Dave Graf - Midwestern Building Supplies
508 E. Pearl St. - Tremont, IL 61568 - 309-925-2911
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"Would you like to ride the bus to Sunday School?" the lady asked as she stood in the door of my home in Galesburg, IL. I was 8 years old and my mom was standing beside me. For employment reasons, my dad had recently moved our family from the Kewanee area to Galesburg. We were living in a mobile home park on the outskirts of town. Most people would call it a "trailer park,“ but we preferred "mobile home park.” It always sounded a little classier (ha!).

I looked up at the lady, whose name was Mrs. Petty, and boldly said, "No, I don't want to ride the bus to Sunday School.” Mrs. Petty didn't give up. "We would pick you up at your door in a big red bus and take you to Sunday School at Colonial Baptist Church. After Sunday School there is a special Jr. Church just for kids. We sing, play games, and have a Bible story.” Again, I looked at Mrs. Petty and said, "No, I still don't want to go.” Thank God Mrs. Petty didn't give up. She continued, "After church the bus will bring you back home. When you get off the bus, the driver gives every rider a piece of bubble gum.” Hey, Mrs. Petty was now speaking my language! Super Bubble apple bubble gum held a special place in my heart (it still does!). I piped up, "Yes, I want to ride the bus to Sunday school. What time will you be here?"

I rode the bus to Colonial Baptist Church on that May morning in 1970. I came for the bubble gum, but God had other plans for me. During Jr. Church a lady named Mrs. Bennett talked about Jesus and His death, burial, and resurrection. She spoke about the love of God. If I would accept Jesus as my Savior, he would forgive me of my sins and take me to Heaven when I died. This was the first time that I remember fearing a clear presentation of the Gospel. When the invitation was given, my hand was raised very quickly. Mrs. Bennett took me into a private room, opened her Bible, and explained to me God's plan of salvation. She explained that salvation was as simple as saying the ABC’s. (A) Accept Christ as Lord. (B) Believe on His name. And, (C) Confess my sins. I bowed my head as an 8-year-old boy, and accepted Christ as my Savior. Because of the faithfulness of one lady, Mrs. Petty, my mom, dad, and sister also came and were saved. Hallelujah for a God that loves and saves sinners!! Thirty-eight years later I still have the privilege of serving the Lord at a local Baptist church.

For the past several years, God has allowed me to work as General Manager of Midwestern Building Supplies with locations in Tremont, Galesburg, and Macomb. I work for a wonderful Christian man named Ken Whistle (also the founder of the company). Ken has taught me much about giving and using our resources for the Lord. Ken loves the Lord and has a heart for foreign missions and other ministries that promote the Gospel.

I am thankful for other Christian businessmen throughout our community.