Front row: Ella Hazelton, Vickie Fisher and Krista Gafkjen. Back row: Al Hazelton, Guy Fisher, Kelly Gafkjen, Erica Barthalow, Jonathan Barthalow, Cleo Tosten and Norman Tosten.
Special to the Times Vedette
On Sunday, Sept. 8, Lighthouse Assembly of God church celebrated 25 years that Kelly and Krista Gafkjen have pastored in Panora.
The Gafkjens moved to Panora in 1999 with three children. A few years later, their fourth child was born. It was their desire to stay in one place long enough for all their children to graduate from the same high school, and this was accomplished. Now, all of their children have graduated from college, and three are married. The Gafkjens have four grandchildren, and the fifth one is on the way.
In addition to the congregation, in attendance Sunday were their former Iowa Sectional Presbyter and wife, Rev. Al and Ella Hazelton; former Iowa District Superintendents and wives, Revs. Norman and Cleo Tosten, and Revs. Guy and Vickie Fisher; and current Iowa Superintendent and wife, Rev. Jonathan and Erica Barthalow.
Pastor Barthalow touched on technology changes that happened in the 25 years the Gafkjens have been pastoring at Lighthouse Assembly of God. He noted how they were pastoring here for four years before video calls were introduced by Skype; five years before Facebook was created; and eight years before the first iPhone was released. He asked the congregation to think about “the number who have been saved, the number given in marriage, the number of babies born, and the number who have passed on to Glory.” His message focused on building lives on a proper foundation by making Jesus Christ the priority, the purpose, and the passion.
Pastors Kelly and Krista shared, “We love our church family very much. You’ve blessed us in ways you may not have realized. There have been trials and struggles, yes. But, in the end, God is still on the throne and still at work in the hearts of each and every one of us. Thank you for loving us and our family. Thank you for lifting us up in prayer continually. Thank you for caring for us in so many ways. Thank you for your constant love and support. The prayers you lift on our behalf are felt every day. You are faithful to not only God the Father, but also to us. We appreciate it. We are blessed to be your co-lead pastors together.”
Lighthouse Assembly of God is located at 400 S.E. Third St. in Panora.