Fire and Ashes …

When joining New Tribes Mission, now Ethnos360, (Jared in 1972 and Diana in 1976), and starting our training in Baker, Oregon, Jared and I, often heard of the Rattlesnake Fire in Mendocino National Forest in 1953. Fifteen men died in that fire, fourteen of them were volunteers from the mission’s training facility at Fouts Spring. But did you know this fire was purposely started?

Reading the account of this event was heart-breaking. Seeing the maps and following their route, knowing that they were not going to get out was unsettling.  Reading about the report of the “overseer” as he watched their helmet lights go out was overwhelming to me but I found myself being humbled and awed by our God, who cares. He holds our fragile lives in HIS hands and when our life is over, He welcomes us home.

But until that day happens, HE continues to work in our lives and in the lives of those around us. Duane Stous was a survivor in that fire and he served in Paraguay, South America for many years. He also taught at our bible school here in Waukesha, WI and was a leader in the mission.

Jared met Duane’s son, Craig, in 1972 and were travel buddies to Paraguay. It was during their six months there that they decided to come to bible school that August.  They became good friends and Craig was Jared’s best man in our wedding.

I am amazed how God weaves our lives together and I believe that “God does all things well” – even in the sad seasons of life.