NAME: Dr. Vard Gainor
TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF:
Hello, my name is Vard Gainor. I am in my 60s and was born and raised in Michigan, and now reside in Hampden Township, Cumberland County PA.
I have a wife and one daughter. I am a man of my word, and I highly value integrity. My major interests are leadership development, scientific research, history, hiking, and enriching discussions with ministry and scientific peers. I thoroughly love spending time with my spouse.
I use to race one-design sailboats on Lake Michigan and kept a 7-ton ocean-going sailboat in Sarasota FL when I was younger.
IF YOU COULD TIME-TRAVEL, WHAT POINT IN HISTORY WOULD YOU VISIT?
Back in time: the Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve.
Forward in time: the Day of the Lord.
I KNOW YOU ENJOY THE “LORD OF THE RINGS.” WHICH CHARACTER DO YOU MOST RELATE TO AND WHY?
Gandalf, since he assisted others in reaching their goals and guided them to fulfill their calling.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR 25 YEAR-OLD SELF?
Value people more than systems, and pay it forward.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE MATURE IN CHRIST? WHAT IS SPIRITUAL MATURITY?
When people see you they see the crucified Christ living in you. Dying to self. As Jesus said to His Father while in the garden: your way, not mine.
COMMITMENT CAN BE VIEWED AS AN OUTDATED IDEA. WHY IS COMMITMENT STILL RELEVANT?
The root meaning of commitment is related to covenant, which was a pledge to the benefit of both parties. Covenant, and therefore commitment, is one of the foundation stones of our civilization.
WE’VE ALL FACED DISAPPOINTMENTS. HOW WOULD YOU ENCOURAGE SOMEONE TO KEEP PERSEVERING?
Disappointments are incredible experiences. One will always succeed when they have properly applied what they learned from disappointments. An important key is that disappointments bring humility, and it is in humility where God moves in a mighty way in one’s life.
WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT TO HAVE A MENTOR IN YOUR LIFE?
There is an old saying that says: “it is easy to find a young fool, but hard to find an old one.” The journey of living one’s life teaches us valuable lessons that can never come from accumulating knowledge. The creative process of living teaches us how to learn what is really important. A Godly mentor to show us what to expect and to guide us through is to be greatly valued.
IF YOU WERE SPEAKING TO A CAPTIVE AUDIENCE, WHAT WOULD YOU SAY?
What the Holy Spirit would direct me to say on a case-by-case basis. Having said this, I believe that everyone has a life-message that is shared on a regular basis. My life message is summarized in Psalm 107.
IF YOUR LIFE STORY WERE BEING MADE INTO A MOVIE, WHAT ACTOR WOULD YOU CHOOSE TO PLAY YOU?
Gary Cooper
WOULD YOU RATHER HAVE A GOLDEN VOICE OR A SILVER TONGUE?
Golden voice because I have never been able to sing in tune.
THANKS FOR GIVING US A GLIMPSE INTO YOUR LIFE AND HOW YOU DO PRACTICAL CHRISTIANITY.