Today we are surrounded by new technology. Media surrounds us in every facet of our lives. Without a doubt, we have moved into the Digital Age, and it's around to stay.
This week's Portage Life in the Spotlight uses this new technology and media to spread a message as old as time. Kevin Gale is the Media Director for City Point Church. He uses his knowledge of all things digital to help spread the Good News and to impact Portage.
Gale manages all of City Point's websites, videos, podcasts, and anything else that has to do with digital media. While many of us, myself included in this, use digital media primarily as entertainment, Gale is out there using it to touch not only the lives of Portage but of people in all the corners of the world. For instance, last year, City Point's podcast could be heard by hundreds of people in 20 different countries.
Thinking more locally, Gale spends his weeks getting things ready for City Point's services on Sundays and Wednesdays. He makes sure that the church has quality announcement videos ready every week. Not only that, Gale manages the impeccable podcasts that City Point gives to the world.
"I'm kind of the go-to guy for a lot of things. We're all really excited about the lives we get to change every week, and we all help out wherever we can because of it," said Gale.
Kevin's work doesn't stop with podcasts and videos. He takes time out every Thursday to visit with people in the Porter County Jail. Gale and other leaders from City Point use this opportunity to encourage everyone in the jail and to pray for them. Gale's goal is very clear. He wants to use every chance he can get to help someone change his or her life for the better.
"For me, it's all about the people," said Gale. "Seeing someone's life change, that's what really inspires me."
Gale shared a couple examples with me about some of the lives that he has seen change at City Point. A woman who had walked away from church for quite some time had fallen on some hard times. Eventually, she came back. Except, now, her business had fallen apart and had suffered from a detached retina. After six months of prayer and soul searching, her life was changed. She found a solution to her financial problems, but here's the really amazing part. When it seemed like nothing could be done about her eye, it managed to fully heal.
Yet another life-changing example that Gale has seen through his work is a woman who used to be completely bed-ridden. She was unable to leave her house. As one could imagine, this takes a very large toll on the mind. After a long road of trials and health problems, Gale was glad to say that she has made a full recovery and found a job. These are just two examples of the lives that Kevin Gale has helped impact over the years.
But what about the future?
"I want to inspire the next generation to keep changing lives," said Gale. "I want to help them develop their media skills for the future."
As fast-paced as the Digital Age has become, one thing's clear. Kevin Gale has, is, and continues to impact Portage and the lives of its citizens.