Just like in the classic tale, the Grinch’s heart grew three sizes that day, Christmas Day to be specific.  After being sited all around North Central West Virginia over the last couple of weeks, The Grinch, also known as Steve Engle, decided that the children of West Virginia University’s Pediatric Intensive Care Unit were due for a visit.

 

“It was a very different way to spend Christmas,” said Carla Engle, who accompanied her Grinch husband on the visit.  “We felt this was a way to offer ourselves to others on this special day.”

 

While the couple anticipated the visit to be a moving experience, they never imagined the degree to which they would be affected.

 

“As we greeted child after child, we watched them light up for just a moment when they saw The Grinch,” said Engle.  “We watched a young couple hold their three-week-old baby for the first time.  They said they loved the Grinch and told us they knew it was truly Christmas when they saw him coming towards them.”

 

Steve Engle, Bridgeport United Methodist Church’s Minister of Discipleship, Program and Hospitality, is known for using his creativity to bless others.  Each year, he portrays various Biblical characters to make the Bible come alive for those who attend the annual Vacation Bible School in July.  By using his personal experiences, his God-given story-telling gift is used weekly through his ministry and his latest character, The Grinch, was yet another way to share God’s message with those who are hurting.

 

“Through tragic circumstances, families could smile at a man in costume.  I was reminded about what faith in humanity and in God really means,” said Engle.  “The nurses, caregivers, doctors, greeters and staff who were working on Christmas Day could not have been more kind to us and the experience moved us beyond words.”