2020 Daily Devotion - Day 187

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Many years ago, in my previous congregation, Bethel Lutheran Church in Encino, California, the impressionist Fred Travalena; his wife, Lois; and their sons, became members of our church. Fred was an amazing and gifted artist. He not only did impressions of the leading celebrities of our time, but could sing and impersonate the likes of Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennet, Johnny Mathis and others. You could close your eyes and not be able to tell the difference. In addition, he had impersonated every president from John F. Kennedy to George W. Bush; often in their presence on the same stage (just Google his name or go on YouTube, and you will see what I mean).

Fred was an extremely generous man in so many ways. Helping to raise funds for our Lutheran elementary school, Fred did his Las Vegas show with full orchestra and other celebrities three times on a massive stage in the San Fernando Valley. He was always helping others and would regularly rescue stray cats and dogs. A couple of times, I had Fred stand up on a Sunday morning in church and do some impressions, and then I would interview him about his faith in Jesus Christ. He even came and did the same here at Mount of Olives Church in Mission Viejo, California.

Fred was also a lot of fun to be around. He was always ready with a good joke. Even after I came to Mount of Olives, we would still talk by phone and try to get together from time to time. He died a little over 10 years ago, and those of us who knew him miss him a great deal. He made an indelible mark on all who knew him.

One of the things that always impressed me was how hard he worked at his craft. He was truly an artist at the highest level. He could not only impersonate Frank Sinatra, but had the gestures down for the three different eras of Sinatra’s career. I didn’t even know there were three eras. He had that kind of attention to the detail with his impressions. As I think about the work of Fred Travalena, it is a good example of what we are called to be as Christ followers. Look at these verses.

1 Corinthians 11:1 ESV
Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.

Ephesians 5:1 ESV
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.

Think of the spiritual growth we could experience if we were to imitate Christ with the same degree of excellence Fred Travalena had as he imitated presidents and celebrities. The world would be a better place.

Pray with me:
Heavenly Father, You have called on us to imitate You in all areas of our lives. Through Your Holy Spirit, give us the desire to do this and the strength to carry it out. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Yours because of Him,
Pastor John R. Steward
Senior Pastor
Mount of Olives Church
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