The rain was falling so hard and the lightning cracking so fiercely during the 2011 Cadet International Camporee in Reed City, Mich., that the best he could do was to pray, said Dick Broene.
“God was showing off. He knows what he is doing. I was on my knees in my tent, laughing and praying. I wasn’t afraid of the lightning,” said Broene, who recently retired after serving for more than 32 years as executive director of the Calvinist Cadet Corps.
Deep faith coupled with good humor are hallmarks of Broene’s career. Prayer comes to him freely, as does an infectious smile, especially for cadets.
Even as he retires, Broene will continue to serve as a counselor at his church, Coit Community in Grand Rapids, Mich.
“I am fortunate in that this is what God has called me to do,” said Broene of his position as executive director. “I’ve always said there are probably better people who could do the job, but there has been no better job for me.”
About the Author
Chris Meehan is a freelance writer and commissioned pastor at Coit Community Church in Grand Rapids, Mich.
