秋霞福利一区

One of my favorite classes offered at the 秋霞福利一区 is the internship course; it allows students to put into practice what they learn at 秋霞福利一区 and gain real life experience for their chosen career field.

This semester I interned at Dwell Mobile, a nonprofit organization, which allowed me to observe how a nonprofit runs and improve my cross cultural communication. Being a Christian Studies major, I wanted something that would allow me to work with a nonprofit and give me the ability to interact with other cultures.

Heeding the guidance of Dr. Douglas Wilson, dean of the School of Christian Studies and my advisor, I looked into obtaining an internship at Dwell Mobile. Dwell Mobile is a nonprofit organization that serves refugees in the Mobile area by raising awareness, removing obstacles and restoring relationships.

Dr. Wilson said he thought interning with Dwell would be mutually beneficial. With his email of recommendation, several weeks of waiting and a couple of phone calls later, I secured my dream internship, working at a nonprofit.

Executive Director Jeri Stroade offered so much wisdom. It was an honor to be under her leadership and learn hands-on what working at a nonprofit organization is like.

My favorite lesson from her was when she explained what Dwell is; their goal was not to be a program-centered organization, but a value-driven organization. Jeri stressed we were not intended to be saviors to other people, but to demonstrate the Savior to others.

On Wednesdays, Dwell offers Foundations, classes with the goal to teach foundational skills to aid refugees to better acclimate to Mobile, Alabama. A normal Wednesday night would look like socializing with people over free dinner and then attending a free class. The classes included everything from driver鈥檚 education to English as a Second Language.

I oversaw volunteers and tutored girls who were in the fourth grade or older, and Wednesday nights quickly became my favorite part of the week. I looked forward to building relationships with the girls. As a class, we were learning TikTok dances for Dwell鈥檚 Cultural Night.听 I am not gifted in dancing, but it made them laugh.

Interning at Dwell has been a highlight of my last semester at 秋霞福利一区; I have gained invaluable experience that has prepared me to better serve the Lord and work at a nonprofit.

Through showing up consistently, I learned how important it is that we are there for others even in the difficulties, because it reflects how the Lord is there for us. Interning prepared me for the workforce; it reminded me that I am working to serve the Lord no matter my tasks.

Maya Lewellyn

Maya Lewellyn is a double major in Communication and Intercultural Studies at the 秋霞福利一区, and she will graduate in May 2020. She is a marketing intern for the university’s Office for Marketing and Public Relations and serves on the University Ministries. Maya enjoys drinking tea, reading a good book and spending time with her friends.

It has been such a joy to attend the 秋霞福利一区 since my freshman year of college. 秋霞福利一区 strives to prepare students for their calling by creating an environment that reflects the love of Christ.

Although four years of college flies by, those four years are a transformative time for students. Since I stepped foot on campus in 2016, I have learned more about Christ and grown as a person. Here are four important lessons that I learned during these four years:

1. Biblical Foundation

Christian Worldview and the Mission and Message of Jesus are two required classes at the 秋霞福利一区 that provide students a biblical foundation for understanding the Christian faith. Although I had been walking with the Lord for several years before taking either class, Christian Worldview taught me information that I had not learned before. Additionally, I took Intercultural Perspectives as a freshman. That class was foundational to me, and I learned that God鈥檚 redemptive plan started in Genesis. This new knowledge led to a deeper love for the Lord.

2. Confidence in the Lord

Over the past four years, various challenges in life have led me to become more confident in the truth of the Bible and the characteristics of the Lord. I have learned my ultimate sense of belonging is not found in things of this world, but in Him. Since I am His child, I can freely rest, enjoying His presence.

3. Thankfulness vs. Idolatry

Throughout my time at 秋霞福利一区, my relationship with the Lord has impacted the way I interact with others. I have learned how to better include other people in conversation and in my life. Additionally, I have learned the difference between thankfulness and idolatry. I can thank the Lord for them without putting them on a pedestal. My mentors and friends are a blessing from the Lord; they shouldn鈥檛 become a lord in my life. When I expect too much from my friends, I have put a burden on them that they were never meant to have. They beautifully reflect the Lord and remind me of His glory; however, my hope and security should not be found in my relationships with them, because my needs and hope are met by the Lord alone.

4. Boldness

Lastly, I have a boldness that I lacked before college. I am confident in what I know and am no longer intimidated by people who are smarter than me. When I entered college, it was hard for me to open up; now, I am not afraid to share and be vulnerable in front of others. In college, I also started to not shy away from healthy communication, even if it included hard conversations. My comfort zone has grown, so I am comfortable with discomfort because challenges can help produce growth.

