Sponsored by Multnomah Biblical Seminary, Multnomah University

All ministry leaders (whether you are affiliated with Multnomah or not) are invited to this free lectureship series, featuring live, in-person presentations by:

• Dr. John M. Perkins, “The Upside Down Kingdom: Beyond Charity”
  June 3rd, 6:30-8:30p in the Joseph C. Aldrich Student Commons at Multnomah University
• Gabe Lyons, “For the Common Good: Living the Counterculture”
  June 4th, 7-9p in the Joseph C. Aldrich Student Commons at Multnomah University
• Dr. Bob Roberts, Jr., “Bold as Love: Faith in the Public Square”
  June 10th, 7-9p in the Joseph C. Aldrich Student Commons at Multnomah University
• Dr. Soong-Chan Rah, “Race and the Church: The Next Evangelicalism”
  June 11th, 7-9p in the Joseph C. Aldrich Student Commons at Multnomah University

Dr. John M. Perkins

John M. Perkins was born into Mississippi poverty, the son of a sharecropper. Despite having dropped out of school in the third grade, Perkins has been recognized for his work with seven honorary doctorates. His outspoken support and leadership role in civil rights demonstrations resulted in repeated harassment, imprisonment, and beatings. He is an international speaker, teacher on issues of racial reconciliation, indigenous leadership development, and community development.

John Perkins and his family have been ministering among the poor for over 50 years. In that time he has founded churches, community development ministries, programs for youth and adults, health centers and a variety of other enterprises. The best known of these ventures is the Christian Community Development Association (CCDA).

Gabe Lyons

Gabe Lyons is the founder of Q Ideas—a learning community that mobilizes Christians to advance the common good in society and author of The Next Christians and co-author of UnChristian, a bestselling book based on original research that revealed the pervasiveness of pop culture’s negative perceptions of Christians.

Prior to launching Q, Gabe co-founded Catalyst, a national gathering of young leaders. His work represents the perspectives of a new generation of Christians and has been featured by CNN, The New York Times, Fox News and USA Today.

Dr. Bob Roberts, Jr.

Bob Roberts is the founder and senior pastor of NorthWood Church near Dallas/Fort Worth. Through his leadership, NorthWood has planted 130 churches in the US. He has led NorthWood and other churches to provide international development projects which include building schools, clinics and hospitals, micro-businesses, water systems and exchange student programs.

Roberts is also the founder of Glocal.net, and a leading practitioner on glocal – global and local – transformation of individuals, communities, and nations. Bob is the author of a number of books including, Bold as Love, Transformation, and The Multiplying Church.

Dr. Soong-Chan Rah

Rev. Dr. Soong-Chan Rah is Milton B. Engebretson Associate Professor of Church Growth and Evangelism at North Park Theological Seminary., and the author of The Next Evangelicalism and Many Colors. He also currently serves on the board of Catalyst Leadership Center and Sojourners/Call to Renewal.

Rah is the founding senior pastor of the Cambridge Community Fellowship Church, a multi-ethnic, urban ministry-focused church committed to living out the values of racial reconciliation and social justice in the urban context. He has extensive experience in cross-cultural preaching.

Want More Information?

Contact: Derek Chinn at dchinn@multnomah.edu

No matter what you've done in the past, God wants you to worship Him wholeheartedly today and enjoy life to the full. It’s possible!

When I stand on a sandy beach looking out over the watery expanse of the ocean, hearing the thunder of the waves, I am awed. Every time, I think, “What a magnificent creation! What a marvelous Creator who holds these waters in the palm of His hand!” Instinctively, I begin to sing “How Great Thou Art.” No one hears me as the wind rushes my words to the Lord alone.

One otherwise beautiful spring day, however, it was not thoughts of God’s grandeur that filled my mind as I surveyed the mighty waters stretching to the horizon. My own sin had my attention this time. I thought of one particular sin that I knew had grieved my Creator. And there I sat with Bible in hand and the ocean before me, trying to come back into His presence.

That week I had been memorizing Micah 7:18-20. Verse 19 came back like a song: “You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea” (NIV).

As I confessed my sin to the Lord, in faith I believed that it had sunk to the deepest depths. I then remembered what Corrie ten Boom used to say, that after God hurls our sins into the ocean, He puts up a sign that reads, “No fishing.”

