Old Friends in new places

Man, WHAT AN EVENT! Jason and I have been at the "Leadership Summit" at the Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, Illinois. Bill Hybels, James Meeks. Wayne Cordiero and many more were absoultely AMAZING! It will probably take weeks to process the information!

We experienced an unexpected blessing and connected with old friends. On Friday night, as we came out of the service, we connected with my brother and sister in law - Dan and Reenie Bickel. While they waited for me, they ran into some of my old friends. When I rejoined them, it was time to greet dear friends that have been off our radar for about 12 years.

Dave and Leann Gormong brought their daughter Kristen with them to the Summit. I had been on staff with David in Bartlesville, OK for 2 years. They were some of our dearest friends in Bartlesville. We rejoiced with them when Kristen was born in May of 1990. They rejoiced with us (and stood by us) through the whirlwind adoption of Jason after he was born in September that same year. Both Jason and Kristen were dedicated on the same Sunday.

We worked side by side when our Senior Pastor was ill and ultimately died on Christmas of 1990. Then, we both left for other ministries in the spring and summer of that year. We kept in contact for awhile. We even made it a point to meet once when we were both in the Chicago area. But, as sometimes happens, we lost track of one another.

What a blessing to have friends from all over who love and serve Jesus! I always enjoy seeing friends and renewing connections. What a blessing to connect with old friends in new places. Of the 6000 + attenders, God allowed us to cross paths and renew our friendship.

We exchanged all our pertinent contact information. I'm guessing it won't be another 12 years before we connect again!

Looking forward to attending Rob Bell's church, Mars Hill, in Grand Rapids tomorrow morning. We drove on to Grand Rapids from Chicago following the final session this morning.