International Women’s Day, celebrated annually on March 8, has commemorated the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women for more than a century. Celebrating women and all the amazing things they have accomplished and continue to accomplish is nothing new to the Bible or to Geneva College, one of the first colleges in the nation to provide educational opportunities to women.
Women in the Bible Who Were Willing to Serve
Although pagan religions and other ancient cultures have long devalued women, often relegating them to less than second class citizens and many times giving them no more value than that of a possession that could easily be discarded, from the very beginning, the Bible clearly sets the record straight concerning women and their value. Just like Adam, Eve was created in the image of God. Through Eve and all women who were to come after her, God shows us that His purpose cannot be fulfilled without equal participation of both men and women.
From great military heroes to prophets to strong believers in Jesus and His ministry, women in the Bible have clearly demonstrated strength, character
In the book of Judges, we find Deborah, a prophetess, leader
Next, we stop in the Book of Esther to witness the faith and bravery of a beautiful young Jewish woman who was to become a Persian queen. The story could have stopped there — Esther could have chosen to live in the lap of luxury. Instead, when the Jewish people were threatened with annihilation, she willingly put the lives of others ahead of her own, turning the tables on the enemies of her people. Her principles and courage allowed God to use her to save His chosen people, enabling the lineage that would produce our savior to continue.
Many women in the New Testament demonstrate faith by following Jesus in His ministry. None show more bravery and courage than one of His most devout and unwavering followers, Mary Magdalene. Mary Magdalene, Jesus’ most prominent female disciple, demonstrated great courage and faith. Not only did she follow Jesus when He posed a threat to a vicious and evil king as He ministered in Herod’s territory, but she also remained with Jesus throughout His crucifixion when all the other disciples, except the apostle John, had fled. Even after His death, her devotion to Jesus persisted. She continued to visit the tomb to anoint His body, at which point she became the first person to which He appeared after His resurrection.
Mary the mother of Jesus, demonstrated obedience and faith by her willingness to surrender to the will of God despite the prospect of great shame to herself and her family. Mary exhibited immense faith at a very young age in her willingness to become the mother of our savior. This distinct honor brought abundant joy and great sorrow; and through it all, she persevered as a devoted servant who honored God by saying, “yes.”
The inability to bear a child is a common theme in both the new and old testaments – Sarah, Rachel, Hannah
Geneva Prepares Women to Serve
Just as these women of the Bible were faithful and fearless in the face of difficult circumstances, confident in who they were and the God they served, we here at Geneva encourage women to be courageous, enthusiastic and willing to make a difference in the world around them.
Geneva College fosters academic strength and creates an environment conducive to preparing students to serve God and those around them in all aspects of life. One of the first colleges in the nation to provide educational opportunities to women, Geneva trains women to excel in a wide range of fields, from engineering to education and everything in between.
Genna Frederick, a 2012 engineering graduate, discovered Geneva to be a safe learning environment filled with people who really cared about her, giving her a chance to deal with and overcome the major life issues with which she struggled. “At Geneva, they minister to the whole person. There was no time in my life that were more passionate and compassionate Christian leaders pouring into my life.”
A chaplain for Pittsburgh police officers and a 2004 graduate of Geneva’s Community Ministry program, Millie Johnson uses the skills she learned at Geneva to develop programs for youth and the elderly. “I learned the importance of transformational leadership; Geneva truly prepared me for my life’s work.”
Melissa D’Angelo, a 2006 MBA graduate, shares why she chose Geneva, “The professors have real-life experiences in the business world. They were coming from a Christian viewpoint, and they were going to teach us how to be Christians in the workplace. Geneva prepares us to go out into the real world.”
Stephanie Poe, Geneva graduate
These women and many others like them have found Geneva to be a college that instills intellectual agility and practical wisdom, empowering them to serve God and the world around them.
If you’d like to learn more about how Geneva qualifies you to serve wholeheartedly and faithfully in your life’s work or want to learn more about a biblically based, Christ-centered education at Geneva, we’d love to chat with you. For more information on how Geneva College can help you pursue your education goals, please phone us at 855-979-5563 or email web@geneva.edu.
Opinions expressed in the Geneva Blog are those of its contributors and do not necessarily represent the opinions or official position of the College. The Geneva Blog is a place for faculty and contributing writers to express points of view, academic insights, and contribute to national conversations to spark thought, conversation, and the pursuit of truth, in line with our philosophy as a Christian, liberal arts institution.
Mar 8, 2019
Read about the origins of Black History Month, some people in history you may not have heard before, and why Black history should be celebrated year-round.
Read to learn more about the history and celebration of the newest federal holiday, Juneteenth.
After ministering in local churches for nearly 20 years, Geneva College alumnus Kent Chevalier '99 accepted a unique ministry position as the chaplain for the NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers through the Athletes in Action organization. Chevalier and wife Erica support the players and their families during the season and raise their own support in the off season.
Though the path is uncertain, He knows the way, He created the path, and He already knows your destination. In the meantime, trust this season of graduation and rest in Him. Rest in His arms as you wait for the journey to begin.
When you’re starting college, you might not know what you want to focus on yet. That is completely normal and much more common than you might think. So, yes, you can start college as an undeclared major and many schools encourage this time of exploration. Geneva College even has a dedicated program for students with undeclared majors to help them identify God’s calling in their lives and careers.
One of the greatest ways to prepare for the job market after graduation is to participate in an internship program. If you’re new to the internship process, you probably have lots of questions.
Arcade video games. Go-Karts. Trampolines. Ice cream. History. Need a place to get away from the books and papers for an afternoon of fun? Here's part 2 of your guide to the numerous places to visit in the Beaver Falls area.
As I walked the Via Dolorosa (The Way of Suffering), I was walking the very path of Christ from Palm Sunday to the crucifixion. As I stood in the remains of Jericho, I was reminded of God’s faithfulness in delivering the city into the hands of the Israelites. As I scooped water from the Jordan River, I was reminded that Christ is the living water. It was indeed the trip of a lifetime and my faith will forever be changed because of it.
Each February, the U.S. recognizes the importance of African Americans throughout our country’s history with Black History Month. This month provides us with a time to celebrate the accomplishments and achievements of African American heroes and learn more about their impact on our nation. As part of this month-long celebration, find out more about some of the most important historical figures who have played an important role in U.S. history.
Breaks are important. They help you to recharge. They give your brain a chance to rest. But getting back into the groove of going to classes and hitting the books after a holiday break can be difficult.
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