Patricia ("Podie" Forrester) & Mark Wojcik

Longmeadow, Massachusetts

The year was 1976. The place, Woodland Hills, CA. LDM had not yet been born. Keith, unshaven, was just getting over Chicken Pox. The proofs from his first album cover were spread out on the floor when I walked through the door. I had just escaped from a cult that morning and Keith & Mel took me in. Soon came Keith's first nine-week concert tour and my life was never to be the same again. After I left LDM, I was involved with Complete In Christ Ministries in Texas with Vinny Sachar from 1980-1988.

Status post Ministries: After these ministry years it was time to finally make some decisions for myself and grow up in other ways. Although terrified with the New England concept of the "Frozen Chosen", I was drawn to my roots in Massachusetts and headed into a nursing career. Jesus thankfully did not leave me alone on Cape Cod! It was there that I finally met my husband on the beach. (Folks, it don't just happen in California!) I love being married! One of my greatest joys is walking and praying with my husband. My biggest struggle, which can still hurt, is never having children.

After all that radical living for Christ I still find myself asking the big question, "How should we then live?" More grace, more mercy... that is what He continues to show me. It is good.

My most difficult experience was the death of my mother, Ada, in 1994. One cool lady she was.

 

 

Brenda Gadd

Marion, Iowa

My six years at LDM began with the July 1985 ICT (Texas summer heat was quite a shock since I came from Canada!) Dorm-living at Miss Tiny's and the Ranch House was an experience too! The rich variety of people and depth of relationships were certainly the greatest treasures I discovered at LDM. My work experience in the Correspondence Dept. was invaluable, as well. I moved to Iowa in July 1991 and worked for 5+ years as office manager for an industrial tool sales company. For the last three years, I have been an administrative assistant at New Covenant Bible Church in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and absolutely love it! Is it any wonder I feel right at home working "behind-the-scenes" in a ministry setting?

 

 

 

Lisa Gessler

West Milford, New Jersey

[no photo was submitted for the Reunion Booklet, but click here to see one taken at the reunion]

Been involved in a local church for about 12 years. It's a wonderful church and I'm extremely grateful to serve there. I work with our worship team and enjoy every minute. I'm also working with our missions group. Living in New Jersey with my mom (a widow), sister and niece. Working for Toyota's Regional office for the past 13 years as an administrative secretary. It's been a great job!

Hobbies include: Biking, hiking, traveling, guitar/singing, hanging out (and eating!) with family and friends.

A great joy in life is my involvement with worship/music. This was my heart's desire, and the Lord has given lots of opportunity to serve in this way. I also take great delight in my family. I enjoy my mom, brothers, sisters and the many nieces and nephews - they are a huge blessing to me.

LESSONS...Finding a deep sense of security in the Lord has been an ongoing lesson for me. A helpful scripture has been the very familiar "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and don't lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths." Another lesson is understanding just how vital it is for the Body of Christ to work together in unity and love - and how powerful it can be. It's been some years of learning to crucify the flesh for the sake of the "bigger picture". It's a challenge to work together, not necessarily getting our own way. But in that, there is fruit being born! God is amazing!!

 

 

Next Page                     Booklet Table of Contents                     Reunion Scrapbook