Two Medals of Honor Conferred

During the Thursday morning business session of the General Council, General Superintendent Thomas Trask conferred upon two laymen-David Cribbs and Barry Meguiar-the General Superintendent's Medal of Honor. The Medal of Honor is an award of the highest degree presented to outstanding laypersons in the Assemblies of God who have distinguished themselves through meritorious service to God, the church, and fellow citizens.

David Cribbs

A gifted businessman, David Cribbs has owned and operated a number of companies and has been a real estate developer and cattle rancher. His business expertise has resulted in invitations to serve on boards of a number of companies. Additionally, his gifts have blessed his local church and Assemblies of God national ministries. David Cribbs has exhibited a servant's heart in many ways, from developing church building plans, to removing heavy snowfall from the church parking lot, to sitting on the board of directors of the Assemblies of God Financial Services Group. Wherever he serves, whether in his local church (First Assembly of God, Bolivar, Mo.) or business community, David carries a strong Christian witness.

Named "Entrepreneur of the Year" at Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, and inducted into Junior Achievement's Greater Ozarks Business Hall of Fame, David has always demonstrated vision and a willingness to hear and consider new ideas. As a servant leader, David is known throughout his community, district and church as a person of sterling character and high integrity.

Among their many areas of service, David and his wife Betty work closely with the Convoy of Hope outreach to needy families and individuals. "You will find them traveling with Convoy, standing in lines and distributing food," says Thomas Trask. "He and his wife Betty pray with people, and show God's love to them. They are testimonies of God's grace and love."

Barry Meguiar

Representing the third generation of his family's business, begun by his grandfather in 1901, Barry Meguiar is now president and CEO of Meguiar's Inc., one of the leading manufacturers of surface car care products in the world. Produced in the early days, one bottle at a time in the family garage, Meguiar's car care products, top-rated by Consumer Reports, are available through chain stores and mass merchandisers everywhere.

When asked why a businessman would maintain a strong dependence and devotion to God, "They have it all backwards," Barry responds. "That dependence is the precise reason for our company's success. In our dog-eat-dog marketplace, businesses that follow biblical principles earn trust and respect. Best of all, we don't have the stress that comes from having to rely on our own strength and ingenuity."

Barry and his wife Karen are active members of Orange County Worship Center, Santa Ana, Calif., and are involved in many ways in the church's ministries. Also, Barry has served the Assemblies of God fellowship as a member of various boards and committees, including the Division of Foreign Missions and the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary.

Currently, Barry chairs the Laity Advisory Committee for the Fellowship. This involvement has resulted in providing lay seminars at General Council. People not directly involved in the official business of the church are informed and inspired by these seminars. Four such sessions are being offered yesterday and today.

"The laity of our church is vital," commented General Superintendent Trask. "If the Assemblies of God is to accomplish its vision for the 21st century, we must utilize our laity."

Barry is also involved with Teen Challenge ministry-both in the Southern California District and nationally.

To both David Cribbs and Barry Meguiar, whose lives bring honor and glory to God, the General Council of the Assemblies of God is pleased to confer the General Superintendent's Medal of Honor.

John T. Maempa