Elliot Muhlenbruck
Where do you currently attend school? Moberly Area Community College in Columbia
Where are you serving this summer, and who is your mentor?
Anthem Church in Columbia, MO with Chris Kurtz
Anthem Church in Columbia, MO with Chris Kurtz
How did you first encounter Jesus Christ, and how has His lordship continued to change your life?
I thought that my first acceptance of Christ was at a summer camp when I was going into the 8th grade. Upon reflection and consideration, I realized that I didn’t truly accept His gift. I prayed an empty prayer out of fear. This isn’t the true acceptance. My first TRUE encounter with the Lord was in Anthem Church’s parking lot. This was after a youth group session, and I realized that I have never truly asked Him into my heart. I called out and asked Him to be in my heart and surrendered my life to Him fully. I was done trying to be someone that I wasn’t, I needed Jesus. I heard back (not audibly), “Welcome child, I love you.” From that point on, I continued to strive after His word and His plan for me. I’ve had so many adventures following Jesus. Even mundane day to day living has become meaningful. Praying wherever I go shows me what God wants me to do for Him. I see the beauty in creation, and it’s one of my favorite things to talk about with others, believers or not. I try my best to be a servant for other people, no matter how hard or low the job is. As an 18 year old, expanding on a countercultural walk with Jesus, I am thankful for my network here in Columbia. First of all, most of my closest friends also know and love Jesus. My best friend is someone I’ve known my whole life, but we’ve only become friends in the last 3 years. Christ connected us on a level I don’t have with most people. I consider Anthem Church my church home, not due to the location, but the people inside. I know so many peoples stories and how they follow Jesus encourages me to strive even more towards Him. My youth group guys are some people that I can be vulnerable and where I can open up about sin. I absolutely love our small group talks, and it really shows how we can struggle together, but have joy in Jesus together! Before I encountered Christ, I was lazy and unwilling to do hard things. I believe that my hard work mind-set was gifted to me by God. I love to work now, for or not for money compensation. I just have a drive that He has given me to do my best. This past summer I worked for a farmer who needed help loading and unloading square bails between sites. I wasn’t to sure about helping him out. It was good pay, but grimy and tough work. I decided to do it anyway. Not only did I learn many things about running a hay business, but I got to develop a friendship with one of the workers. It was beautiful timing as well because that worker was going off to Iowa for college basketball at a Baptist church college. I still have a great relationship with that guy, just had lunch with him yesterday, how amazing that God used that! Amen?! Overall, even through the tough seasons, God has been good. Last semester (Sept 2022-Nov. 2022) was one of the hardest seasons of my life. I was supposed to have an amazing last cross country season before I laid up the spikes. Well, I was injured a quarter way through with a stress fracture. I was pretty frustrated at God, and devastated that I wouldn’t get my last season. But, God used it. He taught me that life is more than just running or being healthy. This is where Jesus began to work in my heart, to show me what he has for me. If you were to ask me back in June what I wanted to do after high-school, I would’ve told you I wanted to run and study exercise science. Through my injury, and many conversations with trusted individuals; I decided that I wanted to not do the traditional route of further education. That I wanted to get plugged in, and stay in Columbia to grow my relationships and ministries. Six months of prayer led to a huge answer, that I am beyond understanding for. I am excited to start the next chapter of my life with Christ, even if that means more trials. There will also be many times of joy.
I thought that my first acceptance of Christ was at a summer camp when I was going into the 8th grade. Upon reflection and consideration, I realized that I didn’t truly accept His gift. I prayed an empty prayer out of fear. This isn’t the true acceptance. My first TRUE encounter with the Lord was in Anthem Church’s parking lot. This was after a youth group session, and I realized that I have never truly asked Him into my heart. I called out and asked Him to be in my heart and surrendered my life to Him fully. I was done trying to be someone that I wasn’t, I needed Jesus. I heard back (not audibly), “Welcome child, I love you.” From that point on, I continued to strive after His word and His plan for me. I’ve had so many adventures following Jesus. Even mundane day to day living has become meaningful. Praying wherever I go shows me what God wants me to do for Him. I see the beauty in creation, and it’s one of my favorite things to talk about with others, believers or not. I try my best to be a servant for other people, no matter how hard or low the job is. As an 18 year old, expanding on a countercultural walk with Jesus, I am thankful for my network here in Columbia. First of all, most of my closest friends also know and love Jesus. My best friend is someone I’ve known my whole life, but we’ve only become friends in the last 3 years. Christ connected us on a level I don’t have with most people. I consider Anthem Church my church home, not due to the location, but the people inside. I know so many peoples stories and how they follow Jesus encourages me to strive even more towards Him. My youth group guys are some people that I can be vulnerable and where I can open up about sin. I absolutely love our small group talks, and it really shows how we can struggle together, but have joy in Jesus together! Before I encountered Christ, I was lazy and unwilling to do hard things. I believe that my hard work mind-set was gifted to me by God. I love to work now, for or not for money compensation. I just have a drive that He has given me to do my best. This past summer