I came to Columbus 24 years ago as statewide director of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. Almost immediately, our family joined Smoky Row. Ben has shared that story so I won’t. Over the years, I’ve taught Adult Ed, served on the Board of Directors (now the Governance Team) and had a stint as moderator, as well as occasionally shared in our preaching.
My day job is serving as the Senior Area Director for InterVarsity’s Graduate and Faculty Ministry in the Ohio Valley. I lead a team of six staff covering an area stretching from Cincinnati to Pittsburgh and from Morgantown, WV to Cleveland. I also serve as the staff member for the graduate fellowship of InterVarsity at Ohio State, the Christian Graduate Student Alliance. I would describe my passion as helping bring the love of God and the love of learning together in the lives of graduate students and faculty. I love a line from a poem by Gerard Manley Hopkins that says, “For Christ plays in ten thousand places.” One of the things I love is to see all the different places Christ is at play across campus in different areas of research and the quiet faithfulness of so many of his people from janitorial staff to college presidents.
Through the influence of my blogging son and the encouragement of some colleagues, I launched a blog in this past year, “Bob on Books” that now has been viewed more than 5,000 times. I post on a nearly daily basis reviews of books, thoughts about reading, and wider reflections on life that come out of both what I read and observe. I’ve always thought I communicated better in writing and I think maybe I’ve discovered where my son got the writing bug from!
My artist wife Marilyn helps me slow down and see what is in front of me, whether it is a still life that I am helping her set up and photograph or a plein air outing with the Worthington Area Arts League. I take a sketch pad along and “doodle” while my wife creates real art. I also sing with Capriccio Columbus and Marilyn graciously endures listening to me practice music. We both enjoy gardening, indoors and out, and going for walks in local Metroparks as well as through used bookstores and art supply stores.
Going Deeper 