Dear Pat -

Just finished reading “Faith and the Freshman” – Sarah is reading it now.  Thank you so much for providing the “signed” copy.  A thoroughly delightful and inspirational read.  Plus a lot of nostalgia – I spent 6 years at Concordia, Milwaukee, sixth man on the basketball teams, arrived as a freshman, high school at 4’10″ and 95 lbs., homesick also since we could not go home until Christmas, and Oh so cold — shot hundreds of shots every night when home in the driveway — By the way, my grandmother’s maiden name was Neitzel — And in the 80′s I did seminars at Bob Zehnder’s church in Denver — was impressed with his flower bed in the church courtyard. — always connections in the LCMS. 

As you have a moment, a quick email on Andrew — and I too am diabetic.

God bless,

Mark and Sarah Behring

   I’m sure by now you’ve had hundreds of accolades and comments. . . but I wanted you to know how touching in so many different ways your book was to me.  I just finished it tonight.  I can relate to the role of Billie w/Ryan – I pray I can continue to be as diplomatic as she was.  He seems to be experiencing something similar to what you did at the beginning of your collegiate journey.  The angst (although my experience was only through high school w/Jordan) of wondering what God was waiting for – how and when Jordan’s work ethic would pay off.  Interestingly, in the end, the truth prevailed.  Silly me!  I learned to just “Be still and know!”

   And Alyssa’s dream is beginning to be fulfilled by her time spent on the football field with the CUW Falcons!  I can only depend on the Lord to take that to the next level since I do not know how to help her to it in any other way.

   And then there’s the enduring of the “humilating tag of helicopter Mom” when in fact, I just REALLY like my kids and being with my kids and it will just have to be what I am.  I think they’re amazing people and they often lift me up!  I want to affirm you – the love we have for our children is put in our hearts by our Father in heaven.  Loving them to the best of our ability is what He would want of us!  That comes through in your writing loud and clear.

   But mostly, I could relate to your spiritual awakening at St. John’s.  As I look back on how I even got to CUW, how I even had the opportunity to learn about Jesus – definitely in God’s plan to use CUW as the place that I would come to know Him!  Thanks for sharing your story!  I was blessed by it!

Julie Chojnacki Buuck

     The Rev. Dr. Patrick Ferry (M ’81), president of Concordia University Wisconsin, called the Alumni Association office a number of months ago to tell us he had recently completed a book entitled, “Faith in the Freshman.”  He asked if the office staff would review it if he e-mailed a copy to us.  After reviewing the book, and I admit that once I started it I couldn’t put it down, I was convinced that this book would be a winner.  I shared it with Wallace Behrhorst and Roland Mueller; and they, too, felt this was an excellent book.  They provided Dr. Ferry with some corrections and additional information.  And now the book has been published as Pat says, “This is recommended reading for parents who have a son or daughter who is going into college or is already in college.”  I believe it is just plain good reading, for it tells the story of a young man from Colorado who came to St. John’s College to play basketball.  This is compared to Pat’s son who overcame adversity to walk on and play basketball at Valparaiso University, an NCAA Division I school.  Great Story, Pat!

    Pat was invited to share some of his story with the alumni who were gathered at the 2010 Winfield Johnnie Reunion this past June at our “Talk About The Times” session on Saturday morning.  At the end of the session Pat told the audience that for every book sold that morning he would match that amount for the Alumni Association to be put into its General Scholarship Endowment.  He also left a number of books with the Association for it to publicize and sell and the same conditions would apply.

   Pat, thank you for a great book and also for helping out with the scholarship program of the St. John’s College Alumni Association.

Over the years my respect and admiration for President Holst has continued to grow.  He is a person whose depth of insight and consecrated integrity inspires all who have the privilege of knowing him.  Bob and his wife, Lynne, have served the Lord’s Church with the same missionary sensitivity from Papua, New Guinea to the Twin Cities and points in between.  I wish them well in retirement, and pray for the Spirit’s special guidance for Concordia-St. Paul as it seeks a successor to try to fill very big shoes!

Recently, Bob read my book and was kind to offer the note below…..

Dear Pat,

Greetings from Heartwood Center near Trego, Minong, Spooner, and Hayward, WI.  Lynne and I are spending two weeks here — vacation after conventions, before the faculty retreat on Monday, Aug. 16 and before the traditional academic year starts.

Vacation gave me the time finally to read cover to cover Faith in the Freshman.  Pat, that is an amazing book in many ways.  Thank you for taking the time and effort to write it.  Your honest and direct style is intriguing and makes pleasant reading.  Your collection of personal, historical information from letters and other sources is interesting — not merely for personal interest but of genuine historical value.  As you note, the next electronic generation will not have the written record for such reference to memories.  Your insightful introspection and bold sharing of yourself are amazing — amusing — and very meaningful.

I think that your recounting some of experiences at St. John’s is of lasting historical value.  That LCMS junior college era is over but you have captured and reminded us of its spirit, strengths, and challenges.  Personally, I was in the last JC [AA] class before the Senior College started.  We pre-sem’s all moved directly from the junior colleges to the seminary to complete our BA and then BD.  As I recall, at the seminary, the “campus culture” held that Johnnies and the St. Paul, MN, guys got along well because they could enjoy a good beer together — unlike the pious brains from St. Paul, Concordia, MO, the socially handicapped guys of Concordia, Milwaukee [who were aces in Greek but -- because they lacked co-eds - don't go on a double date with one of them!] or those nationalistic Texans who had not yet heard [or surrendered to the fact] that Texas was actually part of the United States of America.

The juxtaposition of your experience and your experience with regard to Andrew tell a powerful and poignant story which you underscore with probing but honest faith.  I admit that there is a line in the book that made sad.  I regret that Andrew felt CSP coaches [or with whomever you met on your visit] were more interested in you than he.  I wish that I had been here for the visit.  I wish that Andrew had come here — as student and as basketball player.  But it seems to be for the good.  Coming here would not have met his dream of playing D1.  I think that he would have had a meaningful college career here — in basketball too.  But, as you note, life takes amazing twists and turns but, like skiing with a mentor, God always glides with us.

Again, thank you for the book.  A great vacation read.  Lord willing, see you in Portland.

In Christ,

Bob Holst

My wife and I just read Faith in the Freshman, and we both loved it.  Not only is the story compelling, but the sheer honesty makes it gripping.  We thank God for the gifts given to you and to Andrew.

Rolf Wegenke, Ph.D., President
Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities

Concordia University students return to classes

I do have faith in the freshmen!  This year we have a record number of them on campus. If initial impressions are a reliable indicator of what to expect, then I am very excited about the new students welcomed to campus. I have faith that they will have a positive impact on campus and will take their Concordia experience with them from here. The rippling effect will spread from Lake Michigan’s shore and reach far and wide!

Our enrollment exceeds 7,000 for the first time in Concordia’s history. That includes an increase of more than 10% in our traditional undergraduate population. Already our new residence hall, Coburg, is nearly full, and parking has been a real challenge during the first few weeks of school.

We are grateful for a terrific start to the new academic year. The chance to work with so many new students is part of the positive beginning. God continues to bless Concordia in ways too many to count.