Cedarville Magazine, Spring 2020

Lorne Scharnberg boarded a plane for Texas and settled into the comfort of first class. His destination was a new job as President of a corporate subsidiary. The move from Minneapolis was not a popular choice at home, but to reach this executive level at age 32 was big. “I knew the significance of taking that job,” he said. What Lorne didn’t know was the significance of being on that particular flight and just how uncomfortable it would be. That is until he saw a 50-something woman dressed in a business suit walk past him. “I knew instantly she was going to sit beside me, and I knew she was going to witness to me,” he said. “Nobody had to tell me.” Just before the plane began to taxi, the woman reappeared from the back of the plane and sat next to him. He opened his briefcase and attempted to look busy. It didn’t work. “I just have to interrupt you,” she said, grabbing Lorne’s arm. “I’ve really been led to speak to you about something.” This was not in Lorne’s plans. He had a dream job, and he didn’t want the distraction. Besides, he had heard the Gospel explained many times growing up under the roof of a Pentecostal minister. “I prayed to get saved a couple times, but I never got saved because I didn’t ask for the free gift of salvation,” he said. “What I did was I promised God I’d never sin again. You don’t get saved doing that.” Lorne knew he wasn’t saved, but job security was enough for him. So when she told him God had a perfect plan for his life, he responded, “I just became President of a subsidiary. It doesn’t get any better than that.” She grabbed his arm and said, “I am so happy for you. But God’s got a perfect plan. As good as what you’ve got, it’s even better,” she said. “I can’t visualize that,” Lorne said. “It’ll get better,” she said. The woman couldn’t have known Lorne would build two successful contract manufacturing companies; serve as a trustee at Cedarville University; give generously of his time, treasure, and talents; and have the new School of Business Administration building named in his honor. But God’s plans were already in motion. A few days after his unplanned meeting at 35,000 feet, Lorne’s wife, Kathi; young son, Mark; and his mother-in-law (who was just there to help with the move) arrived at their BY JEFF GILBERT ’87 Cedarville Magazine | 11