A sin I could have allowed to haunt me was gone altogether. What freedom, what peace, what joy!

My faith in God’s total forgiveness was tested only a few weeks later. I was traveling with some friends to a weekend conference. When we neared the seaside town where I’d been the previous month, I panicked. I realized, This is where I had left my sin!

But the fear passed quickly as I realized my sin was nowhere to be found—it was gone for good. Not buried at sea with the grim possibility of being someday washed ashore, but totally forgotten by God through the blood of Jesus Christ.

Since that experience, I often think of the promise of Micah 7:19 and thank God for the joy of being cleansed completely, being made pure and new.

About the Author

Renée Sanford (B.S. ’95) is a wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to many. Over the years, Renée has demonstrated a passion for encouraging women over a cup of coffee or tea (anytime!), on the air (national television and 900 local radio stations), when she speaks (including her popular “Home for the Holidays” message), and through her many published works. Among her credits, Renée is the general editor of Focus on the Family’s best-selling book Handbook on Thriving as an Adoptive Family, co-author of the Thomas Nelson book How to Read Your Bible, and lead author of the 400 pages of devotional application notes in Tyndale’s Living Faith Bible.

Dr. Friesen has been a pillar within the MU community since 1976, and will be retiring from his position as professor in Bible and Theology to will teach full time at Africa College of Theology in Kigali, Rwanda.

Dr. Garry “Dr. G” Friesen

Peer into his entrepreneurial resume - B.A. from John Brown University, Masters and Ph.D. from Dallas Theological Seminary, Academic dean, chair of the council of elders at Imago Dei Community, professor, mentor - and you’ll see that Dr. Garry Friesen, mythologized as Dr. G by his students, is quite a bit more than just the beloved professor that taught the Pentateuch for the last 37 years at Multnomah University. He’s a blessing from God; and not in disguise. From the outset of his professorship at MU that began in 1976, Dr. Friesen made apparent his ultimate intention of loving, building, and edifying the body of Christ in whatever way possible. In the form of community and relationship building, teaching, and academia formulation Dr. Garry Friesen has been a pillar of godly living in the MU community.

Making History at MU

Dr. Friesen taught the Pentateuch for 35 straight years to myriads of MU freshman; however, he would say he was teaching the students, and the Bible class was the reason for meeting. His passion to teach and touch the mind and hearts of students kept him motivated, invested for nearly four decades. He taught Spiritual Gifts courses as well as the course The Life and Thought of CS Lewis; It must be mentioned that he is a C.S. Lewis enthusiast and expert - His master thesis at Dallas Seminary was centered on C.S. Lewis’ theology and teachings.

One of Dr. Friesen’s most significant contributions as an Academic Dean was his involvement in the design, development, and implementation of MU’s Academic Deans Council (ADC) - a group of administrative and educational leaders who offer input and advice to the Academic Dean. Through collaborative effort, Dr. Friesen and the ADC found and hired great teachers: Wayne Strickland, Ray Lubeck, Brad Harper, Karl Kutz, Doug Schaak, Domani Pothen, and past professors Tom and Bonnie Kopp, and Jeff Arthurs. “I have many fond memories of discussions, meetings, lunches, and retreats with Dr. G and the ADC,” Professor Dave Jongeward said. “I would have to say that being part of the ADC and the relationships we’ve had over the years is one of the fondest memories and highlights of my 28 years here at MU.”

Dr. Friesen was a major proponent in the creation of The Norm and Muriel Mission Scholarship, the Holly Miller Missions Scholarship for students, and the Lonie Friesen-Tucker Bible Scholarship.

Community Involvement

From his involvement in Days of Prayer, to his personal mentorship and housing of male MU students in his home, Dr. Friesen not only invested himself into the academic portion of Multnomah, but into the community aspect as well - He loved his students and sought to be a part of and edify their lives. He seeks (and enjoys) many opportunities to talk to and hang out with students on campus - Dr. G isn’t shy. He loves to hang out with students during lunches, after classes, Days of Prayer and Outreach, and after chapels.

For the last twelve years, Dr. Friesen housed and mentored over 80 men in ‘Aslan’s How’, his C.S. Lewis, Narnia themed home: he fellowshipped with MU men, mentored them, taught and encouraged them, assisted them with the rigors of life, and helped them in their walk to become men of God.

