A Conversation Beyond Fishing
After wrapping up a successful fishing shoot in Ontario’s stunning Sunset Country, Dan and I found ourselves unwinding in the evening hours at the lodge. These quiet moments often spark deep conversations, and during one such evening, Dan shared a powerful personal story. I knew immediately that this was something worth sharing with our viewers—not just because of its emotional weight, but because of the hope and perspective it offers on the intersection of faith and science.
The Struggle to Start a Family
About a decade ago, shortly after getting married, Dan and his wife Alyssa were ready to begin a family. Like many hopeful parents, they started trying naturally, but month after month went by without success. Eventually, they began researching alternative methods and landed on in vitro fertilization (IVF)—a process where eggs and sperm are combined outside the body, and once fertilization occurs, the embryo is implanted into the uterus.
Dan discussed the idea with his father, who at first was hesitant. His dad’s initial reaction was rooted in a spiritual concern: “You’re playing God,” he said.
A Thoughtful Response Changes Everything
Rather than getting defensive, Dan paused and thought deeply about what his dad said. Then he offered this analogy:
“Dad, if your heart valve was failing, would you just say, ‘Well, that’s it, Lord, I’m checking out’? Or if you broke your leg, would you just live with it and not seek medical help?”
That simple, honest perspective gave his father pause. It reframed the issue not as a matter of replacing God’s work, but as utilizing the knowledge and tools that God has given us. His father had a complete change of heart—what Dan described as a true 180. From that moment forward, he became one of their strongest supporters, both spiritually and financially. He stood behind them in prayer and action every step of the way.
Faith and Science in Harmony
Dan has always believed that faith and science are not at odds, but in harmony. “To me,” he said, “I had no problem with it. I thank the Lord for doctors.” His view reflects a growing understanding in many faith communities—that modern medicine can be a divine provision rather than a contradiction.
Dan’s story is not just about medical success. It’s about family, the humility to change one’s perspective, and the strength that comes when belief and reason walk side by side.
Today, Dan and Alyssa are the proud parents of two beautiful, healthy children—something they attribute not only to the science behind IVF, but to the faith and support that surrounded them throughout the journey.
A Final Word
As we wrapped up that evening conversation, I was reminded again how fishing trips can lead to so much more than just catching fish. They can be places where hearts open and stories are shared that have the power to uplift and inspire.
From all of us here at The Edge, we wish you a blessed fishing season. We’ll see you on the water.
Around 10 years ago, I had recently got married and we wanted to start a family. Long story short, my wife Alyssa and I were trying naturally and it just was not happening.
During that time I had spoken with my dad (Ron Lindner) and we were doing some research into in vitro fertilization (IVF), which is where you take the egg and the semen out and you mix that outside of the body until it starts multiplying, then you put that back into the body.
I ran this by my dad and he was naturally suspicious about it. He told me that the process of in vitro was playing God.
I thought about what he said and it does sound kind of different, however, I’d a different perspective. I asked him if he had a heart valve that was failing, would you just commit to accepting, well that’s it, I’m checking out. Or if you broke your leg, would you just say that’s it, it is what it it, and not go get help from medical professionals?
My dad thought about it and eventually did a complete 180 and was completely committed to IVF and when my dad does a 180 he does a 180 and he was so committed to IVF after that — not only financially but spiritually supported us.
I believe that faith and science work together in concert and I know, many people, including Al Lindner with my Aunt Mary’s long history of health issues. I thank the Lord we have two beautiful healthy kids now.
