Inspire, Fall 2001

forIam with you;do not anxiously look about you, forIam your God.I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."And,surely, He has. Kara Niemotka'96 1 .just had to write and tell you how deeply movedI was by the Summer edition ofInspire. Whata great reminder ofGod's love, power,and sovereignty, and what great examples of fellow believers teaching the rest ofus how to put our faith into action. God bless you and everyone who had a part in making the Summer 2001 issue a reality. Debbie Fakan Shattuck'81 Tell Us Your Story I f you have an interesting story for one of the following issues of Inspire (or if you know of another alum who does), please contact the alumni relations office. Story ideas and alumni updates must be submitted by the dates below. Unfortunately, we may not be able to use all stories submitted. Winter 2001 — Transforming Culture with Christlike Compassion How have you been involved in a ministry of compassion? How has someone ministered to you with compassion? Please submit your story ideas by October 5, 2001. Spring 2002 — The Prayers of the Faithful Are you a "prayer warrior?" How has God answered your prayers in a remarkable way? What life-changing prayer effort have you been involved in? Please submit your story ideas by January 5, 2002. Summer 2002 — Going it Alone Is God using you as a single? Whether being single was in your original plan or not, there are definitely ministries that are available to singles and can only be accomplished through that single focus. Please submit your story ideas by April 5, 2002. You Know? The Rock has a new home. As their senior class gift, the class of 2001 moved the Rock to the north side of the lake between the Dixon Ministry Center and the Stevens Student Center. From the Director's Chair M y first introduction to being actively involved in a summer ministry was working as a "helper" in vacation Bible school at my home church. Although serving Kool-Aid and taking the little ones out to play doesn't seem like much now,at the age of 12,I believed I was undertaking a very big responsibility. Perhaps I was. Since that time, I've been involved in a variety ofsummer mission trips both in the United States and abroad. Each time, it has changed me in some inexplicable way,and my prayer is that I was instrumental in changing others. Many ofthe stories in this issue of Inspire relate similar experiences. However,not all summer ministries involve weeks away from home or glorious results. Many summer ministries are simply extensions of our daily lives. Your summer ministry may be taking the kids to the community pool and living a life that is different. It may be working at your place of business with integrity and a work ethic that makes others take notice. It may be that you faithfully provide music at your place of worship,even through the summer months when everyone else goes on vacation. You may even train 12-year-olds how to serve Kool-Aid in VBS. The songs and sayings may sound trite— "Brighten the Corner Where You Are," "Bloom Where You're Planted,""Be a Missionary Every Day"—but the truth is still relevant. God provides each of us with opportunities to serve Him.Some opportunities seem big, others seem small. What matters is what we do with them. How was your summer ministry? .04,z_tw-,50:(4u Faith Linn '83 Director of Alumni Relations Inspire3