Journey of Hope
Grace’s Journey magazine tells the stories of what God is doing in and through our students, alumni, faculty, and staff. In Spring 2022, you’ll meet Merly Velasquez-Ortiz ’23, a student in the Criminal Justice program, who is serving the Grand Rapids community in powerful and practical ways. Watch Cody Daniels ’25 tell his story of finding Grace. Get to know two Grace board members, Gretchen Johnson ’01, and Rebekah Shyne, who are leading with a ministry mindset. Meet Cassie Helms ’21 and Mallory Walker ’21, just two of several alumni who are meeting families’ and refugees’ needs through Bethany Christian Services. Read these and more stories in this issue, and share the hope!
FROM THE PRESIDENT
There IS Hope!
We don’t have to look far to see the despair and anxiety in our world today. It’s easy to see obvious setbacks and misery, but there is tender growth, and buds are blooming amid the desolate landscape. Our God is relentless in bringing startling beauty out of prevailing uncertainty and suffering. It takes no effort to notice the setbacks and misery before us, but it requires greater focus to see the amazing stories God is crafting in people to inspire hope. As you turn the pages of this publication, I trust your heart and mind will be moved by the stories of God at work, constantly bringing beauty—if we are but willing to shift our focus from the dominating negativity to see it.
Grace Christian University exists to:
GRADUATE GODLY INDIVIDUALS PREPARED TO SERVE CHRIST IN CHURCH AND SOCIETY.
By God’s grace and His divine enablement, we will do this despite political or social challenges. These stories reflect how God is using Grace Christian University to impact our community and fulfill our mission in ways we never imagined. The Grace Family is growing and spreading, and its impact is significant in the lives of students, employees, alumni, board members, and ministry partners. It’s a blessing to see how God is working through students and alumni to bestow incredible hope to others. This hope springs from the realization that God is not limited or awaiting a more appropriate time to act, but daily rolls up His proverbial sleeves on His almighty arms to work in and with those who surrender to His leading. Enjoy these stories of hope. Let God restore yours, too.
Hopeful,
Ken Bruce Kemper
President
Current Issue
COVER STORY
Serving Hope to the Community
Merly Velasquez-Ortiz ’23 is the first Grace student to become a cadet in the Grand Rapids Police Department. Everyday, she breathes hope into our city by meeting the practical needs of a cross-cultural community.
STORY
Ministry Work
Meet two alumnae working to bring a hope and a future to refugees and families from around the world.
IN THE STUDIO
Cody Daniels: Lost & Found
Pastoring in a pandemic left Cody Daniels ’25 feeling lost. Read his story and watch Cody share about how he found Grace—and his calling.
MEET THE BOARD
Dr. Gretchen Johnson: Serving in Society
Grace’s first female board chair is also West Michigan Woman magazine’s Brilliant Team Player.
MEET THE BOARD
Rebekah Shyne: Starting Conversations
A creative mental health program in Muskegon public schools helps students survive COVID-19.
GRACE NEWS
Baseball is Back
For the first time since 1972, Grace Tigers don the colors and ballcaps—for more than just hits and runs.
GRACE NEWS
Tigers Representing Grace in the Professional Ranks
We’re proud of the Grace Tigers now leading around the world!
GRACE NEWS
New Programs
At Grace, we’re constantly expanding with new programs for students to build both skills and character for serving wherever God plants them.
Submit a Story
Have a story to share about what God is doing through your Grace experience?
Tell us about it and your story might be featured in a future issue of Journey magazine!