Meet Bob Merrill

Position:

• Camp Director

Started at Lutherwood:

• August 1, 2001

About Me:

My wife Mary Ann and I have lived in Western Washington since 1987. Mary Ann is originally from Walla Walla, WA. I did a good portion of growing up in Coeur d Alene, Idaho. Prior to that, I lived all over since my dad was in the Air Force. We have two daughters Sarah 25 and Emily 23. Sarah is working toward being a manager for Starbucks and Emily is in the Air Force where she will be working in Air Force Intelligence work. We are members of Christ the Servant Lutheran in Bellingham.

Favorite Bible Verse:

Mark 4:1-20

I like these verses because I often think of my life in terms of where I planted myself. I know that is not the way Jesus describes this parable, but I have seen through my life that I have planted myself in the wrong soil at times and the right soil at times. I think I am planted in the right soil at this time of my life and intend to stay firmly rooted in this soil.

Favorite Free Time Activity:

Well I do like a nice walk with Mary Ann now and then. We also like to dance and spend time together. We really enjoy our vacation time together. This year we will be going to the Oregon Coast to hang out on the beach, go to the Oregon Coastal Aquarium and to Fort Clatsop. We will also be going to Southern California by plane and then returning by train. We will visit relatives there and of course hang out at Disneyland for a bit. I also like to explore the camp property. I love being in the woods. I enjoy fishing but never seem to make the time to get out on the lake for that.

What Brought Me to the Lutherwood Ministry:

Before I came to camp I was working in industry. For years I knew I wanted to do more in church but did not know how. Well, I got laid off due to a changing industry. I looked everywhere for work. I think it was upwards of 400 applications I sent out. Only two jobs were offered neither could I afford to take.

About 5 months into being without work, I was sitting in church next to my wife listening to the sermon. Quite out of the blue I had what I call a vision, or an epiphany. Basically I was told. Go work and live at Camp Lutherwood, rent your house out. I was so shocked that I sat there in the pew crying. I thought if I told anyone they would think I was crazy. Finally after two months I told my wife. She was totally supportive of me. Together we decided to trust God. Together Mary Ann and I found out that this was the right step to take. To totally hand over our life to God. To step out in faith, to leave behind the old and take on a new life.

If you think your life is good but you have not trusted God with your whole life. I challenge you to listen to Him when He speaks. Step out in faith, it is terrifying at times to take that first step. But I assure you that He never will fail you.

I am here by the grace of God. He has provided me all I have ever dreamed of and then some. He has provided me with things I did not even know I needed. I am so thankful for what He has done. Mary Ann, my wife, and I have been married for over 25 years and this is the happiest we have ever been.

Take that step, that first step in faith. God will provide. Allow him to be in charge. It takes just one step. The old will pass away and a glorious new future with God lays ahead.

Three Random Fun Facts About Me:

1. I graduated from high school in Humacao Puerto Rico
2. I am half Puerto Rican
3. I used to be realllly shy when I was younger. Can you imagine that? Now if given a chance I could talk your ear off.