Injury strengthens faith in former Bethlehem pastor

By Trisha Marczak (Contact) | The Daily Journal

Published Friday, November 14, 2008

The Rev. Larry Gedde, who served as the pastor at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls from 1987 to 1993, has always understood the importance of faith in one’s life. But it wasn’t until recently that he realized just how monumental it could be.

This summer, Gedde took a fall in his Mounds View home and injured his spinal cord, resulting in the loss of movement in his arms and restricted movement in his legs.

“Without faith in one’s life, this kind of experience could lead one to despair so quickly,” Gedde said. “I never before realized how thoroughly draining an experience like this can be ... it has made me more sensitive.”

Since Gedde’s accident, many things have happened — both spiritually and physically.

Gedde and his wife, Evelyn, who have lived in a number of states throughout the country, have been more than touched by those who have extended their love, support and prayers. A CaringBridge Web site was created on Gedde’s behalf. Throughout the past four months, it has seen some 14,000 visits.

“That has been the most remarkable part of this whole experience,” Gedde said.

Many of those people are residents of Fergus Falls. Which might not come as a big surprise, considering Gedde and his wife still think of Fergus Falls as home. All three of the couple’s children graduated from Fergus Falls High School.

“We think of Fergus Falls as our home town,” he said.

The love Gedde has felt is an illustration of what he sees as God’s love working through people.

“What gives people the most strength and encouragement is their faith in Christ, exemplified by those who rally around them,” he said. “Our experience has been nothing short of incredible.”

Physically, Gedde is diligently working through therapy sessions at the Courage Center in Golden Valley. Because spinal cord injuries typically require two years for healing, Gedde said it is not quite clear what he will eventually be capable of.

“There’s no way of knowing,” Gedde said. “I’m working as hard as I can to take advantage of therapies.”

Regardless of Gedde’s potential restrictions, he says he hopes to be able to carry out his work as a pastor for at least a few more years.

“Hopefully someone can make use of some old, gray-haired preacher,” he joked.

Looking ahead, Gedde and his wife have a number of obstacles to face. One of the biggest concerns, Gedde said, is making their home wheelchair-friendly. For that reason, a benefit in Gedde’s name is scheduled from 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday at Abiding Savior Lutheran Church in Mounds View. Entertainment, a spaghetti dinner and a silent auction are planned.

“We’ll be grateful for anyone who will come,” Gedde said.

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