Decisions, Decisions:
As a high school student, John Mark Stratford had little interest in attending Bluffton. It was only 10 minutes from home and his two older sisters had both attended Bluffton. He ended up applying to Bluffton on a whim, considering it as a backup school, and found himself days later at Bluffton for the Presidential Scholarship Competition. A few weeks later John Mark was wondering whether to accept the presidential scholarship from Bluffton or stick with his original plan. Lots of thoughts, prayers and conversations later, John Mark decided on Bluffton and says, “within the first semester I knew that it was definitely the right choice…”
Making Connections Through Music:
John Mark’s passion for music has been made clear in his time at Bluffton. Being able to meet and connect with people through the Camerata choir and through the worship team on campus is a positive aspect of John Mark’s college career; and he is able to further develop those gifts through his role as a hall chaplain on campus. John Mark says that he feels like he has opportunities here that he is grateful for and finds enjoyment in being able to carry out his passions on this campus.
The Obstacles and How He Overcame Them:
Struggles in John Mark’s personal life are not unlike those of many other college students. He struggled to find a core group of friends his first year here and often found himself tagging along with his older sister who was an upperclassman. By becoming more involved in activities on campus, including BASIC (Brothers and Sisters in Christ,) he was able to connect with more people and make more friends. Overcoming personal struggles through discussions with friends and the campus pastor, he was able to talk about issues in his life that were bothering him. “They were an incredible help,” said John Mark.
Figuring Things Out, With MIP:
John Mark participated in the Ministry Inquiry Program (MIP) this past summer at Peace Mennonite Community Church, Aurora, Colo. Calling it a “leap of faith” John Mark moved far from his home, and into a church that was much smaller than he was accustomed to. Over the summer, he taught Sunday school, gave sermons, experienced pastoral care, became a member of the worship team and completed several administrative tasks at the church. He began his MIP thinking that being a head pastor was possibly his calling; however in his time in Colorado, he learned that it may not be the best fit for him. However, having the opportunity to lead a group of young people at a conference over the summer, he now feels as though counseling may be a better fit for him. John Mark says about his future, “I just know I want to do something that matters; if I can help people, I think I will be happy doing whatever it is.”
