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CLASS NOTES
32
Alumnus Exemplifies Servant Leadership
By Ellen C. Horn
Eric Ferguson has always been drawn to positions that allow him
to help others. Therefore, starting an organization that aids in
the betterment of nations was no surprising feat.
“I believe that the most effective form of leadership is servant
leadership,” he said, “but it’s also the hardest to find.”
After graduating from La Roche in 1995, Ferguson and his wife,
Shanna, founded Metanoia Missions International, an organization
dedicated to “transforming nations through the establishment of
churches, schools, orphanages, micro-businesses and humanitarian
aid,” according to its website, www.metanoiamissions.org. Located
in Managua, Nicaragua, the mission team works with the local community
to help enrich the lives of children and adults through humanitarian aid.
Ferguson has implemented several initiatives through the organization.
Two of the largest are missionary work in the cancer ward of
La Mascota, the local children’s hospital, and school sponsorship
programs. Through a special partnership, Metanoia helped three
schools, all of which were in dire need of assistance with their physical
condition and decreasing enrollment issues. Today, the schools have
been improved and enrollment has increased.
Ferguson also has implemented a program that earns funds for the
organization. The proceeds go back to the local community in various
forms. Metanoia has an agreement with the Joybean Coffee Co., which
allows the organization to purchase the beans, roast them, bag them
and sell them. The money is then reinvested into the community.
Ferguson recognizes that young people today are interested in helping
their communities, too. He encourages students who are a part of
La Roche’s community-based service groups to keep an open eye and
be aware of the needs of others.
“I would just encourage [students] to keep reaching out to those who
are in need and those who are less fortunate. We just need to be
sensitive to the needs of others and be willing to step-out of our comfort
zones,” he said.
Ferguson is enjoying giving back to the world around him. He is
working on finishing up a doctorate in ministry with an emphasis in
leadership, which complements the diverse educational background he
has earned to date: a bachelor’s degree in psychology from La Roche,
another bachelor’s degree in biblical studies and a master’s degree in
pastoral counseling. He notes that all of his experiences have helped
him become more dedicated to a mission shared with his alma mater,
La Roche: giving back to the community and the world.
“I believe the education, the diversity of the student body, the staff and
the friendships that I formed all had a part in shaping who I am today,”
he said.
Deaths:
Anna Ruth Chalmers, BA ’88, on Jan. 26, 2009
Agnes K. Duda Marner, BA ’82, on Feb. 6, 2009
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