Rand Sjogren

I don't remember much about my first time at camp as a camper.  I know that I was about six-years-old and I know that my mom and Rand Sjogren were both assigned as faculty members for the week.  Other than that, only one particular instance stands out in my memory.

One afternoon there was a camp-wide scavenger hunt.  I have no idea what the prize was or why I wanted it so badly.  I do remember that after I tried to hunt down the first clue it was more than evident that the older kids were well ahead of me and that my chances of finding the prize were slim-to-none.  At that moment, Rand pulled me aside and said, "Caleb, go look over there", as he pointed toward one of the cabins.  I raced with anticipation toward the cabin.  I looked for a moment and saw nothing.  Then in a moment of utter disappointment I watched as one of the older kids came up beside me, reached down, and grabbed the prize.  I was crushed.

It is amazing that nearly thirty years later I don't remember the prize the people or the what happened next but I remember with stunning clarity the compassion, care, and guidance that Rand showed for me that day.  These three characteristics were not foreign to his life or ministry.  He faithfully kept others at the forefront and served with dignity and grace.  What an awesome man of God! (not to mention a great Swede!)

My utmost thanks to those who have made the live stream possible for those of us who cannot be there today.

May God bless the Sjogren family.  May God bless our Army.