I worked for a farmer who needed help loading and unloading square bails between sites. I wasn’t to sure about helping him out. It was good pay, but grimy and tough work. I decided to do it anyway. Not only did I learn many things about running a hay business, but I got to develop a friendship with one of the workers. It was beautiful timing as well because that worker was going off to Iowa for college basketball at a Baptist church college. I still have a great relationship with that guy, just had lunch with him yesterday, how amazing that God used that! Amen?! Overall, even through the tough seasons, God has been good. Last semester (Sept 2022-Nov. 2022) was one of the hardest seasons of my life. I was supposed to have an amazing last cross country season before I laid up the spikes. Well, I was injured a quarter way through with a stress fracture. I was pretty frustrated at God, and devastated that I wouldn’t get my last season. But, God used it. He taught me that life is more than just running or being healthy. This is where Jesus began to work in my heart, to show me what he has for me. If you were to ask me back in June what I wanted to do after high-school, I would’ve told you I wanted to run and study exercise science. Through my injury, and many conversations with trusted individuals; I decided that I wanted to not do the traditional route of further education. That I wanted to get plugged in, and stay in Columbia to grow my relationships and ministries. Six months of prayer led to a huge answer, that I am beyond understanding for. I am excited to start the next chapter of my life with Christ, even if that means more trials. There will also be many times of joy.
What does the church mean to you?
Church means family for me. I started attending Anthem Services around March of 2021, and I’ve never thought about going to another church. I am not saying that our church is perfect in any way, but it’s my home for sure. I know many of the people who come in those doors. I also have a relationship with all of the elders at Anthem, which I believe is important and amazing. Many people have also personally helped me at Anthem, which again, I am grateful for. It’s so easy to meet people who are new, maybe that’s on me, but I think it’s due to how welcoming our people are. I love inviting people to Anthem and introducing them to all the wonderful people I know. For a more focused and practical answer… Church is a place where followers of Christ come to gather, and have fellowship with God, the Spirit, Jesus, and one another.
Church means family for me. I started attending Anthem Services around March of 2021, and I’ve never thought about going to another church. I am not saying that our church is perfect in any way, but it’s my home for sure. I know many of the people who come in those doors. I also have a relationship with all of the elders at Anthem, which I believe is important and amazing. Many people have also personally helped me at Anthem, which again, I am grateful for. It’s so easy to meet people who are new, maybe that’s on me, but I think it’s due to how welcoming our people are. I love inviting people to Anthem and introducing them to all the wonderful people I know. For a more focused and practical answer… Church is a place where followers of Christ come to gather, and have fellowship with God, the Spirit, Jesus, and one another.
As a student, how have you shared – and are currently sharing – your faith with others?
For me, I believe that the best way I can share my faith is though my actions. Right now, I am trying my best to reflect Christ in all things I do. To make people turn and think, “what is different with this guy?” As much as possible I try to invite people to my youth group or Fellowship or Christian Athletes (FCA). But I usually do this with people I’ve talked to for a bit, just because then it’s most natural. I am not the evangelizing type, though I have done this on a couple of occasions. Twice during this past summer, both times were hot and I was with some guy friends of mine. We just offered water and other drinks to thirsty people on the street. We had no idea what we were doing, but we knew that God would bless the feet that bring His kingdom. We asked these people if they new of the Kingdom of God, and if they had a relationship with Jesus. To our surprise, many people did go. or formerly went to a church. Many had good things to say about Christ. Between both downtown summer days, the Gospel was spread and hearts were tended to. I do believe that God is still watching over the individuals we talked to and prayed with. The other “evangelizing” episode of my life was not too long ago. It was the middle of Fall, and Braden White (a youth leader) though it would be a good idea to go to the close Gerbes and witness to strangers. So me and two other youth guys went with Braden. At first, many people turned down Braden’s question of, “Would you like to hear about Jesus Christ and how he saves us?” There really was no perfect was to witness to these people, so I thought this was the best way. We eventually came across this lady who said she would love to hear about Jesus, as she was a follower of Him. Overall the conversation was great, and she had a lot of life situations that Braden spoke in to, and she appreciated that. Towards the end of our encounter, I felt called by the Lord to pray a benediction over her. So I read a Psalm out loud. I don’t remember which one exactly, but I wanted to bless her. She hugged us and we went on our way. I remember being so uplifted by that experience. Not only me, but the guys who were with me. All of us were so ready to go and shout the name of Yeshua to the world! Of course, that would not be wise, but that is how we felt. So as for my day to day goal of sharing the good news, I just try to focus on reflecting Christ. I am not perfect, I never will be, but I will strive for sanctification. It’s so wonderful how God can use a broken person, mend Him through Christ, and then use them for His glory. I am a disciple of Christ, meaning I’m doing everything in my power to be like Him. I can’t wait to see how God uses me in the future with spreading His truth.
