‘...On a path few others have traveled’

By April Hood
EDITOR IN CHIEF

“God is using Kyle to communicate His love to many people in profound, simple and real ways,” Andrew Goodall, Scott Hall RD, said. Kyle VanKirk, senior advertising and public relations major, has been an RA on Scott First North for the past two years. According to Goodall, Kyle’s character and integrity have impacted his peers.

VanKirk first came to Evangel from Olathe, Kansas in 2006. “My older brother was at Evangel, and every time I visited, I knew it was the place to make friends that were worth making. I also wanted to get away from what I was comfortable with—going to school with all my friends from the home area,” VanKirk said. “Being in a new place has always interested me.”

Last semester, VanKirk won a Silver Shield Award for extraordinary Christian character. “He consistently challenges his peers to have a vision for their lives that is ordained and orchestrated by God,” Goodall said. “Kyle effectively and successfully develops this striving for excellence in those around him only because he himself constantly strives for intimacy with God.”

VanKirk said that it was an honor winning a Silver Shield Award, and he knows that Evangel cares about who he is as an individual. “It wasn’t something I ‘worked toward’ to receive, it was more of thinking like Popeye: ‘I yam what I yam’. I just did my thing and it happened,” VanKirk said.

Since his freshman year, VanKirk said he has grown in his relationship with God through learning patience and showing God’s love to those around him. “If I want to hear God’s voice and see people lavished in His love, then I need to practice it—not just talk about it,” VanKirk said. Goodall said that VanKirk is “on a path that few others have traveled.” Goodall also said that he believes VanKirk possesses the courage needed to bring him through the tasks God will direct him to.

Apart from his duties as RA and obligations to homework, VanKirk leads worship at Evangel Temple, plays intramural sports, hosts ECTV’s “Strobelight” and eats bratwursts late at night. Usually, VanKirk can be found spending time with the men on his floor. “I’m not a school kind of guy, I just like being where people love Jesus, and I get be a part of that love with them,” VanKirk said.

“I have realized what a powerful call God has on his life to facilitate the kingdom of God in adventurous and daring ways. Kyle is mature, but knows how to enjoy life,” Goodall said. “God’s hand is upon him in powerful ways, and I am confident that Kyle will do great things in this world.”