Global Urban Perspectives Cabinet

Sophia Har

Chair

What I love about Wheaton:
All School Communion

Why GUP?
Why not?! But in all seriousness, I chose to commit to GUP because it offers students an opportunity to engage issues that are often untouched by much of the American evangelical Church and to encounter people who are often ignored by society, even Christians, in an urban context where most of us would otherwise never live on our own volition. God showed me a whole other side of His character and the Gospel during my summer with GUP, and I am excited to journey with my brothers and sisters as they learn to engage and live among the urban poor and witness the Holy Spirit’s work in the city.

Words to live by:
She who laughs, lasts.

I want to...before I die:
Become fluent in Arabic

It bothers me when:
I (or someone else) leave the lights on when no one's home.

Joy Pettigrew

Administrator

What I love about Wheaton:
A community grounded in the love of Christ. Koinonia. The OCO.

Why GUP?
I love the city, and I appreciate how learning about urban ministry and how being in urban contexts continuoulsy challenge my character and worldview.

Words to live by:
Your dream is not big enough if it does not terrify you.

I want to...before I die:
Create something revolutionary.

It bothers me when:
I forget something extremely important.

Shelby Smith

Fundraising Coordinator

What I love about Wheaton:
My friends.

Why GUP?
I love the city, and I am passionate about showing others the amazing things God does there.

Words to live by:
Tomorrow is another day--Scarlett O'Hara

I want to...before I die:
I want to own a coffee shop before I die.

It bothers me when:
People drive the speed limit.

Kayla Slagter

Orientation/Campus Programs Coordinator

What I love about Wheaton:
Wheaton has the most beautiful falls and my favorite people.

Why GUP?
The world is changing so that the majority of people now live in the city, so there is so much opportunity to engage people of different backgrounds and cultures.

Words to live by:
God uses us in spite of us.

I want to...before I die:
Road trip on a motorcycle.

It bothers me when:
Display fruit is fake.

Erica Heller

Placement/Travel Coordinator

What I love about Wheaton:
The people! I have met some of the greatest people here, who really strive to love God. They have really loved me, encouraging me and challenging me to grow (and I’ve also had a ton of fun with them!)

Why GUP?
GUP is great because it really shows you God’s heart, especially for the marginalized and also His passion for justice. After participating in GUP I have a much fuller and deeper understanding of His love for all His children (including myself) and the essential role justice has in our faith (as well as being central to God’s character).

Words to live by:
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon. Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope. Where there is darkness, light. Where there is sadness, joy. O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled, as to console; to be understood, as to understand; to be loved, as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life. Amen.

I want to...before I die:
Visit the lovely Amy Slaughter in Vanuatu.