Joan Lofgren
Dear Baughman family,
I'm sorry I can't be with you to celebrate Paul's life at the memorial service. He had a big impact on my life -- back in the 1970s, when he was assistant to the PNW bishop, he chose me to attend the national LCA convention as a youth delegate. I got a glimpse there of the work of the national church, which eventually led to working at the LCA and LWF, and a life-long interest in Russia and Eastern Europe. I'm grateful that he gave me that chance -- a new Lutheran -- seeing potential in me. It's a good reminder to me, now that I work so much with young people, to always look for potential in them. It's amazing to think how Paul's decision over 40 years ago led to so much good in my life.
Another memory I have of Paul is from when he and Rachel visited Germany while I was studying there and we went to some of the places where he had worked after WWII settling refugees. Already as a young man, he led a life of service to others. He was global and local long before it became trendy.
Wishing you all strength as you mourn the passing of this wonderful man.
Joan Lofgren
Mikkeli, Finland