Former High School Teacher Makes an Impact

I had the opportunity to reconnect with one of my favorite high school teachers from Beloit Memorial High School this week, when I was a guest speaker at the former church I grew up in, First Baptist Church, Beloit, Wisconsin. Mr. Gene Van Galder is now the Reverend of that church.

Mr. Van Galder had a certain presence about him that drew respect and honor from his students. He was genuine teacher who always showed concern and was active in helping his students to be successful in school. Teachers like him are remembered because of what they do in their day to day profession that makes an impact in the heart of a student. He has certainly made an impact on mine and has been remembered for that.

Mr. VanGalder's authenticity hasn't changed a bit and his youth has been renewed like the eagles. If I had more time with him, I would certainly have asked him what he is doing to live so healthy and happy as he looks ageless! However, I think might already know! Mind you, he was my high school teacher over twenty years ago, and has since retired!

He wrote a column about me on the day that I saw him in the E-Messenger that he sends out weekly to his congregation. I was so blessed and honored by his kind words below:
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“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God prepares for those who love him.” I Corinthians 2:9 (Duong’s favorite)

From Rev. Gene’s Perspective:

An American Story

Today is Sharing of the Breads in which women from many churches come to our church. The speaker for today is Duong Sheahan and she is sharing her story from Vietnam to America. When the communists started to take control of South Vietnam, Vietnamese who had been resisting communism were in great danger of execution. They realized that their only real hope was to get to America and to know the gift that is freedom. Congress passed legislation that allowed Vietnamese refugees to come to America.

The immigration process brought the Vietnamese to camps where they would be processed. A part of the system was to find sponsors for families. Our church with its mission focus and with the tireless efforts of the Floreys became a sponsor for Vietnamese families. In 1975, our families arrived.

One family was the Duongs- parents Kein and Da Le with their four children and two brothers. They lived in the Baptist House (a building that use to be located in what is now our parking lot). The biggest challenge was centered around language – somehow each side found a way to communicate until English was learned.

When I was teaching at Beloit Memorial, I had Duong Duong as a student. She was a bright, energetic, and beautiful young lady. She had such a great smile and was universally liked by both faculty and her peers. She has forged a great life for herself- a great husband (Kevin) and three children. She has her own business- health and beauty in the Chicago area. At the core of all that she does however, is the love of the Lord.

Her story is an American story – people from many lands come here to start a new life and to enjoy the liberties of a free land. In the process, they help to write the story that is America.

May God Bless You,
Rev. Gene

“The ladder of success doesn’t care who climbs it." ~Frank Tyger

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Related Posts: Beloit Daily News Cover Story (March 19, 2009)

Honor With a Grateful Heart

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