EU graduate students and professors share a personal glimpse of what it's like to return to campus for one of Evangel's eight Graduate Studies programs.
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The views expressed in blogs are the opinion of the individual blogger and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Evangel University.
Blogger: Charity Fahlstrom, Admissions go-to gal
Date: 9/2/2010
No Excuse
In my devotion time, I've been reading about Saul and David. Most of us are very familiar with these kings of Israel but a few key passages and ideas have stood out to me as I've been studying.
In I Samuel 13, Saul and the Israelites were camped at Gilgal preparing to fight the Philistines. Samuel had instructed Saul that he would arrive in 7 days to make offering and seek God's direction and blessing. However, when day 7 came and Samuel had not arrived, Saul grew impatient. His men were losing heart and fleeing and he grew worried and offered the sacrifice himself. How many times are we like Saul, letting circumstances dictate our actions rather than remaining steadfast in our faith?
Samuel arrived as Saul finished burning the offering. I love that Samuel zeroed in on Saul's wrong, rather than his excuse. He broke God's law. He wasn't the one appointed to offer sacrifices, regardless of the seemingly impending doom. Because Saul did not admit his wrong and instead excused his behavior, God chose another whose heart would follow him.
It's important for us to use eyes of faith and realize that God is greater than any situation. If Saul had waited, God could have destroyed the Philistines without any military at all-so it wouldn't have mattered how many of Saul's men fled. Saul would have also modeled for his men a life that trusts in God, rather than self.
I challenge you (as I challenge myself), not to be quick to do things that are beyond your authority or to compromise or sidestep what you know to be right. God knows your heart, regardless of the excuses or reasons you may give. Be obedient to Him.
Check in next week for my thoughts on David's actions and attitude.
Blogger: Kati Burkdoll, School Counseling student
Date: 8/2/2010
The Newness
As summer draws to an end, the excitement of heading back to school makes its presence known; parents are more than ready to send their children back to school, and children are more than ready to see less of their parents and more of their friends. Looking back at my own early school years I clearly remember the excitement I felt of going back to school: new teacher, new learning material, new classroom, new hallway, new friends, and the "coolness" factor of being a grade higher.
In the midst of all the newness the greatest part about going back was school supply shopping! Something about loading up in the car and heading to Wal-Mart to buy new supplies was AWESOME! I literally felt on top of the world! New crayons, folders, glue sticks, paper, and the list goes on. I was ready to head back and learn!
However, what I didn't notice at a young age was the number of students who show up on the first day of school with supplies from last year or hand-me-downs from older siblings: broken crayons, half empty bottles of glue, dirty backpacks, or holes in their clothes. Hear me out when I'm saying hand-me-downs aren't a bad thing. What I'm saying here is that these students didn't, couldn't experience the same joy and excitement I felt when going shopping. Sitting on the other side of the desk as a current substitute teacher and future school counselor, the realness of students not experiencing the newness tugs at your heart. **Stay with me. . .here comes the happy part of the blog.**
On July 31, 2010 NINE churches all ranging in different denominations came together to serve ONE main purpose. . .to supply students in the Ava, Plainview, and Skyline district with brand new school supplies! We gathered in the middle school/high school cafeteria for a FREE give away. No strings attached, no fine print, no questions asked. We simply came together around the hope and prayer that the Lord would bless EVERY student and parent that walked through the door.
Here is the shock and awe part; "List of Supplies Purchased:" 200 packages of paper, 600 notebooks, 600 boxes of pencils, 700 erasers, 500 school boxes, 400 scissors, 700 boxes of crayons, 500 glue sticks, 300 bottles of glue, 200 boxes of colored pencils, 1300 folders, 1000 pens, 70 back packs, 500 toothbrushes, 60 binder packs, and a table full of girls' and boys' underwear and socks. Grand total..almost $4,000.
