Stories from the 2008-2009 academic year
Stories from the 2007-2008 academic year
Stories from the 2006-2007 academic year
Stories from the 2005-2006 academic year
Stories from the 2004-2005 academic year and "What I'm Doing This Summer"

HELM Leadership Fellows
Caroline Hamilton: Clap for Jesus She couldn't help herself. As Caroline Hamilton watched her Ghanaian hosts dance in celebration and worship, she had to join in. As she danced, her new sisters in Christ wrapped her in their white clothes, welcoming her into their community in Christ. Caroline reflects on her trip to Ghana and the message that sticks with her: In Christ, we are meant to be with each other and to thank God for all our blessings.
Kathryn Welch: Common ground in an uncommon place The anger, ignorance, fear, intolerance, and hatred swirling around the debate over a proposed Islamic community center near Ground Zero has Kathryn Welch frustrated. As Christians, but also as a community of faith, are obliged to speak out against hatred and ignorance, obligated to find common ground? Building bridges over the divides of faith and culture begins with the individual decision to follow Christ.
Charisse Knorr: Looking forward As Charisse Knorr begins her final year in college, she feels her focus shifting. While school and jobs keep her busy, Charisse realizes her would could change a lot in the next year. She doesn't know where she'll end up, what her job will be, or which church community she'll call home. She knows, though that wherever she ends up, she's ready for the challenge — and she knows God will be at her side.
Alan Moore: Brother in Bharat Two months traveling and studying in India taught Alan Moore years' worth of classroom learning. But it was more than learning Hindi and seeing ancient cities. For a small-town Carolinian, homeless children begging on the streets, the crush of people, and an uncomfortable lack of privacy showed Alan a culture he hadn't seen. But he also saw where different cultures connect, whether it was a shared interest in Car and Driver or seeing familiar hymns in a basement church.
Aly Gideon: A summer unlike any other A church camper her whole life, Aly Gideon feels more at home at summer camp than anywhere else. This year, as an intern at Tennessee's Bethany Hills Camp and Conference Center, she's seen church camp from the other side. Though exhausted and a bit homesick, Aly cherishes the opportunity to help young campers — just like she used to be — strengthen their faith. It's no coincidence her faith is strengthening, too.
Kiersten Hawes: My summer opportunity to change the world Earlier this summer Kiersten Hawes participated in a United Nations program addressing several of the world's toughest challenges: poverty, hunger, disease, lack of adequate shelter, discrimination, education, and sustainability. While these challenges engaged Kiersten's mind and imagination, she also learned a lot about how she can work with others despite differing opinions.
Henry Brewer-Calvert: An ocean bridged Henry Brewer-Calvert has spent much of this summer overseas, first in Europe and more recently in southern Africa. Being so far from home, Henry finds himself missing the connection with his Disciples congregations back home, but he also finds himself in community with the strangers around him — in World Cup soccer matches, along the shores of the Indian Ocean, and in a larger family of faith.
Alexis Westerhausen: The universal language A three-week study trip in Egypt gave Alexis Westerhausen once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to see some of the world's best-known landmarks. But the moment that sticks in her memory is a surprise trip to a Nubian village, where she met families and children with whom she had nearly nothing in common. Unable to communicate through words, she remembered we all share a common greeting.
Arrington Foster: Transition into reality Arrington Foster prides himself on his organizational skills: always being on time, remembering responsibilities, and knowing what to do next. It's that last one, the future, that's causing him problems these days. As an aspiring actor, Arrington realizes he faces an uncertain career, and it's a little scary to him. Gaining experience with a summer theater production and trusting God has a plan for his life help him trust his future is bright.
Katie Johnson: A time of endings and new beginnings This spring brought more changes than Katie Johnson had expected. Following her graduation from TCU, she planned to kick back in Fort Worth for a week before heading home to Nashville to start a new job. Those plans changed when her parents brought news that her grandfather was dying. Katie and her family hurried back home, and she arrived in time to say goodbye — a mere two hours before he died. His death opened the door, though, for a new, stronger relationship with her grandmother.
Stephen Hall: Seeking balance Life is full of opposites: electrons negate protons, every action has an equal reaction, and awareness leads to rest. Now that his freshman year is over, Stephen Hall is trying to restore the balance in life, balance disturbed by long hours of study, a lack of sleep, and the occasional neglect of soul and spirit. This is easier to do during the lazy days of summer; the trick will be remembering that balance when school resumes in the fall.
Allie Lundblad: Love too big for words Allie Lundblad is spending this summer counseling at Christmount, the North Carolina camp where she first understood how big God's love really is. During her down time, she's reading the poetry of early Christian mystics who struggle for the right words to describe God's expansive, unlimited love. Fascinated by the idea that God and love are inseparable, Allie enjoys the challenge of using words to describe such an indescribably large concept.
