Dahlgren History 101 :: Part 1

Another newsletter article to catch you up about how God has been working through the years... in two parts:

It's in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for.

Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, He had his eye on us,

had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose

He is working out in everything and everyone.

~ Ephesians 1:11

In talking with so many of you, we’ve found that many don’t know the backstory of how God has been weaving this very cool tapestry throughout the years to prepare us for our future ministry in Lyon.  So, let’s back up a few years and do a little Dahlgren History 101.

At around 10 years old, Steve began his musical journey with organ lessons.  A few years later he began learning how to master the piano as well.  By middle school he was accompanying high school graduations, church services and anything in between.  He spent his high school years as an organist/pianist at a few churches and assisted in music ministry.

Steve knew that music was going to play a major role in his life, and that he would use the gifts God gave him to lead others into the presence of God through worship.

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Chris began piano lessons at the young age of 6, and continued for six years.  One day she came home from school and announced that she was now accompanying the middle school choir at the next choir concert.  Soon after this, Chris began accompanying church services as well.  Singing began in early elementary when Chris and her sisters sang, “I Have a Promise” in church concerts.

Missions Conferences were the highlight of the year at Chris’ home church, Living Gospel.  She loved hearing how God was working throughout the world.

In high school, Chris joined the youth group on a week-long missions trip to Haiti.  As a first overseas experience, God used this week to begin planting a seed for missions that would continue to sprout.

Jumping forward a few years, Chris was 20 years old when she was accepted as a full-time missionary with OMS International to work in their headquarters in Greenwood.  During her years with them, she also had the privilege of spending three months teaching conversational English (Hoosier-style) in Taiwan.  Returning from this overseas experience, Chris knew she wanted to serve overseas and needed training.

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We first met in Greenwood while Steve was touring with a singing group from Azusa Pacific University.  Then we met again the following year at APU’s music camp where Chris was a freshman and while Steve was working on his masters. Steve insists Chris followed him to APU; Chris disagrees. :)

One year later we began dating and the following year we married and began ministering at Modesto Covenant Church in Modesto, California.

Great Blog Post: The Gospel According to Sarah McLachlan

Our ties to Cory and Shannan go back to before their wedding day, but I remember sitting in the country church much like the one I grew up in as Shannan walked up the aisle while Steve played the wedding music.  Although we didn't know them very well, we've since had the privilege of being graced by their testimony - love for Jesus - in all circumstances.  And now our girls, known as the "Sister Sitters" by Shannan, enjoy babysitting for their three adorable children - Calvin, Ruby & Silas!

Shannan has an amazing way with words and shares so openly on her blog, Flower Patch Farmgirl.  It's a regular "read" for me as I love what she shares and how she shares it.  Such creativity in her soul!

A recent post - The Gospel According to Sarah McLachlan - was especially touching and challenging and so much more.  I know you'll love it, even if it may make you squirm a bit like we do some Sunday mornings when the message seems to be spoken just for us.  Please take a few minutes to read it, won't you?

Flower Patch Farmgirl's stirring post...