The traditional final concert on campus will also take place, but what better way to show off new skills and enjoy new friendships than to hop on stage with fellow violinist Eric Brubaker 鈥�01 and one of the finest Americana roots bands in the country in front of hundreds of fans at a music festival.

The Steel Wheels Fiddle Workshop is a new addition to the program鈥檚 Suzuki Strings Day Camp, now in聽 its eighth year and typically attracting approximately 30 youth violinists. The strings day camp, from聽聽聽聽 July 29-July 2 on the 91短视频 campus, has a range of classes depending on age and skill level.

Children ages 3-7 have two-hour lessons, while intermediate and advanced students can participate in a longer Day Camp, for ages 12 and under, or Multi-Styles Teen Camp, for pre-college musicians. Both of these camps include the special afternoon workshop, which youth musicians can also sign up for separately.

The collaboration between 91短视频鈥檚 preparatory music program, The Steel Wheels, and the Red Wing Roots Festival 鈥渃ame about very organically through a shared vision,鈥� said Megan Tiller ’07, who teaches in the program and has been on the festival staff since its inaugural year in 2013.

Tiller also teaches Brubaker鈥檚 daughter in the preparatory music program, and Brubaker himself is an alumnus of the same program, which makes his participation all the more meaningful to young musicians, she said.

Benefits of camp participation are multifold, says preparatory music program administrative director , who also teaches violin. Playing for several hours each day with friends and with different teachers not only motivates and inspires students, but also causes 鈥渁 new familiarity with their instrument that takes them to a new level,鈥� she said.

The Steel Wheels workshop 鈥渨ill provide a window into what a band does and how they do it,鈥� she said. 鈥淎nd just being around professional musicians, hearing their sound and watching their technique inspires students.鈥�

During the workshop, Brubaker will guest instruct, joined by Trent Wagler 鈥�02 and Brian Dickel, class of 鈥�98. A special performance will be Thursday on campus with The Steel Wheels, followed by a jam session and performance on July 10 at the Red Wing Roots Festival (where fourth band member Jay Lapp joins). Admission to the festival and a t-shirt are included in the fee for students. Parents are offered a reduced-price day pass to the festival.

The deadline for registration is June 4. For more information, visit .

Orie O. Miller is a well-known name, but the reputation of this Mennonite lay leader, missionary, and businessman may grow, deservedly, in legend and stature with the publication of John E. Sharp鈥檚 long-awaited biography, 鈥� (Herald Press).

Miller was a 鈥�20th century leader, and considering his extensive leadership in his day in many, many church institutions and agencies, it鈥檚 important to introduce Miller to 21st century leaders,鈥� says ’63, steering committee chair of the (ACRS), a community of Mennonite elders and scholars who meet monthly for fellowship and intellectual engagement at 91短视频 (91短视频).

The biography, six years in the making, was initiated and partially funded by ACRS. Other funders include the Brethren in Christ church, and two organizations that Miller helped found, and , known commonly by the acronyms of MCC and MEDA, respectively.

91短视频 President says he鈥檚 looking forward to reading the biography. 鈥淔or many years, I have heard fascinating stories about Orie O. Miller and his legacy from those who worked directly with him,鈥� he said. 鈥淪o many Anabaptist ministries and institutions launched by Orie have improved the lives of people around the globe. I am pleased this project was sponsored by ACRS and rooted at 91短视频.鈥�

At the ACRS May 11 Annual General Meeting, a handful of Miller鈥檚 contemporaries will share anecdotes and stories about this consequential man who, from his first pioneering trip as a relief worker to Russia in 1919, forever changed Mennonite education, business, relief work and peacemaking.

The meeting, which begins at 7:30 a.m. with coffee and pastries in the west dining room on the 91短视频 campus, is open to the public.

‘Visionary and hard-nosed realist’

Former colleague Calvin Redekop, the ACRS representative to the editorial committee, says Miller鈥檚 鈥渨ork and leadership are difficult to condense.鈥�

鈥淗e was a person who represented best the challenges and opportunities of his time, an unusual combination of visionary and hard-nosed realist who expected persons to be accountable,鈥� Redekop said. 鈥淗e was one of the most disciplined persons I ever knew.鈥�

Redekop served under Miller as administrator of a post-war alternative service program called Pax. Redekop and colleague Paul Peachey ’45 had conceived this program in August of 1950, and a mere eight months later, with Miller鈥檚 support and that of MCC, 鈥淧axers鈥� arrived in war-ravaged Europe to help resettle refugees.*

Born in Indiana in 1892, Miller attended Goshen College before answering the call to engage in relief work in 1919 and shortly after, helping to form MCC, for which he served in various capacities, including executive secretary, from 1921-1963.

Miller helped to engage and steer Mennonite values and ministry into a global perspective, while integrating sound business and organizational principles.

He was 鈥渁n incredible catalyst鈥� with unique organizational skills, and 鈥減assionately committed to the church with a vision for mission,鈥� says ACRS founder , who was director of an Anabaptist-Mennonite bookstore financed by Miller and other Lancaster businessmen in the mid-1960s in Luxembourg, Belgium. 鈥淗e would start a project, then find the personnel and the organizations to carry it on.鈥�

Seeing a need often meant forming an organization to meet that need: Miller was the motivating force behind the founding of many Mennonite organizations, including Mennonite Mental Health Services, Mennonite Indemnity, Mennonite Mutual Aid, Mennonite Travel Service, and several others.

Hundreds of young men were indebted to Miller 鈥� and had their lives changed forever 鈥� because of Miller鈥檚 creation and administration of Civilian Public Service, the alternative to military service that allowed conscientious objectors to fulfill their civic responsibilities.

Miller married into the shoe manufacturing business and ran it with acumen and dedication throughout his life. Yet 鈥渢o the end his life, he maintained his vision for service, never allowing his considerable wealth to determine his needs,鈥� Gingerich said, adding that Miller could have easily afforded a Lincoln Continental, but instead drove a Ford Falcon.

Miller died in 1977 at the Landis Retirement Home in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, yet another enterprise he was instrumental in founding and supporting.

Keim鈥檚 work provides inspiration

A standard feature of the ACRS Annual General Meeting is a time to discuss the group鈥檚 ongoing work and vision. At one of those times, many years ago, members noted the need for a comprehensive biography of Miller that would address the full range of his personality and involvements not covered in a previous 1969 biography by Paul Erb.

Another inspiration for the Miller project was the work of the late Albert N. Keim ’63, professor emeritus of history at 91短视频 and an ARCS member. Keim鈥檚 biography of Harold S. Bender, a professor of theology at Goshen College and Goshen Biblical Seminary, was published in 1998.

