Raquel Freese

No Music Challenge Too Big

Running the summer music program at Christ-Marshall, Minnesota, presents more than a few challenges. Not only do you play organ for worship and coordinate vacation Bible school; you also teach 50 students a week, age 5-80, in piano, organ, guitar, and voice—all at a church where you’re a stranger.

But according to Pastor Keith Schreiner, no challenge was too big for Raquel Freese: “I was very impressed with the quiet confidence Raquel displayed in all aspects of her work with us. She just picked up the ball and ran with it. When she played for worship services, it was as if she’d been doing it for more years than she’s been alive, and she was very well prepared for VBS. Nothing seemed to be bigger than she was.”

From Raquel’s viewpoint, “It was the best summer job I could possibly ask for. I got paid to live with a wonderful host and do many practical things I know I will do in my ministry someday, from teaching music lessons to organizing church events to communicating with families in the community.”

The summer ministry job provided counterpoint to her MLC career, where she has especially enjoyed singing in College Choir and serving as music director for Camelot and rehearsal pianist for The Sound of Music. In 2019 Raquel received an emergency call to Holy Trinity-Wyoming, Michigan. She’ll be back on campus for one more year before graduation. And after that? She’ll be ready for whatever musical challenge God decides to send her.

Teacher IN THE MAKING: Raquel adored every single teacher she had at Abiding Word-Houston. “I wanted to be just like them,” she says, “so from a very young age I wanted to attend MLC, like they did.” She’s especially grateful for Christine Luecke and Pastor Mark Tiefel and his wife, Kate Tiefel, for their mentorship. Looking ahead, she says, “I am beyond excited to have my own classroom soon where I get to share God’s Word with children and watch their faith grow. I am also very passionate about church worship music. I have composed some music for congregational use, and I love all aspects of worship—from planning to accompanying to directing or participating in choir.”

Raquel’s Advice for You: “While my decision to go to MLC was very easy, I know that for many others, the decision is much more difficult. It’s okay to be unsure of your future. Rest assured that the Almighty God already knows and holds you in the safety of his guiding hands. Listen to the advice of family and friends. If those closest to you believe you have the gifts to be a pastor, staff minister, or teacher, then you should strongly consider MLC. My years at MLC have been some of the best years of my life, and I would recommend it to anyone.”