Ashley Zehr '21, Social Work & Global and International Studies
Ashley Zehr ‘21 has already had the opportunity to travel the world spreading God’s Word. Though she initially came to Malone because of the music scholarship she received, she has also realized her passion for social work and global and international studies through the help of faculty and student mentors in her life. She enjoys staying connected with the performing arts as the co-president of Alpha Psi Omega (APO), Malone’s theater honor society, and as the chaplain of the University Chorale.
“After high school, I went to Youth With A Mission’s discipleship training school in Brisbane, Australia,” Zehr said. “Then I had the opportunity to do outreach in Cusco, Peru. It was an incredible experience to learn more about who God is and to meet people from many other countries.”
These experiences made Zehr’s desire to travel and serve internationally even stronger. In 2019, she joined Frontline Ministries International on their trips to São Paulo, Brazil to help lead a children’s and youth program in the favelas (a low-income settlement) and to Mozambique, an East African country, for a more crusade-style sharing of the Gospel. Zehr also went to Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire, countries in West Africa, to lead a training conference called Kingdom Bible School for local church leaders.
“My perception of evangelism was people going, sharing, leaving, and that’s it,” Zehr said. “But knowing that there’s still an aspect of discipleship that continues to serve partnering churches and pastors in the area was really encouraging to me. It’s cool to see how others approach sharing the love of Christ.”
Zehr planned to study abroad in Romania in spring 2021, but due to COVID-19, she instead chose to work with the Immigrant Worker Project in Canton. She works with the Latino community, helping them navigate paperwork and logistics concerning medical expenses and residency at their legal firm. Upon graduation, she will continue mission work with Frontline Ministries International. She credits her success in pursuing her dreams to her relationship with Jesus and spiritual family and to the support and relationships she has found at Malone.
“Faculty have been my main support throughout my time here,” Zehr said. “Classes with smaller groups have helped me to learn through discussion and there are always people to reach out to when I have questions or want to process life. Many classes have interdisciplinary opportunities as well. I have enjoyed hearing the thoughts of others and what they have experienced in their own studies.”
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