About the Couple
BY DAN & PAT VAN VLECK, UME-MESF INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVE COUPLE
We first met Steve & Cheryl Swallow at Celebration 2000, in Brockport, NY. We were relatively new to the UME Community. Our Core had grown, and we needed to move towards multiplying into two cores. Someone suggested we meet with Steve & Cheryl, as they could give us some guidance about Core multiplication. We met over lunch, a lunch that would start a 20-year friendship. Little did either of us couples realize we would each serve in leadership as the International Executive Couple of UME-MESF. We saw each other at subsequent Celebrations, and eventually Team Renewals.
Marriage Encounter couples often say, “If you’re in the area, stop by and see us.” The Swallows shared that sentiment with us, and we eventually took them up on it. Our kids met and were able to share some UME kid time together. As our path on the UME road lengthened, we had several opportunities to share in service in ministry alongside Steve & Cheryl, always learning from them during our times together.
Steve & Cheryl took the helm as International Executive Couple in a season of need for the ministry. Over the course of their tenure, they brought UME-MESF to a point of stability, with a solid foundation to move forward in a new season of life for the ministry. They developed and implemented many of the current Board policies. They set up a strong Board of Directors and moved the ministry to a point of solid fiscal integrity. Due to their planning and foresight, UME-MESF was set up well to be able to continue its course heading into the COVID-19 global pandemic.
We would like to thank Steve & Cheryl for all their time, energy, love, initiative, drive, determination, and leadership as the International Executive Couple. We would also like to thank them for their guidance and the time they invested in us during the transition.
We felt humbled when we were called to take up the mantle they carried so well for so long. The legacy they leave is long lasting, and the ministry is better because of their service and sacrifice. Congratulations Steve & Cheryl on a job well done. More misadventure!
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In honor of my boss Steve Swallow and his loving wife Cheryl, it is an honor to be able to recognize a couple who has succeeded under the guidance and protection of our Father, our Savior Christ, and the Holy Spirit to withstand the test of time and be a light of hope to others. Steve is my boss; his kindness causes others to do the same. I thank him and Cheryl for their prayers concerning my family. - LaLonne Parish
