C.N. Hostetter, Jr. Fellowship Program
Katie Chapman

Katie Chapman is a senior completing her individualized major, Education & Ministry for Childhood Programs. She grew up in the town DeKalb, New York, which “isn't much more than one street and a few farms.” She is the youngest of four siblings, and growing up in such a small town, Katie says with a smile, “my siblings and I are really close.” It is no surprise that Katie wants to spend her life with missionaries who are building their own families. She presently feels led to further her education and eventually become a missionary midwife.

Katie is the work study of Stephen Gallaher, who happens to be one of the most influential people that have helped shape her vocational journey thus far. She is also involved in the International Justice Mission a group on campus that raises awareness about injustices that are taking place around the world. 

Through the Hostetter program, her work study and the influence of several professors, Katie has truly grown as an individual. It is her belief that college is a time to be “developing who I am as a person rather than where I am going.” Being an intern for Bryan Gerlach this past summer for the Manor Church in Lancaster has been a particularly impressionable experience.  “[Bryan] taught me to value myself”, Katie realizes, looking back. During the six weeks, she had the opportunity to visit patients in hospitals, and be involved in Vacation Bible School; “It was an amazing experience, I learned a lot form it.”  Katie still keeps in touch with the staff she worked with this summer, she adds that one of the most valuable experiences within the intern was “being with people and learning from their character.”

Spending time with the other fellows at the Kenbrook retreat has also served to be memorable. During the Kenbrook retreat of 2004, Katie was truly touched by Brennan Manning, one of the speakers. She recalls one particular message where he shared about the fatherly love of God, that “brought tears to my eyes”. She will not soon forget the time the fellows spent that weekend around the campfire during the most recent Kenbrook retreat, sharing their dreams, fears, and simply what they looked forward to that upcoming year.

“The relationships built within [the Hostetter program] have been valuable,” Katie said, as she explained what a unique opportunity it has been to get to know other students that share her passion and love of ministry.