Comment from Katie Thornton-Lang
Time: November 6, 2009, 1:20 pm

Candice has been my boss and friend for 3 years now and I have learned soooo much from her; more than I could ever say. She has been through so much in her life and instead of being the victim of it, she thrives because of it and inspires so many that come across her. I know that when I’m feeling down, I can go to Candice (or, Kiki as my son calls her), and she will not only have a shoulder to cry on if I need it, but probably some sound advice as well. She is so deserving of this trip, because she does so much for so many people. She is a gift to all of us.

Comment from Lynn
Time: November 6, 2009, 1:55 pm

Candice is the type of person that you want in your corner if you ever needed help. She aways pus herself last and this is a wonderful chance to give her a much deserved ( and needed) rest.

Comment from Vicki Thordsen
Time: November 6, 2009, 2:17 pm

My husband and I have known Rick for over 30 years. It would be a wonderful blessing to Rick and Jan to have this time together. Our families attended the same church and later Rick and my husband were called into ministry and attended the same seminary. His life is a testament to what God can do in each of us to change us and to change the lives of those around us.

It would be an answered prayer for Rick and Jan to receive this gift.

May God continue to bless your radio ministry.

Comment from Julie Marshall
Time: November 6, 2009, 2:49 pm

These were all amazing stories, and they inspire me towards greater selflessness and love in reaching out to others. They all are so deserving of this cruise, but I made my choice according to the stirring within my heart. May God bless all these contestants as they continue to love and serve Him faithfully with or without earthly reward.

Comment from Lynda DeLong
Time: November 6, 2009, 2:58 pm

Wow, this is a tough call everyone has a great story. I however think Ron and Diane should go on this cruise due to the fact that they opened not only their home but their lives to help this other family without asking for anything back in return and even though things have changed in their own lives job wise they’re still not asking for anything back in return they’re just continuing to have faith that God will get them through this and continue to do as he asks…

Comment from Lori Jensen-Hoeg
Time: November 6, 2009, 3:07 pm

I am so excited for Rick and Jan and this opportunity for them. They are both great people! Rick is a positive influence in our town, and ministers not only to our congregation, but to this whole community. Throughout his testing and diagnosis of ALS, he has continued to praise the Lord for everything, even though some of us are quite angry with God over this. Everyday he sends out an e-mail with a daily thought which inspires me. He is worried more about our the future of our church than his own future. He is truly a great person that has brought many people to know and love Jesus Christ. His sermons are exciting, NEVER boring, and you never know what he might do-he must have a whole room of props! Jan does so much for all of us too. I can’t imagine being a pastor’s wife and having to share him with so many people, but she does and is just a lovely person. I am truly blessed to know Rick and Jan and be part of their church family and wish them God’s blessings and good luck for this contest-they are very deserving, even though they would down-play their importance. I love you both!

Comment from Emily Vesely Krambeck
Time: November 6, 2009, 7:35 pm

This wonderful man happens to be my Dad. He has been my father, teacher, pastor, coach, friend and a WONDERFUL role model in my life.
People ask me at work…”why are you so amazing with people?”
My response-”Because my dad raised me to be a servant and to serve people and make them happy”. I TRULY believe I am who I am because of him. He has taught my brothers and me to work hard for what we want and to be grateful for what we have been blessed with.
He has 7 VERY YOUNG grandchildren whom he cares deeply for and such a PASSION for being around all youth and teaching them about God’s everlasting love.
When he drove all the way to my house to Lincoln, NE to talk to my husband and I about his recent diagnoses…He said…
“People ask WHY ME? when something like this happens. But WHY NOT ME?!” he said. “I want to be a testimony through all of this”.
Much to my DISMAY at the time, I now know what a man of God he is and an amazing Father, Grandfather, Brother and Pastor.
Please VOTE for my amazing Dad and Jan (whom has been an amazing support for him as well)

Thank you and GOD BLESS!

Dad…I LOVE YOU,
Em, Scott and the 3 Munchkins!