Dr. Friesen’s love of community and fellowship wasn’t only given to the students, but to the faculty at Multnomah:

“Garry speaks with a hopefulness and joy in the Lord that is both inspiring and contagious,” Bible and Theology Division Chair Dr. Brad Harper said. “I have often told people that Garry is the only person I know whose attitude and demeanor is so positive that he can listen to one of your ideas, think it is totally unworkable and ridiculous, tell you so, and yet you leave thinking that somehow you have been complemented.”

“Garry is very warm and welcoming - he immediately welcomed me to the Multnomah faculty as a new teacher in 1977 (he was new as well given that he had started just a year earlier on faculty),” History Department Chair Dr. Dan Scalberg said. “He is very easy to get along with as he is accepting of all people regardless of differences.”

Dr. Friesen is also an avid basketball fan who frequently attends MU Lion’s basketball games. From his love for basketball, in the 1980’s he helped start MU ‘noon ball’, the group of guys that play basketball around noon in the gym, which is still going strong today.

For eight years Dr. Friesen was a chair of the council of elders at Imago Dei church which was planted by Multnomah alum Rick McKinley.

From his entrenchment in MU’s academic curriculum, to his mentorship and housing of students in his home, to his book ‘Decision Making and the Will of God’, to the care and love he exhibits towards his fellow faculty and professors, Dr. Friesen’s intentions of building, edifying, and loving the body of Christ through forming and strengthening relationships and through teaching is apparent here at Multnomah. He is truly a man of God that has sought to love and build up the people that he loves.

Garry Friesen and 2012 distinguished young alumni Jon Collins.

Dr. Friesen Quotes

“Multnomah students are my favorite. They are sacrificing to come to college and learn the Bible. So, motivated Bible students for a Bible teacher is like a dream come true. I love to be with students for class, lunches, Days of Prayer and especially Days of Outreach. Having six men students in my house, Aslan’s How, for the last 12 years has been one of the best things that I have ever experienced.”

“Students have changed, but the joy of watching the lights come on and the Bible making sense will always be a highlight for me. Someone asked me why I did not get tired of teaching Pentateuch for 35 straight years. Finally, I realized that I’m not teaching the Pentateuch. I’m teaching students and the Bible class is our reason for meeting. Students are new every year and so teaching them will never get old to me.”

“Multnomah has been my dream job, blessing me with joy of teaching my passion, Scripture, and my hobby, C.S. Lewis.”

Quotes and Memories from Professors

What I have enjoyed most about working with Garry Friesen over the last 14 years is his joyfulness. No matter what is going on in life he greets me every day with a smile. In meetings, even when we are dealing with heavy topics, Garry speaks with a hopefulness and joy in the Lord that is both inspiring and contagious.

-Brad Harper

 

One of the favorite memories was going to sporting events together (University of Oregon Duck football, Trailblazers Basketball, seeing the "Dream Team" play, and Portland Beavers Baseball games in the old stadium in downtown Portland). Another was our team leading holiday study tours to England and France together, which we did for a number of years, taking people to Oxford to see all the CS Lewis sites.

I admire his sincere devotion to Christ and active commitment to the study of scripture. I was very impressed and favorably impacted by Garry's book Decision Making.

- Dan Scalberg

 

Dr. G also has a deep love for students. His classroom and teaching style demonstrates this; his presence at basketball games and many other extracurricular school activities also reflects his love for students; and his ongoing desire to live with and mentor students in “The How” shows his love for students and his passion to hang out with them and impact their lives on a personal basis.

Dr. G has been one of the most influential and significant faculty colleagues in my life. I love this man!! And I will deeply miss his presence, his energy, his creativity, and his passion on this campus and in my life.

- Dave Jongeward

Commencement

Dr. Friesen will be the commencement Speaker for Multnomah University’s 2013 Spring Semester graduation on May 10. This will mark the first time a current Multnomah professor was selected to be commencement speaker. The event will be held at Rolling Hills Community Church in Tualatin, OR 97062.

