C.N. Hostetter, Jr. Fellowship Program
Melinda Raynor

Melinda Raynor is a Christian Ministry Major, with a concentration in Youth Ministry, and a minor in Church Music. “Music is a big part of my life,” Melinda says, as she talks about her passion for playing the violin the past thirteen years of her life. “I want to incorporate music into my future career.” Until then, she will continue to play the violin, and is part of Messiah’s Orchestra.

Besides Melinda’s involvement in Orchestra and the Hostetter program, she is the Life Group intern for Mountain View.  As she explains the position, “It boils down to; I am the liaison between the Resident director, life group coordinators, and the residents.” While that would keep Melinda busy in itself, she is also the work-study for Rebecca Owen, the local community service director.

For quite some time in high school, Melinda was seriously considering studying architecture; she even had a few architectural schools picked out. “And here I am at Messiah” Melinda says smiling. “I feel at the right place.” She then goes on to explain how a summer job change turned her 180 degrees toward a different vocational direction.

The summer after Melinda’s junior year was spent at the work camp Appalachian Service Project. “That time gave me an opportunity to build relationships with youth,” she recalls. She discovered how fulfilling her time spent with youth was, and began to wish that it was something she could spend her life doing. Eventually God opened her eyes, and she realized she not only could spend her life working with youth, it was her calling.

Melinda was thrilled as she realized that “my talents, gifts and passions could all work together—that seemed to be youth ministry.”   Nearly four years later, Melinda states with confidence, “I am still as excited about it as I first was.” When she graduates, she plans to continue her education, “possibly seminary.” Until then, Melinda is trusting that God will continue to guide her path.