Serving that day I saw at least 500 students come through the line with an excitement in their eyes knowing that they were going shopping for BRAND NEW school supplies. Words don't touch the things I felt after that service project: joy, excitement, passion, and a peace fully knowing that the Lord changed lives in our small town. How awesome to think that because of faithfulness the Lord blessed and prepared 500 students to succeed inside the classroom!
The simple truth: many kids in school districts all around the United States show up without the necessary school supplies. The simple challenge: if you know a student who is in need of supplies (or know of a place taking school supply items), stock them up! At the minimum, to supply one child, it would cost less than $10. That's a Monday and Wednesday without Starbucks, but it's a life changing experience for both the giver and receiver.
School is in session!
Blogger: Todd Riddle, Master of Organizational Leadership 2nd year student in the hybrid program
Date: 7/23/2010
Uncommon learning
I returned to Evangel this week for the third residency period of the MOL program. It was a beautiful Springfield day with deep blue skies as I drove past the intramural fields entering campus. I have a ritual of driving past the intramural fields to fondly relive K1N intramural football championships of long ago. As I parked the car and walked across the now beautiful campus, my surgically repaired knees provided a rude and unnecessary reminder that those intramural games were a very long time ago.
Although my physical decline has not been a fun personal measure of time, Evangel seems to measure time in a positive upward trend of growth and excellence. The grounds and facilities are fabulous. I return to campus excited to see classmates and fellowship with the school leadership with feelings much like the first day of church camp. So why is this place special? People who work and live here may not realize that what is common to them is incredibly uncommon in so many other places of higher learning.
My academic transcript includes a military academy, an elective motorcycle repair class from a community college, a few years worth of credits from a major state university and, finally, a B.S. from Evangel. This patchwork academic record qualifies me to know little more than one thing; Evangel is a special place. The faculty and staff serve with an anointed calling to make Evangel a special place. The students pursue spiritual and academic learning as stewards of their role within the Kingdom and that makes Evangel a special place. This school brings people together who want to make themselves and the world more like Christ. I am proud to stand (on bad knees) with Evangel in our unique role in the body of Christ as these gifted people impact the Kingdom of God.
Blogger: Jeff Burnett, Director of Admissions
Date: 7/16/2010
My MOL: 56% done!
20 credits down, 16 to go. Our MOL (Master's of Organizational Leadership) cohort is amazed at how quickly our first year has gone! We just wrapped up a fun 3-credit marketing class, and 1-credit project where we presented a marketing plan to a ficticious board of directors. Our cohort is now studying Managerial Finance, and finding it surprisingly engaging.
The new seated MOL cohort began their program last night, and our new hybrid MOL cohort begins with their EU residency experience next Tuesday through Saturday.
This is a wonderful program for leaders, and those wishing to gain more insights into what it takes to be a Level 5 Leader!
Blogger: Charity Fahlstrom, Admissions Counselor Graduate Studies
Date: 7/6/2010
Bananas within Reach
Not long ago I read a great devotional about some monkeys. Without giving anything away, I'll tell you I found it hilarious and at the same time distressing. The situation definitely got me thinking. Are you intrigued? If so, check out the devotional at Crosswalk.
Blogger: Ryan Wakefield, Master of Organizational Leadership student
Date: 7/1/2010
I Love America and Evangel's MOL Program
Most leaders can agree that there never seems to be enough time for every opportunity in our lives. That's one of the reasons why I started the MOL Program. The very lack of time in life forces us to focus on those things that can bring the most return on God's investment. Paul puts it this way in Ephesians chapter 5, "Be very careful, then, how you live-not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is."
Coming up in less than a week is our biggest outreach of the summer, I Love America. It's an opportunity for the church to share the gospel with tens of thousands of people in our community. Honestly, I often feel like I don't have enough time to go to school and still adequately lead within my organization. But then I'm reminded that's the very reason why I'm going to school. I believe in what God is doing in and through the local church and I believe God wants the church to be well led.
If you to feel like you don't have enough time, then maybe you too should consider focusing on developing your leadership so that you can effectively lead where God has placed you. I did and I love America and I love the MOL program!
