It has been five years since the Lord graciously drew our family to Bethlehem College and Seminary to begin the college education of two of our daughters. Until that point, we were fairly certain that we already knew the path that was ahead for our eldest daughter, which included attending a state university near our hometown. It took one visit to Minneapolis to see what God was doing at Bethlehem, and we would not have imagined the riches that He had in store for both of our daughters, and our family. The Lord has been so kind to use Bethlehem as a means to draw Julia (BA ’25, MA ’26) and Kate, who is now in her junior year, into community with fellow believers who are seeking Him with their whole hearts. Our entire family has been enfolded into it as well! Whether attending conferences, or just visiting, we have been joyfully welcomed into fellowship at Bethlehem.

In their time as students, Julia and Kate have been immersed in habits of mind and heart that will never leave them as they seek to magnify Christ and love others. The rigorous academics have delighted them to mine the treasures of God’s Word and His world. They have developed faithful friendships that have stretched and grown them. They have also been welcomed into a Christ-exalting church where the Word of God is preached, and His people are encouraging one another to know His glory, love His glory, and display His majesty to a watching world. The gracious faculty, staff, and mentors all aim to glorify God in every area of life and have come alongside our daughters in immeasurable ways. It is with Serious Joy that we thank God for what He has done in our lives through Bethlehem College and Seminary.

Paul, Alison, Julia, Kate, Peter, Nora, and Hazel Shepard