American Faces #52

American Faces No. 52

As I have created each story in the American Faces series I find myself humbled by having the opportunity to briefly share my fellow humans' stories. Melinda Taylor’s story has left me in awe, and even more humbled. This woman has endured so much pain and the hurting and battered souls that are in every single one of our communities. The stories of her past would take your breath away, but that past prepared her to lead many others on a road to greater hope and healing. Women, men and children who have been hurt by the brutal hands and words of another have been led by Melinda to an exodus that returned wholeness and hope for their future. Melinda’s own exodus was started by others years ago at Berean Baptist Church in Minneapolis. The love of others and the love of Christ helped Melinda on a path to a safe place that she could begin to rebuild her life. The path was not easy, but it created a resolve in this woman that has touched so many.

I asked her what she would say to another person who is in a relationship that is physically and emotionally abusive. She said; “You can get out and there is hope. No matter where you are at”.

As I end Melinda’s story, I want each of you to know there is hope, that your past is behind you and the future is yours to behold. Live for the tomorrows!

If you are in a dangerous place and need help here is Melinda’s info:

Melinda Taylor

952.240.7949

melindaedina@aol.com

American Faces #51

American Faces No. 51

Seven decades on this planet have led Rob Watlov down many different paths. Automotive sales, teaching, college, and adventures in the outdoors are just a few. In the first part of this century Rob suffered a heart attack while on an adventure in Canada. It was certainly a wake up call for Rob. The experience caused him to lean even more into his Creator. Rob is a Christian with a heart for his fellow man that’s just about as big as the outdoor world he loves. He knows that simply experiencing the great outdoors has a special way of drawing each of us closer to the Creator. That’s what led him to become the founder of Legacy Fishing Retreat Ministries.

Rob has seen that people’s hearts are genuinely changed, even transformed, when they experience the wonder of the outdoors, completing a part of them they often didn’t know was missing. Rob’s focus on the hearts of people and his Christian walk came to clarity when he was 55. Rob’s personal history included some tough bumps and bruises, like most of us. That however didn’t disqualify him from starting Legacy Fishing Retreat Ministries. If anything, it became the catalyst for the impact this organization would make. Minnesota Adult & Teen Challenge, other organizations and many individual families have been impacted by Rob and the others who share their love of the outdoors and make Legacy Fishing Retreat Ministries all that it is.

Rob ended our time together saying, “Be ready to be more than what you thought you would be” because "God knows the plan He has for You, a plan for good, not for evil, for a future and a hope; to those who truly seek Him." (Jeremiah 29:11)

American Faces #50

American Faces - No. 50

This American Faces is a big one. It is #50. Maybe because it is symbolic for 50 states, or maybe halfway to 100. I think more than that it is about a guy named Gerrit Van Bergen. I have known him since he was six because he is my wife’s youngest brother. I have watched this kid, who I swear was born with hockey skates on his feet, grow into an amazing husband and father, great high school hockey coach, and an all around excellent guy. This man with wavy hair (dubbed Dr. McDreamy by those viewing the Minnesota State High School All Hockey Hair Team broadcast) and a captivating smile has a heart of gold for people. Gerrit was born in Rockford, MN a small town about 30 miles west of Minneapolis, MN. There is a lot of small town heart in this man with a big world vision for hockey in Delano, MN. The passion he has for bringing out the best in those around him is infectious. When he spoke about the players on his team you would think he was talking about his own kids. Gerrit is so proud of how his players work as a team and not just as individuals. He is just as excited for the contributions of the team managers as he is for his high scoring players. His players, I believe, catch that vision and as a team, from the coaches to the players, approach each game with everything they’ve got. Hockey is a year-round passion for Gerrit; he has many integral roles including founder of Tiger Hockey STP hockey camp for hockey players of all ages from mites through high school. I guess when hockey runs in your blood you just can’t get enough. To check out all he does in bringing out the best in players go to his site:

https://tiger-hockey.square.site/

I am proud to call this man my brother-in-law. He impacts the world by being a great husband, dad, coach, and teacher.

Way to mold dreams for future generations Gerrit Van Bergen!