Bethel Focus                                                                                      A Magazine for Alumni & Friends of Bethel University

The Gift of Giving

Like many high school students, Alison Gray of Duluth, Minn., checked out several colleges before making a decision on which to attend. Bethel University happened to be the first school she visited. "Alison had a friend who was very enamored with Bethel," recalls her mother, Sharon. "When she set up a visit, Alison and I went along. On that first college visit, I was just struck with the spirit of the Lord [evident] at Bethel. I could see that God was in this place." John Gray, a Duluth anesthesiologist, was unable to accompany his wife and daughter on that first visit, but recalls the positive impression Bethel had made. "Sharon remarked about the difference she felt after that visit."

"Sending kids off to college can be a scary thing, especially when you hear the horror stories about what goes on in some schools. But Bethel was different," insists Sharon.

Bethel University proved to be a good fit for their daughter, who graduated in the spring of 2002. A biochemistry major, Alison is currently in her first year of medical school. In time, a second Gray child, Brian, joined his sister on campus. Brian, now a junior, is an English literature and writing major who is as comfortable on the basketball court as he is in the classroom. This year Brian played center on Bethel's MIAC playoff basketball team.

Their daughter and older son have excelled in academics and athletics. But the Grays, who attend Lakeview Covenant Church, are quick to express appreciation for the impact Bethel has had on their children's spiritual growth. When visiting the campus, they have been impressed by chapel services that are well-attended by students wanting to worship the Lord.

Despite paying for two tuitions, John and Sharon have faithfully made monthly gifts to support the work being done at Bethel. "The experience of seeing our children nurtured academically and spiritually, to watch their faith grow, has been a tremendous thing," explains John. "I think it is important to be a part of that in some way, if we can, and to support that. It has been an amazing thing to watch God work in our kids and to know that is happening in other kids, as well."

Sharon agrees. "It's wonderful to have to a place like Bethel to send our children to. And it's good to see the network of Bethel alums." As a Bethel parent, John sums his feelings this way: "What has impressed me is to see their faith take root and growth. It's been amazing, a `mustard seed' kind of thing."

The youngest Gray child, David, 17, is a junior heavily involved with basketball and football at Duluth Central High School. He has been busy with sports but his parents would like him to visit Brian and get a taste of the Bethel campus. Will he decide to attend Bethel? "Of course, it will be David's decision … but we're praying that he will," says his mom.

For more information about how you can invest in Bethel University, please contact the Office of Development at 651-635-8050 or visit the Bethel Web site at http://www.bethel.edu/development/.