Heart & Mind
God's Work and Ours |
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| By James Spickelmier |
Christopher Silene was remarkably gifted of God (see “A Legacy of Love” beginning on page 28). “Versatile more than the average, he was a good student and writer, even composing some excellent hymns, a powerful and clear preacher of the Word. And, above all, a genuine Christian,” wrote historian Adolf Olson of Christopher. And despite his temporarily wayward path as a youth, Christopher eventually recognized God’s calling in his life thanks to the persistent prompting of a patient friend in ministry.
But Christopher hadn’t the money to attend seminary. This is where human effort comes into play. Two of Christopher’s friends and fellow sawmill workers decided to share a third of their earnings with him. Their generosity made all the difference. And so it happens that Christopher Silene journeyed to Chicago in 1871 to study under founder John Alexis Edgren as Bethel Seminary’s premier student.
Christopher went on to become a pastor, building up the congregations of a host of churches across the country. He also was the first home missionary of the Swedish Baptists in America. And, as Bethel’s first student, he helped start the institution of higher learning that today is Bethel University, more than 5,000 students strong.
Division of labor
It is part of God’s work to gift and call His servants. But then He chooses to employ human instruments so that His servants can practice their gifts and follow their call. Without his two friends, Christopher would not have been able to pursue what God had placed in his heart. Perhaps, then, Edgren’s dream would have died and Bethel would not exist today.
Bea Richardson, Christopher’s granddaughter, has now repaid Christopher’s debt to the two young men who sacrificed their own gain so that their brother could follow God. With her estate, Bea has established an endowed scholarship that will do for many others what those two men did for her grandfather. In the years to come, hundreds will follow God’s calling into pastorates and missionary service because of the financial help she has provided.
Donors may establish endowed scholarships at Bethel Seminary for a minimum of $10,000. Scholarships may be awarded to honor a loved one or a favorite pastor, or they may be given anonymously. Certainly, God is doing His part, for more than 1,100 students are enrolled at Bethel Seminary to follow His call. Now we must do our part. Will you prayerfully consider establishing an endowed scholarship for students honing their gifts and heeding their call at Bethel Seminary?
James Spickelmier is associate vice president for seminary development at Bethel Seminary. To respond to this call for support, please call 651.635.8054.
Genuine Christian
He was at once gifted and called by God, but it was the sacrificial giving of two fellow sawmill workers that paved the way for Christopher Silene to become Bethel Seminary’s first student in 1871.