Our family was blessed last night with the opportunity to host 18 year old John Van Deusen. John opened for Late Tuesday, a fantastic Bellingham trio at the Noon Moon Coffee House and Dessert Bar.
What impressed me most about this talented young man's story was the dedication of his father. Rusty Van Deusen, who also stayed with us, is on the leadership council for North America Indian Ministries. Until recently he also managed his son's blossoming music career. Sitting at the kitchen table this morning and then later at the show I had a chance to visit with Rusty about NAIM and John's music. This father-son team has driven to somewhere between 60 and 70 gigs in the last couple years. Rusty has decreased allowing his son to increase! John has benefited greatly from the network of relationships Rusty has built over his long career in youth ministry.
I thoroughly enjoyed this group of guys. Both Rusty and John are passionate about life and Living it to God's glory. I'm thankful we had the opportunity to meet them. God seems to enlarge your vision through what He is doing in others, and that is what Rusty, John and Braedon (sp?) did in our home this weekend!
Posted by: Jameswife | December 06, 2005 at 08:24 AM
Wait until I tell Stephen, Sarah and Nathanael! They will be so jealous! We hosted their last stay in ML and loved having them with us as well! Good post Jim!
Doug
Posted by: Doug Sherman | December 06, 2005 at 11:46 AM
We didn't get to see him last time he was in Moses Lake. His father and Greg Strickland (Noon Moon owner) both feel John's music has reached a new level!
Posted by: James Paul | December 06, 2005 at 12:14 PM