We all enjoy a good book or movie where the plot involves the mysterious and often whimsical nature of love, especially when it begins with a chance encounter. Real-life stories turning into lifelong romances are both inspiring and heartwarming. Take, for instance, the story of Chad and Leigh Turner. 

Call it serendipity or maybe simply fate pushing these two together.  Whatever it was Camp Wa-Kon-Da-Ho was the setting for this romantic encounter, now some twenty years ago. 

Chad, who is a lifelong Disciple, having grown up at Shiloh Christian Church just outside of Atlanta, had always wanted to be a camp counselor having been involved with youth groups and church camps.  After high school and a couple of years into college Chad decided to take his passion and talents and become counselor at Camp Wa-Kon-Da-Ho located in east-central Kentucky, just south of Danville.

The camp, long supported by Beargrass and Disciple churches throughout Kentucky, states on its website its purpose is to be a place where children and youth encounter God in the midst of creation to form and strengthen their faith. The foundation they build in these formative years is what will carry them through to adulthood and help shape them to be strong leaders of the church in years to come.

At about that same time Leigh Rearden had also taken the step to be a counselor at the camp.  Leigh, who as most of you know, is a lifelong member of Beargrass as are Leigh’s parents Jamie and Gary McGaughey.   

As it turned out, the camp may have just as well added, as part of the mission statement, “Camp Wa-Kon-Da-Ho brings people together who discover they have shared interests and values that lead to a lasting relationship and how a simple, unplanned meeting can set the stage for a lifelong journey together.”

“Just like a Hallmark movie”, Leigh laughs as she explains how she and Chad met.  And when you have a chance to meet Leigh it doesn’t take long for her infectious laugh and broad bright smile to win you over as it no doubt did to Chad those many years ago.  Oh, and yes there’s that sparkle in her eyes!

Well, it wasn’t long after they met, that Chad would move to Louisville to attend U of L with Leigh.  A history major, Chad would go on the attend U of L Law School where he obtained his law degree.

After practicing law for a while Chad says he found out that his passion lay in the wealth management business.  “I enjoy working with individuals and families in investment management and trust administration”, Chad mentioned, noting that his law degree prepared him to work on the complex issues of financial management.  Chad’s been with Glenview Trust here in Louisville now for ten years.  Chad also serves on the Disciples Pension Fund Board in Indianapolis. 

In addition to managing finances, Chad does a pretty good job managing his way around a piano.  “Music has been a big part of my life, Chad noted.  I’ve been playing piano since the first grade.  I once told Mom I wanted to quit taking lessons.  I was playing soccer at the time, and she said, “Okay, you can quit playing piano as long as you quit playing soccer too.”

Well thankfully, Chad kept playing piano and throughout high school and college he played for small churches, weddings and other events.  Chad occasionally plays here at Beargrass as time permits.  Chad’s mom and dad, Rhonda and David Turner are members here at Beargrass, having moved to Louisville when Reb and Kenneth were born.   

Leigh grew up in St. Matthews and attended Male High School and also went to U of L where she would obtain her bachelor’s degree in Sociology as well as a master’s degree in education. 

Leigh’s been with the Department of Education for twenty years and currently serves as a program consultant helping schools throughout the state implement reading and writing programs. 

“I assist school districts interpret standards and provide them with guidance on how to bring these standards to life in the classrooms.”  Leigh noted, adding “It’s incredibly important that children learn to read and write with competence and rewarding for me to help them achieve these goals.”   

Needless to say, all their talents and accomplishments notwithstanding, the center of Chad and Leigh’s world are their two children Reb and Kenneth. 

Reb, who’s twelve years old is in the sixth grade at Kammerer Middle School.  Reb’s favorite subject in school is math, as part of the math scholar program at Kammerer, and taking after Dad she’s an accomplished musician playing saxophone in the school band and takes piano lessons at home.  She was most recently chosen for the All-County Band named one of the top saxophone players.  All of this while being the “Setter” on her volleyball team. 

Kenneth is ten and is in the fourth grade at Wilder Elementary School.  Like Reb Kenneth’s favorite subject in school is math.  An avid collector of Pokémon Cards and a member of the Minecraft Club at school, Kenneth enjoys swimming freestyle on the swim team.  And not to be out done musically Kenneth is a drummer and bass player who enjoys the School of Rock here in St. Matthews. 

While accomplished professionally, Leigh and Chad are quick to tell you their focus is on their family.  “Our focus right now is on raising kind, polite and outstanding human beings” Leigh mentioned.  “And Beargrass being my church home all my life is an important part of that.  A place where you can build relationships and lifelong friendships.” 

Leigh’s service extends to her current position at Beargrass as the Mission Board Chair.  Overseeing 24 Ministry Teams, as they are called, this vast outreach works towards achieving the so-called Mission and Vision of Beargrass. 

Leigh is the first Mission Board Chair at Beargrass.  In this new position Leigh explains, “I’m passionate about building systems and contributing to these initiatives and programs. My role involves facilitating the activities of these 24 teams and guiding their efforts to help realize the church’s vision.”

With a quick smile she adds, “All of this sounds like a big job, and it is important, but each of these missions are successful due to the team leaders who pour their hearts into each of these efforts.” 

Serendipity, chance encounters and a lifelong journey together.  Yet it is no mystery that a lifelong connection to their church and faith has carried Chad and Leigh far and well. 

Or it could have been the s’mores and stars at Camp Wa-Kon-Da-Ho and the dreams of two young camp counselors that set this journey in motion.  Whatever it was, we are blessed to have them and their extended family as part of the Beargrass. 

Can I get an Amen?

---

We Are One Together is a monthly feature of Beargrass Christian Church. Stories are featured on our website: www.beargrass.org/we-are-one-together

If you would like to be featured in an upcoming edition of We Are One Together or would like to recommend one of our members to be included please contact Bob Morris at 270-316-1267 or by email at bm*********@***oo.com.