Meet Dana, a dynamic woman born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa in 1962. Currently Dana and her Preacher husband David are leading worship at a local church at Lakeside. Dana thrived during her childhood. "Back in Iowa, people knew their neighbors. I attended St Mark's Lutheran Church and Sunday school every Sunday. It’s what we did as a family.” Dana recalls that her youth was idyllic. "I had fantastic parents!" When Dana was 16 years old she met a guy named Erik. "My parents did not approve of Erik and I guess that may have attributed to my attraction to him. Erik came from a dysfunctional family, and in my innocence, I figured all he needed was my love." At 16, Dana and Erik enjoyed a brief summer romance and then they broke up. Dana shared "Growing up I knew all the bible stories, but when I was 17 years old, an older school chum named Jill introduced me to the Holy Spirit." Dana's first year of college was in 1980, studying music at Coe College. She reunited with Erik, without the blessing from her parents, and they were married in 1983. Dana didn’t finish her college music degree because her income was needed to support Erik as he finished his degree. Dana gave birth to her son Zachary in 1989, then in 1992, her daughter Sarah came along. "My marriage was a nightmare! Erik abused me physically and verbally. His persistent name calling crushed any identity that I had 'in Christ'. Alcohol and drugs changed my husband and he used Scripture to manipulate and control me." Dana was given the choice to obey her husband’s horrible demands or lose her friends to his disgusting perversions. During 15 years of marriage, because of Erik's job hopping, they lived in Missouri, Ohio, Illinois and then back to Iowa. Living once again in her home town, in 1990 Dana began working as a legal secretary for Tom Wertz. "At work I excelled, and I was appreciated. My job was my only safe place where I could shine!” Within a year of on the job training, Dana was promoted to her dream job and became a bonafide Paralegal. “In my codependency, I was a major people pleaser. When I got home from work, I walked on egg shells afraid of what mood Erik might be in. I was totally controlled by him." Dana confessed that she was a broken woman who had just
been co-existing for years with a man that she was afraid of. She was so fearful of what Erik would do to her or the kids if she ever left him. She felt trapped. She struggled with what God wanted for her and waited patiently for him to rescue her. "I have strayed like a lost sheep. Seek your servant, for I have not forgotten your commands." Psalm 119:176 With great trembling, in 1998, “I was compelled to keep myself and my kids safe and I filed for divorce." Dana immediately returned to her childhood church with her kids and re devoted her life to Jesus. On her knees, she cried out, “Use me, God. I will never forget the first time I saw David! He was the handsome Associate Pastor at St Mark's and he was playing the guitar!" Dana got to know David through some counseling sessions. She humbly remembers that David recognized the beauty of her soul, and he inspired her to sing in the praise band. "Allen Koepke was the amazing director of the worship team. Between David's reassurance and Allen's patience, I found my voice. Eventually David broke down and sought the Senor Pastor's permission to date me." Pastor Gary gave them his blessing and in July 1999 Dana married David Hagstrom. "We are a God blessed happy family. With David’s two kids, Mikhal and James, we have such a beautiful blended family. It’s like we’ve always been together. After 19 years of marriage, we are still GAGA over each other.” In 2003 they moved to River Falls, Wisconsin where David became the Senior Pastor at Ezekiel Lutheran and Dana was the leader of the Praise Team. You may be wondering what Scripture that Dana depended on through it all? "I can do all this through Him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13 NIV While visiting Saddleback Church in California for some continuing education, a Celebrate Recovery Leadership pack was brought home. David had done a 12-step program in a previous congregation and had heard good things about Celebrate
Recovery. Today, the Celebrate Recovery group that was initially born at Ezekiel Lutheran is still going strong at Abundant Life in River Falls, Wisconsin. In 2008 The Hagstrom's moved back to Cedar Rapids, Iowa. David had been “re-called” to serve as the Executive Pastor at St Mark's Lutheran and Dana served as the Director of the Children's Ministry for a 4-year term. Another scripture that kept Dana bouncing back "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." Hebrews 13:5. From 2012-2016 Dana and David lived in Parkersburg, Iowa and served at Bethel Lutheran Church. "Both David and I were city folks, now living within a small population of only 1,500 wonderful people. I wore all the hats at this small congregation. I was the worship leader who also sang in the choir. I also volunteered with children and youth ministry." After a budget reality check, David suggested that they explore their options for retirement in Mexico. God was leading us in a new direction. "We both were drawn to the Hispanic culture. David made a spreadsheet and researched many locations for cost of living, medical care and climate, etc. We flew to Chapala in January 2016 and fell in love with the area! By Easter 2016, we announced our retirement plan to our congregation and on September 29, 2016, we packed up our four dogs, and drove our Prius across the border!" Very soon they will be celebrating their two year Mexico transplant and this amazing couple have already contributed greatly at Lakeside! With tremendous joy and energy they now minister in the Praise Team at 'The Lord's Church" in San Antonio, Tlayacapan. They are far from being retired! They now are connecting with people globally online and running their own highly visible marketing business. Both are excited for the journey God has before them. Bienvenidos! Dios los bendiga a ambos!