鈥淗arold Bender was tremendously influential on theological matters in the same way that Orie Miller was tremendously influential in shaping Mennonite influence today,鈥� said ’64, ACRS interim director.

Miller鈥檚 accomplishments as a leader are widely recognized. 91短视频 houses an , which promotes interdisciplinary activities and scholarship modeled after the man鈥檚 visionary integration of business, mission, development, education, justice and peace.

In addition, 91短视频, ACRS, Mennonite Central Committee, and Mennonite Economic Development Associates are in the early stages of planning a leadership conference at 91短视频 in early April 2016 that will highlight Miller鈥檚 leadership within the Mennonite church, according to, vice president and dean of the .

Editor鈥檚 note: In April 2015, the Pax program was chosen as the recipient of the annual Gandhi Center Community Service Award. To read about this event, click .

In late April, Lehman, now 85, made another trip 鈥� not quite so far 鈥� from his home in Ohio to James Madison University (JMU) in Harrisonburg, Virginia, where he and nearly 60 other 鈥淧axers,鈥� including organization co-founder and former leader Cal Redekop, received a from JMU鈥檚 .

Pax, a program of (MCC), was created in response to the reinstatement of the military draft in the United States after the start of the Korean War. Mennonites, Quakers, Brethren and other conscientious objectors could perform alternative service in Europe, and later in Africa and South America. Pax continued until 1975, three years after the draft ended. By the time the program closed, nearly 1,200 young Americans, and some Canadians, had served in 40 countries.

An ‘influential’ program

Nearly 300 people packed a reception hall at JMU to celebrate the organization鈥檚 legacy. Terry Beitzel, director of the Mahatma Gandhi Center, noted that Pax was receiving only the fourth award in the center鈥檚 10-year history. The center gives a global nonviolence award, which has been presented to former President Jimmy Carter and first lady Rosalynn Carter and South African anti-apartheid leader Desmond Tutu, and also the community service award, past co-recipients of which include restorative justice pioneer , a professor at 91短视频 (91短视频), and JMU nursing professor Vida Huber.

鈥淧ax was chosen for the award because of its contribution to establishing alternative service programs and influencing the formation of the U.S. Peace Corps, but primarily because of the emphasis on service to others,鈥� said Beitzel, who has taken courses and taught at 91短视频鈥檚 and earned a PhD in conflict analysis and resolution from George Mason University.

鈥淧ax serves as an example of service and peacemaking for all of us today,鈥� said JMU Provost Jerry Benson.

Redekop, now 89 and living in Harrisonburg, accepted the award on behalf of Pax and its volunteers.

鈥淚鈥檓 only the handmaiden for Pax or handlanger 鈥� German for lackey,鈥� he said, before calling up 鈥�76, who chairs the MCC U.S. board. Hershberger, a professor at 91短视频, spoke of the Pax legacy and how it affected her own MCC work, with husband Jim 鈥�82, in Central America.

‘Paxers’ still connected

Redekop and Paul Peachey 鈥�45 dreamed up the new organization while the two were in Europe serving in post-war relief efforts with MCC. (Both Peachey, who eventually taught at 91短视频, and Redekop went on to academic careers in the field of sociology. Redekop is also a former business executive who has written widely on Christian ethics in business.)

Inspired by the Latin word for peace, the Pax program began in Europe with housing projects for war refugees, including German-speaking Mennonites from Ukraine, who were caught between the German and Soviet armies. Redekop, raised in the Midwest in an immigrant community of German-speaking Mennonites from Russia, was able to communicate in the low-German dialect.

The cultural exchange between Paxers and the people they helped was rich and rewarding. Lowell E. Bender 鈥�67, current MCC board member and the evening鈥檚 master of ceremonies, was a Pax worker in Germany, Austria and Greece from 1961-63, where he witnessed the long-term devastation caused by the war while constructing new houses for families whose homes had been destroyed years before. Bender came back to the United States after his service and enrolled at 91短视频.

鈥淲e were all changed by our experiences,鈥� he said, of the Paxers.

鈥淢any of the Pax veterans still stay in touch with the people they served,鈥� says 鈥�62, whose interest in the German language and culture began with his Pax tour and eventually led to a teaching career as a German language professor (he retired from 91短视频 in 2004). Reunions of the , the unit Glick served in, have been held nine times since 1970, including once in Salzburg, Austria.

Paul M. Harnish 鈥�64, of Doylestown, Pennsylvania, visited a large, modern chicken processing co-op that he helped start years ago in an impoverished area of Greece. His little hatchery began with 500 chicks imported from the United States. Harnish remembers his delivery being complicated by the need to spend the night in a hotel with the chicks before he could return to the village.

Editor鈥檚 Note: The history of the Pax program is featured in two books: Urie Bender鈥檚 Soldiers of Compassion (1969) and Cal Redekop鈥檚 The Pax Story: Service in the Name of Christ (2001). A 2008 award-winning documentary Pax Service: An Alternative to War was produced by Burton Buller, Cal Redekop and Albert Keim, a former 91短视频 history professor.

On Saturday, April 25, he made one final trip to campus for the seminary鈥檚 commencement ceremony to celebrate the earning of two degrees: a master of divinity and a .

In contrast, Seth Miller, also a new seminary graduate, simply walked up the hill from the Maplewood Residence Hall, where he is residence director for 91短视频 undergraduate students. Miller came to the seminary after several years as a teacher at Lancaster Mennonite School and in public educational settings in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

And then there鈥檚 Kathryn Fenton, of Harrisonburg, who created聽seven mixed media paintings based on the principles of Mennonite faith to partially fulfill thesis requirements for a . And Misty Wintsch, a Church of the Brethren pastor from Pennsylvania, whose ministry specialization project for her included studying about and performing funerals for the 鈥渦nchurched.鈥�

These are a fraction of the various stories that could be shared about this year鈥檚 graduating class of 33, the largest since 1988.

鈥淭here is sorrow in letting go of such a large and gifted class of graduates,鈥� said , vice president and seminary dean. 鈥淵et the very qualities that make it hard to see them go underscore the great gifts of ministry, leadership, and authentic relating they鈥檙e primed to share with the world.鈥�

Twenty-five students received master of divinity degrees, with five of these also receiving dual master鈥檚 degrees in conflict transformation or . Four students received a master鈥榮 degree in church leadership and four students received a master鈥榮 degree in religion.

Additionally, nine students received .

Religious backgrounds and affiliations varied, including Mennonite, United Methodist, Church of the Brethren, Presbyterian, and non-denominational. The class includes students from India, Honduras, and Chile.

