1993 Dale and Susan Hudson

What incredibly happy people! I first met them when I got involved with the youth. They were supporting the youth group allowing them to use their house for sleepovers and much fun. My first official activity as their new leader ended in Dale getting me to dress up like a woman and compete against him in a beauty contest (he enjoyed this far too much and looked far too good!)

I really miss these guys. I have always missed them. I can’t think of them without smiling. The last I heard they were starting a new church – a dedicated and sincere place but that was years ago. We parted as friends during the Great Disaster as both of our families followed God. Life goes on.

Dale came up to me a couple of years into my ministry at Northwest. “You know, Doug, I didn’t vote for you when they called you at first.”

“It was you! I always wondered who voted no!” I replied.

“Do you know why?”

“No.”

“I just wasn’t sure. I didn’t know if you were supposed to be there and I needed to be sure…” Dale continued.

I interrupted, “It’s okay, Dale…”

He interrupted, “I know it is okay. I just wanted you to know that if I knew now what I knew then, I would have voted ‘Yes’. I know you are supposed to be here.”

I will never forget that moment. The dedication and sincerity shone through his life. I knew that from that moment on I would be able to trust Dale no matter what because he chose to make sure that he was following God over the need for a vote or a seeming majority. Even better, he was able to wait silently and follow the leaders while seeking God.

I am sure that Dale has messed up here and there but never with our fellowship in Christ. It is great to have great memories – standing in their kitchen while Susan ate chocolate and Dale talked about how healthy eating was supposed to be done or laughing over dinner after church or building together. Here’s to you guys!