Further Inquiry

Friesen Fortnightly – Dr. Friesen’s blog

Dr. Garry Friesen MU profile

Rolling Hills Community Church

It was early morning when I was huddled around a fire with ten boys, ages 8 to 13, preparing to work in the community market in Cochabamba, Bolivia. Each Saturday these boys would show up at 5 a.m. to get their “choice” wheelbarrow preparing to carry client’s groceries around the market and then either back to their cars or homes like caddies. For a number of weeks I joined them, hoping to learn about the lives of young workers and to observe how Bolivian Christians reach out to this group of children. In some cases, these children live on the street. Others live at home and help out by providing some of the family income. Compared to some working conditions around the world, these boys are fortunate. Children are exploited the world over as child laborers are forced to work in degrading conditions as brick makers, miners or sex slaves. According to organizations like UNICEF and the International Labor Organization, nearly 218 million young people are understood to be child laborers, including 115 million caught up in hazardous and exploitative work.

Cochabamba, Bolivia

The Need to Respond

Having worked either directly with or as an advocate for children living in difficult circumstances over the past two decades has forced me to confront the need to prepare and train missionaries and Christian leaders to respond to some very difficult contexts around the world. Fortunately we are beginning to see a wave of response by Christians to the needs of the global poor. As more and more engage in ministry with those most desperate in society, the need to provide them with professional and academic training has been noted by Multnomah, through the forming of the Global Development and Justice program. This degree will form leaders who are not only passionate about their work, but also prepared to carry it out with effectiveness. It will teach students to proclaim Christ as they show and tell of God’s desire to bring wholeness and restoration.

Not only are the global needs pressing response, but Scripture clearly requires an answer as well. As Zechariah 7:9-10 echoes,

“This is what the LORD Almighty said, ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. Do not plot evil against each other.’”

While all people are to be shown justice, mercy and compassion, Scripture places importance on showing these to those living in difficult circumstances. That includes the poor, the widow, foreigners and the orphan.

Recently, after finishing up a week of meetings with African seminary leaders in Nairobi, I had the opportunity to visit a poor rural community outside of Kitale, Kenya. I headed there to visit a ministry caring for street children. The workers of this ministry were dedicated Kenyans who felt called by God to work with this population of young people. One of my questions for them was: What is contributing to the large numbers of kids on the streets? The answer became apparent as we visited a local community. Immediately I came to realize how many child-headed households existed there. In an area ravaged by HIV/AIDS, many of the homes I visited were either led by older brothers and sisters or by grandmothers. The parents had lost their fight against the disease. The factors causing the children to go to the street are directly related to this horrible virus ravaging communities around the world. The Church, working wisely, can respond to such circumstances and create a sustainable answer to the needs these households face. The answer, in part, is to prepare and equip global advocates to work in partnership with local leaders and to “administer true justice; show mercy and compassion” in the name of Christ.

Cochabamba, Bolivia

Multnomah is Proud to be Part of the Answer

The Master of Arts in Global Development and Justice program emphasizes the implementation of such actions to those living in crises and at-risk situations. Students will not only be prepared to care for these people, but also to offer the ultimate hope of a restored relationship with Christ. The divine call for global justice goes out to the people of God in any setting and requires thoughtful action. By giving students the opportunity to serve those most desperate in society, Multnomah is helping bring to fruition God’s heart for a restored relationship between Himself and His creation.

As part of Multnomah’s overall educational goals, this program aims to develop biblically competent students who will be exposed to Bible-centered training that guides them to incorporate Scripture teachings with Christian care for the poor, hurting and oppressed in society. In addition, it will prepare cross-cultural and local workers to engage with sensitivity as they engage people from distinct socio-cultural backgrounds. Multnomah will aim to prepare development and justice- focused laborers with the same passion and expertise the school is known for. Courses include an emphasis on inter-cultural communication, socio-cultural studies and transformational Christian witness.

Finally, the program contains an explicit focus on spiritual transformation. This takes place in both the lives of students and those to whom they will minister. Transformation goes beyond superficial change and recognizes that only true change can take place as individuals open their lives to the work of Christ through a personal relationship with Him. Through justice and development objectives, the program seeks to train workers to bring wholeness and restoration to individuals and communities.

Whether it is the children huddled around that fire in Cochabamba or the grandmother caring for her five grandchildren outside of Kitale, Multnomah’s aim is to see students graduating from this program prepared to work alongside local churches in service to individuals and their communities. The world is watching and waiting to see how this generation of Christians will respond to the most desperate of circumstances facing people today. I have no doubt the answer to these pressing issues is ultimately found in Christ and the global Church working together through innovative solutions to a plethora of human needs. Multnomah is proud to be part of the answer.