Courtney Waters: Heavenly intervention Courtney Waters has achieved every teenager's dream: independence. She has her own apartment, handles her finances, and controls her life. Well, almost. Working two jobs piled on so much stress, a panic attack stopped her in her tracks and made her realize she'd been working so hard, she couldn't enjoy life. Courtney believes her meltdown was a message from God: Slow down, breathe, be healthy, and preserve your spirit.
Virginia White: Women of the world Attending the UN's Conference on the Status of Women was an eye-opening experience for Virginia White. In cramped, overheated meeting rooms, she heard horrific stories of inequality and abuse — but also inspiring stories of justice and courage. As she reflects on the role of women in the world, she draws on her own experiences watching her mother serve as a pastor in a denomination that lifts up women. Much has been done, Virginia believes, but much remains undone.
A HELM Leadership Fellow's commencement speech Allison Enari has her diploma from Occidental College, and she has completed her time in the HELM Leadership Fellows Program. Before she moves on studying for her M.Div., Allison has advice for students on the transition from home to college, plans changing unexpectedly, the value of parents and mentors, and savoring those moments in college while keeping your mind on the future.
Tom Calvert-Rosenberger: C is for chemistry, challenge and a change of mind When a midterm test came back with a failing grade, Tom Calvert-Rosenberger knew he was flunking chemistry. Hour after hour of studying wasn't helping, and the stress piled up. He came close to giving up, taking an F, and trying to retake the class. A postcard from home, reminding Tom "nothing is impossible with God," helped him adjust his priorities. It also helped him pass chemistry and gain a new perspective on challenges.
Cambria Findley-Grubb: Together we Can The food bank at Cambria Findley-Grubb's home church has served its community well for years, but the recent recession hit closer to home, leaving some of the church's own members hungry. As she created her HELM Leadership Fellows covenant, Cambria realized that asking members to bring a can of food to every church meeting would keep the shelves stocked. A few months after starting the program, "Together we Can" has made a difference in her church and in her community.
Jesse Stephenson: Time to move on A routine conversation with his parents became a life-changing moment when Jesse Stephenson's parents told him they planned to leave his hometown in Georgia for a new congregation in Ohio. Spring break found Jesse packing up his belongings, seeing life-long friends, and visiting childhood landmarks. The experience has helped him realize the special relationships between friends and congregations don't have to be left behind.
Kristen Walling: Lessons in leadership As her college career winds down, Kristen Walling reflects on what she's learned not only in the classroom but about herself, her interests, her vocation, and her views on leadership. She's learned leadership is about more than titles and involvement. Leadership involves delegating responsibilities, knowing your limits, and that saying "no" doesn't mean you've failed.
Sarah Cheon: Learn to be grateful In the movie "The Way Home," an impoverished grandmother in the countryside takes in her city-raised, rebellious grandson. Despite insults and disrespect, the grandmother sacrifices and cares for him. Eventually, the boy watches her care for others despite her own needs and grows to respect and love her. As she watched the movie, Sarah Cheon drew parallels between this story of unending love and God's love for humanity in Jesus' death and resurrection.
Alison Simon: God defined "What would you say if you were asked to define God?" When this question was posed to Alison Simon, she had answers, but they were trite answers that seemed vague and inadequate. The answer came to her during a 45-minute simulated bicycle ride. Determination, loneliness, exhilaration, peace, and tranquility — Alison's new definition of God involves all of those while leading her to an unconventional comparison.
Sabreena Rodriguez: Making the right college choice This is the time of year when students are choosing their colleges, submitting applications for housing, and getting a sense of where they'll be studying and living in the fall. As Sabreena Rodriguez's freshman year at Chapman University winds down, she reflects on why Chapman was the perfect choice for her. It's a mix of a great education, opportunities for growth, good friends, and a strong faith community. Good luck to all the seniors pondering the next step in their lives!
Melissa Hall: The challenge of team leadership A new student-led ministry at Barton College gave Melissa Hall and other students the opportunity to put their leadership skills to the test. After getting off to a great start, different leadership styles emerged, creating conflict and confusion. The ministry nearly collapsed, but after reflection, the leadership team has resumed working together, leaving Melissa and others with a lesson in leading.
Merillat Pittman: Moving on When Merillat Pittman was 12, her family moved from Taiwan to Oklahoma, a time of tears and sadness and saying goodbye to friends. Those feelings are returning as her final months in college have arrived, when celebrating new beginnings is flooded by mourning lost happiness. Recently a friend reminded Merillat of 1 Corinthians 10:13, which reminds us that God is still with us during life's tests, and those tests will make us stronger.
Georgia Kuss: The greatest of these Georgia Kuss believes God does not bring pain and suffering upon the human race. Where God does interact with humanity through the love we show each other when those bad things happen, how we support each other when tragedy strikes, or when we support those who are still learning how the world works. The love she sees is also affecting her post-graduation plans, inspiring her to explore opportunities to practice that higher love.