鈥淚t is challenging to do what you are going forth to do,鈥� said L. Gregory Jones, PhD, professor of theology and Christian ministry at Duke Divinity School. His commencement address, 鈥淔or Such a Time as This,鈥� was based around the Biblical book of Esther and suggested that perhaps these graduates were prepared for just this moment in the church.

鈥淕od raises up people like you in order to do things you would never have done,鈥� he said. Jones encouraged graduates to practice fasting and spiritual disciplines, hospitality and peacemaking 鈥� practices that will provide spiritual sustenance in challenging times.

鈥淲e have a responsibility to God who calls us to become what we are not yet,鈥� said Lizzette Hernandez, class president, speaking to the ongoing journey that continues after commencement. 鈥淲e respond to God so that we can minister, not to the church that is, but to the church that will be.鈥�

And in participating in the Spring STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Celebration poster session in the , Stoner practiced a few more practical skills he will need: graphic design and public speaking.

Stoner and partner Sarah Carpenter were winners of the upperclass division for their research titled 鈥淏ergton Stream Restoration: Stream Health Assessment Using Macroinvertebrate Sampling.鈥�

The poster session, which is preceded by an informal multidisciplinary science quiz-off and pizza feast, offers students 鈥渁 chance to share their research with fellow students, faculty, and the larger 91短视频 community in a fun, social setting,鈥� says physics professor , who judged the contest with biology professor .

Poster sessions are commonly held at scientific conferences, in which 鈥渟cientists and students present and explain their own findings to those who are interested but are not necessarily experts in that field,鈥� said King, who is also an assistant professor in the program.

Posters were judged on quality of experimental design, quality of research analysis, and quality of presentation, said Herin, also with the biomedicine program. 鈥淭he presentation included the appearance, accuracy and clarity of the poster, as well as the presenters鈥� knowledge and explanation of the project.鈥�

Coursework and independent study represented

91短视频鈥檚 poster session featured more than 90 participants showcasing research from a variety of courses such as electronics, general chemistry, organic chemistry, statistics for natural sciences, and environmental toxicology. Students in Herin鈥檚 advanced human anatomy class (BIO 437) also contributed 3-D visualizations of body systems.

Carpenter and Stoner were among several students presenting water quality research in the nearby Bergton area as part of . Biology professors and are supervising teams of environmental sustainability students working on water quality monitoring and stream restoration in two tributaries of the Shenandoah River and the Chesapeake Bay, with other facets of the project involving and graduate students.

Students in professor 鈥檚 general chemistry class focused on phytoremediation of a variety of plants, including carrots, forsythia, corn, cattails, and radishes.

Professor 鈥檚 statistics class explored the widest range of topics, including electronic devices owned by students; the fuel economy of cars driven by 91短视频 faculty and staff versus those driven by James Madison University faculty and staff; cereal shelf placement based on sugar and price at Food Lion and Kroger; sustainability effectiveness in 91短视频 residence halls; and a statistical analysis of the 鈥淪ettlers of Catan鈥� game.

Two unique projects with professor Steve Cessna explored the rhetoric of science and instructional techniques in the science classroom. In their plant ecophysiology course, Hannah Chappell-Dick, Eli Wenger, and Emma Beachy analyzed plant physiology research literature for changes in the 鈥渁ssignment of agency.鈥� For his biochemistry research course project, Kyle Storc investigated student comprehension and retention of biochemistry topics through the use of two-dimensional tools.

Several posters were the result of independent research that students conducted with faculty members. Camille Williams worked with biology professor to analyze the effects of fermented milk supplementation on gut microbacteria in mice.

Rachel King, who will be a research assistant on this summer, worked under chemistry professor on 鈥淎 Mixed Methods Approach to Green Chemistry Knowledge Gains in the Organic Laboratory.鈥� Kishbaugh also worked with Ben Stern, who studied the effects of barium toxicity on zebrafish.

Underclass winner links research to upcoming internship

Amanda Williams and Nader Alqahtani paired up to win the underclass division with their project that compared phytoremediation between native and invasive species.

For Williams, a first-year biology and secondary education major, the research project reminded her of how much she cares about the environment.

鈥淚 live in the wetlands in Delaware, surrounded by the plants we were experimenting on, cattail and phragmites,鈥� she said, adding that she鈥檒l continue her research in a summer internship with the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control. 鈥淚 think it鈥檚 important to understand the possible negative effects of invasive species, but also to know that sometimes they are just as important as native species.鈥�

Alqahtani, a sophomore biology major who is interested in medical research, said the hands-on learning experience 鈥渨as a more fun and exciting way to learn than reading and studying.鈥�

And the presentation? That was 鈥渢he exciting part,鈥� he said, even though English is his second language. 鈥淲e were聽confident that we knew everything about our project and we trusted each other’s ability to make a perfect presentation 鈥� when we started presenting and I saw how well we were doing, I got comfortable and started to enjoy telling our audience about our research.鈥�

Poster Session Winners: Upperclass Division

1st: Bergton Stream Restoration: Stream Health Assessment Using Macroinvertebrate Sampling – Sarah Carpenter and Sam Stoner

2nd: Keyless Entry – Stephan Goertzen and Jordan Leaman

3rd: Bergton Stream Restoration: Ecological Monitoring Using Wood Turtles (Glyptemys insculpta) – Jonathan Drescher-Lehman and Ryan Keiner

Honorable Mention: An ecophysiological study determining how three different invasive evergreen vines handle the varying winter temperatures by measuring their photosynthesis, transpiration, and Fv/Fm levels – Jonathan Drescher-Lehman, Chris Miller, and Abby Pennington

Honorable Mention: The Effects of Barium Toxicity on Zebrafish (Danio rerio) – Ben Stern

Poster Session Winners: Underclass Division

1st: 聽Comparing Phytoremediation between Native and Invasive Species – Nader Alqahtani and Amanda Williams

2nd:聽聽Phytoremediation in Forsythia – Tyler Denlinger and Jeremiah Robinson

3rd: Electronic Devices Owned by 91短视频 Students – Sammy Kauffman, Josh Miller, and Roy Ruan

Honorable Mention: Phytoremediation in Various Plants – Aaron Dunmore and Kat Lehman

Senior Aliese Gingerich, founder of the group, says that even talking about sexual health 鈥渃an be very hush-hush,鈥� especially on a Christian college campus.

But that 鈥渉ush-hush鈥� has been less so lately. In recent controversy, a Rolling Stone article about the alleged gang rape of a female student at a University of Virginia fraternity party was . Also in the press has been the recent government scrutiny, related to Title IX gender equity laws, of how colleges and universities handle sexual violence and harassment complaints.

Add the new Coalition鈥檚 efforts to the discussion. The group also goes by the acronym of 鈥淪PEAK,鈥� which means Support survivors, Prevent assault, Empower bystanders, Advocate for change, and Know yourself and your rights.

