Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Welcome back to Crossways, Mike!

After spending nine years in the gorgeous state of North Carolina with Agape + Kure Beach Ministries, Mike Henning returns home. Mike grew up in WI, living most of his life in Merrill where his father served Our Saviour's Lutheran Church. He spent many summers at Waypost and Village as a camper, then began as a counselor in the summer of 1991. Mike was known to have said, upon receiving his first summer paycheck, "Oh, yeah, we get paid to do this." Two summers later, he met his wife-to-be, Betsy (they married in June of 1996). In 1994 both Mike and Betsy transferred to Village for their summer service. Mike joined the full-time staff in August of 1995 as the Program Specialist. In November of 1999, Mike and Betsy moved to NC, where Mike became Program Director at Camp Agape and Betsy continued in her teaching career. Five years and one son later, Mike's job shifted, handing off most program duties to a new program director, taking on marketing tasks and also functioning as the site director. Four years and one daughter later, the Hennings return home where Mike will apply all he has learned, as Director of Imago Dei Village, Grace Place, and Adventure Programs. Mike also serves the greater camp community as a member of the Professional Standards Committee for LOM, Inc., the national organization of outdoor ministries professionals.

Betsy is an accomplished 1st grade teacher, being named in 2006 as "Teacher of the Year" at her school and advancing to the top 10 in her district, one of the best school districts in the nation. CJ, their almost 7 year old son, enjoys school as a 1st grader and loves his LEGOs. Their daughter Ellie is just over a year old and has started walking, making chasing her down more difficult.