Lon's Bio...

Lon Alderman is the founder and current director of Acorn Ministries. After serving four years in the United States Marine Corps, Lon earned degrees (B.S. and M.S.) in Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Administration from Western Illinois University. His emphasis was in outdoor education, specifically camp administration and adventure sports.

Lon's camping career began in 1984 at YMCA Camp Lakewood (St. Louis YMCA) with stops at YMCA Camp High Harbour (GA), and the Rockford YMCA. He also worked for the Rockford (IL) and Macomb (IL) park districts and the Lamoine Valley Special Recreation Association. Lon worked for Western Illinois University as the Program Coordinator of Horn Field Campus and was a part time faculty member in the Recreation, Park and Tourism Administration Department. From 1996 to 2002 Lon was called into camp and retreat ministry in the United Methodist Church where he served as a camp leader.

God has placed in Lon's heart a deep passion for the local church and, in particular, volunteer leaders in the local church. In January 2003 with the help of friends at Dickson Valley Camp and Retreat Center, Lon began Acorn Ministries. In October 2005 Acorn Ministries became a division of Heart to Heart Support Services in Flanagan (IL).

Lon currently serves the 5-Points Parish of the United Methodist Church as a Licensed Local Pastor. He leads Bible studies on Monday nights at Pontiac (IL) First United Methodist Church.