鈥淲e want to cultivate a more honest and supportive campus climate for survivors of sexual assault,鈥� says Gingerich, 鈥渁nd a climate that is more proactive in preventing sexual violence.鈥�

Most incidents go unreported

Overcoming barriers to communication is the cornerstone of this student-initiated and administration-supported initiative, according to faculty sponsor and .

鈥淭he more we are aware, talk openly, and face this as a campus,鈥� says Comer, 鈥渢he healthier we become.鈥�

The group has raised awareness this month through a day of activism and a discussion on healthy sexuality in Common Grounds with the Campus Health Educators organization. They hosted a final discussion and meeting in University Commons to make plans for next year.

Two incidents of sexual assault have been reported from 2011-2013 in 91短视频’s most recent Campus Safety and Security Report. However, according to a 2003 study published by the international journal Criminal Justice and Behavior, 鈥渃ompleted and/or attempted rapes [among college students] were reported to law enforcement officials in less than 5 percent of cases.鈥�

Many people believe that sexual assault does not happen on a Christian campus, or are just unaware of the definition or consequences of sexual violence, says Gingerich.

鈥淚 think it’s an organization long overdue on campus,鈥� says junior Hannah Mack-Boll. Her involvement in the coalition was prompted by survivors of sexual violence in her own life, who need support. 鈥淧art of that is prevention,鈥� she said.

Graduate student Jodie Geddes, who is studying , says the coalition’s goals span from specific discussions of consent and assault to addressing 鈥渢he way we uphold human dignity in our society.鈥�

First-year Isaiah Williams was another member volunteering alongside Mack-Boll and Geddes at the coalition鈥檚 first event this month, a photo booth where students posed next to their own hand-written statements about what 鈥渃onsent is鈥� and why they 鈥渟tand with survivors.鈥�

Engaging voices

Gingerich鈥檚 motivation to start the group comes from learning about this type of trauma through her mother’s work with the in Iowa City, Iowa. Housed at the University of Iowa, the organization offers a variety of healing, support, advocacy and prevention services, including 24-hour crisis lines, support groups, and awareness campaigns.

鈥淚 just grew up hearing lots of stories鈥� about both healthy and violent forms of sexuality, says Gingerich.

When her mother asked what training and resources 91短视频 provides, Gingerich says, 鈥渢hen it dawned on me, we really have nothing. And that’s kind of ridiculous … it lit up a fire in me.鈥�

Gingerich worked with Comer to propose a task force to and the President’s Cabinet. From this proposal, the Coalition was born as an offshoot of the Crisis Management Preparedness Team.

Goals of the coalition include engaging 鈥渁 variety of voices,鈥� says Geddes.

The group also wants to educate the campus community about how to respond to traumatized survivors 鈥� to encourage the campus community to become more 鈥渢rauma-informed,鈥� Comer says. 鈥淲e often do not take into account the trauma the experience carries. Most people do not want to talk about this, know this, or face this. We are human beings, and this is one of our challenges, even at 91短视频.鈥�

The first to fill this new position, Jensen will focus on organizational leadership and program development beginning July 1, 2015. She is currently associate dean for academic affairs at Bethel Seminary, associated with Bethel University in St. Paul, Minnesota.

鈥淚 am honored to be chosen for this position,鈥� Jensen says. 鈥�91短视频 is a gem of a university with a wonderful history and legacy that is firmly rooted in its Anabaptist Mennonite commitments and which provides a strong foundation for moving forward into its second century. The Lancaster site already contributes greatly to the influence and visibility of 91短视频. I鈥檓 looking forward to expanding on that.鈥�

Creation of the associate provost鈥檚 position was recommended by a five-member task force formed in the fall of 2013 to research new administrative structures for the growing site and its programs. The task force included two representatives of the Harrisonburg and Lancaster administrative staff, and three additional members appointed by each of the academic programs in Lancaster. , professor of organizational studies at 91短视频鈥檚 , served as a non-voting facilitator.

鈥淭his new position will allow 91短视频 to enhance its presence in the region and strengthen collaborative ties between Lancaster-based offices and the main campus in Harrisonburg, Virginia,鈥� said .

Siegfried named director of operations

A second administrative position, created on the recommendation of the task force, has also been filled. , MA ’15 (organizational leadership), former office manager for 91短视频 at Lancaster, moves into revised and expanded duties as director of operations. She will oversee the office and physical plant, technology, human resources and finances at the site, located in the Greenfield Corporate Center, off U.S. Route 30 in Lancaster.

鈥淎ny of the thousands of students who have taken a class through 91短视频 Lancaster will remember Julie鈥檚 significant behind-the-scenes work,鈥� Kniss said.

In her present position at Bethel Seminary since 2013, Jensen has been responsible for a wide variety of administrative tasks associated with the seminary鈥檚 St. Paul and San Diego, California, campuses, and distance learning programs, including academic affairs, faculty hiring and supervision, curriculum alignment, assessment and improvement, and budget planning.

鈥淗er experience and expertise in grant writing and program development, as well as in managing organizational relationships at a distance will serve 91短视频 at Lancaster well,鈥� said Kniss.

At Lancaster, Jensen will provide strategic leadership and enhance collaborative support processes for programming; pursue growth opportunities by growing enrollment in current programs and developing new programs to serve regional needs; and strengthen the communication and supportive relationships between 91短视频 Lancaster and the main campus in Harrisonburg.

Jenson in higher education since ’90

Jensen earned an EdD in organization learning and development from the University of St. Thomas in 2010. She entered higher education in 1990, working at John Brown University in Siloam Springs, Arkansas, as a coordinator of residence life. She then entered their master鈥檚 in counseling education program, working as a therapist in the university鈥檚 counseling center while earning her degree.

In 1997, she moved to Minnesota to become associate dean for relationship education at Bethel University. From 2000 to 2013, she was the program director for marriage and family therapy at Bethel Seminary.

In 2007, Jensen was a visiting professor at the Kiev Mohyla Business School, Kiev, Ukraine, which offers MBA and master’s programs in leadership, banking and finance, as well as corporate training. As a consultant, she also conducted a needs assessment and provided recommendations which resulted in the establishment of a grant development department at the school.

Jensen has considerable teaching experience in psychology, psychotherapy, and spiritual formation, as well as several years of academic consulting in non-profit, K-12, and higher education on the topics of leadership coaching, faith-work integration, organizational change, and cultural competency.

She has conducted more than 40 invited presentations in academic, professional, community, and church settings on range of topics including leadership, intercultural competency, relationships, parenting, communication, sexuality, work-life effectiveness, and formation.

