Pat Hrbacek (left) and Louis Grams. Photo credit: Phil Ehemann.Pat Hrbacek was appointed to head the Colorado Springs branch on September 10. He follows Louis Grams, who has served as the branch's head since 2000.
“The vision, pastoral care and guidance Louis possesses have done so very much to build this newer branch,” said Kevin Ranaghan, chair of the branch relations council. “There is no way to express adequately everyone’s gratitude to him.
“Louis has faced health problems in recent years, including a number of surgeries and recoveries. Pat has been serving as the branch’s acting head for a number of months, a job he has done very well. Please pray for Pat as he continues these responsibilities.”
Pat and his wife Kara moved to Colorado Springs from Servant branch in 2000, arriving a few months after the Gramses, who also came from Servant Branch. (Kara is the daughter of Jim and Carol Rolland of Servant Branch). The Hrbaceks have four daughters. In addition to leading the branch, Pat works as an attorney and is a partner in a Colorado Springs law firm. Kara is a stay-at-home mother and part-time high school humanities teacher.
“Kara and I have been the recipients of so much love and service from our brothers and sisters in Colorado Springs,” Pat says. “So it’s an honor and a privilege for me to serve in this new way, especially following Louis, who has been a model servant in this position.”
In 2006, Louis was bending over to work in his garden when some screws in his back (from a previous surgery) came loose, triggering major damage to his autonomic nervous system. He says that doctors understand little about how to repair the autonomic nervous system, but a number of specialists can treat his various symptoms—blood pressure swings, breathing trouble and fatigue among them. He relies on a portable oxygen machine to assist with his breathing.
Louis is quick to add that his doctors have uncovered no connection between his current health problems and the Churg-Strauss syndrome that the Lord healed him of in 1997. He continues to work for Kevin and the branch relations office and he’s a member of the Colorado Springs branch leaders team. He is writing music, and beginning to compile the many musical compositions he has penned over the years.
“When I was sick before [in the mid-1990s] I was so preoccupied with being sick that it was all I could think about. This is a different experience. I feel well some of the time, and when I feel sick I find lots of grace to do what I can do,” Louis says. “The Lord has more for me to do and I’m looking forward to what’s next.”
Responses
Ray Hickey says:
September 17th, 2010 at 4:37 PM
Time for rest and healing Louis, our prayers are with you.
Donald Busekrus says:
September 17th, 2010 at 4:45 PM
God bless you Louis, servant of all. God bless you Pat for taking the baton and continuing the race. We stand united with you in prayer knowing the Lord provides his people with everything they need, and more! Ask and you shall receive. God is good!!
Virginia (Gina) Kadera says:
September 17th, 2010 at 4:47 PM
Dear Pat & Kara,
We will be praying for God's grace to protect, guide and sustain you and your family.
God's richest blessings to you Louis, as we continue to pray for you and Nancy.
Gina & Jim Kadera
eileen horan says:
September 17th, 2010 at 4:51 PM
Knowing that Louis has been sick, I've been praying for the Colorado Springs branch. I'm delighted that Pat is stepping up to the plate - the branch is in very good hands. Thank you Lord for your perfect plan for Colorado Springs and for Louis and Nancy and Pat and Kara...
Anne Brewer says:
September 17th, 2010 at 4:56 PM
Praise God for the many years of service and love Louis has poured out on the People of Praise! And thank you Nancy for all the ways you've the supported Louis and served us all. God bless you both.
And praise God for Pat stepping in to continue to serve all of us! Thank you Pat and Kara for your generous yes to the Lord.
Pat Walsh says:
September 17th, 2010 at 5:35 PM
Louis,
I see you are still relying on the vinyl folders (looks so familiar)! May the Lord heal you once again.
Pat,
I pray a lot for good leadership in all of our branches - it is so critical for the work the Lord does in us and through us. I know Louis had great love for the brothers and sister here in Servant Branch when he was our PBC may you have the gift of great love for all those you serve.
