what commitment looks like

The following is from my mothers last news letter and it's all about the man who taught me what commitment looks like, thanks dad.

LEPEAU FAMILY NEWS

What fun to celebrate Andy’s 40 years with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship this past week! Andy grilled 22 steaks (and they were perfect) for those who came to celebrate with him.

On August 15, 1973, Andy began his adventure with InterVarsity.  He started as campus staff at Washington University in St. Louis and SIU Edwardsville…yes the campus where I will serve this fall. 

Paul Woodard (pictured with Andy below left) who hired Andy for the campus job writes:

I still remember sitting in the upper lounge of the dining hall at Bear Trap Ranch in June of 1973 interviewing a young graduate from Denver University. Andy LePeau was interested in joining our staff team in St. Louis. In that one conversation I was convinced I wanted him on our team. Then as we worked together, immediately I was impressed with his strategic vision for ministry among students. 

He surprised us all by quietly turning a good friendship with our Nurses' Christian Fellowship staff, Phyllis Strong, into a marriage proposal that has turned into our closest friendship over the years. After InterVarsity Press "stole" Andy from us (with my permission, knowing his interest in editing) we have continued this friendship and have enjoyed regular times together. Kathy and I love Andy and Phyllis, and their children and grandchildren.

In May 1975 Andy accepted a position at InterVarsity Press, his dream job.  For the past twenty-eight years he has supervised the editorial department.

Jim Nyquist, (pictured below right with Andy) who hired Andy for the job at IVP writes:

Andy is one of those key people whom God called to InterVarsity Press for the long haul.  The contribution Andy made goes far beyond the volume of significant books on the market today. He has consistently cultivated the creative and cooperative ethos of the IVP team which makes coming to work a joy and privilege. His letters to authors communicate effectively that they, too, are a vital part of the IVP team. Andy is a leader who naturally implements the vision for building God’s centrality in the hearts, souls, minds, and strength of university students and faculty. His teaching in IVCF conferences benefits generation after generation of students, and keeps him in touch with the university. Andy is a living demonstration of the Lord’s ability to equip and enable those whom He calls. Thanks be to God!

Jim Nyquist ~ Andy LePeau ~ Paul Woodard

I cannot be prouder of or more grateful for Andy and the influence he has had over these years at the Press and in our family.

ALL that said…All that was celebrated.  NOTHING compares to the other 40^th anniversary that we celebrated.  On August 9, 1973, Andy met ME under the bell at Bear Trap Ranch in Colorado. His life has not been the same since…nor has mine. 

Thank you Lord. Thank you, InterVarsity. Thank you, Andy, the love of my life.  It has been a magnificent ride.

Blessings to all,

Phyllis