Comment from Rev. Sheryl Campbell
Time: November 6, 2009, 7:49 pm

Rick and Jan have been colleagues and friends of ours in ministry for over 10 years (my husband and I used to live in Traer). The description here only touches the surface of how giving, loving and serving Rick and his wife have been to so many people, and to the community as a whole. Rick loves the Lord, and has truly dedicated himself to sharing Jesus in every way he can. He doesn’t worry about denomination, territory, or anything else–he collaborates with anyone else who loves the Lord and wants to make good things happen. He’ll talk/listen to anyone any time. He even volunteers after his many hours of ministry by mowing the church’s lawn! And so much more. It would be wonderful for Rick and Jan to get to take this trip while they still can enjoy it. Thank you!

Comment from Casey & Barb Dean
Time: November 7, 2009, 12:56 pm

We live next door to Candice and can attest to everything the person who nominated wrote…and then some. She alone deserves this cruise.

Comment from Lorie Kesl
Time: November 7, 2009, 3:30 pm

Rick is one of the most incredible pastors I have ever met. He has provided guidance to myself and my family in moments of joy and sadness. When we lost our baby last year- he was there with just a phone call- to offer his strength and guidance when we truly needed it the most. Just his being in our hospital room as we planned to put our baby to rest gave me peace. Rick carries the presence of the Lord in his every breath, movement and word.
With this new challenge the Lord has set him on- I can find no person more deserving of some small greatness. God Bless Rick and Jan- Hope you win!

Comment from tracey
Time: November 7, 2009, 7:58 pm

When I worked as the activity director at the local nursing home, I can’t recall how many times I counted on Rick for guidance and support. This man would jump through hoops for the elderly population of this town!!! I can recall many times when I have been awed by this man of God. I specifically remember one encounter. I called him up one morning and asked what he was doing. He replied he was taking a much needed day of rest. I informed him that I had a hospice patient who had no formal religion in his life and that this patient wanted to talk to someone who knew God well. I told Rick to enjoy his day off and that I would see Rick in the next day or two. Less than 20 minutes later, there was Rick at the nursing home doorstep wanting to meet the resident. I worked with every church denomination in town and yet I know that the others (including my own pastor) would not have done that.

Rick leads the most dynamic congregation. Rick doesn’t just ask “What would Jesus do?” Rick leads by demonstrating on a local level what Christ would do. Although family obligations keep me at my own church, Rick’s congregation has embraced the entire community by demonstrating faithful community service over and over and over again.
I never told him how much his leadership meant when his congregation provided warm meals during the ice storm a couple years ago. What a warm meal and fellowship does for the soul is amazing.

In closing, I am supporting Rick. Rick’s devotion to faith, family, friends and fellow man is inspirational. Rick inspires me to want to be a better person.

Comment from Arlene
Time: November 8, 2009, 5:34 pm

I don’t know Candace personally but have seen the wonderful things she does at her work and know that she is such a caring person despite all the pain and suffering she goes thru daily! She is an inspiration to everyone she comes in contact with and really deserves this!

Comment from Denise Allen
Time: November 8, 2009, 10:06 pm

I cannot think of anyone more deserving of an opportunity such as a cruise. Candice is the most giving person that I have met since moving back to Waterloo. Her heart is so big and she touches everyone’s life that she meets. It would truly be a blessing for Mrs. Candice to go on the cruise. Whether she wins or not she will also be a winner in my book. Good luck!

Comment from Jodi (Dinsdale) McConaughy
Time: November 9, 2009, 5:37 am

I was a high school classmate of Rick’s and am delighted that he and Jan have been nominated for this! These are two of the most thoughtful and caring people (not to mention a great sense of humor!) you will ever meet. God has blessed not only Rick’s congregation and his community with them, but he has also blessed all of us that have the privelege to know them.

Comment from gary janssen
Time: November 9, 2009, 7:47 am

As superintendent of North Tama County Community School, I would like to nominate Rick Vessely. He serves an outstanding school supporter by attending activities, announcing at various sport events, and by serving as a recourse when teachers and counselors need help with high risk students. His service to the school and community over the past several years has been tremendous.

