Thank you Andy and Char

Tonight at Chestermere Christian Fellowship, we celebrated as a church family thanking Andy and Char for their service to the congregation at CCF. Andy with the love and support of Char and his family founded CCF in 1992 when they moved from Dorion, ON to be the camp director at Camp Chestermere. Sunday morning gatherings were small in the beginning, meeting at the dining hall at Camp Chestermere. Over the years the congregation has flourished to having their own church building. Andy shared through his sharing time on how Christ worked in his life or those around him. In the past, he shared his journey from as a lad in England to belonging to the Chestermere Fellowship and community. Char shared herself by working with the young people of CCF - she has seen so many grow physically but grow in their own personal walk with Christ. Thanks Char for writing up the curriculum for this year's Sunday school - looks like exciting times ahead for both teachers and children too. They will both be missed at Chestermere Christian Fellowship as they gave so much of themselves physically but spiritually as well.

Personal note - As some know, Andy and Char are two special people in my life. Andy has known me since I was a primary camper (7) at Dorion Bible Camp. Char has known me later as a kitchen helper with Millie at the Bible Camp. Spending time at camp I became friends with their children. In Sept 1991 when they moved out to Chestermere, despite me living in Toronto for college, it was sad to hear they were moving. Meeting at the flag pole at Dorion Bible Camp listening to Andy read us verses from Proverbs - camp would not be the same for me with them no longer there. So as a graduation gift in June of 1992, I treated myself to a trip to Calgary for a visit. Since that first visit, I have come out at least one a year for a visit until I eventually found an opportunity and moved here myself. During those years, not only did I enjoy my time with the James kids, but a special friendship with Andy and Char emerged. Simply - they all became my second family - accepting me for who I was (inside and out). Andy and Char, thank you for always being there for me in all the great times and rough times that I have experienced so far. Your friendship, encouragement, support and love means so much to me then and now too. It has been so cool to be closer to you geographically, so we can share more laughs, talks and other little moments. Thank you for including me into your family. I wish you well on your next chapter, wherever it may lead to. Know that you are loved by your family and so many more that you have touched over the years.