Close Menu
BY JULIE RIDDLE '92
The goals are ambitious; the outcomes profound. Ten years ago, Whitworth's new Office of Church Engagement launched the Summer Fellowship Program. Its aim? To build up young leaders, invest in the future of the church, and join in the work God is doing in the world.
Students undergo training on campus and are matched with an array of ministry partners that align with their area of study or sense of calling. Throughout the summer, students help meet the ministries' practical needs. They also observe closely, think deeply, persevere through discomfort, and grow, grow, grow. By summer’s end, they often describe their experiences as life-changing.
Here, three 2024 summer fellows share excerpts from their journals.
Michael
Takudzwa "Michael" Majojo '25
Major: Biology
Masvingo, Zimbabwe
Michael assisted with street-corner medical clinics, serving San Diego's homeless community through Ladle Fellowship ministry.
Catherine (left) visited the pop-up medical clinic at the train station in downtown San Diego. "She shared beautiful stories about her life." says Michael (right), "including her past experiences singing in church."
"This experience has profoundly deepened my understanding of what it means to be a doctor. It is about more than medical treatment - it's about fostering connections and providing holistic support to those in need. You can heal people spiritually by sharing the gospel and engaging in meaningful conversations. The daily interactions with people living on the streets have left an indelible mark on me, teaching me about resilience, optimism and the power of human connection.
"I'm learning how to engage more people in helping others. The Ladle Fellowship community is filled with individuals who demonstrate the power of collective action and shared purpose. When people see the impact of our work and feel included in the mission, they are more likely to join in and contribute to the cause."
While volunteering, Michael met Johnny (right) who shared that he had recently secured a job and was rebuilding his life. "I invited him to attend church, and he accepted," Michael says.
Ryland
Ryland Gabriel '26
Major: Psychology
Spokane
Ryland supervised and cared for teens from disrupted adoptions at Hope House, a Christian nonprofit in Marsing, Idaho.
"My expectation was to be a major influence on the kids, but I was soon met with Christ's reminder of patience. Why patience? Well, trying to be the proper influence when met with disruptive, often angry, back-talk behavior requires lots of patience. I have been reminded by God that I'm here to fill a role but also to learn from those who have worked here a long time - they are the ones with the patience and knowledge.
"I recently arrived back from the Oregon Coast with the five boys. We spent countless hours on the beach, hiking, playing games and sharing silly music, and we walked to Dollar General to buy sunscreen and shampoo we forgot to bring. It was a brutal nine-hour car drive to get there, though the brotherhood we now share opened gateways to learn from one another. Here's to a wild three months in Idaho!"
Ryland (third from right) connects with the boys living at Hope House during an eventful trip to the Oregon Coast.
Ryland (foreground) crashes a splash party near the girls' dorm at Hope House. "I couldn't help but join in," he says.
Ashley
Ashley Crawford '26
Majors: Secondary education,
history/social studies and theology
Seattle
Ashley worked in youth and young adult outreach at the Presbyterian Church of Jackson Hole, Wyo.
"This fellowship is extra special because my site supervisor, Megan Walker '22, was a summer fellow here when she was a student at Whitworth. I have learned immensely from Megan and others about what it means to not let productivity be the fuel for ministry. It can be easy to be so focused on getting tasks done so ministry events can happen, but my fellowship has taught me so much about being slower and more thoughtful in ministry and with my faith.
"I am learning to be more open to God's timing versus my schedule and to be intentional with the present moment and the fellowship with others that God is guiding me to. With ministry, we have this incredible opportunity to join in what God is doing, being able to share our gifts and talents. With that, we also have to surrender our ideas of 'being successful' and instead remain faithful to Christ and our community."
Ashley (right) and her fellowship supervisor Megan Walker '22 (left) celebrate middle school graduation with a student involved in the youth program at the Presbyterian Church of Jackson Hole. Megan, a former summer fellow, is the youth and young adult coordinator for the church.
This story appears in the spring 2025 issue of Whitworth Today magazine.