Having personally watched the impact MU graduates have on the world around them - sometimes in ministry and sometimes in the marketplace - I become more convinced of my belief that the world needs MU grads. The love and compassion they show for those around them is unsurpassed. I've gotten to watch the change in their lives as they mature and learn during their years working toward a degree. They go off and routinely become the best employees because they have hearts that serve others. They are always learning and always striving to do better.

I like to say that "Multnomah students don't go to school for a degree. Multnomah students go to make things better."

If I could give MU students a rating online like my business clients get, I would give them 5 stars!

You may have read these thoughts on my MU bio. Here's what I haven't said yet...

Final Thoughts

Today, April 5th, 2013 is my last day running Multnomah's Marketing, Web, and Communications staff. It's been a great 9 (almost) years! Here are some things I can attest to:

• People really do love each other here
• Students are really a cut above average humans
• My coworkers work very hard and believe in the important mission here
• Money is not the most important thing at MU (not even close!)
• Faculty are more invested in students for the long-term than any faculty I've seen anywhere
• There is no other institution doing what MU does - and certainly not nearly as well

But Most Of All

Above all of this is that I understand what it means when students and alumni talk about growth they experience at Multnomah and how it really does change lives. For you see, I did not attend or graduate from MU. I was not a part of the "Multnomah Family". I graduated from Washington State University with a degree nobody in these woods had ever heard of! I came from a background working in the newspaper industry and in sales, marketing and customer relations. I was an outsider of the highest order here. The only thing I shared with the community was my faith.

They welcomed me as a son, brother, father, cousin, and friend. I've made many friends and I can honestly tell you all today that I understand what it means to be changed for the better! My wife and kids would probably say the same thing. Not that I was all that rough to begin with, but I know that the growth my heart and soul has experienced is far more valuable to me than the intellectual growth I've had!

Thank You

So, here I am, saying goodbye to an era in my life where all of you have had more influence in my improvement than I could ever have hoped to have on you! I'm eternally grateful and will always be looking to MU with fond memories and great hope for the amazing things that are yet to come.

The world needs Multnomah. The world needs a strong and faithful Multnomah University. The world is broken and many need hope that the message and hearts and hands of Multnomah students and grads can bring.

The world needs you - so carry on faithfully and always remember that the next step will be better because of the step you're taking right now!

Forever indebted to you all,

Robert Leary
robertleary.me

Making a Way in the Wilderness

By Cornelia Becker Seigneur

It is so exciting to be back this year for the second Faith & Culture Writers Conference on April 5 and 6, 2013.  I am especially grateful to be at Multnomah University where I serve as the faculty advisor for MUSE student publication, which I helped launch in 2011.  I have been an adjunct professor at Multnomah since 2010, and I am thrilled that Multnomah has caught the vision for this conference.

I have been a freelance journalist for The Oregonian since 1996, specializing in faith, culture, family and community stories.  Bottom line is I pen positive stories about ordinary people doing extraordinary things.  Over the years, people have asked me how I got started writing and how am I able to share so many stories of faith. I believe that our culture is hungry for stories that share hope and faith and community.  We need to be looking for those stories and be willing to share them.  Creativity and the literary arts — indeed, all the arts — are a gift from the Creator.

I love connecting and networking engaging fellow people of faith to encourage them to embrace their creative calling. I have always viewed my writing as a ministry, as a calling, as a way to share truth.  Quoting Martin Luther on my Twitter account, I believe that, “If you want to change the world, pick up your pen and write.”

Community of Writers

At Rolling Hills, I had put out a call for writers of any and all genres to meet for a time of fellowship.  We had 50 people show up in a space for 25. It showed me that people of faith are interested in this creative calling and they want to gather in community to encourage one another.  Fellow believers are looking for a place to bond around their mutual love for creativity and the Word.  That is when we began dreaming of a larger event, where we would gather hundreds of creative people of faith together for a day to engage, encourage, challenge, and inspire one another in this mutual creative calling on our lives.

I had been involved with the Network for Women in Leadership at Western Seminary, where they used to host a women’s writers conference every other year under the direction of Bev Hislop.  She decided to cease that conference, but was open to something new.  That is when we began meeting and talking about my vision for the Faith & Culture Writers Conference.  She loved the idea and allowed us along with a great leadership team to bring the conference to their campus in 2011.

