Alumni Spotlight: Joni Mills

Sep 18, 2023 | Alumni

“…use any opportunity for His glory”

Joni Mills graduated from Grace in 1984 with a Bachelor of Religious Education. She now resides in Portage, Michigan with her husband, Dave. Joni and Dave have four adult children and two grandchildren.

Currently, Joni spends her time working at her small business, Beyond Imagining, and serving with the choir and praise team at her church, Calvary Bible Church in Kalamazoo.

Joni started Beyond Imagining 2.5 years ago, a small company featuring hand-painted home decor and DIY paint parties – based on Ephesians 3:20. She enjoys the opportunity she has to use art to teach and bless others through her business.

During her time at Grace, Joni was involved in volleyball, basketball, and orchestra for musical. She fondly remembers lots of fun moments on the basketball court with coach Steve Shadley. 

Joni remembers the impact that Grace had on her life as a place where she was able to not only further her Biblical and theological knowledge, but grow in seeing ALL of life as ministry, whether vocationally or non vocationally. She also fondly remembers the wonderful friendships and relationships she made with both students and staff.

She shares, “I am so very thankful for a variety of ‘careers’ since graduating from Grace: editor, middle school teacher, stay-at-home mom, college professor, receptionist, gifted programs paraprofessional, high school teacher, private tutor, and now owner/artist of my company. In all of these, the Lord has helped me have a Biblical worldview/perspective, and to try to use any opportunity for His glory!”

Thank you, Joni, for sharing your story!

 

Are you interested in being featured as an alumni? Complete this form for a chance to be featured in a future Alumni Spotlight and to be entered in a prize drawing!

Spotlight Form  

 

Read More Alumni Stories 

Read More

The Hat Trick of Generosity

The Hat Trick of Generosity

 3 Wins When You Give Appreciated Stock “He shoots—he scores!” The crowd erupts. Lights flash, music plays, and the bench celebrates. In hockey, there’s nothing quite like a hat trick: three goals in a single game. It’s a thrilling moment of achievement. While giving...

read more
Will vs. Living Trust: Which One Do I Need?

Will vs. Living Trust: Which One Do I Need?

Planning Ahead with Purpose and Peace “Do I need a will, or should I have trust?” It’s a common question, and a wise one, when considering how to steward what God has given you. Both tools help you care for your family’s future and support the causes that matter most,...

read more
Carter Willis – New Found Faith

Carter Willis – New Found Faith

“I’ve changed,” Carter Willis ’25 admits. Where My Story Changed Growing up, Carter didn’t have faith of any kind. His parents weren’t Christians, and Christ was never a topic of discussion. When Carter was two years old, his parents divorced and he was thrown into...

read more

Sign up for President Kemper's Emails

Grace Christian University Testimonial

Student's Name