Hi, I’m Miajah [Mi-ah-jay] Colon…

Where are you from?

I am from Malden, MA, which is considered the greater Boston area! I love the diversity and how it gives city vibes, but it is still very homey! I love how close I am to Boston, transit access, and all the foodie spots.

Why is discipleship important to you?

Through discipleship, you learn the way—learn what it looks like to live for Jesus, but also how to practically remain in the faith when troubles come. Discipleship allows us to fellowship, encourage, and also wrestle through things that are weighing on our hearts. It is a beautiful place where one can be nurtured and also learn how to sustain the faith.

What makes you excited to disciple at Gordon College?

I am really excited to help college students who are wrestling with pursuing the call God has for their lives, learning who they are, and growing deeper in their relationship with God. I can’t wait to cheer you on, provide words of encouragement, share insights on the things I have learned, and accompany you on this journey!

How have you been discipled in the past?

I have been discipled in many ways through relationships with fellow sisters in Christ, pastors, and mentors. I had a sister in Christ teach me the way of following Jesus. I’ve had pastors show me how to grow as a leader, how to lead in ministry, and so much more. I was able to be immersed in these people’s lives and see what it looks like on a day-to-day basis to follow Christ.

What are your favorite things to learn about?

I love to learn about psychology, sociology, spiritual formation, belonging in the digital age, suffering well, and healing from trauma. I also enjoy theology and the Old Testament! I overall LOVE learning about Jesus, the Holy Spirit, who God is, and growing deeper in relationship with Him.

What do you like to do for fun?

I love making lattes and trying new recipes! I love watching K-dramas and old Disney Channel shows. I am a big foodie and love trying new cafes and food spots. I also have random hobbies that I forget about and rediscover all the time, such as crochet, LEGO, painting, and poetry, among others. Overall, my favorite thing to do for fun is spend time with friends and family.

Hi, I’m Peter Crossman…

Where are you from?

I grew up on the South Shore of Massachusetts in the small town of Pembroke. I then moved up to the North Shore when I went to Gordon College and haven’t left. My favorite location that I have lived has been Manchester-by-the-Sea for its beaches and old town feel.

Why is discipleship important to you?

Jesus commissioned us to disciple others; yet, a common experience is that many Christians have never been in discipling relationships, themselves. I believe strongly that Jesus is calling us to be in community to honor him and encourage one another to be more like him.

What makes you excited to disciple at Gordon College?

Spoiler, my wife Kristin (RD) and I live in Evans Hall on Gordon’s campus. Even before we moved and before I was thinking about serving as a discipler for the Discipleship Experience, I was already hopeful to grow relationships with students that I could pour into. Gordon is also a return home for me, since I was a student here back in 2017; so, I connect with the experiences that many of the students are walking through now. We all can benefit from intentional friendships and mentorships and college is one of the most opportune times to start.

How have you been discipled in the past?

I have had mentors in the past that discipled me for a season, especially during uncertain times (big life decisions and covid). What stood out from this was how present and patient my mentors were in helping me to feel cared for; it allowed us to go deeper than I had expected. Jesus worked within these relationships and provided mentors that were able to walk with me at times when I was looking for guidance and support. Most recently, I was thinking about seminary but lacked direction since it was such a change in direction for me. God provided and he used my mentor to slowly and patiently prepare me for where I am now heading.

What are your favorite things to learn about?

Theology and apologetics have really grabbed my attention. I am also a fan of history and movies. I find the way we communicate and share values through media or through written word to be full of meaning and allows us to connect with those we otherwise would not be able to due to time or location.

What do you like to do for fun?

I’ve been telling students in Evans that I’m living my best life because I can once again skateboard around campus! I also enjoy running, videography, and woodworking.

Hi, I’m Catherine Frondorf…

Where are you from?

I am originally from Arlington, VA, where I lived until I was 18 years old. I went to college in Maryland and also studied abroad in Spain. Over the years, I have lived in several different places, including Austin, TX; North Conway, NH; and Cape Cod, MA. However, my favorite place I have ever lived was in Klamath National Forest, where I spent six months working on a trail crew and living out of a tent.

Why is discipleship important to you?

