Jeff and Darla Bauer, from St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Sioux City, Iowa, along with their son, Russell, came to CTS, Ft. Wayne, Ind., in the summer of 1998.

Q: How did Jeff share that the seminary was where he felt God wanted him to be?

Darla: Jeff took pre-seminary classes in college. After college he went into business with his dad. A few years ago, when I was a preschool teacher with Kathryn Young, the pastor's wife, Jeff and I became very involved in the church. The pastor, Rev. Douglas Young, asked Jeff to assist with the computer office work. Pastor became Jeff's mentor; things evolved, and Jeff knew this was the time God wanted him at the seminary.

Q: How supportive were your friends/family?

Darla: Very. My mom felt Jeff had many gifts to share as a minister. Several friends have asked in the past if he had ever considered the ministry as a vocation.

Q: What were your thoughts when you knew Jeff was applying?

Darla: I was excited. I thought he had missed his calling, and he did have special gifts for the ministry.

Q: What was the most difficult part in moving to the seminary?

Darla: Leaving family and friends.

Q: How easy was it to assimilate into the Ft. Wayne community?

Darla: It was easy. I obtained a job at the Clothing Co-op where the other gals, also, are seminary wives. We are so close. I am thankful for the job. Many people come in and share what's happening in their lives. If we know someone's size or something they like, we save it when it comes in, wrap it and place it in a special gift bag, and give it to them. My sister and brother-in-law, Duane & Tammy Miesner, were at the seminary and very helpful. They left that summer before we arrived, as he was Sem IV. On the day we moved in, my ten-year-old, Russell, was apprehensive. After getting his things out of the boxes, he stood up, looked around his room and remarked, "Home is where your junk is!"

Q: As you now look over the past two years, what comes to mind?

Darla: How frightened I was. I lived near my parents my entire life. I had only lived in Iowa and Nebraska. But, God brought us through every fear. He opens doors, and there you are. God cares for us and gives us reassurance. I'm now in Indiana, living in a safe environment, and God is here, too! I have grown!

Q: After being in Ft.Wayne for two years, you are preparing to go out on vicarage this summer. What are your thoughts?

Darla: I am excited to get out and love people. I want to learn and glean from the people in church. Older gals in the church have so much to teach us. I am excited about the friendships we will make, and we will see some of the people from the seminary at the same conferences, district meetings, etc. And, you know what? If we are not placed in either Iowa or Nebraska, that is fine. I have grown to realize that God is everywhere, and He will have a hand in placing us where we are needed and where we can grow during this learning year.

Betty Wachholz, Relocation Coordinator for CTS

From Volume 4, Issue 2, April 2000