I would like to thank my faith journey mentor, Pastor Trudy Stoffel, for her support and encouragement in my call to seminary and rostered ministry. Here is a picture of us between Sunday morning services at Geneva Lutheran Church in Geneva, Illinois.—Michelle Lata ’26 M.A.

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I walked into Professor Emeritus Herb Brokering’s first creative education class, and there were all kinds of random objects on the large table, as well as a folded up umbrella on the projector screen above. At the next class, he had put every item but one in exactly the same place. “Where’s the umbrella?” I asked. He smiled and said, “You get me.”

When Herb had a six-way bypass, I went to visit him. The first time, I took him a bouquet of flowers. After that, I took my guitar and sang with him. We talked on the phone often over the years, and the conversations were like a Gray Line tour of the universe. I learned so much. And at the end of each phone call, we would both say, “I love you.”

Then one day, he called and said, “I am in hospice. I need you to call me every day and remind me that you love me.” I did, until one day there was no answer. Herb Brokering was gone. I still think of him every day and give thanks for the music, the mentoring, and the friendship.—Rusty Edwards ’85 M.Div.

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Brian Beckstrom ʼ06 M.Div., ʼ18 D.Min. has certainly made a difference in my faith journey. Throughout my undergraduate career, Pastor Brian was deeply connected to the student experience at Wartburg College, serving as an approachable leader within the community. He has a natural way of inviting people into a conversation. As much as he is a leader, he is also a learner and a listener. He recognizes that faith is not one-size- fits-all but accepts wherever a person is in their own journey.

No matter the circumstance, Pastor Brian is authentic and encouraging—and he’s made me laugh more times than I can count! I have many cherished memories with Pastor Brian, but my favorite is from my wedding day when he served as our officiant. How wonderful it is to see this kindhearted spirit continue to influence the lives of young people at Valparaiso University.—Tara Pollock, marketing copywriter and editorial coordinator

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Pastor Michael Button ’78 M.Div. was my internship supervisor, a colleague pastor when I was ordained, and a friend who served in the same synod. Several students and I were blessed to experience his ministry skills, wisdom, and encouragement as we served at Faith Lutheran in Dickinson, Texas.

Mike was a Cajun Lutheran pastor who approached ministry and life with a lot of joy. He had a lot to teach me as a son of pietist Norwegian Lutherans from Minnesota. He had a deep commitment to love people and act with justice. He was also a lifelong learner who was curious about my life. Rich conversations occurred weekly as we gathered for a bowl of soup at a nearby restaurant for lunch.

One of my favorite memories was when I preached for the first time. I was getting ready to go to the pulpit, and he leaned over to elbow me gently and pointed to the congregation just as my anxiety peaked. “Just remember they are for you. They want you to do well,” he said. Michael taught me about our God, who’s also for us and wants our lives to go well.—Jon Anderson ʼ85 M.Div., director of rural ministry