Arnold Reunion Fellowship 2025

Greetings!

The Arnold Family Reunion is held every summer in Hale, Michigan. (Hale is approximately 150 miles North of Detroit.) We always look forward to spending about a week with Tudi's family at the Arnold cottage.

This year, Tudi and I made the 900-mile drive with the essential help of our 23-year-old grandson, Joseph, who assisted with the driving. What a gift he was to us!

Pictured: Tudi and her siblings from left to right: Gene, Tudi, Barb and Tim. Unfortunately, Gene's health has been poor; we're so thrilled he could join us for the day. Our time together was such a gift.

Throughout the week, we enjoyed rich fellowship with Tudi’s family and friends. About 30–40 people gather for conversation, delicious food, and shared recreation. Some come for a day, others stay the whole week.

Every visit is a blessing!

ARF Fellowship Time

Our Sunday Arnold Reunion Fellowship (ARF) was, as always, a highlight and a truly special time.

Our gathering included:

• Prayer led by Tudi
• A group reading of John 3, with emphasis and discussion by Mike on the powerful truth: “You must be born again.”

Mike shared how he had recently come across a small booklet—The Book of John—left on a table at a restaurant. He read it and experienced a deep, personal sense of new discovery. His testimony was moving, heartfelt, and honoring to the Lord. Many of us sensed that we were witnessing significant spiritual growth in Mike's life, and his transparency was a blessing to all!

There was excellent participation, with nearly everyone engaging in the conversation.

Additionally, several people took turns reading out loud from:

• The most recent “What Do You Think?” weekly email newsletter

• The classic Billy Graham booklet “Steps to Peace With God”

As we reflected on the Billy Graham booklet—a resource I’ve personally shared with people for over 40 years—I was reminded again of how profound it is: a quick read, with alternating print sizes and diagrams, well-selected Scripture references, a compelling suggested prayer, and practical steps toward spiritual maturity.

MAKING THE EFFORT

I informally asked a few people at the reunion, "WHY DO YOU LIKE ATTENDING THE REUNION?". Their answers varied a little, but they boiled down to the following reason: "We can talk on the phone, write, and keep each other updated on family, but nothing compares to being together face-to-face."

Tudi’s sister Barb (84) said, “I get to see everyone for days at a time and have continuous conversations.” Levi (12) answered, "I get to see someone new every year. This year it was Joe."

MICHIGAN OR NOT?

For more than 50 years, every year Tudi and I have traveled to Michigan during the summer to visit her parents, brothers and sister. There's never been a question of whether we should go or not. Though I am not from Michigan originally, I've never wavered in my desire to attend because I see the tremendous value of spending face-to-face time with one another.

My small contribution at the Arnold Reunion has been organizing the Sunday ARNOLD REUNION FELLOWSHIP (ARF) as described in this email.

ENCOURAGEMENT

With my atheistic background, I long for others to know the joy and forgiveness found in having a relationship with Jesus Christ. My goal has been to encourage the reunion attendees to hear the good news and examine their hearts. The ultimate desire would be to see others claim Jesus as their Savior and Lord, experience forgiveness from all their sins and grow in grace. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life; no man comes to the Father but by Him. John 14:6

PLEASE PRAY about a similar gathering for your family.

Ted

Acts 17:28