It was such a wonderful, overwhelmingly positive day filled with creative energy.  I had people come up to me during the event and say they’ve never been to anything like it.  One man wanted to duplicate this in the Seattle area.  Something about the event struck a cord.  People asked if we would return in 2012, but my daughter Rachel was getting married that year and so I knew I could not plan it.  But, 2013 was on my radar.

Another Conference

When the time got closer to think about another conference, Western Seminary decided they were going in another direction (plus, we had outgrown that venue our first year), so I approached Multnomah University.  That made the most sense to me as I am on staff there.  I am grateful that Dean of Campus Life Dave Groom–whom I report to as the faculty advisor for MUSE student publication–loved the idea as well.

God laid on my heart those who should help head up the conference this year.  It was a no-brainer to have Bethany Jackson return.  I asked her to join our conference leadership planning team in 2011 and her expertise in event management and facility coordinating was priceless.  This year, Bethany serves as Administrative Assistant.  Kari Patterson was another one that came to mind right away as another potential planning team member.  Kari introduced herself to me at the 2011 conference after the breakout session I led on Freelance Writing.  A fellow West Linn mom, Kari’s soft heart and drive to write is contagious, and she happily joined the team for the 2013 conference, serving as the communications coordinator.  I met Ashley Larkin, this year’s literary agent and mentor coordinator, two years ago, falling in love first with her writing on her blog.

With so many shared connections, including West Linn and the University of Portland, I invited her to my Writers Connection at Rolling Hills, and we have been friends ever since. Her soft heart and get-it-done attitude are exemplary, and our theme verse Isaiah 43:19 came from her.  Ana Brors, our Social Media strategist and web designer, reached out to me on our Faith & Culture Writers Connection Facebook page this year.  She had attended our 2011 event and loved it.  I found her expertise in social media so helpful, asking her to join our leadership planning team as well.

Conference Speakers

We are excited about our top-notch line up of speakers for 2013. Some big names — William Paul Young, author of The Shack, Ken Wytsma, The Justice Conference Founder, Brian Doyle, author of 13 books, Dan Merchant, filmmaker and producer of Lord, Save Us From Your Followers — and we also have some lesser known names whom I am excited to introduce into the conversation around the intersection of faith and culture and the arts– Keith Turley, author, publisher and marketer from Seattle, Tyler Braun, 20-something pastor, blogger, and author, and Christal Jenkins, speaker and author of three books.  And, Martin French, an exquisite artist, illustrator and art professor, once again designed our classy WORDS logo, incorporating our new theme.

One of the things noted on the survey we took after the conference in 2011 was that people wanted more fellowship during the conference. Time to talk with fellow attendees and speakers.  So we have added Friday night this year, and an after the event social hour on Saturday.

Contact Information

•  cornelia@corneliaseigneur.com
• 503.318.3480

a version of this post is found at Faith & Culture Writer's Conference website

Faculty Highlights

Because so many of you have repeatedly reminded us what a unique and valuable experience that our students have in the classroom, we wanted to take some time to highlight our current faculty members. Each month we will be publishing a video that introduces a faculty member, tells a little bit about their story before Multnomah, what class they enjoy teaching most, and any words of wisdom that they might have for our alumni and students.

Professor Rob Hildebrand

In this video, our third installment of our Faculty Profile Series, hear Professor Rob Hildebrand share about his educational background, what brought him to Multnomah, his favorite part of youth ministry and his passion as a faculty member.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XX6oITdR2k0

Free Class!

If you are an alum of Multnomah University, live in the Portland area, and are interested in sitting in the classroom again, we would love to have you sign up for a free class. To learn more, please visit our Lifetime Learning web site to fill out an application. If you have any question please feel free to email us at alumni@multnomah.edu. If you are interested in learning more about how to stay connected or become more involved with Multnomah, please visit our Involvement web pages.

Kathryn graduated from Multnomah University with a Master’s Degree in Pastoral Studies and an emphasis in Women’s Ministries. She secured a position in the Registrar’s office at Multnomah, and worked there for four years. After studying and working at Multnomah, the Lord led Kathryn back home to Fresno. Kathryn said, “leaving Fresno to take a job at Multnomah was one of the hardest decisions to make, but returning home was almost as difficult. I created a new network of family and friends, loved my job and got involved at a church. The Lord has certainly blessed my move back.”