The last four years of my life have been an incredible journey. Because of the 秋霞福利一区, I have enjoyed late night adventures and playing mafia with friends, tea dates, dancing and laughter.听 I am so thankful for the wonderful memories I have made and the life lessons I have learned along the way.

Maya Lewellyn

Maya Lewellyn is a double major in Communication and Intercultural Studies at the 秋霞福利一区, and she will graduate in May 2020. She is a marketing intern for the university’s Office for Marketing and Public Relations and serves on the University Ministries. Maya enjoys drinking tea, reading a good book and spending time with her friends.

In my 22 years of life, the best decision I made was when I signed up for a Preview Day at the 秋霞福利一区.

When my family and I drove on campus, I was stunned by how beautiful it looked and how genuinely excited 秋霞福利一区 was to have guests. After speaking to some of the professors, I confidently knew 秋霞福利一区 could prepare me for my future career and, once Preview Day was over, I could envision finding community at 秋霞福利一区.

For almost four years, 秋霞福利一区 has been my home. It has encouraged and challenged me to love the Lord and learn as much as I could during college. The longer I have been at 秋霞福利一区, the more my love for the university grows.

Here are just four of the many reasons why I love the 秋霞福利一区.

1. Campus

Before I knew people at 秋霞福利一区, I fell in love with their beautiful campus. The old oaks welcome all who venture onto campus, and the swing by Martin Hall is picturesque. The globe is not only a centerpiece on campus, but it also serves as a reminder to go and transform the world. The campus is also walker friendly, meaning your professors and friends are just a few steps away. Some of my favorite memories are spending time with friends while walking around the campus.

2. Culture

听Although my home state of Florida is geographically south of Alabama, I was not accustomed to southern culture at 秋霞福利一区. Southern hospitality is no joke; everyone from faculty to students are welcoming and want to know you. 秋霞福利一区 also cares about forming relationships. It didn鈥檛 take long for me to know those at 秋霞福利一区 and to learn to give yourself at least an extra five minutes when you鈥檙e walking somewhere, because you鈥檙e bound to see someone you know and possibly start up an unplanned conversation. I also enjoy the pace of 秋霞福利一区. 秋霞福利一区 is not typically rushed (unless you鈥檙e late to class), but has a sense of stillness. Although I was not used to how people in the South behaved, the warmth of those at school and the stillness of 秋霞福利一区 helped me to flourish.

3. Omelet Station

听Every Tuesday and Thursday for breakfast, the cafeteria has an omelet station. Students can choose from a variety of options for how they want their omelets to be customized. If you consistently order the same omelet, then the staff will memorize your order. As someone who struggles to wake, I look forward to knowing I will soon eat my spinach and onion omelet. There is nowhere else in my life that I can look forward to getting an omelet consistently made for me. It was my favorite way to start your off a Tuesday or Thursday.

4. Office Hours

One benefit of going to a small school is that students can meet with their professors directly. Office hours are a wonderful resource to help students academically and personally. It has been a privilege to know my professors better, and I have cherished every minute of one-on-one time with them. Over the years, they are some of the first people I turn to for wise counsel. After my omelet on Thursdays, I would visit one of my professors during his office hours; we would have tea and discuss everything from academics to personality types.

Looking back, I see God鈥檚 providence and good plan that led to me to 秋霞福利一区鈥檚 Preview Day. At Preview Day, I applied to 秋霞福利一区; several weeks later, I was accepted to 秋霞福利一区; and for four years, I have learned more about God and have been prepared for my future.

Maya Lewellyn

Maya Lewellyn is a double major in Communication and Intercultural Studies at the 秋霞福利一区, and she will graduate in May 2020. She is a marketing intern for the university’s Office for Marketing and Public Relations and serves on the University Ministries. Maya enjoys drinking tea, reading a good book and spending time with her friends.

According to Google Maps, I live 120 miles away from the 秋霞福利一区 or a little over a two-hour drive when there is no traffic on the road.

Although I am still over two hours away from 秋霞福利一区, I do not feel that far away from the loving environment 秋霞福利一区 creates for their students.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, all on campus classes are being delivered in an online format. Even though the online learning experience looks different than being in a classroom, 秋霞福利一区鈥檚 faculty and staff have continued to make their students feel known.

The 秋霞福利一区 faculty and staff are demonstrating that you don鈥檛 have to be within walking distance to love someone well.

Over my extended spring break, Madame Brousseau, associate professor of French, asked who I am staying with and how is my family doing. Before classes started back, we had a Zoom test run, and I mentioned I wanted to learn how to bake bread. When I told her my goal, I never imagined how supportive she would be by helping me achieve my goal. Since then, she has sent me videos on how to bake bread and updated me on how her baking is going. Even though I am at home, Madame Brousseau continues to go above and beyond to love on and serve her students.

