Thomas Jefferson Testimonials

"Thanks for giving my Silver Sneakers group so much enjoyment and food for thought. The way you presented Thomas Jefferson was most creative. Since you couldn't possibly deal with all his accomplishments in such a short amount of time, you opened windows on his thinking which we can continue to pursue. Mr. Jefferson was first and foremost a thinker.

Lynn Dyba,
Silver Sneakers Athletic Club"

"Dear Thomas Jefferson,

I never knew you were in Paris when the Constitution was signed. I agree that a President should not be President for life because they will be just like a king demanding power over everybody, and you guys went to America to be independent from the king... Down with King George!

A young learner,
William O'Easl"

"Dear Thomas Jefferson,

Thank you for coming to our school and for spending your time with us to talk about yourself. It was interesting to know that you studied 12 hours a day. If I tried to do that, I would blow up!

Sincerely,
Jordan Medina"

"Jefferson was brought to life by Dr. Jack Van Ens, a member of Colorado's Civic Canopy-Presenting in the Chautauqua style, Jack achieved the uncanny sense of Jefferson's presence through the well studied knowledge and characterization of Jefferson and his times. His portrayal captured the passion, poise, and humanity of this important historic figure."

Garth Schaefer, Program Consultant
Service-Learning Colorado

" I have been a Rotarian for 18 years and never saw a speaker get a standing ovation. What an excellent presentation! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge with us.

The Rotary District has a website where Program Chairs share information on excellent speakers. I have taken the liberty of posting your information there. I have also forwarded your information to two school principals since you mentioned in closing that you also love to speak to students about values, etc."

Christa M. Reich Program Chair
Rotary Club of Denver Southeast

"Thomas Jefferson, also known as Jack VanEns, visited our fifth/sixth grade classroom this week. It was both a delightful and profitable visit.

It was apparent Jack VanEns has an extensive knowledge of the Founding Fathers, and in particular, Thomas Jefferson. He was able to tell the children about Jefferson, relating facts and anecdotes appropriate for their age and understanding. However, Mr. VanEns gave the children much more than role playing Jefferson. Explaining Jefferson's passion for reading, he talked to the children about the value of reading and treasuring books. It was a powerful lesson as they learned how one can become rich through reading.

With his velvet coat, silk stockings and wig, Mr. VanEns presented an authentic Thomas Jefferson. He engaged the children for a full hour, giving the students the gift of a better understanding of our history and the charge to value reading.

I salute Jack VanEns' portrayal of Thomas Jefferson and highly recommend him to school groups and civic organizations!"

Mary C. Ross, Teacher,
Foster Elementary

Jonathan Edwards Testimonials

Your ministry as Jonathan Edwards during the AWAKENING AMERICA SUMMIT in Northampton, MA was exceptional. It simply would not have been the same without you.

Thank you again for excellent work and wonderful spirit. You were a joy to work with. I think your concluding piece on the sermon “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” and connecting it to the contemporary situation was your best moment of all. I was personally blessed and enriched. I also appreciated your sharing the 9/11 account from the pictures taken of this tragedy since it tied in well with the Cry Out America prayer gathering across America. I wasn’t sure if this was providential or intentional, bit it was effective.

Blessings,

Billy Wilson, Chair
AWAKENING AMERICA ALLIANCE

"Jack did an absolutely splendid job of at once teaching us about Jonathan Edwards and giving us a strong message from Scripture. He preached at three worship services, and he was well received; in fact, I didn't hear one negative comment, but instead heard all kinds of positive comments.

That night Jack came back and carried on a debate between Thomas Jefferson and Jonathan Edwards that addressed such topics as the meaning of Christianity within the relationship between church and state. In some ways I found this to be even more impressive because he presented the views of both of these men so clearly. Jack was also very effective in answering the questions that were posed to both Jefferson and Edwards."

Rev Ken Williams, Ph.D.
Rockland Community Church

" I was awed at how well you took on the manner and character of Jonathan Edwards- as you shared his thoughts and ideas. This certainly took a great deal of time to study his works and his philosophy as you prepared. You have a certain intelligence and awareness that very few people possess. Thanks for making this effort to help us improve the atmosphere in our meetings.

I look forward to future opportunities to seeing and hearing you in your other roles as you serve your ministry with Creative Growth Ministries. I hope all goes well and that others are willing to include you in their worship services or meetings as it is appropriate."

Cecil A. Matthews, Stated Clerk
Presbytery of the West

"I write to thank you for your participation in last week's assembly workshop "Our Story, Our Future." I could not have "asked or imagined" the success it achieved. Holding up our history in a knowledgeable and winsome way while demonstrating its relevance and importance to our future direction was a daunting challenge. I believe that objective was achieved effectively, both in the individual presentations and through the workshop as a whole."

Michael J. Glodo, Former Stated Clerk
Evangelical Presbyterian Church

"Your presentation brought Jonathan Edwards to us not as an "outsider" but as someone who was intimately familiar with Calvin, its history, its characters. The result was a stirring and at the same time personal and affectionate call to us to look away from ourselves to God and be thankful. Edwards was a giant but he was also human and we were given glimpses into both. Thank you."

John Bolt, Professor of Systematic Theology
Calvin Theological Seminary