Hello Fairhaven!
Here is a brief update from the Teesdale family. In December 2004, we were married, and Cassie graduated with an Elementary Education degree in 2005. We lived in Chesterton until 2006, when we moved to Chicago to work in our church and for Cassie to teach some of our church children. In 2007, we bought a home in Portage, Indiana while still attending and working in Independent Baptist Church, the church Harold’s father started in Chicago. As a member of a small inner-city church, Harold had many opportunities to participate in ministries…bus route, junior church, teen class, preaching, song leading, you name it and he probably did it! In February 2008, our church building suffered extensive damage from a fire. “All things work together for good”, and we were blessed to be able to meet with a nearby church that needed a pastor! In June 2008, Independent Baptist Church of Chicago officially merged with Garfield Ridge Baptist Church.
Over the years, we have experienced many highs and lows in the ministry, but we know that God is faithful. There is nothing better than serving the Lord! We both serve in various capacities in our church. Cassie is the church pianist, treasurer, Sunday school teacher, as well as many other positions as needed. Harold was ordained in May 2019, and is currently serving as the interim pastor of Garfield Ridge Baptist Church. Of course, as the pastor of a small church, Harold wears many hats, whether it be song leader, AV tech, website manager, or counselor.
Our family has been blessed with five beautiful girls, Chloe (11), Brooklyn (9), Adelyn (7), Kate (5), and Kallie (5) and our newest addition, a baby boy due in January! Cassie homeschools all five of our children as well as doing some online ESL tutoring in the early morning. Harold recently started a new job after having a work-related accident this summer. He decided it was time to seek different secular employment. We are blessed to be able to work in the ministry in Chicago, and we are praying for the Lord’s direction for our family as we seek to serve Him.
We are thankful for the lessons and the practical experience that we gained while attending Fairhaven Baptist College.
Yours in Christ, Harold, Cassie, Chloe, Brooklyn, Adelyn, Kate & Kallie