My faith tradition, which embraces reformed theology acknowledges that a sovereign God is at work in all the world, thus the church and its people should be concerned about governance, human rights, and policy, especially any policy that undermines liberation and is either covertly or overtly oppressive. I am drawn to and prefer to work in ministry for the church’s convictions regarding justice, peace and freedom through community action and advocacy toward effecting change that helps to make the kind of world God intends. With regard to my specific upbringing (Presbyterian: PCUSA): I was raised under the guidance of parents and grandparents who were firm advocates of the importance of education as integral to the faith path – and not just any education: we were guided as scholars of the faith and schooled early on the importance of leveling the playing field for others by reaching out into sectors of society where people struggle with everything from finding decent housing, to basic sustenance such as food, water, heating, and education. The necessity of fighting for social justice in that arena by being actively involved was stressed. It is no accident that I, initially, became a teacher (30+ years of classroom teaching is behind me). Like many believers, reading the writings of theologians and apologists through the ages has broadened my perspective and deepened my faith. Many in my family have been missionaries who opened schools, dug wells, and administered health care in far-flung locations. This appeals to my playing-field-leveling, faith-orientation. The themes that have most influenced my faith path are educationally and service oriented and both have been articulated in my career, many ministries, and educational work.