... A Historical "Sketch" of
Ruth & Carl Engstrom ...
Ruth was born in a Christian
home to Ted & Lela Patten and was one of two children. She
lived her first seven years on a farm near Stewartville, MN,
then moved to Rochester, MN, & finally Kasson, MN, where she
graduated from high school. During a Youth for Christ meeting
at the age of eight she came under conviction of her need of the
Savior & during the conclusion of the meeting her pastor led her
to the Lord. Later she became a member of First Baptist Church
of Kasson, MN, where her parents & sister were members.
Carl, too, was born to God
fearing parents – Carl & Anna Engstrom, and the fifth of six
children. His early years were on a farm near Baker, MT. At
the age of ten, during Sunday School opening exercises, the
invitation was given, & while the song, “The Lily of the Valley”
was sung, he invited Jesus Christ into his heart & life. He
followed the Lord in baptism & soon became a member of First
Baptist Church of Baker, MT, where his parents & siblings were
members. Graduation from high school became a reality in 1953.
Ruth & Carl both attended
Omaha Baptist Bible College (now Faith Baptist Bible College,
located in Ankeny, IA) and God seemed to indicate that we
were meant for each other. Carl became youth & music director
at Calvary Baptist Church in Casper, WY, while Ruth attended
another year of Bible college. We were married June 27, 1959, &
began our marriage in Casper.
A daughter, Rhoda Ruth,
joined us in 1961, & a son, Arvid Carl, in 1965. God has also
blessed us with seven grand children as well.
Carl continued his
education & graduated from Eastern MT College in Billings, MT.
His teaching career included elem. vocal music,
teacher/principal in Christian schools, & concluded with primary
classroom teaching in public education. Retirement came in
1997, the sale of our home in 1999, & then we became full time
RVers. God made it evident about ministering in music as we
travel so we have been doing that as He opens doors since June
of 2000. |
