Published October 1, 2019 in Summit Magazine
Clarks Summit University has alumni serving the community all over the world whom God works through in amazing ways. You’ll read about some of them in these stories. But there will come a time when they won’t be working their jobs anymore, whether due to a planned retirement or advancement to another position.
So, then what? Who’s got next?
The good news is this: God will continue His work. More CSU graduates will step up to fill valuable roles.
That’s precisely what CSU does: prepare the next generation to continue God’s work around the world in a large variety of careers, including serving the community. So when the question “Who’s got next?” comes up—there will always be someone to say, “I’ve got next.”
Tammie Belles (’95)
Serving the community as Founder of Alier, Pennsylvania
It’s easy to look at the injustice in the world and think that one person can’t even make a dent. But in reality, we can care for and show God’s love to those who are hurting, and that makes a difference. Like Tammie Belles, founder of Alier, a non-profit organization seeking to “clothe women with God’s love.”
Alier holds clothing drives in central Pennsylvania to collect professional and beautiful clothing for women who have been abused. “We desire to help them get a fresh start with a ‘new’ wardrobe,” the Alier Facebook page explains.
After the clothing is collected, it gets distributed to domestic violence shelters and other non-profit organizations working to rescue women from trafficking and/or prostitution. “…Women have been very receptive to participating,” Belles says, “They feel like they are helping to make a personal difference.”
She believes God gives people passions to make a difference in specific ways, and we should pay attention to those passions to impact our communities in practical ways. “I believe our communities need to reach out in compassion to groups in need that most resonate with our passions,” Belles explains. “God has given those to us for a reason.”
Robin Oda
Serving the community as Mayor Elect in Troy, Ohio
When someone asked Robin Oda to run for city council eight years ago, she laughed. Come January 2020, Oda is slated to be the first female mayor of Troy, Ohio.
She came into her position on the council without a private agenda and has been a proponent of transparency ever since. She utilizes social media to share what’s going on in the city and engage with the community—concerning everything from what’s happening around town right down to how she votes. She’s clear on the beliefs she holds and how that informs her job, but she’s not going to “unfriend” anyone who believes differently.
“I try not to ram my faith down people’s throats,” Oda says. “…it’s okay if we don’t agree. I’m not going to tear you down for the way you believe. But I’m going to cheer on what I believe. I think it’s huge for the people of faith to get involved. If we’re not there, what’s the alternative?”
James Filko (’17)
Serving the community as Law Enforcement Officer, Pennsylvania
After earning his undergraduate degree at CSU, James Filko went on to graduate from the Mansfield University Police Academy to pursue his career in criminal justice. As a law enforcement officer, Filko sees some of the most distressful parts of humanity.
“Quality community leaders and civil servants are in such high demand right now because sin is stronger than ever, and sin is not going to get any weaker,” he explains. “The biggest need in communities today is for faithful Christians to be an example to everyone and show others that they can leave behind their mistakes and regrets because God loves them, and He forgives them.”
In the face of great needs in a sin-soaked world, Filko says it doesn’t matter where you are, Christ’s love is powerful, and it changes everything. “So go out to your community and show them Christ’s love, because there is always someone who needs it.”
Who’s got next in serving the community?
Undergraduate student Sam Correa
Pursuing Bachelor of Arts, Communications-Media
“Here, I have learned to grow. I’ve seen people attend evangelistic events because of content that I have created. That’s really rewarding because it’s somebody hearing the gospel of Christ because of my ability to communicate through media.”
