Not Hiding the Glorious Deed of the Lord
Hello, my name is Tyler VanCampen, and I am getting educated for ministering at the Christian Leaders Institute (Learn more about online Bible classes, Click Here). My wife Kaylee and I are houseparents/primary care providers at the Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children.
Early Life and Salvation Story
Born in 1992, I am the firstborn of two. I grew up in rural eastern Colorado on a cattle ranch and wheat farm. My mom is a believer, but my dad was not. So from an early age, I remember attending church with my grandma and my step-grandpa.
As I got into my teenage years, I lost my step-grandpa and grandpa. Along with that loss and my parents going through a divorce, in my teenage years, I felt lost. I was trying to find my own way in the world. It wasn’t until late high school that I started attending church and youth groups again. At that time, I had some seeds of truth planted.
I went off to college to pursue an Agriculture degree. During this part of my life, I really fell into the “Worlds View” of a normal college kid. During my second year, I was no longer happy and became depressed. That’s when I moved in with my mom again and started attending church regularly, and a few months later got saved!
Calling to Ministry and Marriage
After I became a Christian, my best friend was the Children’s Pastor. He plugged me into the Children’s ministry. During that time, the Lord impressed upon me the truth found in Psalm 78:4 that says, “We will not hide them from their children, but tell the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done.” From that point on, the Lord led me towards ministering to children and youth.
While serving, I met my future wife, Kaylee, in our church. We enjoyed serving together and courted each other for seven months. We married on January 3, 2015. From that point on, we served as Sunday school teachers and also kids event ministers in our church. In June 2016, we welcomed our first son, Kanon. My wife and I felt called to do more with kids than we already were. We were further blessed with our second son, Kylan. As a family, we love to go camping, fishing, mountain biking, and just about anything outdoors!
Ministry Journey Continues
One of my wife’s friends called us and told us about a ministry opportunity with Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children(OBHC). At the time, we weren’t sure we were ready to move from our family there. However, the Lord had other plans! The job I was working at had to reorganize my contract with them. Kaylee and I weren’t going to be able to make ends meet with my new contract. We decided that was a sign we were supposed to apply with OBHC. In November 2016, we accepted the position of houseparents.
We moved across Oklahoma to be live-in parents to up to 8 children/teenagers in need. We taught and lived out the gospel every day with them! God placed us here. For almost five years, we have been serving and have served close to 50 different children in our time. Glory be to God!
Getting Educated for Ministering at CLI
So now I am seeking to do more training through the Christian Leaders Institute to be more educated for ministering. Then I can minister to the children I serve and also better serve in my church and community.