For me, I believe that the best way I can share my faith is though my actions. Right now, I am trying my best to reflect Christ in all things I do. To make people turn and think, “what is different with this guy?” As much as possible I try to invite people to my youth group or Fellowship or Christian Athletes (FCA). But I usually do this with people I’ve talked to for a bit, just because then it’s most natural. I am not the evangelizing type, though I have done this on a couple of occasions. Twice during this past summer, both times were hot and I was with some guy friends of mine. We just offered water and other drinks to thirsty people on the street. We had no idea what we were doing, but we knew that God would bless the feet that bring His kingdom. We asked these people if they new of the Kingdom of God, and if they had a relationship with Jesus. To our surprise, many people did go. or formerly went to a church. Many had good things to say about Christ. Between both downtown summer days, the Gospel was spread and hearts were tended to. I do believe that God is still watching over the individuals we talked to and prayed with. The other “evangelizing” episode of my life was not too long ago. It was the middle of Fall, and Braden White (a youth leader) though it would be a good idea to go to the close Gerbes and witness to strangers. So me and two other youth guys went with Braden. At first, many people turned down Braden’s question of, “Would you like to hear about Jesus Christ and how he saves us?” There really was no perfect was to witness to these people, so I thought this was the best way. We eventually came across this lady who said she would love to hear about Jesus, as she was a follower of Him. Overall the conversation was great, and she had a lot of life situations that Braden spoke in to, and she appreciated that. Towards the end of our encounter, I felt called by the Lord to pray a benediction over her. So I read a Psalm out loud. I don’t remember which one exactly, but I wanted to bless her. She hugged us and we went on our way. I remember being so uplifted by that experience. Not only me, but the guys who were with me. All of us were so ready to go and shout the name of Yeshua to the world! Of course, that would not be wise, but that is how we felt. So as for my day to day goal of sharing the good news, I just try to focus on reflecting Christ. I am not perfect, I never will be, but I will strive for sanctification. It’s so wonderful how God can use a broken person, mend Him through Christ, and then use them for His glory. I am a disciple of Christ, meaning I’m doing everything in my power to be like Him. I can’t wait to see how God uses me in the future with spreading His truth.
What do you feel is your vocational call (future career), and how do you anticipate sharing your faith through that call?
Well, that is a great question. Mostly due to the fact that I have little idea what I want to do for a living. I do know one thing, Christ will have to be at the center of it. I’m passionate about helping people, in whatever means possible. For the longest time I wanted to be a Physical Therapist, but I’m not to sure now. If I were to become an OT, helping patients on a regular basis would be amazing. Mostly due to the fact that I could build a relationship with my patient, which would be so awesome. I’d hope that the relationship would be comfortable enough to share my experiences with following Christ. As for now, I plan on getting different experiences under my belt so I can find my true passion. The money of a career doesn’t matter as much as my heart behind what I’m doing. That is why I want this internship, because I want to see if this is my calling. To be a full time staff at a church somewhere. I’m sure God will make it clear when he wants to, pertaining to what I need to pursue as a career.
Well, that is a great question. Mostly due to the fact that I have little idea what I want to do for a living. I do know one thing, Christ will have to be at the center of it. I’m passionate about helping people, in whatever means possible. For the longest time I wanted to be a Physical Therapist, but I’m not to sure now. If I were to become an OT, helping patients on a regular basis would be amazing. Mostly due to the fact that I could build a relationship with my patient, which would be so awesome. I’d hope that the relationship would be comfortable enough to share my experiences with following Christ. As for now, I plan on getting different experiences under my belt so I can find my true passion. The money of a career doesn’t matter as much as my heart behind what I’m doing. That is why I want this internship, because I want to see if this is my calling. To be a full time staff at a church somewhere. I’m sure God will make it clear when he wants to, pertaining to what I need to pursue as a career.
Why do you want to be a summer missionary?
I think that the concept of missions is this; my friend has this saying, “live sent” meaning everywhere you go you’re sent out by God. I try and take that attitude with waking each morning. I love to travel and see new areas as well, even if it’s local. I don’t plan on traveling for this opportunity, just because the church I plan is in town. But I do plan on traveling for a mission trip in Jamaica this summer and to plan other foreign missions.
I think that the concept of missions is this; my friend has this saying, “live sent” meaning everywhere you go you’re sent out by God. I try and take that attitude with waking each morning. I love to travel and see new areas as well, even if it’s local. I don’t plan on traveling for this opportunity, just because the church I plan is in town. But I do plan on traveling for a mission trip in Jamaica this summer and to plan other foreign missions.