Seven talented, energetic people have responded to God’s call to spend one school year at Portland Fellowship. They will live in community in Fellowship House, study under some of Portland’s finest teachers, and assist in PF’s ministries. We are humbled by the array of gifts and experiences these folk will bring. Please welcome:
steve baliko
From Anchorage, Alaska, Steve, 32, writes, “I’m not sure I can do anything that isn’t ministry.” He served as a youth group leader, a Habitat for Humanity worker, full-time volunteer residential treatment counselor with emotionally disturbed boys, and a youth pastor. He has worked as an office manager and substitute school teacher. A pastor writes, “ Steve is a humble, growing man who causes those around him to grow as well.”
laura birdsong
Since Laura, 33, is a Portland resident, her call to the Upper Room was discussed at the local Starbuck’s. She is one of the most remarkable graduates of Taking Back Ground. Her writing and speaking already communicates the transforming work of Jesus in her life: “Been there, done that, got the t-shirt, burned the t-shirt.” Her work experience includes service as a pharmacy technician in the Army. All of us who know Laura and her willingness to be used by the Lord expect her to raise the energy level of the program by a few mega-volts!
michael brown
One of our own, Michael, 22, is a student at Mount Hood Community College, working on a certificate in Outdoor Education. He comes recommended as a thoughtful leader, an active listener, and a hard “behind the scenes” worker. His philosophy of ministry: “To be stretched and humbled as I watch God transform lives around and through me.” Michael has already demostrated his willingness to server by assisting with PF’s spring retreat.
sean harlow
One of two interns from Missouri, Sean, 36, currently serves full-time on the staff of a local Lutheran Church. This after serving in the Marines, as a volunteer missionary to Taiwan, and as a recruiter for the missions board of his national church denominational offices. His hope is obtain a Masters in Psychology with the intent of doing family counseling within the church for young people struggling with sexually related issues.
philip imamura
Philip, 33, is a fourth-generation Japanese Hawaiian resident. He earned a B.A., from the University of Hawaii at Manoa and is continuing his studies with the goal of starting a ministry that will bring the Gospel to the Gay Community in Hawaii, or possibly the Philippines. His pastor writes, “I have had the privilege to serve alongside Philip on two short-term mission trips to the Philippines…at every opportunity he shared the testimony of his struggle and the love and grace of Christ…God used him to touch the hearts of those who have similar struggles.”
joshua kilpatrick
When we responded to Joshua’s pastor that he had been accepted into the program, the answer shot back was, “Good decision!” Josh, 27, is a software designer from Texas, who earned his B.S. in Computer Science at Mississippi State University. “His desire is to serve God with all of his heart, “ writes his pastor. “He is very organized and one of his gifts is obviously administration. His caring nature and concern for the well being of others is very evident…” Listen to an audio Clip by Joshua Kilpatrick - click here
matt lieberman
The other intern from the “Show-me” state (Missouri), Matt, 28, waited patiently (and profitably) for more than a year for the Upper Room program to restart. Matt’s special vocation is to serve the Deaf Community with the good news of Jesus’ healing power. Matt’s ability to communicate in both the hearing and Deaf communities places him in a unique position to do this ministry. He has worked in Deaf Ministries Worldwide in Sulphur, Oklahoma, and made presentations at a number of conferences. Matt, a personable and sensitive communicator, also has gifts for art and drama.