kate schmelzer.

I took a class my first year called "Evangelism and Discipleship." The class convicted me how small our sphere of influence actually was with unbelievers. As a freshman in college, my social group was average size, but the number of unbelievers I actually knew, associated with, or even called "friends" was almost non-existent. Using the Bible and Christ's earthly ministry as a basis, Dr. Biberstein encouraged us to not only meet unbelievers, but develop genuine friendships with individuals, speak to them about what Christ has done in our lives, and hopefully – ultimately – share the Gospel with them. 

Throughout the last 20 plus years, I have had opportunities to travel to different places throughout the United States, Central America, and Europe. TUFW often “comes up” in conversation – and the response to the fact that I am an alumnus is always a pleasant and “good thing” in people’s eyes. TUFW has impacted the community through its “community leadership development” that each academic major touches. Elementary Education majors are observing teachers in classrooms and helping with lessons their first semester at TUFW. Professional Writing majors are publishing devotionals and articles with national magazines. Criminal justice majors are mentoring at-risk children of inmates. The list could go on forever; listing what each academic major requires and teaches each student. These students then graduate, literally move to all corners of the national and world and impact others for Christ. TUFW has always made sure – and its alumni will continue to make sure – that our calling not only continues to take shape, but is influential throughout the world.

I love the fact that TUFW is located in a city. I especially appreciate the "community leadership development" model that was started. It gives students the opportunity to immediately take what they learn from their textbooks starting freshmen year – and apply it to palpable, real life situations by working with and ministering to others in the Fort Wayne community. I loved that my classmates and I could hop in our cars and within a few minutes' drive, be ministering to people from literally dozens of different demographics. Unfortunately, Upland’s location and community is a bit localized for students wanting convenient and immediate hands-on training.

I hope that the godly impact we had in the community, its citizens, organizations, church, etc. will continue. I know that a lot of alumni have decided to settle in Fort Wayne because we fell in love with its opportunities and the fact that it is “ripe for harvest”. Fort Wayne is the second largest city in Indiana and that means that opportunities for sharing Christ’s love are more than abundant. There was something about TUFW’s consistent dependability, calming presence, and impacting relationship with the community of Fort Wayne that is being altered forever. 

I’ve been impacted academically, socially, and spiritually. I’ve learned a lot about myself, a great deal about others, and most importantly about God. TUFW impacted my life in the classroom, but mostly outside the classroom, in the day-to-day aspects of being a college student and living and working with others.