God nudge them twice. Each of them felt a

prompting to do specific things that are unique to their circle of influence and their set of abilities

and interests. And they continue to do ONLY what only THEY can do. May we all do the same -

wherever we are, whoever we are.