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Tomorrow's Leaders Today
December 2004

Leadership Fellows Tell Their Stories

This academic year, Leadership Fellows have been asked to give us some insight into their spiritual lives on campus. For some, that means a reflection on their studies. For others, it's an opportunity to reflect on a favorite verse of scripture. Visit www.helmdisciples.org/helm/news.htm and select a student from the "Leadership Fellows Tell Their Stories" to find inspiration and insight into the contemporary college experience... and to see the newest leaders of the church at work. A few snippets of their stories are offered here:

Sarah Carter
William Woods University
When I tell people I'm student teaching at the high school people are struck like a deer in the headlights with shock that anyone in their right mind would choose such a thing over those adorable elementary school kids. I've learned to just smile because I've discovered something. The secret is these kids, these out of control teenagers, just want to be loved. They only want attention. They only seek a little guidance. Most importantly of all, every one of them is a child of God. Every one of them is the product of Creator God's imagination. They each have potential. They each have gifts.

Sarah's story

Michelle Harvick
Texas Christian University
We all have pieces of our lives that make up who we are - experiences we have had or roles that we play. At this retreat, I began to think about the pieces of who I am, and the pieces that I can offer to God and the church. I am student, a daughter, a friend, and a musician. I have experienced both the pain from loss of a loved one and the joy that comes with the birth of a friend's child. These roles and experiences all are pieces of who I am.

We in turn, are all pieces of God. God has created us, and we are a part of God through that creation. We all make up the body of Christ--a unique and diverse collection of people with vastly different experiences, gifts, and roles.

Michelle's story

Jeremy Spitzer
Virginia Tech University
Life is short. In James 4:14 (NIV), we read, "Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." Things can happen in a split second that will dramatically change the direction of our earthly lives. We need to set goals to achieve in the future, but we also need to be acutely aware of the present and allow Christ to live within our hearts, so that we can best serve Him during our time on earth.

Jeremy's story

Emily Klingenfus
Grand Valley State University
This semester I have been involved in a product design class. In a recent session, we were asked to take apart a cordless screwdriver to determine the function of the components inside. It was an exercise in observation of each of the parts' role in the final function of the machine... I was struck by the relevance this exercise had to the world outside of the realm of mechanical engineering.

Imagine taking the Bible, the Word of God, and studying it as intently as I was studying that cordless screwdriver. Imagine picking out words and phrases and trying to understand their function within the text. That type of hands on involvement, the process of asking questions, and relying on the text to provide answers brings me to a much higher level of understanding of the Bible.

Emily's story

Jenny Dale
Grinnell College
From birth I was taught that I should live my life following Jesus' example and serving those around me. I also had models all around me of people who live their lives simply and serving the community around them. My life is not only for me, but is part of a larger global community that I am called to serve. I have dedicated my life to the struggle for peace and justice and whatever it is I do in my life, I will continue to be a part of this struggle.



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Higher Education & Leadership Ministries
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