As you step into the Living Hope ministry center and go down a small flight of stairs I knock on a door. I heard someone walking towards the door and almost no surprise there was our church pastor. I walked in and had a seat at a table with some chairs. I pulled out my trusty notebook and kept my notes so I could read them later. After a half an hour of questions this is what I would like to share with you! Lon lives by two quotes, ‘Loving God with everything you’ve got’ and ‘Love Life and Live Love.’ How awesome!
Lon Bjornrud, as most kids do when they’re young have a dream of what they want to be when they grow up, Lon thought perhaps he wanted to be a professional athlete either football/baseball or a detective. As a son of a pastor he went off to northwestern college after graduating from Babbitt Embarrass High School. At Northwestern College, he resisted to be a pastor. As a son of a pastor you don’t want to become a pastor because you think that is what you think you’re expected to become. So he took a business class and hated it! Business class wasn’t exactly what he thought it’d be. Recognizing he wasn’t built for business. Now he is a wonderful pastor!
At the young age of 34, Lon Bjornrud is the Pastor for New Hope Evangelical Free Church. He has been a pastor since 1995 about 15 years. Lon has now lived in Saint Francis for 12 years with his family. Lon is married to Sonya, and they have two daughters; Sage and Maisy ages 6 & 8. Both there daughters are dedicated. Which is where the parents make a commitment to raising their children in the house of God, and the congregation makes a commitment to the children as well. Now, as it is expected Lon has a busy schedule. He describes his day as a “variety.” As he studies for the teachings, there are administrative activities, connection mentoring, counseling, and youth group gatherings and activities. When it comes to his job and family Lon feels positive that his children are exposed to the world of God. Lon is able to pour himself out for his family.
I remember that spring day last year as I was driving down county road 9 in Oak Grove, there was a wood like sign that said New Home for Living Hope Evangelical Free Church. Went home to call my parents to share the news as I was raised In the Coon Rapids Evangelical Free Church. We have been attending since. The Church family currently meets at the Saint Francis High school until the new church is built. Lon expects that perhaps the new church should be built in the next few years or so. No definite date is set. You can read more about the church at www.livinghopeefc.org/ .
There is much to learn when it comes to churches and religions. You learn more about evangelical free churches at www.efca.org/ .
Overall, if I were to describe Lon I must say, ‘he appears genuine and average not the suit and tie kind of guy. A very down to earth person who shows great leadership and passion for everything that he does, and does it well!’
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