C.N. Hostetter, Jr. Fellowship Program
Jennifer Dandy

The first seven years of Jennifer Dandy’s life was spent traveling all over Europe, even living there a while until her father retired from the Air Force. The rest of her childhood was spent in Cascade, Maryland. While her family stayed in one place for some time, her life continued to take several turns. When Jen was twelve, her mother was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s disease, which eventually confined her to a wheel chair.  Through this trying time, Jen realized that her youth group would not be a source of comfort or support. “My youth group was not there for me,” Jen remembers. “And yet I realized there was potential.” While unfortunate, it was the start of a burden on her heart for youth that over time has become part of her calling.

Besides the Hostetter Program, Jen is a resident assistant for an all-freshman floor in Bittner. She is involved in the Melt the Snow Project, where students crochet and knit blankets, scarves and hats throughout the semester, which are eventually donated to homes shelters. She is also part of a house church called New Song. What is in the forefront of Jen’s life presently is her recent engagement to her fiancé Tom, this summer.

Jen also has a love for traveling, which she attributes to moving frequently within Europe growing up. While spending time in England as a high-school student, she realized her distinct calling to ministry. “A lot of things pointed to a major need for God” she says concerning that three week period. “God put a burden on my heart to reach people.”

This passion was put into practice especially during her internship at Otterbein Church and Ministry Center this past summer. She interned with youth pastor, Craig Schuler. She slipped into a director position within the children’s ministry VBS, and worked closely with the youth group. She and Craig led a work camp with four high school students, and she even had the opportunity to preach to the youth on a Sunday morning. The summer was an impactfull experience. “It confirmed that God put this on my heart,” Jen said, as she explained how the internship became a concrete experience she often relates her studies to.

Jen does not feel a distinct vocational path now, and that is quite alright with her. She does feel called to serve her home community. “I have felt Him leading me to start a house church in my community in Maryland,” she says. “And possibly work in a Christian counseling position for youth.”

For sure, Jen knows that she possesses a unique burden for youth, and that whatever path she may choose, she will be utilizing that gift. Time and time again throughout her college experience, God has confirmed her calling of ministry, and she looks forward to where that may take her.