Our History
God blessed us with a rich spiritual heritage. We are both preachers' kids who came to know the Lord at young ages. Our parents were a wonderful example to us - they loved to serve the Lord in word and music. Their influence had a profound impact on our lives.
We met at Cedarville College in Ohio in 1966. We thank God for His direction and guidance in bringing us together. We graduated, married, and began our adventure through life!
2010 Christmas Family Picture
As an ordained minister, Dave has served churches in Michigan, Florida and Ohio. The Lord molded and developed Dave by providing special ministries such as hospice chaplain, grief counselor, group leader for a local school system, and training for hospital chaplaincy in the CPE (Clinical Pastoral Education) program at Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus, OH. Upon completion of his residency, Dave accepted a position at St. Ann's Hospital (Westerville, OH) as the Emergency Room Chaplain. During this time, Dave earned a Master of Arts in Family Ministry at Winebrenner Theological Seminary and became a Board Certified Chaplain with the Association of Professional Chaplains.
Darlene went back into the work force when the kids were grown. God provided her with a job where her knowledge and skills were honed. She now serves as an Administrative Secretary for Organizational Integrity at Mount Carmel Health Systems.
Our home was in Bellefontaine, OH for 20 years, but in 2003 we moved to Columbus. God provided a wonderful home near St. Ann's Hospital and Grace Fellowship where we attend! Dave serves as an Elder at our church, teaches a Bible Study for young married couples, chairs the Missions Commitee, and leads the PrimeTimers (those who admit they are over 50), and we both sing in the choir! We love our community where Dave serves as one of the Chaplains with the Westerville Police and Fire Departments. Our faith is stronger and our love for Him grows deeper as we keep our eyes on Him and are aware that He directs each step.
Our family
We thank God that our kids and their families live in the Columbus area. We enjoy spending time with each one! It is fun to watch them grow and develop as God works in their lives.
Darlene's dad, Rev. F. Richard Fitch, lived with us for 15 years. At 92, he still could preach the Word of God with power! He drove, read several books a week, taught Bible studies at church, played the piano, and was quite proficient on the computer. We thought he would reach 100; however, on June 4, 2009, God called him home to Heaven. We miss him terribly. We are thankful for his influence and testimony for Christ. He was God's servant and our Papa.
Our music
Music is a way of sharing our faith and love for the Lord. Music gives comfort, joy, hope and encouragement. It can lift our spirits and make us feel that we are walking a little closer to heaven than ever before. When our hearts are broken or discouraged, music can soothe and become a balm of healing. The melodious strains and meaningful words can remind us that God is in control even though we may feel
slightly out of control. It is also a means to communicate our love, adoration, and praise to our wonderful Savior.
We seek to minister to hearts. It is a joy when those who are listening start to sing along with us; then we worship and praise the Lord together. Our hearts are in tune as we honor the Lord.
Our ministryThis verse from Eph. 5:19 will help explain our ministry:
Speaking to yourselves in
psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs;
singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.
Psalms Scripture put to music. This is a joyful way to memorize Gods Word and make it a vital part of life.
Hymns Doctrine put to music. The old hymns carry so many doctrinal truths and fundamental messages that we cannot ignore them. Those strains still stir hearts and bring tears to eyes as they focus on the Cornerstone of our faith, Jesus Christ.
Spiritual Songs Testimony put to music. These songs encourage us in knowing that we are not alone in our walk on this earth -- others have struggled, perhaps fallen, and the Lord has lifted them and walked with them through it all. |
Ministry with youWe are available for preaching services, concerts, evangelistic meetings, banquets, retreats, Bereavement seminars, choir seminars, etc. Perhaps you would like to know What is a Chaplain?
We would be honored and delighted to have the opportunity to worship with you. It will not only be an experience in praise, it will also allow many to go away singing and making melody in their hearts to the Lord.
|