Discipleship is important to me because it provides the opportunity for believers to spend time in fellowship. I firmly believe that gathering together—engaging in meaningful conversations, holding space for one another, laughing together, and everything in between—allows us to witness the Holy Spirit in each other, and deepens our experience of what it means to live a Christian life well. Ultimately, I believe that the goal of discipleship is to strengthen Christians so that, as the body of Christ, we are better equipped to face the challenges before us.

What makes you excited to disciple at Gordon College?

I am excited to connect with young(er) people and talk about God—He is my favorite subject after all! When I reflect on my time in college, I did not have the privilege of a mentor who was there to support or guide me. I feel excited about the idea of connecting with college students and, with the bit of wisdom I have, supporting them in any way I can.

How have you been discipled in the past?

While I am relatively new to the Christian faith (3 years), I have had tremendous opportunities to be discipled by professors and friends alike at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Before I came here, I was blessed to be discipled by my friend, Brittany, who was the Associate Pastor and leader of Social Life at Cape Cod Church. I am now blessed with a wonderful priest at my Parish and have found comfort in knowing that I can reach out to him anytime.

What are your favorite things to learn about?

There are so many things I love to learn about! I am fascinated by human nature and psychopathology, Christian theology, political ideologies, hermeneutics, counseling theories, biohacking, art, dream interpretation, and spiritual formation. I am a podcast junkie and enjoy consuming information about culture, fashion, and current events as well. Most of all, I am interested in learning how to deepen my relationship with Jesus.

What do you like to do for fun?

Oh man, these days my version of “fun” is sitting down with a hot cup of tea and watching a movie. However, if I had my way, I would be doing “foodie” things, taking a spontaneous trip up to the mountains or to see a museum in Boston, making art, going to the beach, or finding a secret watering hole, and walking around barefoot in the grass. I enjoy watching things grow in my garden plot, taking walks around campus, spotting the resident wildlife, and experiencing the wondrous mysteries of God’s creation.

Hi, I’m Abby Lee…

Where are you from?

I’m from Upstate NY, and LOVE being here on the North Shore! The easy access to the ocean (especially on a nice summer evening) never gets old! Although, nothing can ever beat Upstate NY’s fall foliage and seasonal goodies!

Why is discipleship important to you?

One of the great gifts of being a part of the body of Christ is the opportunity to stand on the shoulders of those who, with love and excitement, can lift us up and help us stay on the path of Christ’s will. We were not meant to walk alone, and discipleship is one of the ways that we, united children of God from all walks of life, support each other in love. By participating in Christ-centered discipleship, I believe we glorify our God who made us to be in relationship with Him and with each other.

What makes you excited to disciple at Gordon College?

College is such a formative time. You are smart, well-equipped, and offered what can often feel like too many options for what to do now, and after your studies! It is both exciting and overwhelming to process college and what comes after. I am excited to cheer you on, support you through the difficulties, remind you that God cares for you every moment, and if I can, offer a little help along the way.

How have you been discipled in the past?

I have had many church members disciple me in the past, exemplifying what it means to prioritize God in a world that tells us to prioritize ourselves. It is the embodiment of faith and confidence in Christ that so many of them personified that shaped me into who I am today. I hope to someday be able to lead by example the way I have been led.

What are your favorite things to learn about?

Along with Theology, I love the study of Communications. In particular, the way people choose to communicate, the meta-messaging, and the way the communication of an issue is used to shape perception and response. But my favorite things to learn about are whatever people are passionate about—when people are excited to share, explain, or teach, it is exciting to learn!

What do you like to do for fun?

I love to eat—trying new restaurants, baking new recipes, taste testing for other people’s cooking; connecting over food is the BEST! I also love board games, taking walks with people, reading fantasy books, and driving around playing loud music!

Hi, I’m Lisa Martin…

Where are you from?

I’m from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, which is where I lived until I moved here to Massachusetts. I think that both places are so beautiful in their own ways, but the rolling hills of Lancaster and the quirky historic towns are where my heart lives.

Why is discipleship important to you?

Discipleship provides the opportunity to lean on each other’s faith in tough times, to repeatedly remind each other that God is good. The disciplers in my life lent me their faith when I couldn’t believe for myself.

