I met John and Val when I was 15 years old. I had been invited to youth group by a friend of mine. This was the first time I had ever gone to a church youth group and did not know what to expect. I loved it. The warmth and caring I felt in just that one night was unlike any I had ever felt. John and Val, my youth leaders, and I grew closer and closer until I practically lived at their house. I was literally there more than I was at my own home. I often went over for dinner with other teens, (I remember making home made pizza all the time) spent nights there, just hung out, and did Bible studies. It was just as much my home as my own home. I grew up in a home where my parents loved me, and I loved them but it was never said, it was just known. The thought of ever saying it was not even part of our lives. John and Val changed that for us. They would come over for dinner and play board games with me and my parents. They always verbalized their feelings. Before long, I was able to walk up to my mom and dad, hug them and tell them that I loved them. It was hard to do the first time and took my parents by surprise. Soon, we were all hugging each other and saying it. It became normal.

Over the years, John and Val were a constant in my life. They were always there for me even when I didn't think I needed them. There was a time in my life when I even tried to push them away due to situations in my life. They were still there. Always trying. They never gave up on me. They were always there for everybody. The love they showed for the teens was indescribable. Every teen had a place in their hearts. I have never seen love like what they have for teens. It is truly their passion.

Twenty-eight years later, they are still in my life. My daughter is like a daughter to them, and couldn't be closer to their daughter Cassie if they were identical twins. They have been together since infancy. They have taken her in as their own. Camping, youth camp, family trips out of state to visit other family, etc... If it wasn't for them, she would not be where she is now. She has been on two missions trips with Cassie, one to South Africa and one to the Dominican Republic.

She has become a beautiful young woman of God. She looks to them for guidance in all areas of her life.
I still look to them for advice before anyone else. I trust them with my whole heart. I have learned to love as much as I do because of them. I have no doubts on this subject. I don't know where my life would be if I did not have them in my life.

They have so much love to give and a sincere heart for teens. Their passion is with them, to help and guide them emotionally and spiritually. They can make such a difference in young people’s lives. I have seen it over and over and over throughout my life. Their love has only grown. I have never seen anyone with the desire to help hurting teens as they do. I thank God that he has brought them into my life, my daughter’s life, and my family’s lives.