Alumnus Feature

Ben Pascal-FNW Alumnus

Ben Pascal :: 02/01/12
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Ben Pascal. MDiv

My nickname is Rev. Ski Bum.  Once a month during the winter I preach in my ski boots at the 9,000-foot summit of the gondola at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.  After worship, I ski with old and new friends as we spend the rest of the day in fellowship on the slopes.

I graduated from Fuller Northwest in 2009.  I am Associate Pastor at the Presbyterian Church of Jackson Hole in Wyoming.  Our Senior Pastor is also a Fuller alumnus and an amazing mentor.  Our small town is the gateway to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, and it is one of the most beautiful places on earth.  However, like anywhere else in the world, there are many people who are experiencing pain and brokenness in their lives.  There are many who still need to know and receive the love of God in order to experience reconciliation, redemption and restoration in Christ.

As Associate Pastor, I lead our Children, Youth and Family Ministries, in addition to Missions.  I love being a part of a medium-size church where I have the opportunity to be involved in many aspects of our church’s mission and ministry.  One day I will be preaching during worship or teaching a class; the next day I will be leading a volunteer meeting or chapel time with our preschoolers.  Some days I am involved in finance and fundraising, other days I am counseling an engaged couple or a troubled young adult.  During some seasons of the year I lead a service team to Guatemala, or I guide teenagers into the Wind River Mountains of Wyoming.  Other times I get the opportunity to baptize people, officiate at a wedding, or proclaim the resurrection at a funeral.  On my days off I walk through God’s majestic creation as the Lord restores my soul and prepares me for next week’s work of ministry.

God called me to Jackson Hole, Wyoming.  Fuller prepared me for this call.  My classes, my professors, my fellow classmates, and the staff all helped me along the journey of seminary.  It took me 5 years to complete my MDiv and I went through many trials and doubts during my time in seminary.  There were some years when I thought I’d never finish, and I doubted God’s call on my life.  Although I might have questioned my purpose… God never did.  I am thankful for Fuller and to our God who persistently calls us to Himself and to a world in great need.