Ryan Wakefield
Director of Creative Services
James River Assembly
Blogger: Chloe Shank, Education Graduate Student
Date: 6/29/2010
Reaching and Teaching
Hello, Summer!
One of the perks, and quite possibly one of my favorites, of being a teacher is summer break. For the last six summers, I have chosen to spend my break teaching, but not in a classroom under florescent lights. Instead, I enjoy summers teaching aquatics-related classes to adolescents and adults outside in the woods under the sun. At camp, I teach canoeing, sailing, rowing, swimming, lifeguarding, and safety for float trips and swimming outings. As an Aquatics Director for a summer camp, I have the opportunity to apply what I have learned so far in my education. While teaching aquatics courses, I apply effective teaching practices, and through training the eight person staff under me, I use the leadership practices gleaned from my graduate studies.
When I began grad school this past spring, I thought that I would have to give up these summer breaks to stay "on track" with earning my degree. However, when really thinking about how able I am to apply what I learn throughout the year to the job that I do in the summers at camp, I reconsidered, and decided to drag out my degree for the opportunity to continue the work in my outdoor classroom. I haven't regretted the decision yet! I'll resume classes full-time in the fall until next summer.
As teachers, we have an amazing opportunity to use our calling wherever we are at any given time to impact those around us. I hope that you take the time to consider how you can use your calling this summer. For many of us, we find it difficult to not look for teachable moments in everything-even to the point that it annoys those around us-ha! Enjoy your summer break, but watch for those opportunities to apply what you have learned. Whether it's outside in nature, in a Sunday school setting, or at home, don't stop learning and teaching.
Until next time,
Chloe
Blogger: Jeff Burnett, Director of Admissions
Date: 6/22/2010
Open House Recap
30 prospective Graduate Studies students escaped the heatwave at the cool Open House Tuesday evening. After some introductions, students met with faculty coordinators of the various master's degree programs. Charity then led a brief session on admissions and financial aid, ending with a campus highlights tour.
For those of us involved with promoting and conducting the Open House, it seemed a wonderful event -- but the data will tell the story as we send out a follow-up survey to all attendees seeking their opinion of the event. We did this last February, and this June's Open House was upgraded from their input!
Blogger: Marla Cantwell, Management graduate
Date: 6/16/2010
First Step to Future Success
Four short years ago, I had no college degree whatsoever. As I am writing this blog, not only have I earned my undergraduate degree (BBA, 2008), I also now hold a Master's of Science in School Counseling (2010). When I made the decision to enroll in Evangel's degree completion program, my only intent was to finish my undergraduate degree; to hold that diploma in my hand, frame it, and mount it on the wall. Little did I know the plans God had for me! As I look back, I believe God was just waiting on me to take a step forward. It took me 25 years from the time I dropped out of college but step forward I did! Once I completed my undergraduate degree, it seemed only natural to keep going. I graduated with my bachelor's degree in May, 2008, and began graduate classes the following month!
One of the keys for my academic success was finding what learning styles are all about and assessing my own learning style. It was as if the door to learning was finally unlocked. Even with this knowledge, however, there were a few really tough classes along the way when self-doubt really took hold. These were the times when the compassion of Evangel's professors lifted me up and carried me through. They believed in me when I didn't believe in myself. I will forever remember these professors and the impact they had on my life. While offering an outstanding education, a beautiful campus, and a Christian atmosphere, I believe Evangel's heart rests in its professors. These outstanding men and women took a personal interest in my success and went the extra mile for me and with me - evidence of a true calling.
I want to encourage anyone who is hesitant about returning to school to see beyond any fear or uncertainty. If you will just step out in faith, I can assure you God will do the rest. This fall I will begin a new career as an elementary school guidance counselor. What a perfect fit for my strengths: positivity ~ empathy ~ consistency ~ harmony ~ futuristic. God placed a calling on my heart and equipped me to fulfill His purpose. Without taking that first step of faith, none of this would have been possible.