A native of Minnesota, Jensen earned her bachelor鈥檚 degree in music education at Northwestern College in 1984 and taught for four years at Waukegan Christian School in Zion, Illinois.

York, a junior at 91短视频, was making her for 12 hours in solidarity with local college students and others in more than 40 states and 10 countries to raise awareness of human trafficking. The Stand, which happens from April 6-10, is an outreach of the non-profit .

York, who grew up in Bucharest, Romania, is a reluctant leader who would prefer to remain out of the spotlight, but she wants to make advocacy for victims of human trafficking her life鈥檚 work.

Changed by the stories

The stories she heard during a summer internship at a shelter for sexually trafficked women in Romania have burrowed into her heart and psyche.

鈥淚 got to know them really well and fell in love with them 鈥� that really changes you,鈥� she says.

When she returned to campus in the fall of 2014, raising awareness among her fellow students became a priority.

鈥淚鈥檓 out here for the seven girls I live, ate and breathed with for two months,鈥� York says. 鈥淭he Stand for me is all about them and the other women, men and children who are trapped and coerced into slavery.鈥�

In working to stage the Stand event, York says she is called by her faith and the knowledge, drawn from personal experience, that the survivors sometimes need someone to tell their story, because they themselves can鈥檛.

One touching story she heard from 13-year-old 鈥淎na,鈥� who was living in a state-run orphanage when she heard the rumors. 鈥淭he director has one thing in mind for the girls here,鈥� the older girls told her. 鈥淧rostitution.鈥�

Frightened, Ana ran away with the help of some of the other girls. She was able to find her grandparents and ended up at , the shelter where York worked.

York鈥檚 internship concluded with a job offer that she wanted to accept. However, her parents encouraged her to finish her degree. She compromised by saying she would graduate a semester early, in the fall of 2015, and then return to the shelter.

鈥淚 would love to eventually work with the justice system in Romania,” she says. 鈥淚 want the police to implement justice for the poor and not against them. The current system is keeping people in the cycle of poverty in which they feel forced to sell their bodies for money because they feel like they don鈥檛 have a choice.鈥�

Staying connected through activism

In the meantime, back in Harrisonburg, she searched for another internship, which is how she learned about International Justice Mission and Stand for Freedom.

鈥淚 thought that it would be really cool to be a part of, but I had a lot of doubts in my ability to pull it off,鈥� she says.

York鈥檚 experiences in that shelter and her passion for serving justice were compelling to listeners, though. On a recent that she led with junior Hanna Heishman, she gained six more allies, including Heishman: Rachel Schrock, Jessamyn Tobin, Abby Hershberger, Amy Feeser, and Jolee Paden.

鈥淚 felt drawn into Stand because of the passion Rebekah has for her work,鈥� Heishman says. 鈥淪he shared with me her vision for humanity during our Y-trip: a life without the reality of trafficking. This is something she cares so deeply for, and it is where she will devote her life.”

Together the group grew the conversation from a Facebook message, to a living room meeting, lunch room conversations and finally to connecting with the James Madison University Stand group.

That JMU group heard York’s story and decided to partner their Stand with 91短视频 to have a united event in a centralized location. A contingent of Dukes came to Thomas Plaza for the Tuesday Stand.

JMU students with the , a faith-based group raising awareness about the human trafficking issue, also came to campus Thursday to share their work.

A vigil tonight [March 10] at Court Square will again unite students with the Harrisonburg community, which has recently seen a rise in human and labor trafficking charges. In January, Virginia鈥檚 House of Representatives passed four bills to combat human trafficking and sex trafficking, which the FBI calls the fastest growing crime in the United States and the third-largest criminal enterprise in the world.

‘In your backyard’

York planned the week-long event to include a huge dose of education about modern slavery, which has the potential to affect the nearly 4 billion people living in poverty in countries with dysfunctional or corrupt public justice systems, according to the United Nations.

After all, she herself had grown up in a country with a long and traumatic history of sex slavery, and she knew nothing about it until a few months after graduating from high school.

That鈥檚 when she saw a documentary that was also aired on campus Monday night.

鈥淟et鈥檚 know what we鈥檙e standing for, before we make a statement,鈥� York wrote in her campus-wide email advertising that showing.

With more than 200 signatures gathered on two petitions during Tuesday鈥檚 event, York is optimistic about the Stand鈥檚 impact.

鈥淎ll I wanted to do was raise awareness about human trafficking and let people know that this is happening in your own backyard,鈥� York says. 鈥淏eing able to share that with someone is what I am called for.鈥�

Each year, a new group of highly motivated and gifted scholars is invited to join the 91短视频 . From this group, two prospective students are selected to receive the annual full-tuition .

Nicole Litwiller of Sarasota, Florida, and Maria Yoder of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, will begin their education in the fall of 2015 as contributors to 91短视频鈥檚 legacy of academic excellence.

During Honors Weekend in February, Litwiller and Yoder came to campus with 42 other candidates for the final interview process. The group averaged 1,269 on the SAT critical reading and math sections, 29 on the ACT and a high-school grade point average (GPA) of 4.11.

Full Tuition Yoder Scholarships

The Yoder Scholarships, established in 1993, are named for Paul and Carol Yoder of Harrisonburg, Virginia, both 1963 graduates of 91短视频. The rigorous selection process for the two scholarships includes a comprehensive academic and service resume, letters of recommendation, creative essays and interviews with Honors Program professors. Candidates who do not win the full-tuition scholarships receive academic scholarships covering approximately half of tuition, as well as membership in the Honors Program.

鈥淲e are looking for creative students with wide-ranging interests and strong leadership abilities,鈥� said , a mathematics professor and faculty member in the Honors Program.

Benefits Include 1:1 Mentoring and Critical Thinking Boosts

Over the past three years, the graduation rate for 91短视频 honors students was 100 percent, with a third completing double or triple majors. These students, representing diverse cultural, racial and religious backgrounds, participate in special academic and co-curricular opportunities to learn from and be mentored by faculty.

A majority of honors graduates responding to a 2009 alumni survey 鈥渟trongly agreed鈥� that the program increased their overall learning and deepened critical thinking skills. Forty-two percent of the survey respondents indicated an educational track beyond their undergraduate degree.

Maria Yoder: The Animal Lover

Maria Yoder loves cats and dogs, and as she took biology classes in the past year, she thought about becoming a veterinarian someday. Lately she鈥檚 been volunteering at an animal hospital. At 91短视频, she plans to enroll in the pre-professional health sciences program.

At Hempfield High School, Yoder is involved in sports, music, tutoring and academic clubs. She was captain of her school鈥檚 volleyball team, which won consecutive state championships in 2013 and 2014. She is also captain of the track and field team. A cellist in the school orchestra, she was selected this spring for the state orchestra.

