Faith Ventures, Spring 2000: Message from the President

By Wayne Atwood

[Wayne and Isabelle Atwood]

As God’s work moves steadily forward, He calls his beloved children to unite their efforts, that His work might be strengthened to move triumphantly through the exciting yet perilous times ahead. My wife and I count it a privilege to be called by God to take part in the work here at Eden Valley.

I had the honor of being exposed to self-supporting work early in life. My parents, Wilbur and Jannette Atwood, were pioneering a supporting ministry in West Virginia when I was born. By the age of two my parents started Mountain Missionary Institute, another self-supporting project. Wildwood Lifestyle Center and Hospital feels like home to me since I have lived there most of my life. I have had the opportunity of working in many departments at Wildwood including, the Business Office, Country Life Natural Foods, Wildwood Country Store, the Hydrotherapy Department, and several others. Most recently I had the opportunity to assist my father who is president of Wildwood Lifestyle Center and Hospital. I’m sure as we look back over our lives we each can see the hand of God leading us along the path He has chosen. God knows just what experiences to bring us through to prepare us to be better instruments for Him. And He continually reminds us to trust our future in His hands for He has promised, "Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world." Matt. 28:20. As we continue to trust our never-failing Friend, we shall have comfort and guidance.

My precious wife, Isabelle, is a gift from God. She was raised with her two brothers and two sisters in Victoriaville, a French town in Québec, Canada. Her parents, Yvon and Micheline Grondin, became Adventists when she was twelve years old. At the age of twenty, Isabelle became more interested in Adventism. She began studying the Bible with an Adventist pastor. After a few months she decided to give her life completely to Christ and was baptized. She was eager to learn more and chose to go to Wildwood to take the Lifestyle Educator Course. While at Wildwood she found much joy in digging deeper into God’s word and letting His plans for her unfold more fully. After finishing the course, Isabelle decided to stay at Wildwood as a Lifestyle Counselor. I had been impressed with Isabelle’s gentleness and deep spiritual fervor. After much prayer and counseling, Isabelle and I started a courtship. We endeavored to follow closely the pattern that God has given, as we moved forward and deeper in our relationship. On August 1, 1999, we had the joy and privilege of uniting our lives before God in marriage. The rewards we are receiving for seeking to follow God’s way in our relationship are greater with each passing day. As we look forward to the future our desire to serve God and our fellow man grows deeper and stronger. We are thrilled with Eden Valley’s potential as we follow God’s guidance and direction. With Him the possibilities are limitless. Please pray for Eden Valley as we venture out in faith to reach more fully the plan God has for us. May your heart be stirred as you read these inspiring articles and may your faith grow ever stronger until our Lord returns.

Wayne Atwood