Comment from Joan Day
Time: November 9, 2009, 8:56 am

Candice is a wonderful person and has a lot on her plate, but that does not prevent her from helping others. We hope her tumor shrinks and miraculously disappears. She is a very worthy recipient of having this life cruise.

Comment from Annette Knoop
Time: November 9, 2009, 11:35 am

I would like to add that I too, think Rick and his wife should be chosen for the Cruise. He is very special to so many people. My father used to stop just to say hi on his way home from work, and at the point that my father passed, it was Rick who my family asked to speak at his funeral services. We waited for Rick to return to Traer from a prior commitment for him to be there and to speak about my father. Many of our friends and family commented on what a nice service it was and my mother was extremely grateful for his kind words. Our small community is very lucky to have such a person amongst them that cares so very much about the community. I hope for the best for him and his family through this difficult journey before them, but I know that his community will be there to support him as they are doing now by voting for him.

Comment from Lisa Orsborn
Time: November 9, 2009, 1:19 pm

Like my nomination states, Candice is so deserving of this cruise. She has such a big heart and gives, gives, gives. Most importantly, she is a follower of our Savior and her life and everything she does follows Christ’s example. Christ definitely lives thru her!! She is amazing and deserves this now more than ever with everything she has been through in the recent past and is currently going through!!

Comment from stan hladik
Time: November 9, 2009, 1:42 pm

I have known Rick all his life and as minister there are none that can exceed his living in the word of the Lord. He not only gives of himself to his church but to our entire community. As President of the Board of Directors of our nursing home I can attest to how giving of his time , love ,, and attention to residents of all faiths at their time of need. Although I am not a member of his church I feel that I could call on him at any time if the need would be there and he would respond right away. It is a tragic to know that we will eventually loose such a wonderful individual in our community. He and Jan certainly deserve going on this cruise. Stan.

Comment from Michelle Sloyer
Time: November 9, 2009, 2:25 pm

I have witnessed Candi’s unwaivering dedication to some of the foster children who have come into her home. She and her husband have stood by a particular foster child for years through some very difficult times, situations that would have lead many other foster parents to give up. She cares about the foster children as much as her own children, and she does whatever she can to help the foster children maintain safe and healthy relationships with their biological family members. I’m continuously amazed by all that she does and how she keeps it all together. And she will not let her health problems hold her back. She is very selfless, does so much for other people, and deserves this trip so much!

Comment from Tricia Detje Zeis
Time: November 9, 2009, 3:58 pm

I can’t imagine how difficult it has been for any one of these nominees or how difficult it was is narrow down to the three. I wish there were a way to send each of them on this wonderful trip!

I personally voted for Pastor Rick and his wife Jan for several reasons. Not only do I know him and his family, extended family, having been raised in Traer, but have seen his work with in the community over the years. I didn’t attend his church, but lived down the street from him and his family. When visiting my family back home, there is never a time I don’t see Rick out and about in the community. He has been there for many of my 1993 NT classmates in happy times; weddings, births…just because and in sad times; loss of a spouse, parent or new born child. You didn’t have to attend his church and he would somehow lend his guiding hand to you. Since hearing of his diagnosis, I’ve seen my hometown community come together from a distance online, to support Pastor Rick and his family with so many words of kindness, love and gratitude. Seeing, hearing all these positive words makes me really miss my small town roots.

Many of us, far and near are praying for Pastor Rick. You are an amazing man and we are so grateful to have you in our lives!

Comment from Donna-Indianola, IA.
Time: November 9, 2009, 6:30 pm

Rick,

From what I’ve read, you sound very much like my Father. You are a person who loves the Lord, and are a faithful servant of Jesus Christ, who makes yourself available to God no matter what. My Dad was an alcoholic for 21 years but when he came to Christ, he became a new creation. His greatest desire from that day on was to grow in the Lord and lead others to Christ. The past 8 years of my Dad’s life, he Pastored a little country church in Missouri. He also was diagnosed with ALS, but he never lost his WITNESS and PASSION for the Lord. His greatest fear was what would happen to the sheep after the Shepherd was gone? I told Dad that the Lord did not bring him and the church this far to let it fail. And Praise God, the sheep have continued to grow and God’s work is going on.