At 91短视频, Yoder will run , her favorite sport, and join the team. She will play cello in the orchestra.

鈥淚 like to keep a busy schedule,鈥� she says, 鈥渂ut I have to be organized and make sure to leave some time for relaxing so I don鈥檛 feel overwhelmed.鈥�

Her parents, Randy and Marianne Kurtz Yoder, graduated from 91短视频 in 1982 and 1983, respectively. Her mother earned a in 2013. Although 91短视频 was high on Yoder鈥檚 list, she also considered Haverford College near Philadelphia and the University of Mary Washington in Virginia.

Nicole Litwiller: Looking Forward to Cross-Cultural

Nicole Litwiller says that 鈥�91短视频 has been on my radar since I was young.鈥� Her parents are both graduates 鈥� Larry 鈥�80 and Nelda Rempel Litwiller 鈥�85. 鈥淚 am excited to expand my faith and be challenged by professors,鈥� she says. 鈥淎lso, I love how 91短视频 puts a huge focus on becoming more knowledgeable about other cultures worldwide.鈥�

During the middle of her sophomore year, Litwiller went through an emotional experience when her family moved from Kansas to Florida the day after Christmas. She did not know anyone at Sarasota Christian School, but she looks back on that transition as full of 鈥渕any new and fun things.鈥�

Today she is president of her senior class, and she is trying to make the year an unforgettable one for her classmates. During her sophomore and junior years, she was on her school鈥檚 team that advanced to world competition both times.

A member of her high school soccer team and one of its three captains, Litwiller will probably play for 91短视频 this fall.

Her major, at this point, is undecided. 鈥淚 hope that through my classes, the cross-cultural trip and other experiences at 91短视频 that my path will become clearer,鈥� she says. 鈥淚 am looking forward to many opportunities to experience the world.鈥�

As it turns out, scientists like , a professor of molecular neuroscience at George Mason University, already describe neural networks with computers. Blackwell, speaking at a recent Suter Science Seminar at 91短视频, showed how these computer models may provide researchers with the key to treating Parkinson鈥檚 disease.

Two computer programs for this modeling purpose, , which stands for GEneral NEural SImulation System, and , are available to any online user.

These programs cannot model the entire brain, but they can help neurologists examine small parts of it. Blackwell鈥檚 research focuses on a very small network in the basal ganglia, primarily including the substantia nigra, which is Latin for 鈥渂lack stuff,鈥� and the striatum, which is Latin for 鈥渟triped.鈥� These sections are very close to the center of the brain, and are responsible for movement of muscles.

The substantia nigra itself plays a role in learning habits of movement, such as walking and driving.

鈥淲hen you鈥檙e not paying attention and you鈥檙e listening to music, yet you arrive at your destination, it鈥檚 because your basal ganglia has, without you thinking about it, done all the correct right turns,鈥� said Blackwell, describing how habits work.

The substantia nigra helps this process by providing dopamine, a chemical vital to basic brain function, to the striatum, another part of the basal ganglia.

When the substantia nigra begins to die, however, less dopamine is released into the striatum. This causes Parkinson鈥檚 disease, a medical condition characterized by a hunched posture, a shuffling gait, and trembling. Several treatments exist, including use of L-DOPA or deep brain stimulation. The effects of the L-DOPA wear off over time, and deep brain stimulation is extremely invasive. Blackwell hopes to find another, more effective treatment.

In order to find treatments, scientists must understand Parkinson鈥檚 disease. One interesting effect of the disease, according to Blackwell, is that 鈥渁ll of the neurons [in the striatum] are firing at the same rhythm.鈥� In healthy neurons, such synchrony is only intermittent, instead of constant. If Blackwell could understand why this happens, she might be one step closer to treating the disease.

Using computer models that replicate a network of neurons, Blackwell and her team discovered that gap junctions, a kind of bridge between neurons, may be responsible for the synchrony in the striatum. She predicts that, if the gap junctions could be blocked, the nature of the disease might change. Chemicals that block gap junctions might even be a useful treatment.

Blackwell spoke as part of 91短视频鈥檚 Suter Science Seminar series. Lectures are presented by experts in their field and are free and open to the public. Nancy Johnston, a nursing professor from York University, will speak April 13 at 4 p.m. about how the practice of healing suffering has changed over time.

In the center of Thomas Plaza, burning candles were placed on a pile of ice. A nearby sign proclaimed the vigil鈥檚 theme: 鈥淢elt ICE,鈥� a reference to the unrelenting, and some would say, disturbing policies of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement that have recently separated Villatoro from his family.

A Honduran native who has lived without citizenship in the United States since the early 1990s, Villatoro was detained on March 3 by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and deported last week [March 27].

Despite a past criminal record of two misdemeanor charges, supporters say Villatoro had changed his life, becoming a Christian and devoting himself to his family and his congregation. According to supporters, he would be an appropriate candidate for the reprieve offered by President Barack Obama鈥檚 deportation policy if an immigrant does not jeopardize national security or public safety.

‘Pastor Max’ known among 91短视频 students

Two student organizers of the vigil, senior Aliese Gingerich and junior Rachel Schrock, are among many in the 91短视频 community who have a strong connection to Villatoro. He is a co-pastor, with his wife, Gloria, of Iglesia Menonita Torre Fuerte, a small Hispanic congregation based at in Iowa City, Iowa. Gingerich and Schrock attend First Mennonite Church.

Villatoro 鈥渨as someone who cared about the space and the people in it,鈥� said Schrock. 鈥淗e would ask you how you鈥檙e doing, and he would really listen. He cared about people, and he was a strong presence in the church.鈥�

Gingerich, who spent this last summer working with Villatoro, mentioned the anxiety she felt for him during that time. Villatoro made no secret of his lack of citizenship, even in which he recounted his story of moving to the United States for a better life, meeting his wife, and starting a family. He and Gloria have four children, all U.S. citizens. Gloria, who is from Mexico, is living legally in the United States under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, according to the Iowa City Press-Citizen.

Schrock鈥檚 fear was realized when she was on a in Georgia, learning about issues that immigrants face in the United States. Ironically, she, along with sophomore Diego Barahona, were visiting a detention center when they learned the news.

Barahona, also a Honduran native, spoke at the vigil in English, with his remarks translated into Spanish. He expressed appreciation for the Mennonite community and their strong support of Villatoro.

Several protests and vigils have taken place over the past several weeks. Congregations in the Central Plains Mennonite Conference 鈥� the conference in which Villatoro鈥檚 church belongs 鈥� have actively showed their support for Villatoro and his family. The conference collected more than 40,000 signatures, including 8,000 from clergy members, from around the United States. Those documents were delivered to the ICE office in Omaha, Nebraska, just one week after Villatoro鈥檚 detention. The conference has also started a .