My dad wants to know if there is a doctorate in my future. Who knows? Anything is possible! It all starts with that first step!
Blogger: Ashley Pritchett, Master of School Counseling student
Date: 6/14/2010
Love and water bottles
Heading up the trip to Christiana, Jamaica as a graduate and alumni of Evangel was the most amazing opportunity. This Spring Break trip was my 12th missions trip but my first time to lead a group of students- and it was more life changing than I ever hoped or dreamed! After six months of meetings, drama practices and preparation 12 of us boarded the plane and headed down to sunny Jamaica. We arrived at the New Vision Children's Home and met the 30 orphans, most of whom have lived there the majority of their lives. I went expecting to fall in love with the children but put up walls and boundaries - after all we'd only be there a short week and then we'd have to say goodbye. I maintained these boundaries for the first few days - spending the bulk of the mornings doing physical labor- moving concrete, cleaning the grounds and reorganizing a garage - and the afternoons and evenings were spent loving on kids and having Vacation Bible School type services.
About three days into the trip my heart was changed forever - by a little guy named Tradane, only 4 years old. It was like Tradane chose me - every time I stepped out of the dorm the boy was in my arms, running towards me, hugging me and wouldn't let me go. He spent every spare minute on my lap or next to me or asking to play with me - he didn't want anyone but me. I remember the moment my walls came crashing down. Tradane went and got me a water bottle and I told him "thank you". His response to me was "Miss Ashley, thank you for loving me." Heart shattering and humbling that he would thank me for my love! From that moment on I poured every ounce of love, energy and compassion I had on Tradane and the other children at the home. From sunup to well after sundown daily we hiked, played soccer, had a bonfire, did crafts, played on the swingset and just soaked up the sun with these children. We told them about Jesus through our Bible Stories and songs but it became so clear to me that our main focus and purpose was to SHOW them God's love through hugs and kisses and "I love yous." The children were well cared for by a fabulous staff but there is only so much that three people can devote to thirty children. So, we stepped in and loved until we couldn't love anymore, spending hours and hours just holding, cuddling and silently showing the love of God for the fatherless.
The day came for us to leave the home and as I prepared to board the bus, Tradane clung to my neck crying and asking me not to go. It was the hardest thing I have ever done leaving him there but I knew that the only thing left to do was pray. I had a bracelet made in a market with Tradane's name to remind me to pray for him daily and his picture is framed in my home. I will never forget Tradane and the other children. God did such a work in my heart for as much as I came to love this little guy in just a few short days, I realized the intensity of love God has for His children is so much greater. He knows each of us by name and I know that as much as I love Tradane, God loves him so much more and will continue to provide all that he needs. In the meantime I'm living until Spring 2011 when I will return to see my little guy and love on him once again.
Comment from Leslie Benson
Heart wrenching! I too will pray for Tradane and the others at New Vision Children's Home.
Blogger: Joshua Martin, MOL Grad student
Date: 6/9/2010
Cohort Fun!
For almost a year now, a group of about 15 students and I have been together every Thursday night, learning from the fantastic professors at Evangel University. We are students in Evangel's Master of Organizational Leadership program.
The interactive classroom of the MOL program has given me the opportunity to build relationships with my fellow classmates and learn from their experiences. Because of this, it felt completely natural when the idea came up to have a get-together to celebrate our half-way point in the MOL program. This past Sunday we brought food, families, and lawn chairs to a fellow student's house and had a great time grilling out, playing games, and mingling. I really enjoyed the opportunity to meet the families of my classmates and spend some time together outside of the classroom. It was truly a great afternoon!
Blogger: Charity Fahlstrom, Admissions
Date: 6/4/2010
Feed your face, motivate your mind
In just over 2 weeks, our office is hosting an Open House for Graduate & Professional Studies. We'd love you to come!! It's a great chance to see the developments of Evangel (we've come a long way from the days of the army barracks), learn about our adult education options and enjoy some culinary creations from our catering crew.
Join Us:
Tuesday, June 22 at 6 p.m. in Trask Hall