Living water

PINEHURST – Just over one year ago, the Silver Valley was hit hard following the loss of Real Life Ministeries’ Pastor Gene Jacobs, but over the past few weeks, the church and community came up with a wonderful way to honor Jacobs’ legacy.  

Pastor Kevin Kessler, who took over as the leader of the church, was recently approached by Tom and Stacey Hoffman and explained to him they had been wrestling with idea to honor Pastor Gene, and they wanted to see what Kessler thought.  

“Any time someone tells me they have an idea that they just can’t shake, I just know it’s going to be a good one,” Kessler said.  

They’ve called this idea Jacobs’ Well.  

According to Stacey, the idea for Jacobs’ Well was rooted in previous experiences, with a desire to honor both Gene and his wife, Christy. But also, to highlight Gene’s passion for serving people in any way possible.  

“Initially, I was thinking of something Tom and I could do, as we both really miss him, and Christy is still a part of the church and our lives,” Stacey said. “I wanted it to be meaningful, something more than a plaque or a one-time donation to an organization. I wanted it to reflect Gene’s love for people and his deep desire to help further people’s spiritual journey, and especially, something ongoing.”  

Over a decade ago, the Hoffmans planted freshwater wells in India, in honor of their parents. The idea of planting one in memory of Pastor Gene seemed almost too easy, the more Stacey thought about it.  

“Planting a well would check the boxes I had formed in my mind,” Stacey said. “It meets a very real physical need. Cholera is a real issue in India, and though Hindu temples in each town often have wells, only Hindus in good standing are allowed to use them. This well would be open to anyone.”  

According to both Kessler and Hoffman, Gene had a reputation for being a champion of the people, and not just of those in his church, but everyone. He wasn’t concerned about societal statuses or where people were in their faith, or if they had any faith at all. He wanted to be their friend.  

“Gene had gone on a few missions' trips over the years,” Kessler said. “He just really had a heart for lost people. We just want to remember the heart Gene had for people and continue that legacy of reaching the lost and also meeting a practical need.”  

Kessler put the idea in front of the church and challenged them to raise the $2,500 needed to fund the project, which was not only met but significantly surpassed. Initially, Kessler had hoped to send a missionary team from the church to help with the well, but security concerns have put a damper on that idea. Instead, Kessler wants to seek out other similar projects and spread the community’s love for Gene as widely as possible.  

According to Kessler, the well will likely be built in India, but Africa is also being considered. The well is being planned through Ripe for Harvest World Outreach, a missionary group that specializes in projects like this one.  

Both Kessler and the Hoffmans are hoping that this endeavor will demonstrate a literal and figurative embodiment of John 7:38, which speaks of “living water,” and how those who believe in Christ have the opportunity to spread his love, which will flow from them like living water.  

Pastor Gene’s passing and the tragic nature of how it happened opened several doors for Kessler and his congregation, particularly in how Real Life Silver Valley tackles mental health.  

“Since that day, last April, I think we’ve all worked really hard to create a culture of, let’s be honest about mental health,” Kessler said. “A lot of people struggle with the ‘warrior mentality’ that tells them they need to toughen up, not talk about how we’re feeling, and if we have just enough faith, we’ll get through on our own. That isn’t reality, and it isn’t healthy.”  

Kessler has implemented mandatory quarterly counseling for his church leaders, along with a grief sharing ministry, an addiction recovery ministry, and several other outlets for those who need help.  

“I’m in a good place and I think a lot of our people are too,” Kessler said. “There’s a lot of stuff to look forward to, and we want people to be able to enjoy that without feeling any guilt about Gene. We like to say that we’re moving forward, not moving on.”  

Because of the success of Jacobs’ Well, Kessler and his leadership are working toward establishing a fund in Pastor Gene’s memory, that will go toward annual outreach projects to continue to honor his legacy.  

For more information, contact Pastor Kevin Kessler at Real Life Ministries Silver Valley at (208) 682-4801.