Immigration and Customs Enforcement determined the grounds for Villatoro鈥檚 deportation by citing his criminal record 鈥� a drunk-driving conviction in 1998 and record tampering, after purchasing a Social Security number in order to get a driver鈥檚 license, in 1999. Villatoro has since had a clean record and according to media sources, was unsuccessful in appealing a past deportation order.

Common ground with vigil supporters

In his speech, Barahona also addressed the plight of child immigrants, recalling his arrival in the United States at age 4 and a childhood visit to Walt Disney World, seemingly a paradise at the time.

鈥淚n contrast,鈥� Barahona told the assembled crowd, 鈥渢ens of thousands of child immigrants were not received by a magical kingdom. They were received by a kingdom that supposedly stands for the liberty of the oppressed, but hesitates to take in the youngest victims of the conflict they help create.鈥�

Hannah Mack-Boll, a junior, who works at in Harrisonburg, said she appreciated the 鈥減oignance鈥� of Barahona鈥檚 speech. She hears many stories similar to Villatoro鈥檚, and remarked on how helpful it is that 鈥渨e can now gather together to understand the importance of Villatoro鈥檚 story in the context of a broader issue.鈥�

鈥淚t was encouraging to see such a strong turnout of students, faculty and staff to express our solidarity with Pastor Max and others who have been separated from their families,鈥� said 91短视频 president Loren Swartzendruber, one of at least two university administrators to attend the vigil. 鈥淭he stories shared by several immigrants were important for all of us to hear.鈥�

Getting the word out about that story and rallying support has been one of Gingerich鈥檚 recent concerns. She spent two days before the vigil passing out 380 Spanish-language flyers to local organizations, businesses, clinics, grocery stores, and even taco trucks. She wanted to the community to be involved, and to provide a space for healing and reflection.

鈥淢ax鈥檚 story is a platform for all the other stories like his that don鈥檛 get coverage,鈥� Schrock said.

It will be extremely difficult and complicated for Villatoro to regain entry to the United States, according to his attorney.

Shantz had two choices: tear it down or renovate it. After consulting with, as Shantz puts it, 鈥渢he one-man maintenance department of Gordie Shantz,鈥� the decision was made.

Under his direction, youth group volunteers gutted the building, put on a fresh coat of paint, and turned it into a storage shed. The oldest permanent structure at Highland Retreat still stands.

This is a common problem among many camps with long histories and old buildings, Shantz realized. Maintenance teams must keep an eye on budgets and eco-friendly choices, while still being sensitive to architectural history.

Thus came the origin of a recent workshop, 鈥淣ew Wine in Old Wineskins,鈥� for maintenance teams from camps in the eastern region of the (MCA). The informative visit to 91短视频 to learn about sustainability initiatives was facilitated by Ed Lehman, assistant physical plant director.

MCA, which was founded in 1960, is, 鈥渁 clearinghouse for directing and promoting Christian camping among Anabaptist/Mennonite conferences and congregations around the United States and Canada.鈥� Thirty-one North American camps are members, including Camp Men-O-Lan, the first Mennonite camp, located near Quakertown, Pennsylvania.

While the scale of 91短视频鈥檚 renovations are much larger than that required by the camps, 91短视频 representatives, including building automation coordinator Greg Sachs ’03 and sustainability coordinator l ’00, could provide general trends that translate to a smaller scale.

After a Powerpoint presentation highlighting significant renovation projects at Roselawn, Suter Science Center, and the two LEED-certified dormitories, participants had a brisk discussion about issues related to their specific facilities: , which first began hosting guests in 1935, in New York; Highland Retreat, dating from 1958; and the newest facility to be represented, in Toano, Virginia, which started in 1984. A representative from also attended.

Camp Deerpark, which includes new buildings as well as some older structures that predate the current organization by several years, has a heating system fueled by a large wood stove and generators that run on overdrive during the cold northern winters, said maintenance director Sean McConaghay.

Among the valuable bits of information that Shantz gleaned from the visit is 91短视频鈥檚 20 percent cost model on new projects. For example, if a new building costs $100, then renovation for an old building should only be considered if the total cost is $80 or less.

Shantz also favored 91短视频鈥檚 five-to-seven-year payback model, in which new equipment is expected to return the investment within a range of five to seven years.

For Shantz and others involved in the important but often overlooked job of keeping camps functioning and aesthetically attractive, the time to sit down, learn and share with other professionals was valuable 鈥� regardless of whether the discussion was about replacing a lightbulb, he said, or installing new toilets.

As is the case with some rural camps, the opportunity to acquire adjacent new property sometimes comes with old buildings 鈥� and a price tag. That is the case at Highland Retreat, which has recently been offered a nearby property at a favorable price, but with an old but solid building that may need renovation. Shantz has formed a committee to discuss potential uses, he said, adding that 91短视频鈥檚 sustainability initiatives could be a helpful model for Highland Retreat in this instance, and in any future construction project.

“I have been reading EJ’s columns in the Washington Post for years, and many others here at 91短视频 have been too,” says . “He seemed to be an excellent match for the mission, vision and values of 91短视频. His writings reveal his consistent orientation toward a society based on fair social and economic practices, rooted in his Christian commitment as a Roman Catholic. He also comes with wide international experience as a former foreign correspondent for the New York Times. I think he will resonate well with many at 91短视频 as our commencement speaker.”

Dionne鈥檚 career started in the late 1970s-80s at the . During that time, he was based in bureaus in Paris, Rome and Beirut, gaining a broad perspective on how international affairs affect American politics. Between these experiences abroad, he reported on government and national politics.

In 1990 Dionne joined the Washington Post as a political reporter. He began writing his bi-weekly column in 1993.

In a few recent columns, Dionne challenges his readers to address 鈥渢he vexing intersection of wage stagnation, declining social mobility and rising inequality.鈥� To not forget 鈥渙ur country鈥檚 struggle over race鈥ut also about our larger quest for justice.鈥� And to suggest, 鈥渁ll sides stop fighting and pool their energies to easing the marriage and family crisis that is engulfing working-class Americans.鈥�

These words resonate with 91短视频 students like senior Jacob Mack-Boll who says he was pleasantly surprised to hear that 91短视频 chose a political writer as the 2015 commencement speaker.

