Dear Alumni,

 As you can see, changes abound!

At the 2009 Alumni Banquet, it was announced that new officers had been appointed to the Alumni Association. James Archuleta, President (‘97); George Tichnel, Vice President (‘98); Janice McNeely, Secretary (‘95); and Naomi Sirmans, Treasurer (’95) have served the Alumni of Mount Zion for many years with unwavering faithfulness! We honor them for their steadfast service and commitment.

The new officers appointed are: President, Michael Fratt (‘07); Vice-President, Nikolas Godshall (‘07); Secretary, Ariel Hopkins (‘06); and Treasurer, Leah Howard (‘07). The appointments were effective May 1, 2009. You can find out more information about each new appointee below.

We pray that each of you will appreciate the new direction the Lord is taking the Alumni Association. Our goal is to continue to be encouraging, informative and innovative. We have many ideas but need your support and participation for them to be accomplished.

Please take the time to read every part of this newsletter. We have included new sections and expanded other ones that we think you will enjoy. If you have a comment, we want to hear it. In fact, we want to hear all about your life. Do not forget to tell us when you get married, have a baby, start a new ministry work, or simply need prayer. We are exhorted in Galatians 6:2 to ‘bear one another’s burdens.’ I would like to think that means the good and the challenging. We love you and are praying for you continually! We expect to hear from all of you soon.

 Michael Fratt - Alumni Association President

Alumni Officer Profiles

Alumni Association President - Michael Fratt ('07)

Hailing from Atlanta, Georgia, Michael Fratt attended Georgia State University to pursue a career in journalism. After two years of college, he left to continue climbing the corporate ladder. While working for a major airline, he rededicated his heart to the Lord and felt a call to ministry. Michael learned about Mount Zion after searching for Bible colleges online. He was accepted for the 2004 school year. Since graduating in 2007, he has been working in the Communications Ministry at Times Square Church.

Alumni Association Vice-President - Nikolas Godshall ('07)

Nikolas Godshall was born and raised in Pennsylvania. Nikolas grew up in church and heard the call of God to ministry at the early age of seven. Despite the struggles and difficulties that came with the years, the Lord was faithful to keep a strong love burning in Nikolas’ heart for his Jesus. It was this love that caused him to follow the Holy Spirit’s leading to Mount Zion in 2004 after seeing a pamphlet in one of Pastor David’s newsletters. Since graduating in 2007, Nikolas has served Mount Zion in New York City, co-leading the street evangelism team; in Nigeria, participating in evangelism and medical missions; and now at Mount Zion itself. His responsibilities at Mount Zion include teaching, preaching, leading worship and organizing various outreaches to the Harrisburg area.

Alumni Association Secretary - Ariel Hopkins ('06)

Ariel Hopkins was born and raised in New Mexico. Ariel felt God calling her to full-time ministry at the age of eighteen. She obeyed the call of God by coming to Mount Zion in the fall of 2003. After graduating in 2006, Ariel joined as a staff member at Mount Zion. Since then she has been leading a ministry to children and teenagers in the inner city of Harrisburg, overseeing a street evangelism team in the same area and ministering in the women’s prison. Ariel is also the head of the Sunday School Department at Mount Zion Church of the Holy Spirit (campus church) and assists in meeting other church needs.

Alumni Association Treasurer - Leah Howard ('07)

Leah Howard was born in Houston, Texas, and raised in the small town of Clatskanie, Oregon. Growing up she was involved in both church and community activities, teaching Sunday School, working at a Christian school, volunteering in her community and working at a local newspaper. After receiving Pastor David’s newsletter for several years and seeing the various times Mount Zion was highlighted, God called Leah to come to Mount Zion in 2004. Upon her graduation in 2007 she decided to remain as a staff member at Mount Zion. Her involvement at Mount Zion includes working in the academic department, teaching Christian Literature, scheduling guest speakers, planning various events throughout the year and assisting the admissions department.