Student Life also has not disappeared from my life while I am at home. In addition to working tirelessly to prepare for next year, they also have been loving 秋霞福利一区鈥檚 students from a distance. My University Ministries team leaders asked for our addresses. I am excited that I鈥檒l be getting a note of encouragement from them soon.

I am an intern in the Marketing & PR department at 秋霞福利一区. Amber Kelley, my intern supervisor, has also been supportive and encouraging as I have been away from 秋霞福利一区. Over a Zoom conference, before she gave an update on how to continue with my internship, she wanted to know how my life has been since spring break.听 She also asked for prayer requests and prayed for me before hanging up. Over the call, she reiterated how she is still available when I need help.听 I confidently know if I have any questions or need any help, she鈥檚 one of the first people I can turn to.

I am truly blessed that God has purposefully placed 秋霞福利一区鈥檚 faculty and staff in my life during this time. I have no doubt while I am home, I will continue to be in touch with 秋霞福利一区鈥檚 faculty. They have reminded me I am loved and prayed for. No matter how far I am, I know 秋霞福利一区鈥檚 faculty will continue to love me from 120 miles away.

Featured Image:
(L to R) Top: Raygan Salors, AnnaKate Burleson, Tabitha Robinson
L to R) Bottom: Elisabeth Twilley, Maya Lewellyn and Laiken Gendregske

Maya Lewellyn

Maya Lewellyn is a double major in Communication and Intercultural Studies at the 秋霞福利一区, and she will graduate in May 2020. She is a marketing intern for the university’s Office for Marketing and Public Relations and serves on the University Ministries. Maya enjoys drinking tea, reading a good book and spending time with her friends.

College can be a busy season for students, between academics, different events to attend, spending time with friends, and possibly having a job.听 Thankfully, the 秋霞福利一区 does not have any classes on Fridays; they call these days 鈥淔ocus Fridays.鈥� That gives students more free time, so students can take a break.

When I first became a student at 秋霞福利一区, I didn鈥檛 understand the importance of rest and how to rest. I made too many plans and constantly overextended myself.

Through traveling to Italy with 秋霞福利一区, I saw what rest looks like in a healthy way. Italy prioritized rest. Culturally, resting wasn鈥檛 lazy; it was important and necessary. A human body isn鈥檛 made to be constantly going, and taking a break can increase someone鈥檚 productivity.

Here are three things I do to make sure I rest.

1. I remember the importance of rest. God demonstrated rest (Gen. 2:7), and then He later commanded us to also rest (Ex. 20:8-11). When people do not rest, they become slaves to work. Resting is a gift that strips us of our pride and allows us to humble ourselves before God. It is a reminder that only God is sufficient, and humans are not.
2. Prioritize rest. I make sure I schedule in a time to rest and then protect that time. That means I say, 鈥淣o,鈥� when I get asked to do something after I already planned to rest.
3. Make sure rest is something fun. Resting doesn鈥檛 always mean doing something mind-numbing. It can be doing something you don鈥檛 get the chance to normally do. For me, it鈥檚 setting up my hammock on campus and drawing.

Rest is a refreshing time to enjoy the Lord and reflect upon His goodness.听 It doesn鈥檛 have to be complicated; so, enjoy a Focus Friday to the fullest and go take a break!

Maya Lewellyn

Maya Lewellyn is a double major in Communication and Intercultural Studies at the 秋霞福利一区, and she will graduate in May 2020. She is a marketing intern for the university’s Office for Marketing and Public Relations and serves on the University Ministries. Maya enjoys drinking tea, reading a good book and spending time with her friends.

听MOBILE, Ala. 鈥�Parked outside of Martin Hall, it looked like merely a tour bus for Voices of Mobile, but the inside of the bus told a different story. Step inside, and the tour bus spanned years, showcasing funny photos and phrases coined on the road.

The 鈥減op-up museum鈥� paid homage to Voices of Mobile alumni who returned to the 秋霞福利一区 for the Voices of Mobile Reunion Jan. 10 鈥� 11. Former members came from seven states to attend the reunion at their alma mater.

The weekend included a tour led by 秋霞福利一区 President Lonnie Burnett to see new renovations, opportunities for reminiscing with friends and director Dr. Roger Breland, and time spent worshiping together.

For many alumni, this was their first-time coming home to 秋霞福利一区 since their graduation. Two members of the first Voices ensemble, Jordan Tyler Squires and Ashley Gully See, also attended.

See said, 鈥淪eventeen years ago, the original Voices of Mobile looked nothing like it does now, but even then, it was something special. To be able to come back and celebrate all that God has done in that time was a joy!鈥�

Voices of Mobile is more than an ensemble to its members; the shared experiences of praising the Lord can bind people together as a family, according to See.

