Living Hope People
Laura and Dan Purkey
HOW DID THE TWO OF YOU MEET?
We met through an All Church Singles Fellowship Christmas potluck in 2001. I almost immediately that God was releasing me to marry Laura. She knew within a month.
WHAT DREAMS HAVE COME TRUE FOR YOU?
Dan: Dreams come true? Certainly my hope for marriage came true. In marrying Laura the Lord had me move to LH Church where I have become much more involved in serving and ministering. I love our church.
Laura: I have always loved Oregon, but was born and raised in So. Cal. We would come each summer and visit relatives. It was my dream to someday move to Oregon. God answered that prayer (He DOES give us the desires of our heart!) in 1998 and Peter, my son, and I moved to Eugene and I began working for Pearl Buck Center. I am so thankful that God brought me to Oregon. My first Sunday in Eugene, Peter & I attended Living Hope Church and we knew immediately this is where God wanted us to lay down our roots. I cherish my friendships and am glad God brought me here so I could meet Dan.
WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER BEEN GIVEN?
Dan: Too much to single out.
Laura: Don’t be selfish with your love and always choose for forgive.
WHAT ARE YOUR AREAS OF INVOLVEMENT AT LHC?
Dan: I’m on the church board and teach adult Sunday School. I also teach Middle School boys on Wednesday evenings.
Laura: I am the unofficial Outreach Coordinator. I helped organize the first emergency family shelter program with St. Vincent dePaul and LHC had been hosting it annual for the past 10 years. Dan & I help serve dinner to the homeless through the Family Dinner Program.
IF YOU COULD WRITE A BOOK ABOUT YOUR LIFE WHAT WOULD IT BE CALLED?
Dan: Book. Never thought about that. I suppose something like “Not My Own but Bought With a Price.”
Laura: “Finding and Living God’s Plan for My Life.”
WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES… WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE THINGS TO DO TOGETHER?
Dan: I’ve climbed mountains in the northwest for about 35 years. Still love it. Also love fishing and river-rafting the McKenzie.
Laura: I love camping, hiking and fishing with Dan. Also we set aside Friday as a “Date night” for us. Sometimes we go out to eat & watch a movie, or picnic in the park, or hike a trail, or play a board game (our favorite is Ticket to Ride!).