I met Bonny when I volunteered for the Special Olympics at the Berrien Springs High School. The love and attention she gave every child was noticeable. I learned she was the wife of my friend, Garren Dent, at the Village Hardware store. As I reflect on the lives of this couple, I can't help but notice how they live in partnership with God.

After converting the upstairs of the hardware store to a beautiful loft apartment called the "Upper Room," they made it available to returning missionaries and those in transition—I being the first when returning from North Dakota to accept this position at the Lake Union.

Most recently, Bonny and Garren, along with their three children, accepted the challenge initiated by some of Bonny's students at Andrews University to embrace the community of Benton Harbor. Each Sabbath, they make their way to the heart of a community that is aching for love. At first, they were taken aback by the unfamiliar and raw environment, and were concerned about its influence on their children. But they concluded they would rather expose their children to the ravages of sin, while partnering with God to meet people's needs, than sit comfortably and sheltered while not lifting a finger.

Both Bonny and Garren will tell you they have received far more than they could ever give. And they have grown to love and care for people who they now know as friends, rather than a demographic statistic. I expect one day they'll hear, "Enter now into the joy of your reward."

Gary Burns is the Lake Union Conference communication director.