Kathryn Welch: Through the eyes of a child As graduation nears, Kathryn Welch finds herself feeling old. The concerns of adulthood such as graduate school, self-care, and bills, loom larger each day. But spending time with her two-year-old nephew gave her new life. Watching little Silas revel in new fallen snow, showing off new skills, or simply enjoying the presences of those who love him has helped Kathryn remember that the simple things in life that can bring the most joy.
Caroline Hamilton: "The Cry of My Soul?" A graduate-level class on the writings of Greek writer and philosopher Nikos Kazantzakis was both intriguing and daunting to Caroline Hamilton. She hadn't yet read his work, but the professors and the structure of the class appealed to her. Little did she know what an impact the class would have. Kazantzakis' work has turned Caroline's thoughts inward, focusing on the true cries of her soul.
Charisse Knorr: Busy work? No, good work Even by the standards of busy college students, Charisse Knorr is really busy. Between studies, work, shadowing mentors, cheerleading, her sorority, a new puppy, trying to graduate a year early, and a steadfast commitment to church, she's always on the go. It could be a recipe for burnout, but Charisse feels the busyness feeds her soul. She's also learning a lot about herself and her future.
Henry Brewer-Calvert: A dive into snow The first big snowfall of the year thrilled Georgia native Henry Brewer-Calvert. As he made the year's first snow angel, he remembered one reason he wanted to go to school farther north: Change. Changes like a new climate, a new town, and a new culture are obvious and common in life. The tougher changes — more rigorous academic standards, the need to learn self-sufficiency, and discovering a new church home — those posed bigger challenges, but he's adjusting to those new elements in life, too.
Kiersten Hawes: The road to psychology Kiersten Hawes is pursuing a career in psychology because of her desire to help others. So when the syllabus of her first psychology class began with learning the biological structure and functions of the brain, she questioned whether she had made the right choice in majors. As she prayed about her choices and read scriptures, two passages reminded her that God has great plans for her and that serving others is indeed a holy mandate.
Alan Moore: The "C" and me The "C" in YMCA (Young Men's Christian Association) has confused Alan Moore since heading to their camps as a kid. No altar calls, no prayers — how could this be a Christian organization? This summer's experience as a counselor answered that question. The Y's focus was serving others, promoting the ideals of equality, spirituality, respect for nature and health, and love reminded him of the nature of a true Christian community.
Arrington Foster: Rejection Acting is harder than it looks. Arrington Foster has been trying out for stage productions at TCU for more than a year now, hoping to sharpen his acting skills in preparation for a career in Hollywood. He's still waiting for that first show, and it's frustrating and discouraging. At the same time, Arrington also sees rejection as preparation for that acting career, and he believes God is toughening him up for the rigors of his future career.
Alexis Westerhausen: Mount Moses As part of a three-week study-abroad class, Alexis Westerhausen rose early one morning to climb Mount Moses, better known as the legendary Mount Sinai. Despite withering cold and crowds of climbers, Alexis arrived at the summit in time for daybreak. As the sun rose and the landscape around her transformed, she found herself surrounded by history and blanketed in the presence of God.
Aly Gideon: Finally settled Most college freshmen find relocating to campus the hardest part of starting college. For Aly Gideon, it was a relief. A turbulent senior year in high school left her feeling uprooted, so having a dorm room with her own bed and her own desk was a blessing. As the first semester winds to a close, Aly looks forward to returning to Oklahoma for the Christmas break — but also to heading back to her new home on campus.
Allie Lundblad: Making the most of Advent Allie Lundblad admits it: She's lousy at Advent. That's no surprise considering the demands of finals piled atop all the other seasonal distractions. A campus pastor provided an Advent calendar with daily assignments, which helped Allie focus a bit better on Advent, but she still wishes she had some nugget of wisdom as Advent concludes. Her recognition that God was present even when she wasn't thinking about God may be a start.
Stephen Hall: Respectful disagreement Fascinating discussion with three Muslims and a fellow Christian left Stephen Hall both respecting the faith of others and stronger in his own faith. The five friends found more similarities in opinion, belief, and values, than differences. The chat also left Stephen contemplating how different faiths get along — and wondering how we can find different approaches to those moments when we disagree, even with fellow Christians.
Courtney Waters: Light in a dismal place The fall semester has been pretty rough for Courtney Waters. With her faith challenged and her life rattled, she found hope in the annual HELM Leadership Fellows conference, where it seemed as if God was telling them just what to say to lift my spirits. She realized God knows her, and God knows that she can handle any strife brought to her life. Sources of revitalization are all around us; we just need to identify them and hold on to them in tough times.
