A letter from President Phipps

Time-lapse photography often speeds up the splendor of spring. What happens gradually, imperceptibly over many days and weeks is condensed into a few seconds—from seed to sunflower. Each May, we witness evidence of an even more stunning transformation as seniors who have matured in intellect, character and Christian faith walk across the stage at Commencement. They join the ranks of our Messiah College’s more than 28,000 alumni who continue to develop in their vocational callings, like the young alumni featured in this issue of The Bridge.

I am very proud of our many talented and dedicated alumni of all generations who embody Messiah College’s mission as they lead and serve our nation and the world. I recently became reacquainted with the story of two Messiah College alumni, Ben ’95 and Jen Fredrick ’97, whose vocations evolved in unexpected but meaningful ways. More than a decade ago, the Fredricks hosted a boy from Haiti in their home while he underwent critical heart surgery and recovered, which led them to host several more international heart patients and exchange students. “Small steps matter,” said Jen. “Our small step of accepting a boy from Haiti into our homes changed our lives. We did not know the path we were walking, but we are grateful that God has allowed us to change.”

The experience of hosting these international children continues to be a catalyst in their lives. In 2007, Ben, a physician in the Penn State Health system, took his first trip outside the U.S. to visit Pestel, Haiti, the home village of the first boy they hosted. This trip opened his eyes to the dramatic health disparities that exist around the world. Ben became an advocate for global health at the Penn State College of Medicine and later was appointed as the director of its newly created Global Health Center. Today, the center sponsors a four-year Global Health Scholars Program in which about 20 percent of the medical school participates.

Together, the Fredricks created a nonprofit, Thriving Villages International, with a focus on the village of Pestel. They work closely with a local national leadership team to identify areas of greatest need. Previous outreach initiatives reached 8,000 by providing deworming vaccinations and Vitamin A; goats and seeds; water purification and catchment projects; and assistance with building schools.

Paul Nisly, Messiah College professor emeritus of English, who serves on the board of Thriving Villages International, said, “I have long been interested in Haiti and have been concerned with help that is really helpful—and is not just a quick fix for an immediate need, though emergencies need quick aid, of course.” He describes the Fredricks as “among the most genuine, humble, caring people that I know. They embody the life of Jesus as they serve.”

At Messiah College, we have the privilege of journeying with students and alumni like the Fredricks as they mature and transform in faith, intellect and character. Jen expresses the importance of their college experience in preparing them for their current work: “Messiah College showed us that Christianity is not just theory. Christianity is meant to be lived out. Our love for Christ should change us and cause us to love others.” This change—sometimes dramatic, other times as gradual as the movements of spring—manifests itself in the lives of our alumni, who are a powerful force for service, leadership and reconciliation in their communities and in the world.