Andrews is more than a university; it’s a launchpad for mission, a place where minds are challenged and faith is deepened, a place where we answer the quiet call of God with integrity, courage and love.
Walk the halls, visit the classrooms, or spend time in the residence halls, and you’ll quickly detect the pulse of our Andrews family: Young people who refuse to accept that their faith is merely personal, that their education is only about individual success, or that their future is confined to their comfort zones.
These are the world changers—not because they hold positions of power, but because they’ve discovered something transformative: That faith becomes real when it’s lived out, that resilience grows strongest when it serves others, and that true impact often begins with the smallest acts of courage.
Each year, this special edition of the Lake Union Herald offers a window into the vibrant stories unfolding across our campus — stories of quiet strength, unexpected courage, and the relentless pursuit of a God-given calling. Each story a unique thread in the tapestry of divine purpose.
In this issue you’ll meet students whose journeys to Andrews University were forged through adversity — hardship, disruption and personal struggles that tested their resolve. Yet they pressed forward. They’re not simply survivors, but thrivers.
Their resilience speaks not only to their determination but also to the sustaining power of God’s call. Their stories are modern-day echoes of Abraham’s obedience, Ruth’s courage, and Esther’s quiet resolve. They remind us that world-changing often begins with the faithful act of stepping forward, of trusting God to carve a way through obstacles.
World-changing doesn’t commence at graduation. It begins in small acts of faith long before a diploma is earned. Meet an Andrews graduate whose calling led her back to the children’s home where she had served as a student missionary, not just to visit, but now to lead. She is part of the growing legacy of Andrews alumni who take what they’ve learned in classrooms, chapels and labs — and offer it back to the world in meaningful, lasting ways.
But world change isn't confined to distant lands. It flourishes right here, making an impact locally. A Berrien Springs couple has transformed their kitchen table into a sanctuary for international students and children of missionaries. They cook meals, listen to stories, and help strangers become family. For those far from home, their hospitality has been more than kindness — it’s been a ministry of presence, offering rest, connection, and Christ-centered community. They understand that changing the world sometimes simply means changing someone's world — one meal, one conversation, one act of kindness at a time. It’s a reminder that world-changing can begin with an open door and an open heart.
Our vibrant student body is the heartbeat of Andrews University. This year, for example, we’ve witnessed that energy through the Myanmar Student Association, a group shaped by their homeland’s struggles who have woven mission and ministry into the fabric of their lives. In their first year, they’ve launched faith and service initiatives, including Mission Sabbaths where they lead church services and engage in community outreach. They remind us that resilience isn’t just about bouncing back. It is about springing forward with greater purpose and deeper compassion.
Student voices capture the beautiful diversity of Andrews. One undergraduate shares her passion for raising awareness around disabilities. Her work reshapes campus conversations and reminds us that mission starts with seeing others the way Christ does. A seminary student, meanwhile, is using her training to launch a coaching business that brings biblical wisdom to young women navigating faith and life decisions. Her initiative bridges ministry and entrepreneurship, demonstrating that vocational calling and spiritual purpose can powerfully unite in mission. Both students show that Andrews is a crucible where faith-driven ideas become reality, where calling is lived.
What ties these stories together? Faith in action — living, breathing trust in God that moves mountains. Resilience — standing firm when the path twists, knowing that God’s plan will unfold. Pursuing one’s calling — not as a distant dream, but as a daily experience.
Andrews is more than a university; it’s a launchpad for mission, a place where minds are challenged and faith is deepened, a place where we answer the quiet call of God with integrity, courage and love.
Together, these stories paint a vivid picture of ordinary people doing extraordinary things because they believe that faith without action is incomplete, that education without service is insufficient, and that a life lived only for oneself is ultimately empty. They are not waiting for the world to change. They are changing the world for God!
As you read these stories, I invite you to consider your own calling. How might God be inviting you to serve, to give, or to lead — right where you are?
You don’t need a stage to change the world. You simply need a heart surrendered to Christ, a willingness to act, and bold faith to take the next step.
The world needs more faith-filled, resilient, purpose-driven people willing to say Yes! to God.
The world needs World Changers!
John Wesley Taylor V is president of Andrews University.
