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Mickeelie and another student leader

When Mickeelie connected with one of your campus ministries, she not only found friends she could grow in faith with—she found a calling toward a future career and mentors who helped to equip her for it.

“When I moved to Kingston for graduate studies in 2016, I was feeling very uprooted from my faith community,” said Mickeelie, a young adult serving in campus ministry at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario. 

That’s a huge challenge for many university students. At a time in life when students are wrestling with challenging questions, a supportive faith community is crucial. 

When Mickeelie connected with Geneva House, your Resonate partner at Queen’s University, she not only found friends she could grow in faith with—she found a calling toward a future career and mentors who helped to equip her for it.
 

I learned the importance of being a compassionate leader and meeting students right where they are in faith and in life

A Source of Friendship and Fellowship

A few years earlier, while Mickeelie was working toward her bachelor’s degree at the University of Ottawa, she was plugged into a community of young adults through a local church. But as she prepared to move to Kingston, she knew she was going to be out of her element. That’s why one of your Resonate partner campus ministers at Ottawa recommended she connect with Geneva House.

And she did—as soon as she moved.

“It quickly became a source of friendship and fellowship for me,” said Mickeelie.

As she became more and more involved in campus ministry, Mickeelie started to appreciate the support the ministry provided for students. For a couple of years, Mickeelie participated as a graduate student. Then she served as a volunteer leader. And as she had opportunities to support students, she felt God calling her into a career as a psychotherapist.

Your campus ministry leaders recognized Mickeelie’s gifts and calling and invited her to join the Geneva House staff. It was a good growth opportunity, and you helped make it possible through a Resonate Emerging Leader grant.
 

Thank you for investing in young leaders such as myself and for prioritizing Christian community on our campuses

An Opportunity for Mentorship

As an emerging leader, Mickeelie led small groups of young women and mentored them one-on-one. It was difficult at times. Several of the young women were wrestling with challenging questions about faith. Some were navigating conflict in relationships. Some were living with mental health difficulties.

But through the Emerging Leader grant, you made it possible for Mickeelie to be mentored in turn. With support from your campus ministers, she was able to sit with these students through difficult conversations. She provided comfort and encouraged them in their walk with Christ by building friendships with them, praying with them, and reading the Bible with them.

“I learned the importance of being a compassionate leader and meeting students right where they are in faith and in life,” she said. “This year, I have learned how to become a strong leader with a soft heart and a steady hand in walking with students through their experiences.”
 

Mickeelie is a phenomenal missional leader, and it has been an absolute joy to serve with her this year

Thank You for Supporting Students!

Mickeelie is moving on from Geneva House, but she said her experience as an emerging leader helped to prepare her for her future career. Your support through Resonate helped to make that possible.

“Thank you for investing in young leaders such as myself and for prioritizing Christian community on our campuses,” she said. “The experience I gained this year by mentoring and leading small groups directly helped me develop skills for my future career.” 

“Mickeelie is a phenomenal missional leader, and it has been an absolute joy to serve with her this year,” said Steve Kooy, your partner campus minister at Geneva House. “I have seen her grow so much this year in experience, skills, and character as she was given leadership opportunities, training, and mentorship.”