Echo Spring 2021 - 8

This event was so popular, CrossNet plans to
continue it annually even after public gatherings
begin to normalize again.
A key to CrossNet's future includes welcoming
dedicated team members who take the ministry's
mission to heart. This academic year, two LBC
| Capital social work majors served as CrossNet
interns.
CON TINUED
Hannah Vigil ('21) served alongside another
alumna, Youth Center Manager Shanice (SmithStarr
'17) Hines. In this role, Vigil said she was able
to realize the CrossNet mission every day.
" Each student
who comes
into the Youth
Center is
seen as an
opportunity
to share
the love of
Christ "
- Hannah Vigil ('21)
" Each student who comes into the Youth Center is
seen as an opportunity to share the love of Christ, "
Vigil said. " My internship has been concerned
with getting to know students. I will engage in
intentional conversations during our Youth Center
nights. The purpose of these conversations is to
know the student better while also figuring out
how CrossNet could help whatever situation they
may be currently dealing with. ... The students are
given a safe space where they can come have
fun and be fed. To be a part of this work in the
community is such a privilege. "
Likewise, Social Services Intern Haylee Fishel
('21) had " the incredible opportunity to meet with
a participant weekly since my start as an intern.
I have been able to walk with her, serve her and
love her throughout my time at CrossNet, and I
will miss times with her greatly. Individualized case
management is a key to working within this rural
social services setting because each participant
and each case is very different. "
Fishel also valued working alongside LBC | Capital
alumni who share her college experience.
" Having someone who knows our Social Work
program well has allowed me to ask questions
and learn things that are directly applicable to
my education, " Fishel said. " My field supervisor
created a learning experience within CrossNet that
has made me a better social worker and a better
person. I am incredibly thankful for those here at
CrossNet and the mission they are working to fulfill.
LBC has educated and trained numerous staff here,
and it is incredible to see their skills and abilities
being utilized at CrossNet. "
Like these interns, members of the CrossNet
team spoke of the impact LBC | Capital had on
their lives and careers, with an overarching theme
of relationship-building at the core. Smeltzer
remembered learning early on how integral
relationships would be in her life.
" What does that look like in my dorm section,
in classes, as a Christian, a social worker and a
person? " said Smeltzer, who served in Residence
Life while at LBC and recently married her husband,
Mark. " We are designed and created by God to
thrive in relationships, in showing kindness, grace
and God's love-no matter what. What caring for
one another looks like has been so foundational in
my everyday job. It is something I can consistently
reflect back on at LBC. I'm very grateful for that,
especially as I continue my career as a social
worker, wife and professional. "
For Edwards, relationships with classmates, fellow
athletes, professors and friends were also key at
LBC, where he met his wife, Mary (Jennings '10).
LBC was also the place he learned to " wear many
hats " and manage his time-skills that serve him
well in his role at CrossNet.
" I learned what it looks like to work well under
stress, prioritize what's important, how to be an
effective leader and how to communicate well, "
Edwards said.
As an LBC | Capital employee, Kerstetter said she
was always treated with respect and as someone
with leadership qualities and worthwhile ideas.
" The professors cared deeply about their students, "
she said. " I saw their integrity. They were who they
said they were. "
Dahl echoed that she will be forever grateful for
the relationships she formed at LBC-with friends,
mentors and her future husband, Jonathan
('06). After graduation, Dahl also worked with
Jessica & Friends Community, an organization
co-founded by Dr. Peter and Paulette Teague in
1998 that provides services to families impacted
by intellectual disabilities. This LBC connection is
especially meaningful for the Dahls, whose son
has autism.
" LBC taught me to be a light, " Dahl said, " to see the
world through a biblical worldview, to be a lifelong
learner and to continually have an open heart. "
(To learn more about the work of CrossNet
Ministries or to volunteer, visit elancocross.org.)
8 ECHO
http://www.elancocross.org
Echo Spring 2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Echo Spring 2021