Alumna in Fresno, California

Since returning home to Fresno, Kathryn began attending New Harvest Church and has been involved in many ministries varying from hospitality, the church resource center, facilitating a community group and hosting a workshop for a Women’s Retreat. She is also a board member for a ministry called Dakota House. It is a ministry that focuses on sharing the love of Jesus to at-risk youth kids. They are provided with a safe and loving environment that teaches them about Jesus, respect, family. It is a community center offering after-school club, homework time, Bible studies, various trips to camps, baseball games, or other activities. Dakota House also hosts a food pantry for the neighborhood.

Fresno State University

Kathryn has loved working at Fresno State. A handful of students have even begun attending church with her!

She writes, “I know beyond a doubt, the Lord plucked me out of my previous job, to place me into this position. I get to be in an environment where many are lost and searching. My heart rejoices at being able to be His hands and feet to lead these young adults to Jesus; the only one who loves them perfectly, forgives them and can be their hope and future.”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OwlAdTehZoo

What Students Are Talking About

In the February edition you will find articles on:

• Being An African American in Higher Theological Education
• How to Spend Less and Give More
• How to Make a Christmas Craft
• Local Restaurant Review
• Poetry
• Student Christmas Memories
• Also, more articles.

History of MUSE

To learn more about the history and the heart of this student-run online magazine visit our original MUSE Post for more details.

Being Stretched

“Welcome to Multnomah University! You’re going to be stretched during your time here,” Dr. Lockwood challenged our students at this year’s spring convocation chapel.

Sharing personal stories from his own life, as well as biblical examples from Phillip’s stretching ministry experiences in Acts 8; he encouraged our students, faculty and staff alike to view difficult situations in life as opportunities for growth.

Benefits of Stretching

I’m no sports medicine specialist, but I do know enough to realize that there are benefits that come with stretching: improved muscle strength, increased mobility, greater flexibility, etc. In seasons of being stretched it’s not always easy to see the benefits through the pain. Yet, similar to muscle strength development and endurance, it is as we allow this process to shape us that we truly appreciate the outcome.

Professor Holley Clough, Degree Completion Program Director, opened our convocation chapel with her own stretching experience as she told the story of how the Lord used her time in El Salvador to shape her. Referencing the familiar Hawaiian Airlines tagline—“Shouldn’t the journey be worthy of the destination,” she encouraged our students to keep their goal in mind as they face the ups and downs of faith’s journey.

By faith we rest all that we are on Him, no matter what comes our way, because we know that He is in control and desires what is best for our lives.

Have You Ever Felt Yourself Being Stretched?

Even in the midst of great things there can be opportunity for being stretched. The certainty of life change that accompanies the gift of a new relationship, the sacrifice of time that comes with the blessing of new life and being first time parents, the stress of new responsibilities with the gift of a job offer or that long awaited promotion, etc. Being stretched is a part of life and whether you are being stretched by positive or difficult circumstances, Christ’s objective for us is the same: to prepare and equip us for showcasing His glory. God’s purposes are greater than our own. His goal is to draw our hearts to places of deep dependence on Him as He shapes us to look more like His Son.

In the midst of seasons, when you are responding in obedience to God’s call, surrendering your will to His and aiming to love like Jesus; yet still your situation does not improve—these are stretching experiences. God encourages us through the prophet Isaiah: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

My prayer for us today is that as we face these stretching seasons, we would be reminded of these truths found in Isaiah. As we walk forward in obedience and courage, may we experience more deeply, and more fully, the faithfulness of God. In these moments may we find comfort in knowing that there is a greater good being accomplished.

What challenging circumstance are you facing today? In what ways are you being stretched?

My hope is that you would find reassurance in knowing that you are being stretched by someone who sees your potential, someone who has in mind a greater purpose. He is making you stronger, and causing your faith to increase as He prepares you for Kingdom work. The result of stretching experiences is often that we grow in courage, faith and dependence. May we determine to allow God to stretch us and shape us as we trust His hand within our lives.

Being stretched for His glory,

Michelle M. Peel, BA '00, MA '10
Director of Alumni Relations
Multnomah University
Multnomah Bible College • Multnomah Biblical Seminary • Multnomah Graduate School