Where are you serving this summer, and who is your mentor?
First Baptist Church Rolla with Noble Hower

What does the church mean to you?
Church has given me a position to grow my faith and serve a fellowship of believers. At least for the churches that I have attended, we have been very missions focused which is important to me. Beyond that I feel church should be a place where people can have any of their questions about God answered.

As a student, how have you shared – and are currently sharing – your faith with others?
The people in my department are very aware that I am involved with the BSU. This has led to a lot of discussions as people are curious on how I can believe in God and be a scientist. I also teach some Bible studies at the BSU which lets me share what God is speaking to me currently with other believers. I try to be present on campus and make connections and share God in a friendly and inviting way.

What do you feel is your vocational call (future career), and how do you anticipate sharing your faith through that call?
I originally wanted to go to seminary to be a pastor out of high school. Praying about it, I felt God essentially saying “not yet”. This led me to S&T and a journey into the world of science. I still feel called into ministry however that looks, but currently I feel like I will spend some time in academia and can be a role model to students I teach. Even if I don’t necessarily talk directly about God, I can be an example of what Christian living is.

Why do you want to be a summer missionary?
Missions have many sub-purposes depending on the type, but the overarching goal is to reach people with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I want to be a summer missionary because I see it as an opportunity to reach people with the Gospel. Noble invited me. Since he helps with a youth group, I want to be a person closer to their age that they can look up to.