Brandon Twp – While Pastor Dave Gerber is an Oxford resident, his optimistic soul is in Brandon Township.
An optimist is one who takes on a hopeful view.
Gerber, who introduces himself as the Pastor of the Lake Louise Church of the Nazarene, ‘home of the happy pastor,? is hoping to extend his bright outlook by outreaching, with optimism, to kids in the community who need a boost.
‘I don’t live here but I love this town and I want to make a difference in this community,? said Gerber who is hoping to gather interest in forming an Optimist club to touch the lives of youth, in a positive way.
‘I’m a pastor here but want to have a bigger impact in this community, than just in the church.? Gerber smiled.
Optimist clubs have been ‘bringing out the best in kids since 1919, according to club history, extending positive service projects, encouragement, guidance with a boost of recognition, and lending a helping hand.
Known within their communities by their upbeat attitude, Optimists believe that lives can be changed by empowering young people to be the best they can be.
Optimists touch lives that otherwise might not be influenced in a positive direction.
‘The basic, number one, purpose of an Optimist club is to be a civic organization that is a friend to youth, in order to help them develop a positive outlook,? said Gerber.
The ex-helicopter pilot says he has always been a defender of the weak because of his great love of his creator, and that he feels everybody deserves to be loved and feel special.
And while he says it may sound corny, Gerber hopes to apply that basic sentiment while establishing an Optimists organization within this community.
With the help of Clarkston Optimist Don Brose, Gerber hopes to build a local membership of area business persons, parents, and community leaders, organize encouragement, self-esteem building activities with a focus on simple hands-on outreach with area children.
‘I’d rather our projects be actively involved in kids lives’to touch their lives by interacting and encouraging them, and not just sending a check,? he said.
Gerber says there are in this community who are not the four-point students, or actively involved in esteem building activities such as sports, that would benefit from Optimistic encouragement, which he hopes the Ortonville Optimist Club would eventually provide.
While Gerber insists his drive to serve a community is nothing special, he admits that historically he has been driven to be a defender of the weak and would like to appeal to the community to speak out, and to, children and teens who are in need of a helping hand.
‘When I was a kid I couldn’t stand to see someone not having a friend and it broke my heart.?
For more information on getting involved with The Ortonville Optimist Club call Gerber at (248) 627-3171.