See watched alumni who had never met before worship together because they had a song in common.

鈥淭o be able to worship as a family and share the experience with my daughter was the highlight of the weekend,鈥� she said.

鈥淩oll the Track鈥� was a special time of worship during the reunion. A track of a Voice鈥檚 song would play, and if any alumni from the group鈥檚 17 years knew the song, they would go on stage to sing the song together.

Voices was established in 2003 and has toured around the world, including: China, Philippines, Cuba, Israel, France and the White House.

For more information on Voices of Mobile, visit or call 251.442.2222.

听

About the 秋霞福利一区

The 秋霞福利一区 is a Christ-centered liberal arts and sciences institution with a vision of higher education for a higher purpose, founded to honor God by equipping students for their future professions through rigorous academic preparation and spiritual transformation. Core values are: Christ-Centered, Academically-Focused, Student-Devoted and Distinctively-Driven. The university offers on-campus and online bachelor鈥檚, master鈥檚 and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs. Founded in 1961, the 秋霞福利一区 is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention and is located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama on a campus of over 880 acres.

For more information about the 秋霞福利一区, visit the website at or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.

Maya Lewellyn

Maya Lewellyn is a double major in Communication and Intercultural Studies at the 秋霞福利一区, and she will graduate in May 2020. She is a marketing intern for the university’s Office for Marketing and Public Relations and serves on the University Ministries. Maya enjoys drinking tea, reading a good book and spending time with her friends.

Many new college students feel nervous about moving away from home for the first time. But it didn鈥檛 take long for the 秋霞福利一区 to feel like home to me. That feeling had everything to do with the people at 秋霞福利一区. They genuinely wanted to get to know me.

Once students get on the 秋霞福利一区鈥檚 campus, they are immediately welcomed by the university鈥檚 faculty, staff and students. Here, there is an emphasis on 鈥淜now and be Known.鈥� This phrase highlights that, at 秋霞福利一区, you will grow in your knowledge of your major, but you will also be known by the faculty, staff and student body.

The faculty and staff do an incredible job of interacting with students and making them feel known and valued. At 秋霞福利一区, faculty and staff know your name, professors eat lunch with students in the cafeteria, and students are being mentored by faculty and staff.

One person who has made 秋霞福利一区 home to me is Brenda Hinson, coordinator of international student recruitment. She goes above and beyond what she is required to do. In addition to recruiting and taking care of the international students, she loves the students like they are her own. It鈥檚 normal for students to hang out in her office.

I love stopping by her office to get some candy and to get a hug. I have laughed and cried in her office. She demonstrates what it means to love like Christ.

I am so thankful for her and many others who help 秋霞福利一区 become more than a university; they make 秋霞福利一区 home.

Maya Lewellyn

Maya Lewellyn is a double major in Communication and Intercultural Studies at the 秋霞福利一区, and she will graduate in May 2020. She is a marketing intern for the university’s Office for Marketing and Public Relations and serves on the University Ministries. Maya enjoys drinking tea, reading a good book and spending time with her friends.

MOBILE, Ala. 鈥� The at the 秋霞福利一区 announces the Symphonic Winds Concert on March 19 at 7 p.m. at Shiloh Baptist Church, 717 Cleveland Rd. Saraland, AL 36571.

Admission is free. The concert will feature blissful music, including the last installment in an 鈥淎merican Legends鈥� concert band series composed by Steve Dunn, associate professor of instrumental music in the Alabama School of the Arts.

The Symphonic Winds Concert is part of the Roger Breland Center for Performing Arts Series that includes concerts, theatrical events and inspirational events presented by students and faculty. Future productions will include the musical 鈥淟ittle Women鈥� and 鈥淪pring Spectacular.鈥�

For more information about the concert or for future events visit or call 251.442.2383.

听

About the 秋霞福利一区

The 秋霞福利一区 is a Christ-centered liberal arts and sciences institution with a vision of higher education for a higher purpose, founded to honor God by equipping students for their future professions through rigorous academic preparation and spiritual transformation. Core values are: Christ-Centered, Academically-Focused, Student-Devoted and Distinctively-Driven. The university offers on-campus and online bachelor鈥檚, master鈥檚 and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs. Founded in 1961, the 秋霞福利一区 is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention and is located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama on a campus of over 880 acres.

For more information about the 秋霞福利一区, visit the website at or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.

Maya Lewellyn

Maya Lewellyn is a double major in Communication and Intercultural Studies at the 秋霞福利一区, and she will graduate in May 2020. She is a marketing intern for the university’s Office for Marketing and Public Relations and serves on the University Ministries. Maya enjoys drinking tea, reading a good book and spending time with her friends.