Rick, may you and Jan be blessed beyond measure and may God give you a GREAT strength you never knew existed. I pray you win this cruise and that it will be just a small portion of the blessings that God has in store for you for being his FAITHFUL servant. God bless you as you continue to serve our WONDERFUL Lord.

Comment from Denny Paxton
Time: November 9, 2009, 8:24 pm

All your candidates sound like the type of person that the community can be proud of. However, my vote is for Candice.
I have know Candice since she was a little girl. She has always been the most honest and fair person you could ever hope to call a friend. In my opinion, life has not been fair to her, however, Candice would never think that. It’s that wonderful attitude toward people and beautiful smile in good times and bad that inspires me.

Comment from Bob Rash
Time: November 9, 2009, 9:34 pm

I would like to nominate Rick. He was my basketball coach in junior high one of the first couple years he was at North Tama (Traer). Rick was a good role model and I saw how he energized the youth in the community. Now that I’m older with three kids of my own I can see how easy it could be to sit on the sidelines instead of getting invovled. If Rick doesn’t win this trip I know God will continue to bless him in other ways.

Thank you Rick

Comment from Amy Lidgett
Time: November 10, 2009, 7:16 am

Rick Vesely is a highly regarded figure in our small community and is a driving force behind the liveliness of our church. Pastor Rick works hard to keep our Presbyterian church growing and encourages us to be missionaries in our local community and world. Ministering to others takes precedence over our church prospering financially, according to Rick’s philosophy. Our church focuses on the needs of others, and every money-raising event we do benefits other organizations or needs in the community rather than going into our church treasury. Rick is a firm believer that we, as a congregation, are the hands of Christ and may be the only “Jesus” some people will every know. Rick models this in his daily actions by serving not only our congregation and local nursing home, but anyone who needs it in our community.

Almost 4 years ago, my infant daughter was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis. Pastor Rick has been so encouraging to our family during our struggles. He has promoted awareness of the disease, helped fundraise for a cure, and offered continuous prayers for healing. Each year we choose a Bible verse for our annual fundraising walk. This past year we chose Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” This verse is so comforting to me, and now it offers a special meaning to Pastor Rick, as he has been diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease). I remember the feeling of despair when I heard my daughter’s diagnosis, and I feel that same feeling of sadness when I think of the struggles Rick may face through this disease. Sometimes God’s plan is not obvious, and as much as we’d want to change it to our own version, God knows far better than we do. Whether it’s watching Rick’s faith strengthen through adversity, seeing the support of friends and loved ones on his behalf, or prayerfully seeing God perform a healing miracle, God will use this opportunity to glorify Himself and reveal how much He loves Rick and his wife Jan.

Comment from Allison
Time: November 10, 2009, 8:48 am

Candice is a kind, caring, thoughtful person that has inspired all around her. She deserves this more than anyone I know. She is a living testament of faith and perseverance.

Comment from Pat & Betty
Time: November 10, 2009, 2:44 pm

Betty and I have known Rick for most of our adult lives. We were witnesses to his calling into God’s full time ministry. When he finally decided to heed the summons, I/we could just about see the smile on God’s face. Rick’s service, aptitude and compassion for God’s family has been evidenced many times over! He is and has been a true messenger for the Lord Jesus Christ. Jan’s entry into his life has been a true blessing for Rick and the ministry they have. We hope that you’ll vote for Rick and Jan for this wonderful opportunity.

