Direction magazine
Volume 53, Issue 2, July 2019
letter from the president
Perseverance is the continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition. (Merriam-Webster online) The production of perseverance typically involves some pain. It is one of the great paradoxes of life in a fallen world. We don’t like it very much, but our God is committed to our growth. The One who rescued us from sin is at work in refining our faith. He is getting us ready for heaven and invites us to respond with joy when our lives are jarred by trial. It’s counter-intuitive. It’s difficult. But it’s possible when we take our eyes off the difficulty and anticipate the end result! The prize is worth the process!
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:2-4 NIV84)
Alumni
Articles in this issue
writing a new story
Native American believers; a mission force used to reach the nations. Pray for these Lakota followers of Christ as they seek to no longer be defined by their tragic history, but to become leaders for their people and to make a difference in the world.
new beginnings
Meet Jodi, Czarina, and John – Class of 2019. They represent a new chapter in the history of the Mokahum Ministry Center. They are not the first to receive the Discipleship Certificate since it was increased to a two-year program in 2017, but they will be the first to advance to the new additional two-year Leadership program.
celebrating small victories
While Bill may never fully return to the way things were before, he now celebrates the little things that life offers.“I’m truly blessed by each day,” he says. “The Lord isn’t done with me yet, and my passion for Him and for furthering His kingdom has only intensified since my surgeries.
resting in god
“Daughter: Resting in God in a Restless World” was the theme for this year’s Women’s Breakaway. Today, our ladies crave deep truths and strong Scriptural teaching—and our speaker, Rebecca Meidinger, delivered on these two essentials. Drawing on several New Testament women who met Jesus, Rebecca reminded us that when we have unmet expectations, heavy reputations or crippling condemnation, coming to Jesus, and resting in Him brings freedom.
bless your community
In Jeremiah 29:7 the LORD says, “Also, seek the peace & prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.” We have noticed that many communities have three sectors or networks that often aren’t connected well together. We want to connect with these sectors and help them connect with each other.
Camp oak hills summer staff features
Summer staff training at Camp Oak Hills— classroom time, practical hands-on training, and work projects in order to prepare the staff and facilities for a summer of ministry—started on June 1st..
courageously following jesus
“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” 1 Peter 3:15 NIV
meet the newest oak hills alumni
This past May, Oak Hills graduated 12 students from on campus Associate and Bachelor degree programs. We would like to welcome them all into this intentional group of believers in Christ that reaches around the globe. Since its establishment in 1946, Oak Hills Christian College has aimed to equip its students for effective service wherever God places them, and these new alumni are no different.
alumni of the year feature
Pastor Ken (’73) and Sandy (Leaf) (’72,’73) Moore of Colorado Springs, are grateful for the foundation Oak Hills provided in launching them into a lifetime of ministry. Over a span of more than 45 years, their pastoral leadership journey has taken them as a team to churches in Minnesota, Illinois, Colorado, and Alaska. In addition, a passion for bringing the Gospel to the nations led them into an ongoing global ministry to Unreached People Groups (UPGs). Through their Global Bridge Mission, they have collaborative connections with indigenous pastors and church leaders on the front-lines of ministry in oral cultures of the UPG realm.
update from ohcc admissions team
This spring we had the privilege of graduating students who are dedicated in their walk with God and have shown desire to pursue Him further. Those are the type of students we want here. We want our students to cultivate a desire to engage with the Word of God, to thrive in their studies, and seek ways to integrate their knowledge into their families and places of work.
Share your story
Alumni Spotlight: Nick and Leesa Friedman
It is really hard to pinpoint one area where Oak Hills had the biggest impact on me. There are many things that Oak Hills offered that I am so thankful for.
Lunch money
As you give, pray for God to bless the amount and know that He can do some amazing things with the offerings of those who trust Him. Each of us has different amounts to spend on our meals each day, so ask God to show you how much “lunch money” to give to Him. Don’t overlook what you do have to offer.
ohcc alumni updates
We love to hear from our Oakies! Whether you have gotten married, had a baby, or started a new job let us know. It is always great to see the kingdom work you all are doing and share the stories of how God is using you.
fellowship ministry updates
As mentioned in the introduction of this issue of Direction, there are four interdependent ministries that comprise the Oak Hills Fellowship. Exciting things are happening in each ministry and, as you would expect, every dimension of ministry has also faced challenges on the path to perseverance. This update is an invitation to pray with us and for us. We depend upon the Lord and your partnership in prayer and financial support to fulfill God’s calling on our lives and ministries.