Former St. Charles pastor writes book to benefit teen program

The Rev. Arne Walker, former pastor of Grace Lutheran Church of Lily Lake, recently published a book about 58 years of retreat ministry. The ministry spanned from teenagers to seniors and included youth removed from their homes by the juvenile court.

The book, "Even I Will Learn to Dance," fulfilled a long ago promise to youth to tell some of their stories. This book shares 400 anecdotes and 171 pictures from four contributors. It takes a look at "where is God and what is He up to?" and lifts up "it is amazing what a group of youth committed to Christ and each other can do."

A trinity of focus of danger, excitement, and adventure are highlighted. This ministry for a very citified native Chicagoan had its prelude in Grand Rapids, Minnesota and its early chapter in Siren and Falun, Wisconsin. It blossomed during the years Pastor Walker served at Grace Church in Lily Lake.

Urban encounters, Canadian wilderness canoe trips, bicycle retreats (spanning over 25,000 miles and raising over $50,000 for benevolence causes), hiking retreats in the Washington Cascades, Colorado Rockies, and Great Smokies, travel camps, trailrides in the North and South Dakota Badlands, and service projects with the developmentally challenged were some of the formats for the retreats.

One hundred percent of the proceeds from the book goes to fund scholarships for a teen spiritual enrichment program held annually at Berry College in Rome, Georgia. To date, more than $7,000 has been raised. Anyone interested in obtaining a copy may do so by writing to Arne Walker, c/o 467 Mountain Drive, Gatlinburg, Tennessee, 37738. A minimum donation of $15 is requested along with a $5 charge for postage and handling.