An Update from Jessica

Hi friends,

Last week I was able to congratulate my friend, Good Shepherd member and former Student Ministries intern, Jessica Knutzen upon her graduation with a Master of Divinity degree from Fuller Theological Seminary.

Jessica started attending the church with her family in 1986, became a member in 1997 and began the ordination process in 2007 after graduating from Point Loma Nazarene University. 

Here's an update from our recent seminary graduate:

First, I want to extend my most heartfelt gratitude for all those who have taught me Sunday School and taken me out for lunch over the years! Your partnership in discipleship and discernment of my call from God has truly led me to this place. Over the past four years of attending Fuller, I have often though of you - my church family - journeying right beside me as you have an immense resource and support through exams, relationships, internships and spiritual growth. My family has always been impressed by how many ministers and missionaries emerge from the community at Good Shepherd, but because of your devotion to being disciples of Jesus Christ and the message of the Gospel there is really little wonder!

Now, I will be heading off to the island of O'ahu, Hawaii for a year-long residency as a hospital chaplain. It is an extended internship which will prepare me even more for ministry as an ordained minister. I will be working for the Pacific Health Ministries, with 6 other residents across the island. I discovered in the fall a new love for ministry as a hospital chaplain and have decided to pursue that path as God is calling me. I will be finishing my ordination exams in the summer and proceeding before Presbytery to be certified ready to receive a call.

Your prayers are the greatest gift I have received - and I continue to ask them from you. My greatest prayer now is to find a stable spiritual community and good affordable housing as I move into O'ahu. You will all be in my heart and my prayers while I am away.