Tom Calvert-Rosenberger: Simplicity What makes you truly happy? How can we live more with less stuff? What role should money play in your life? These questions are posed by ""Voluntary Simplicity," a textbook from a course Tom Calvert- Rosenberger is taking this semester. He's taking this class to heart as he tries to find ways to live a simpler life on campus. The book says close and supportive relationships, faith communities, positive traits, and daily flow give people the most satisfaction. With these simple measures, Tom also feels God there at his side.
Virginia White: Life beyond the edge of campus With all the activities and opportunities offered to students, it's easy to go a week without leaving campus or seeing the world beyond a campus' informal boundaries. As she has settled into her freshman year at Rice University, Virginia White has stayed connected with that outside world during a vigil for victims of human trafficking and through a local Disciples congregation. How can you help college students stay connected with their church and their faith?
Katie Johnson: A different kind of Christmas Katie Johnson loves the traditions that come with Christmas as much as the actual Christmas holiday itself. But Christmas 2009 will be different. Instead of candlelight services and hymns and fellowship, Katie will spend Christmas with her sister in India. As the Christmas season nears, she is remembering that while tradition is important, celebrating Christ's birth is the true reason for the holiday, regardless of where you celebrate.
Cambria Findley-Grubb: My life is a 7-layer dip Cambria Findley-Grubb loves 7-layer dip; in her case, refried beans, avocados, tomatoes, green onions, sour cream, black olives, and cheese. She also sees her life as a 7-layer dip: faith, family, friends, education, church, service, and fun. In both 7-layer dip and her Cambria's life, each element is terrific on its own, but together, they're even better — the sum is greater than the equal of its individual parts.
Jesse Stephenson: Who's got your back? Sometimes you have no idea how much community surrounds you. Jesse Stephenson saw this first hand recently when his roommate's step-father died suddenly. In a moment of need, dozens of the roommate's friend pitched in to help him keep up with studies and laundry. So often, life knocks us off our feet; having these friends in our lives can help us get up and fight through difficult times.
Kristen Walling: Talk among yourselves During a summer internship with the Disciples Peace Fellowship, diverse opinions on peace and justice issues forced Kristen Walling to rethink the way she thought and spoke about those issues. Sometimes conversation, analyzing the differing opinions, could do more to open minds than a canned lecture. So when Kristen returned to campus to find a social justice-oriented student group had become more conservative, Kristen realized the skills she learned during the summer would come in handy at school, too.
Sarah Cheon: God at the center of marriage When Sarah Cheon's mentor recently asked her to play piano at her upcoming wedding, Sarah found her feet shaking on the pedals and her mind praying that her fingers would find the right notes. Once the jitter-filled opening procession ended, she got to watch the couple exchange their own vows. As she listened, she heard purity and holiness in the vows and a commitment of their marriage to God's works. Sarah hopes her own marriage will share the same foundation and trust in God.
Alison Simon: Out with the old, in with the new There are a lot of differences between Texas, where Alison Simon is studying at TCU, and North Carolina, Alison's home. She headed to a Fort Worth congregation and appreciated the traditions — Communion, the Doxology, a Call to Prayer — only to hear a sermon challenging worshippers to jettison traditions that have no meaning. As Alison settles into a new home, she is learning to appreciate useful traditions but also to embrace the new traditions around her.
Georgia Kuss: New camp, same road Georgia Kuss spent this summer working with special-needs campers who required one-on-one attention. The experience drained her energy and occasionally left her with a "battle scar" or two, but it also proved to her that therapeutic work is her calling in life. She also got to experience the gifts of unconditional love, learning to listen, and ultimately a life transformed with God's help.
Melissa Hall: Fear of the new Melissa Hall admits she tends to stay in a comfort zone, even when trying something new. Two experiences at this summer's General Assembly gave her reasons to reevaluate how she approaches the unfamiliar. Ushering helped her comprehend the vast variety of Disciples, and General Minister and President Sharon Watkins' address helped her think about how widen our circle of compassion to embrace all life and nature. She's hoping those lessons will change her way of looking at new opportunities.
Sabreena Rodriguez: Only time will tell Going to college might be the biggest, toughest change in anybody's life. For Sabreena Rodriguez, the beginning of her freshman year at Chapman University has left her confused about how to live on her own, doing the simple things like meals in the cafeteria, doing her own laundry, or having a roommate. How are you and your congregation supporting students heading off to college or friends in transition?
Merillat Pittman: OK, God, I'm listening All her life, Merillat Pittman believed she'd have her life all planned out by the time she finished college. Now that she's a senior, she's still trying to figure out what's next, and not knowing has her stressed out. As she explained this dread to her grandmother, one question stuck in her mind: "Are you talking to Him?" Merillat realizes has always thought she would make all the decisions about her future, but now she's paying attention, hoping to hear what God calls her to do.