KOA – Kampgrounds of America. My family utilized these when we made our first camping out West in the summer of 1972. With our 1967 VW Bus and a car-top carrier full of our camping equipment, what an unforgettable adventure that was! My brother and I lobbied for the campgrounds that had the swimming pool icon in the KOA directory. On the long days of driving, if Mom was behind the wheel, Dad would sit next to either my brother or I and give us Certs mints. That simple gesture of love made Steven and I feel special as we took in the passing landscapes of desert or coastline.

Dad is still my rock, a living testament of grace and holiness. A secure and stable foundation is the legacy he and Mom gave to the four of us. We have “kamped” in many wildernesses, forests and deserts. The ruggedness and communion with nature imparted a deep appreciation of the goodness of God. The protecting provision and small acts of love that come from our Heavenly Father were felt by me unmistakably. We can thank Him for his gracious favor of unconditional love that flows from those who raised us to be fairly decent adult humans!

Pastor Art