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“Hello from Postville!” exclaim the Andersons. The couple moved to Iowa about one and a half years ago and are neighbors to Mike & Kris Larson in Postville. They moved from Stewartville, MN, where they lived for 32 years. Two girls were born to Jeff & Pam, who gave them six grandchildren ages 2 to 14! 

As new retirees, they are enjoying new adventures together. Jeff is trying his hand at pickleball, fishing, and chauffeuring to see the grandkids in Waukee, IA and Holmen, WI. His most important chore, however, is working on the long “honey do” list for Pam! Pam is excited to read books without feeling guilty. “I tried gardening (a dismal failure) and have adopted the birds in the birdfeeder (even tho’ God takes care of them)!”

Jeff worked at Mayo Clinic in Rochester for 32 years before retirement; Pam worked at several preschools in Stewartville as a paraprofessional (“Mostly because 3rd grade math is too hard!” she asserts). The Andersons also opened their home to Mayo Clinic patients who were going through treatment as well. “We met so many beautiful people from all over the United States!”

Pam was a city girl and grew up in Minnetonka; Jeff grew up in Chatfield – a small town. It seems that opposites do attract, and the couple met in college at the University of WI (River Falls) and fell in love. Jeff majored in music and later went to Carpentry School. “This has come in handy with all my ‘honey-do’ lists!” declares Pam. Pam double-majored in Psychology/Sociology with social work emphasis. The couple dated all through college and were married in 1982.

Pam states, “My spiritual journey went from cruise control to ‘pedal to the metal’ when my mom was diagnosed with terminal cancer.” Pam’s mom then moved in with them, and Pam leaned hard on Jesus to get through this difficult time. It was at this point that Pam began attending Bible Studies.

Jeff is described as a “steady as he goes” personality, a people-person, and finds that fellowship with other men spurs him to accountability. He has grown the most from attending “Walk to Emmaus,” “Promise Keepers” and “No Regrets” conferences. His fellowship led him to “Cornerstone Cruisers”, a Christian motorcycle club!

“Why Postville?” everyone asks. “Since I (Pam) was ten years old, I’ve wanted to live in the country. Two years prior, we had looked at land in Iowa, but every door closed, until by accident – or divine intervention – we found this home in Postville! All doors swung open! It was quite a surprise even to us.”

“God is faithful and knows exactly what we need. We had just finished caring for both of Jeff’s parents, who also came to live with us for a while (both suffered from Dementia and Alzheimer’s). We were worn out and needed some time to recuperate. This is such a peaceful place! We named it ‘Matana Grounds’ – God’s gift!”

We also chose the Scripture in Ephesians 5:1 as our goal, “Be ye therefore followers of God as dear children.”

“Why First Baptist? Well, we attended many of the neighbor’s churches, but FBC reminded us of our old church, Grace Evangelical Free. Jeff enjoys the men’s breakfast fellowship, and we appreciate that Truth and Scripture are taught.”

The couple is warmly welcomed into our midst. 

First Baptist Church - a church you can call, “home!”