I attended the wedding of Grant Stephas and Sarah Seehusen on Saturday night in Eagle Grove. Both, had attended camp at Hidden Acres, met as T3'ers and cleaned toilets together, and eventually were Jr. and Sr. Counselors. What a joy for me to witness their marriage and to eat their cake too. My prayer is that their lives will continue to be fruitful and that they may raise a family that brings glory to God. It was so unique to see that both Sarah's and Grant's parents and grandparents and great grandparents are all still married; what a rich heritage this couple begins their life together with; they have to succeed as a couple with all that pedigree behind them.
We are not E-Harmony... but close. During the staff commissioning service at the end of staff training, I tell parents who are attending, "Look around, your future son-in-law is probably in this room. " And I tell the staff, "And your best man or bridesmaid is probably here too." Did that ever come to fruition on Saturday.... Grant and Sarah met as campers, dated over the years; all of Grant's groomsmen were young men Grant had counselled with him at camp. I will go out on a limb and say, "These same 4 young men will probably be life long friends of Grant's too." Camp has a way of blending kids together in such a healthy environment; working side by side in ministry has a way of cementing relationships. And... they were married by his youth pastor, Tim Olson, who was also a camp counselor many years ago. The rehearsal supper was themed, "Hidden Acres". I think I need to send a bill out to their parents for this match making via Hidden Acres.
That truly is an added bonus to the summer ministry of camp. Over 1900 campers attended Hidden Acres this summer; 55 accepted Christ; over 120 young people worked for us over the summer; and many lasting friendship were made. Isn't camp life wonderful. We think so!
earldtaylor@yahoo.com
2 comments:
What a wonderful thing to witness! I went to camp a few weeks ago, and it really changed my life. Me and all my friends grew closer and learned much more about each other. I can't wait until I am old enough to be a counselor! 8 weeks at Hidden Acres sounds AMAZING!!!
I don't know if I ever told you Earl, how much working at Hidden Acres impacted my life. I came away with numerous great friendships, the closest one would be with your daughter Elly. I love her like a sister. But the greatest thing I came away with was accepting Jesus into my heart. It's been about 12 years since i worked at HA, but every time I go back there it feels like home. Thank you for all that you and Dede do for the camp and provide for the youth!
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