Comment from Janel Thurm, Denver Iowa
Time: November 10, 2009, 3:34 pm

I would like to see Rick, from Traer, win this wonderful opportunity. I have never met him personally, but feel like I know him through a co-worker of mine because she talks about “pastor Rick” a lot to myself and her other coworkers. From the things that she’s has said he seems like the type of person that has touched many peoples lives in the 16 years that he has been at his church. He seems like a very down to earth pastor and someone that you could really relate to and talk to very easily. I was so sad to hear of him having this disease; but I also knew that he would turn this somewhat disappointing situation into a great learning/teaching opportunity for him and the ones around him. I Hope that someday soon i get the chance to meet him.

God Bless you Rick!

Comment from Tom Lindauer
Time: November 10, 2009, 4:48 pm

My wife (Holly Nelsen) and I were married just over 10 years ago and Rick was there for us. We attended his church with my in-laws for only a few months and moved away. Through the last 10 years our family has seen it’s share of up’s and down’ss and Rick has still had time to keep our family in the church’s prayers. Even a quick e-mail from Rick seems to put Holly in a good mood. Thanks for being there Rick and good luck!

Comment from Sydney
Time: November 11, 2009, 9:00 pm

I’m sure every nominee deserves this trip and much more for their faith in God, but I’d have to say my vote will go for my grandpa Rick. He has been there for me SO much more than any man I’ve ever known. He’s brought me closer to God , and helped me find a purpose in my life, he always pull (sometimes drags) me back to the right path when I’ve gone astray. I love him so much and it was almost unbearable to find out he had been diagnosed with this horrible disease, somedays I still don’t believe it, but I know that he will be an amazing testament to the fact that God has a plan for all of us even if it wasn’t our plan. He is my grandpa, coach, buddy, and pastor and I love him very very much!

Comment from Kathryn L. Manfull
Time: November 11, 2009, 10:43 pm

Reading all the comments from others is heart-warming. Rick truly is an intrument in the Lord’s hands. He shows the love of Christ to family, friends, community, Church & beyond! He is a blessed servant in so many ways. He’s handling the diagnosis of ALS /c courage. His strength comes from the Lord. Visiting briefly /c Jan, her wish is that “all could go on the Cruise!” That would be awesome! Rich & Jan are deserving of this “Respite Crusie” as they face the challenges & trials of ALS in their future.

Comment from Leslie
Time: November 13, 2009, 10:40 am

I regretfully missed the voting period but wanted to share my feelings about Candace York. I am from West Virginia and know Candace through her VOLUNTEER work on the board of directors for the National Coaltion for Campus Children’s Centers. As if she doesn’t have enough “on her plate” raising her biological family, foster children, dealing with health issues, special needs, her full time job, opening her home to so many others, she still finds time to volunteer! Candace is selfless, hard working, humble, dependable, and compassionate.

Thank you to Lisa for nominating her, those who voted and to the station for the opportunity to honor Candace. It’s too bad you can’t give away more than one cruise vacation. Candace York is a beautiful and sincere example of a true Christian simply by the way she lives her everyday life. I am blessed to have met and get the opportunity to serve with her. Her strength is an inspirational to us all!

Comment from livia Balea
Time: November 13, 2009, 12:59 pm

Dear all!!
I’m from Moldova(Central Europe). Candice’s story touched me deep my heart. My daughter is an exchange student and lives in Candice’s family. She can’t stop telling me how wonderful, careful, loving Mother she is.You can’t imagine the enormous Love that she gives to our daughter. God blessed us to know Candice, and our daughter to meet such a Special person. I’m sure she deserves to be the winner!! Much love and respect from Livia, Igor. We are very grateful to you Candice(and your family) for a lot of nice things you are doing for our daughter.

Comment from gina ruhl
Time: November 15, 2009, 10:51 pm

Rick is very deserving

Comment from Charles R. May
Time: November 16, 2009, 2:36 pm

I support Kandice York because she is a Christian mother
who lives the principles of Christ in all her interactions in
her family, in her work, and with the community at large. She has taken her talents and has mutilplied them to the
benefit of her children, family, and society. She is a model
for college students with whom she supervisess.I strongly
recommend her for the cruise where I know she will
continue to influence her fellow shipmates.