Blessings, Pat Walsh
John and Kathy Buri says:
September 17th, 2010 at 8:16 PM
Louis and Nancy; Well done good and faithful servants! Use this next chapter of your lives to heal and restore!
Pat and Kara: Our prayers and love are with you. We know well what this requires of both of you and your girls. We also know of your faith and character and love of brothers and sisters to meet this challenge.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all, John and Kathy
Connie Schrandt says:
September 17th, 2010 at 9:51 PM
What a great testament to God's love and faithfulness. Louis and Nancy, you have and continue to serve the Body of Christ since I have known you.
Pat and Kara, thank you for saying yes one more time. I will be praying for you and your family as you move into this new roll.
For the last 3 years God has been speaking to me about Generous Hearts and it is delighful and faith-building to see that in action.
Bob & Dianne Cunningham says:
September 18th, 2010 at 12:38 AM
Louie and Nancy, our prayers are forever with you and know their is great promise in your future. We look forward to all the Lord has for you and may He heal and give both of you new strength and grace for this journey. Thank you for your love and service to all of us in People of Praise.
Pat and Kara, you indeed are servants but even more, you are friends. God has gifted both of you with great love for others and therefore love for Him. Our prayers are with you.
In His Love,
Bob and Dianne
Glenn Hilton says:
September 18th, 2010 at 2:34 AM
Louis and Pat:
The adventure continues Brothers. Continue to care for and support one another.
Thank you both for serving so well in building the Kingdom we share.
Bless you Louis for all you have done and will continue to do. Know that our prayers are with you as you continue your recovery.
And Pat may the Lord continue to bless you as you serve His people in the Branch.
Thank you Brothers
Glenn and Judy
Marjorie Stanley says:
September 18th, 2010 at 12:20 PM
My prayers are with you Louie and Nancy. You have been faithful servants for many years. I know the Lord will continue using you both. I will keep praying that the Lord will give Louie another miracle healing.
Pat and Kara....May the Lord continue to guide you through the coming years and keep you at peace and in good health.
GOD'S BLESSINGS TO ALL...MARGE
Mark Elio says:
September 18th, 2010 at 6:07 PM
Louis I pray for you daily for your health concerns and well-being, as well as, for Nancy as she so faithfully supports you in your marriage and mission. Thanks so much for your dedicated service to us here in Colorado Springs--you led our branch at a critical time and you are now humbly passing on the baton of leadership.
Pat, I knew there was reason the Lord convicted me months ago to pray faithfully for you. He has now revealed it to me in the appointment of your full-time leadership of the Colorado Springs Branch. I believe my intercessory support was to help prepare you for this new assignment in your life. Go forward with it in the peace of and trust in the Lord's faithful guidance. In conclusion, one day both you and Louis will hear our Father's affirmation, "Well done, good and faithful servants!"
Keith Koski says:
September 20th, 2010 at 2:39 AM
Louis and Nancy, Thank you for the unselfish service you have given to us all. You have indeed been an inspiration to me and my family's journey with the Lord. I also want to congradulate Pat in his new role and ask that the Lord guide him and give him the wisdom he needs.
Kim & Bruce Doffing says:
September 20th, 2010 at 10:35 AM
Louis & Nancy, Blessing, prayer and praise are lifted up to the Father for the two of you and your faithfullness in serving his kingdom here on earth.
With praise and worship we honor and pray for Pat and Kara as they faithfully lead and serve.
Glory and Praise to God for our dear Brothers and Sisters in the Colorado branch!
Michael Busekrus says:
September 21st, 2010 at 11:29 AM
From one solid rock, faithful to his calling, servant and friend, Louis, to the next willing, humble, open to the Lord's will, servant Pat, the mission of our Lord continues to be executed in Colorado. God's peace, love and joy be with you my brothers! Many thanks to the Colorado faithful who have hung in there over the years! Shout Halleluah my people! The Lord is Risen!!! Love to all, Mike Busekrus (Oahu)
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