As the seasons change, it has been great getting to spend some time visiting a few different communities to share about the ministry of Teen Challenge and also to discuss Lifeline Connection. I made my first stop ...eva! in Winterset, Iowa last Thursday where I enjoyed a delicious vanilla latte'.
But even though I loved the caffeine break, the main reason I dropped into The Cellar in Winterset was to visit with my good friend, the hard working barista, John Epperson.
I got to know John while he was a student at Teen Challenge. When he completed the residential portion of the program I had the privilege of speaking at his completion service in Colfax. And it was really great to celebrate when he graduated from the program in June 2011.
The Cellar is hosted by the Foursquare church in Winterset and pastored by John's father, Bob Epperson. John said he has been working six days a week and on Sunday when he isn't working he is in church. I encouraged him that he needed to find a way to find time to be a Lifeline Connection facilitator.
John told me that when the County Attorney stopped into The Cellar for some refreshment, he said he reminded her that the last time he saw her was in the courtroom across the street from where he now ministers, as he was being sentenced. And then he said he went on to tell her about how much Teen Challenge has changed and transformed his life. He told her he would recommend Teen Challenge to anyone who was ready to change their life.
Winterset is a city of 5,100+ that is counted in the Des Moines' Metro population. It is an easy thirty minute drive from Des Moines.When I talked to the probation supervisor over the 5th Judicial District he said that the need in Madison county is significant. We are hoping to start a Lifeline Connection ministry in Winterset soon! Last Thursday I had a guy drop into the Urban Center who wanted to get involved with Teen Challenge as a volunteer. When I asked him where he lived he said Winterset. I smiled. 
The John Wayne Birthplace Museum is located near the downtown area of Winterset at 216 South 2nd Street. The Madison County Courthouse, in the middle of the town square, was built in 1868, and rebuilt in 1876 after being partially destroyed by fire.
Winterset is also well known for its covered bridges. A total of six covered bridges are located in Madison County, including one in Winterset City Park. The annual Covered Bridge Festival celebrates the bridges and local heritage every second full weekend in October. Another notable landmark is Clark Tower, located in Winterset City Park, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Middle River Valley area.
Winterset is a beautiful city and I am grateful for my friend John Epperson who lives there! And I highly recommend the vanila latte'!
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