During a pastoral theology class, the instructor, C. Sumner Wemp, said that he had very special feelings about our class, though he couldn’t explain why. Well, the experiences at this reunion may lend at least a hint. Clearly, this was no ordinary reunion. There was a feeling of bonding like I had never experienced during our years as students. There were classmates that I had no recollections of ever really knowing that instantly seemed like long-time friends. While at Moody we were deeply concerned about “what lies just ahead.” Now, with 40 more years of maturity we reflected back on it. The reunion was unequivocal affirmation of the great value of our “Moody experience.” And its influence will continue. For me the reunion was sort of a map that showed where I had been, but it also affirmed convictions about the pathway I must follow.

Before Moody, my every attempt in planning for a suitable niche in life ultimately failed, and so left me feeling discontented. But, later while having a heart-to-heart talk with my pastor about recent experiences (that entailed WMBI radio) he firmly told me to apply for admission to Moody Bible Institute, his own alma mater. So I did. And I had peace of mind all through those fateful years. I knew beyond doubt that this was precisely where God wanted me. However, after an unexpected turn of events during our senior year I began to question, “Why?” The reason did not become obvious until some years after graduation, and it has become increasingly clearer ever since. Moody was a monumental “guidepost” that has caused my life to unfold in a most satisfying way.

Just after graduation there was a “fork in the road.” I felt that my thinking had evolved a bit too radical to pursue a career in ministry, so tentatively I “took the road less traveled by” for a Moody graduate. And links followed for such crucial matters as what career path I would take, whom I would marry, and where our family would live. Having a background in engineering, and technology a “door opened” for doing technical writing, and a situation that continued for more than thirty years. Yet, I always maintained an open mind for other possibilities. Scripture says, “The human mind plans the way, but the Lord directs the steps” (Proverbs 16:9, NRSV). In the practical words of poet Theodore Roethke, “I learn by going where I have to go.” The “career pathway” in technical writing ultimately came to an end, but another door opened, so to speak, to resume “post-high school training” in my predilection of producing fine art. Now, I primarily use the “media” of digital imaging, and software applications like the Adobe Photoshop CS4, and Illustrator.

During the opening ceremonies of the Olympics in 1972 I vividly recall trumpeter Chuck Mangione performing a passionate rendition of his own composition, “Give it All You Got.” That, with the help, and blessing of God in employing all the ability that past, present, and future experiences in life will afford, is what I shall do as I face what is undoubtedly my consummate mission, producing conceptual works of spiritually related art. (Hopefully, some time later this year my website domain, LynnStolley.com will get activated for these artworks to be displayed.) 

I have used the term “Moody” loosely, but it was evident during the reunion that “Moody” to a large extent continues to be you, my fellow classmates. My thanks to each one who attended, and not in the least to those who were unable to attend. And thanks to you, Ken, and the others involved in the highly successful promotion of this reunion. Thanks so much to the Alumni Association, and to those who served so courteously in the dining room. You made us feel so special on the fortieth anniversary reunion of our class. As long as I have a mind I will never forget. Blessings upon every one! 

–Lynn Stolley

Here are some of our interpretations of what we thought some really great speakers might have actually said. These guys blessed us. It’s our hope to bless you. This is our digest of a week’s worth.

Be blessed by His dear Spirit as you read and mull.

Vance and Bethyl

NOTES from Founder’s Week

Blessings. Dave

Let’s keep the website up and keep in touch with each other.

Ginni Freshour

Ken and Carolyn