You may know LCC’s staff members, but do you really know them? In this blog series, you will find out more about the people who serve on LCC’s staff. From their favorite food to their favorite Bible verse, some of their answers may surprise you! This week meet Jon Merkel, LCC’s visual arts coordinator.

Write your bio in three sentences:

I'm in love with storytelling, and there is no better story to tell than the message of Christ. I have a passion for reaching others with the message of Christ in fresh, culturally significant ways. I am married to my best friend Michelle, and we love spending time together cooking, riding bikes or sharing a morning French press coffee. 

What’s the weirdest or most interesting job you have ever had?

I once worked in car sales, specifically selling MINI Coopers, and for a while, I was the only person you could buy a new MINI from in western Pennsylvania for over 300 miles. 

What job would you like to have if you were not working in ministry?

Making movies, specifically directing. 

Where is your favorite place to be?

For vacation, Hawaii, but for the day-to-day, with my wife at a local coffee shop in the morning. 

What is your favorite book?

“Jurassic Park” by Michael Crichton

What is your favorite movie?

“Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade”

What kind of music do you listen to?

Anything except country, mostly movie scores, big band jazz and electronic. 

What is your favorite food?

Italian of any sort

What is your favorite thing about living in the Lowcountry?

Bike trails and palm trees!

What is your favorite Bible verse and why?

There are many, but one of my favorites is 2 Samuel 9:8 (specifically MSG): "Shuffling and stammering, not looking him in the eye, Mephibosheth said, ‘Who am I that you pay attention to a stray dog like me?’"

The idea of this grown man, coming before the king with this strong element of humility, feeling totally worthless, and the king not looking down on him is obviously so much like our relationship with God and that's so compelling for me to hear. 

Briefly tell us about your role at LCC …

My title is visual arts coordinator, and what that basically entails is creating the videos you see on the weekends (such as bumpers, life change and special event films) as well as assisting with filming the weekend service. 

How have you seen or experienced God at work in your ministry?

On a regular basis, I've seen how God can take what I thought were mistakes and use them to create compelling content. Whether that is what I thought would be a messed-up camera shot or uncooperative weather, it always turns out better than what I had planned. 

What is one thing most people don’t know about you?  

Not sure!