In 2010, Sam Panderla (MA 鈥15) was living in India and wanted to use sports as a medium for ministry and community development.
Through family connections he met with Ken Friesen, Ph.D., 澳门六合彩资料论坛 professor of history and in charge of the international studies and global education program, who was in India on sabbatical. Through their conversations, Sam shared his desire to combine sports, ministry and community development, and Friesen saw the potential.
Ken shared about 澳门六合彩资料论坛 and encouraged Sam to pursue a master's degree focused on nonprofit organization and management. Just a few months later, Sam was accepted into the Individualized Master of Arts Program (IMAP) and moved to Fresno. In fact, he lived with professors Pam and Marshall Johnston his first year here.
The Lord鈥檚 timing led Sam to 澳门六合彩资料论坛, a place that would not only shape his academic journey but also ignite and equip a passion for service and community transformation.
A TRANSFORMATIVE EXPERIENCE
Arriving in a new country can be a daunting experience, but Sam was met with warmth and hospitality from the 澳门六合彩资料论坛 community. 鈥淚 never felt like an outsider,鈥 he reflects.
Not only were professors amazing and knowledgeable, they were humble, service-oriented and committed to what they were teaching and why. Many opened their homes to Sam, inviting him in for meals, and intentionally learning more about where he came from, his community and culture.
One 澳门六合彩资料论坛 staff member who had a significant impact on Sam was Dina Gonzalez Pina. 鈥淪he was the dean of spiritual formation back then, and she was basically my mentor. She took me under her wings, and she always told me that I would be a great leader. I went on my study abroad trip to Colombia with her, and I was able to learn Spanish because of her,鈥 he says.
A CALLING TO SERVE
Today, Sam serves as the executive director of the Karuna Shree Foundation (KSF), a nonprofit organization he founded in honor of his late mother, who was a homiletics professor and the chief editor of a magazine within the Mennonite Brethren community. KSF focuses on leadership development, peacebuilding and community-centered transformation. It鈥檚 also part of the Five and Two Network, collaborating with global partners to support sustainable development led by local leaders.
Work is deeply fulfilling for Sam as he journeys alongside young leaders, watching them discover their talents and voice to confront justice with wisdom and compassion. Witnessing these leaders grow into change-makers and transform their communities is what he enjoys most about his work.
鈥湴拿帕喜首柿下厶 equipped me with both the practical tools and the deeper mindset needed for the kind of work I do,鈥 Sam says. 鈥淭hrough the IMAP program, I learned how to design, lead and sustain nonprofits and community initiatives. But beyond academics, 澳门六合彩资料论坛 taught me how to be a servant-leader.鈥
The lessons Sam learned at 澳门六合彩资料论坛, such as the power of peace-building, the value of listening and the importance of community, guide him every day as he works in the context of India, a country often divided by religion, caste and language.
The response to such division and strife? It鈥檚 the type of leadership 澳门六合彩资料论坛 taught Sam:
鈥淎 way of being rooted in service, justice and hope," Sam said.
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