After over forty years of being a well-respect pastor and faith leader, Darrell J. Pedersen is adding the title of “author” to his lengthy list of life skills. His love of people, life, and faith is evident within every page and shared image in his debut book, Campfire in the Basement. Bursting with amusing retellings of the trials and tribulations of his hardy and reliant family, Pedersen also weaves in lessons gained from the darker times in his life.
Born and raised in Northern Minnesota, Pedersen grew up in a hardworking family filled with love and laughter. Thanks to his unbridled curiosity and habit of finding things to get into, he was dubbed “the little dickens” by everyone that knew him in his youth. Campfire in the Basement shares many humorous childhood escapades, including setting a not-so-accidental campfire in the basement and the tragic misadventures of being asked to care for the class goldfish over Christmas. Pedersen’s stories will also remind readers of their growing-up years when old country stores were “candy heaven” and how every little boy wanted to be like the cowboys from Gunsmoke.
This book also shares the journey of a former “wild child” as he grows into a fine young man who marries the love of his life and follows his calling to be a mission pastor. His stories of growth, love, accomplishment, defeat, loss, and long goodbyes are eloquently and expertly written. Readers will enjoy the tales inspired by the author’s life as a child, husband, father, pastor, and passionate outdoorsman. Pedersen’s wisdom, paired with thought-provoking observations of life, also allows readers to reflect on our world and how we can love deeply every day.
“Love creates support,” he shared. “The time we spend with family is a pure gift, and the stories we share lay the groundwork for generations to come. If the stories, thoughts, questions, and wisdom I’ve shared in Campfire in the basement encourages families to come together to laugh, sing, pray, and grieve, that is the best gift I could ever hope for.”