Serving and Connecting

Author: Dale Karns

After living and retiring in California all our lives, my wife Janice and 87-year-old mother escaped California and moved to Iowa three years ago to be closer to our youngest son in Illinois. What a difference! Moving to Iowa was like moving to a different world compared to where we came from. The people were much friendlier; everything is clean and green!

We were so grateful to find Stonebridge Church on our first try. A church that teaches the bible and feels comfortable, like the one we left in California. At the first service we attended, we were greeted by so many happy and welcoming people. We became members, and since I retired, I have become more involved with the church. I became an usher, and then Dean Hartman approached me to join the transportation team for the Care Ministry. Since I no longer had to go to work early, I was able to begin attending the early Thursday morning men’s bible study. Janice, my mom, and I are also members of Klassics, which we are all so grateful and blessed to have such a great community to fellowship with.

Since Dean’s passing, I was asked to take over the transportation ministry and I feel so honored to be a part of something my good friend Dean was passionate about. I can only give thanks to God for His endless mercy and love, and everything He has done in my life. Every blessing—great or small—is a reminder of His faithfulness and provision. I am grateful for my immediate family, my church family, the gift of life, and the grace of salvation through Jesus Christ. I am so thankful for the presence of the Holy Spirit, who guides and strengthens me. Even in times of trial, I rejoice, knowing that God works all things together for good. I know His promises never fail. My heart remains ever thankful, and may my life reflect His glory in all that I do