Adult and Teen Challenge is an international ministry serving adults and teens whose lives have been affected by drugs and alcohol. Their residential program focuses on bringing people out of addiction through a year long program that emphasizes discipleship and freedom through Jesus Christ. On a daily basis Adult and Teen Challenge witnesses the lives of those who suffer from hopelessness, despair, and addiction transformed by a restored relationship with God through Christ. The Northern Indiana Adult and Teen Challenge is led by Executive Director Andy Collins who is himself a graduate of the Dallas Teen Challenge. He is passionate about Jesus and the truth of God’s word and sees God’s transforming power and miracles at work on a daily basis.
Dr. Dennis Engbrecht is professor of history at Bethel College. For over three decades he served the college as Vice-President for Student Development, Vice-President for Academic Services, Senior Vice-President, and a professor. Dennis attended Bethel College as an undergraduate, received his MA from the University of Kansas, and a PhD from the University of Nebraska. An educator for 44 years, Dennis is an ordained minister in the missionary church. He and his wife Karla have three adult children who, along with their spouses, are Bethel College graduates. Dennis enjoys the outdoors including fishing, hunting, hiking, biking, traveling, and gardening, and he’s often the top of the list for those deciding, “who is the one person that I would choose to help me survive a zombie apocalypse?”. Dennis’s great memories during 33 years at Bethel are the May term trips he has led to Alaska, along the Oregon, Santa Fe, and Louis and Clark trails.
Dr. Elizabeth Corey serves as associate professor of political science and director of the Honors Program at Baylor University. Beyond her roles at Baylor, Dr. Corey’s writing has appeared in First Things, where she serves on the board, The Atlantic, The Chronicle of Higher Education, and National Affairs, as well as in a variety of scholarly journals. She is also the co-editor of the “Radical Conservatisms” book series at the University of Pennsylvania Press. She received a bachelor’s degree in classics from Oberlin College, and master’s and doctoral degrees in art history and political science from Louisiana State University. Most importantly she is the mother of three children.
On December 10, 2005, Nigerian born Kechi Okwuchi, was heading home from boarding school for the Christmas holidays when the plane she was traveling on crashed killing 107 out of 109 passengers, most of whom were her classmates and friends. She suffered third-degree burns over 65% of her body and had to undergo multiple intensive surgical procedures. But Kechi was an over comer. Through her strong faith and steady support system she finished high school and graduated from college Summa Cum Laude. In 2017, Kechi was thrust into the spotlight on America’s Got Talent, sharing her voice with the world and becoming a finalist. Last month she was featured on America’s Got Talent “The Champions”, receiving a golden buzzer from Simon Cowell.
A panel of students discuss their experiences at Bethel.
Shannan Martin is an author, speaker, and popular blogger. Who found her voice in the country, and her story in the city. Shannan graduated from Bethel College with a degree in psychology. Her latest book, The Ministry of Ordinary Places: Waking Up to God’s Goodness Around You, has received overwhelming praise from readers and reviews alike. One best selling author states that “In a world where hope seems dim and solutions feel complicated and partisan, Shannan Martin offers us a starting point that is as radical as it is domestic: widen your circle, hush your mouth, and pay attention”. Shannan, her jail chaplain husband Cory, and their kids live as grateful neighbors in Goshen Indiana.
Tuckey Hall Resident Director, Jessica Lyons, kicks off BABE week.
Manges Hall Resident Director, Reed Lyons, kicks off Dude Week.
Jonathan Brooks is no stranger to Bethel. In fact, this past fall he served as our Spiritual Emphasis Week speaker. Having just released his first book, Church Forsaken: Practicing Presence in Neglected Neighborhoods, Pastor J is back to share about how we can fulfill God’s great commission in our own backyards, “our Jerusalems'”. Pastor J serves as Senior Pastor at Canaan Community Church in West Englewood. He’s a mentor, professor, musician, artist and minister. Jonathan continues to merge his academic knowledge, practical tools, spiritual gifts, and ministry training in order to turn his convictions into solutions. His hope is to help change neighborhoods, his own, and ours, for future generations.