What makes you excited to disciple at Gordon College?

College was a wonderful and incredibly formative time for me, and I was fortunate to have some wise and supportive people around me as I grappled with big questions and ideas. It gives me so much joy to come alongside other students and be one of those people for them.

How have you been discipled in the past?

I have had a number of people in my life who have filled this role for me. Most of the time, it was being able to share honestly about my questions and experiences, and to feel that they would always draw my focus toward God but never judge or condemn me. I owe the fact that I am still a believer in Christ to these people and their gentle consistency.

What are your favorite things to learn about?

I’m endlessly curious about human behavior and have been known to read psychology research for fun. I also enjoy learning about food, trying new cooking methods, and experimenting with different ingredients. Lately, I’ve become very interested in sustainability and love to learn about (and try to implement) lifestyle changes that create less waste and steward resources well.

What do you like to do for fun?

I love people, ideas, and the outdoors, so any combination of these is wonderful. Running takes up a significant part of my free time right now, and I also love to take advantage of the beautiful New England woods by hiking every chance I get. I love a good novel or social commentary, chatting with friends, cooking, camping, singing, and creating handmade cards.

Hi, I’m Miko Pasimio…

Where are you from?

I grew up in Las Vegas, NV and then lived in Seattle for about 8 years. If I had to pick a favorite between the two, I’d have to go with Seattle!

Why is discipleship important to you?

I believe we make the greatest strides in our faith through discipleship. Our world is hungry for authentic relationships lived out as Christ intended, with discipleship being one of the most essential.

What makes you excited to disciple at Gordon College?

My college experience—like most—was a mixed bag; there were plenty of great memories, but also breakups, the loneliness of moving to a new state, the unhealthy striving to impress others, and my own personal struggles. The only reason my faith not only survived but thrived in college was because of a handful of people who cared enough to invest meaningful time and energy into my life. I want to do the same for others.

How have you been discipled in the past?

The most meaningful discipleship relationship I’ve experienced was in college. One of the pastors at my church took me under his wing, helping me discern God’s calling, reconcile with my father, and grow in my love for Jesus.

What are your favorite things to learn about?

I enjoy learning about the Bible (obviously!), apologetics, things related to pastoral ministry, nutrition, and fitness.

What do you like to do for fun?

I enjoy doing active things! My favorite hobbies include: tennis, pickleball, runs, CrossFit, and going on walks.

Hi, I’m Hill Yauger…

Where are you from?

I’m from Richmond, Virginia, and have lived in a couple other small towns in VA. I’ve loved each one more than the last, and hopefully I’ll get to say the same thing about MA!

Why is discipleship important to you?

I’ve probably listened to thousands of sermons and lessons about following Jesus, and I’ve forgotten way more than I’d like to admit. What I will never forget, however, is the way older followers of Jesus have shared their lives with me and shown me what it means to give my life to Him in all seasons—the good, the bad, and the ugly. We’re all walking the same road, and we won’t make it very far if we don’t lean on the people a few steps ahead of us.

What makes you excited to disciple at Gordon College?

If you’re a Gordon College student, this is one of the most exciting times of your life. Like Gandalf said: “Home is now behind you, the world is ahead!” I’m excited to help you discover who you are, and the person God is calling you to become.

How have you been discipled in the past?

I’ve been blessed to ride on the shoulders of the giants that came before me, and imitate them as they imitate Christ. I have learned to love Christ from some incredible people who took the time to invest in me as a person and as a fellow disciple of Jesus. Those friends and mentors have been smiling encouragers in times of joy, words of wisdom in times of confusion, and shoulders to cry on in times of difficulty. My heart for Christ and for others is owed to the ways he’s used those people in my life.

What are your favorite things to learn about?

I’ve been really into the French Revolution lately. We do not talk about it enough! I mean seriously, you should watch some YouTube videos on it; pretty crazy stuff. Other than that, I like to learn about religions and philosophy from people with different beliefs than me, and I love learning about God through fiction.

What do you like to do for fun?

I watch football and soccer religiously, even though my teams are terrible. I’m a big reader and an aggressively mediocre guitarist, and no matter the time or place, I can always be convinced to go for an ice cream run.