Their masks could not hide their smiles as students came back to campus for in-person instruction in January. They’d been at home since October 25, but a break from campus was not a break from ministry training. They finished their first-semester courses online, and many of them got busy with ministry in their congregations.

Noah Melso (Bethany-Manitowoc WI) found out multiple organists at his church were quarantined over Christmas. So he sprang into action. He had precious little time to prepare, but when the last chord had been played on Christmas Day, he had accompanied six services in less than 48 hours!

“My organ instructor, Prof. Hirschmann, is very talented and has taught me so much!” Noah said. “My favorite part about the organ is the ability to praise God with my gifts and to help others praise him as well.”

Elementary education major Alyssa Heckendorf (Light of the Valleys-Reno NV) made daily videos using the Advent devotions created by MLC faculty, staff, and students called The Jesse Tree. The result? Kids had a fun new opportunity to prepare their hearts for the Christ Child and engage in the Christmas story. (Pictured right: Children watching devotion.)

“Ministry can take different forms,” Alyssa said. “It’s all about sharing the news that
God loved us enough to send his Son in the form of a baby in a manger. Sharing this life-saving story with families everywhere was such a cool experience.”

Mikayla Kiedrowski (St. Lucas-Milwaukee) helped wrap presents for her school’s toy drive.

Lexi Dabe (Beautiful Savior-Cincinnati) tutored students, taught virtual Sunday school, and made outreach calls.

Mollie Hinz (Amazing Love-Frankfort IL, pictured right and below) did some teaching in a classroom where she had once been a student.

These stories were collected by Cameron Schroeder (St. Paul-Onalaska WI), student editor of KnightWatch Weekly, our recruitment newsletter. “So many students sent me messages when I asked how they’d used their time over our long break. I was overjoyed to read about all the ways they served God in their schools, churches, and communities.

“At MLC,” he continued, “we’re constantly reminded of the many reasons we have to praise God with our lives. That’s what motivates us to serve, and that’s what made our return to campus so sweet. It’s a celebration of our current gospel mission and continuing preparation for our ministries to come!”