鈥淎s someone who is graduating, I feel like there are pieces of my education that have been very political in nature, but on a small scale,鈥� he says. 鈥淚 want us to have a lens that is outward, as people who can bring about change on a larger level in society. If Dionne will be advocating for societal changes that are realistic and possible, I鈥檓 looking forward to what he will be telling us.鈥�

Shortly after Dionne joined the Washington Post, he wrote the book 鈥淲hy Americans Hate Politics,鈥� which won the Los Angeles Times book prize, and was a National Book Award nominee. Since then he has authored, edited or co-edited nine other books, including most recently 鈥淥ur Divided Political Heart: The Battle for the American Idea in an Age of Discontent,鈥� published in 2012.

Dionne received a BA from Harvard University in 1973, summa cum laude, and a doctorate from Oxford University in 1982, where he was a Rhodes Scholar. He lives in Bethesda, Maryland, with his wife Mary Boyle and their three children, James, Julia and Margot.

鈥淭he annual spring lobby weekend engages young people in issues around peace,鈥� says CJP practicum coordinator Amy Knorr. This year鈥檚 conference was divided into three sessions: faith-based activism, the issue of climate change, and techniques for effective lobbying.

All graduate students in the conflict transformation program were invited to attend and 17 made the trip, joining nearly 300 other participants from around the country.

鈥淚 was primarily interested in going because of the lobbying focus,鈥� said Dina Rubey. 鈥淚 wanted to gain some practical lobbying skills and experience.鈥�

One tip that the group learned in addressing the issue of climate change was to change the language.

鈥淭alking about climate change is a no-no because half of Congress reels back from those words. So we learned to talk about 鈥榗limate disruption鈥� instead,鈥� says Knorr.

FCNL organizers teaching lobbying skills suggested focusing instead on climate change as an issue with policy implications: what has been done in Congress and what has not been done and 鈥済etting Congress to agree that there are extreme weather patterns across the world,鈥� Knorr says.

Rubey says she also learned that effective lobbying needs to be direct and clear. 鈥淐aring about an issue is not the same as having something very specific you want your representative to do,鈥� she says. 鈥淎dvocating for the issue alone may not get the change to occur. You need to pick a very specific action you鈥檇 like your representative to take and tell them what that action is. Lobbyists are in long-term relationships with representatives.鈥� Rubey emphasized that lobbying is not a one-time strategy.

In the afternoon of the third day, the students met with the senior chief legislative officer for Congressman Bob Goodlatte, a Republican whose district covers much of the Shenandoah Valley.

That was the most meaningful part of the weekend for Mikhala Lantz-Simmons. This past fall, she worked on a semester-long conflict analysis project about hydraulic fracturing in Bergton, Virginia. Goodlatte, who supports hydraulic fracturing, is a stakeholder in the issue and she says it was interesting to hear some clarification from his office about his stance.

The students also met with a representative of Senator Mark Warner, a Democrat respresenting Virginia. Knorr says this was an entirely different experience because unlike Goodlatte, Warner is supportive of legislation that calls for bipartisan congressional action to acknowledge the science and reality of climate change.

In the end, 鈥渨e really want to see how our students can engage on a local level,鈥� says Knorr. 鈥淎 lot of our students are interested in global peacebuilding, but this is a really good way for us to engage locally and nationally as well.鈥�

This bridge actually exists in Honduras: it was built in the 1930s by the Army Corps of Engineers as part of the Pan-American Highway, but was abandoned in 1998 when the river changed its course after a hurricane.

鈥淚t is still beautiful and it still stands,鈥� said Okanya, during a lecture at 91短视频, 鈥渂ut the river is not there. The river has moved.鈥�

Similarly, Okanya said, the historical, traditional model of mission engagement 鈥� with churches of the global north 鈥渟ending鈥� missionaries into the 鈥渞eceiving鈥� global south 鈥� must be restructured to accommodate changing flows of worldwide Anabaptist faith.

Okanya鈥檚 visit to campus, in which he also spoke at two worship services, is part of the annual , originally funded by Myron S. and Esther Augsburger to address “topics in the area of Christian evangelism and mission for the stimulation and development of a vision for evangelism and missions for the 91短视频 community.”

The first mission took place in the 1930s, Okanya reminded the audience during his chapel sermon, and those who were called, and those who sent them, were compelled by the powerful story of Jesus Christ. Like the early martyrs of the Anabaptist faith, they suffered for their faith. 鈥淵ou can see their graves,鈥� Okanya said, recalling Elam Stauffer ’64, one of the first missionaries to be sent by EMM. Stauffer suffered for his convictions, losing an infant and then his wife, Elizabeth, after arriving in Tanzania.

Young people seeking purpose are often confronted with the popular narrative of 鈥渕oving towards something we will get for doing things right,鈥� Okanya said, adding that he too went to college for this reason. Yet there is an alternative narrative: the one followed by missionaries.

Think about 鈥渢he difference that you can make in life because you are completed not by what you can get but in response to the One who loves you and gave you life,鈥� he urged.

Okanya, who was born and raised in Kenya, pointed as evidence of this compelling narrative and the power of missions to the rapidly growing numbers of Mennonites in Africa. The Democratic Republic of the Congo and Ethiopia have the, behind the United States.

In his youth, Okanya interacted with the Kenya Mennonite Church and the EMM mission community in Nairobi. (When he preaches, he wanders away from the microphone, Okanya joked, because he is still a 鈥淜enyan shepherd boy鈥� at heart.) After graduating from university in Nairobi, Okanya came to the Baltimore area with the YES (Youth Evangelism Service) program and eventually attended seminary at 91短视频, where he met his wife Jessica Lawrence Okanya ’01.

Okanya has served as president of EMM since 2011, following years of mission work and also six years as lead pastor of Capital Christian Fellowship in Lanham, Maryland.

In his lecture titled 鈥淲hat Needs to Change? A Paradigm Shift in Missions Engagement and Implications for Western Mission Agencies,鈥� Okanya shared some of the challenges affecting mission work today. He and his staff continue to grapple with the question of 鈥渨hat it means to be missional in today鈥檚 environment,鈥� considering the issues of sustainable funding mechanisms, human resources, increasing hostility toward Westerners, changing stakeholders and globalization.

鈥淭here is a lot the church in North America can offer the world,鈥� he said, 鈥渂ut there is much that the churches in the global South can offer us here. I鈥檝e met with Lancaster Conference bishops asking about receiving missionaries here. What does that mean? What are the benefits? They want to know this and we want to help them.鈥�

The way to engage youth in missions, and in church itself, is sharing and teaching with authenticity, Okanya said, just as the prophets, disciples and Jesus himself did.

鈥淎re we 鈥榓lmost Christian鈥�?鈥� he asked, using a term coined by author Kendra Dean Creasy. 鈥淎re we not serious enough about our faith and not taking seriously what He said and what He meant? We lack the strength to tell the story, and if we do not have it, then we cannot pass it on. We must be passionate.鈥