Michigan

One day, while taking care of personal business at the local hardware store in Berrien Springs, Michigan, Ken Scribner crossed paths with Dennis Snell, also there on personal business with his wife Judy Snell. "I recognized [Ken] right away," said Dennis. It took Ken a little longer to realize it was Dennis. They had lived across the street from each other as children. In the ensuing years, Dennis drifted away from the church and from the Lord.

Before they parted that day, Ken asked Dennis where he was now living. "In Edwardsburg," he replied.

Ken's mouth dropped open. "Edwardsburg!" Ken, on leave after pastoring for 15 years and currently the head elder of the Edwardsburg Church, was convinced their meeting was no accident.

In the following months Ken and Dennis rekindled their old friendship. Ken's wife, Kay, and Judy became fast friends; they were surprised to learn that they both lived on the same street in Berrien Springs at the same time years earlier!

Eventually, Dennis and Judy began Bible studies with Edwardsburg Church head deacon and head deaconess, Paul and Dianna Runnels. The Snells were baptized on October 4, 2008. Dennis' parents, John and Ruby Snell, and Ken's parents, Gordon and Beth Scribner, were all present to witness this event. "What a thrill of having the privilege of baptizing them both together!" stated Ken. Having lost his older brother to cancer in January, Ken added, "I feel like I received an older brother again!"

After the baptism, Dennis told the congregation that he and Ken had gotten into trouble together when they were children. Ken's father had discovered them both plastering the side of his house with rotten apples. Ken was disciplined, and Dennis added, "but I got to wash it off with the water hose!"

Ken and Dennis see their meeting at the hardware store as providential. "Just one minute, and we would have missed each other!"

Kathryn A. Scribner, personal ministries secretary, Edwardsburg Church