A Legacy of Faith at Fortune Lake and Beyond
The late Rev. Bob and Deloris Langseth
As a young girl, Deloris Langseth recalls that she was privileged to attend a Bible camp in Minnesota, which had great Bible studies, singing, athletic events, crafts, swimming, real faith stories from the counselors, and time for the Holy Spirit to touch her heart. Pr. Bob Langseth had no such background, not until his ordination in 1958 when he brought three confirmands to Fortune Lake for a week. He came face to face with the impact camp had on himself and the confirmands. It hooked him!
Fortune Lake Camp influenced the Langseths’ lives for 65 years, in ways small and profound.. They recalled how Family Camp weeks had their seven children singing camp songs in the station wagon all the way home. Over the years they enjoyed working with others on numerous restoration projects and retreats which have nourished others’ faith and strengthened our witness. And, the Spirit at work through Fortune Lake impacted their family at key points of loss and grief. In their own words:
“A weekend retreat [at Fortune Lake] prepared our daughter for death. Ronda was a senior in high school. She attended a weekend event where Rev. John Linna was Bible leader. She came home with a glow in her body that we had never seen before. But a month later, while playing basketball, she developed a blister on her toe and died of a staph infection. How thankful we are to God for the Holy Spirit wrapping her arms around Ronda and preparing her for her thirteen days of suffering and death. Our son Kirk, at age 46, contracted cancer and we were his hospice team for five months. The song “Jesus Loves Me,”– which he had learned at home and which camp had reinforced — were the words which carried him to the face of God.”
The Langseths have been faithful supporters of Fortune Lake Camp, encouraging others in their generosity as well, because of “an awesome God who accomplishes awesome things at camp.”
Pr. Bob Langseth passed away on Tuesday October 17, 2023. His faith in a good God, in the salvation of Jesus, and resurrection to new life have him encouraging us still. We give thanks to God for the life and legacy of Pr. Bob and offer our prayers and care to Deloris and their family.
An invitation from the Langseths, given before Bob’s passing is for all who love Fortune Lake: “We invite you share in this awesome ministry of the Holy Spirit – coaxing us to believe in Jesus Christ and share God’s love with each generation. – Grace and peace, Deloris and Bob Langseth”
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