"Storyteller" at University Worship January 8

The first University Worship of La Sierra's Winter Quarter features Dick Duerksen, who is Assistant to the President of Maranatha Volunteeers International, where he serves as Storyteller. Duerksen is coming to the La Sierra Campus as part of Mission Emphasis Week, sponsored by the Spiritual Life office.

Dick has worked within the Seventh-day Adventist church as a pastor, administrator, editor, planner and consultant for creative ministry.

In his Maranatha responsibilities, Dick hosts the weekly television show, Maranatha Mission Stories, and authors a variety of articles and stories for the organization. Additionally, Dick and his wife Brenda work as "storycatchers" while traveling to Maranatha project sites around the world. Brenda's skills as a registered nurse, health educator, and experienced "Mom" help enhance the health impact of Maranatha's projects.

As a writer and photographer, Dick also authors a regular feature article for the Lake Union Herald, and provides weekly screensavers and "environmental impact" photographs for a variety of hospitals, magazines and spiritual displays.

Brenda and Dick are celebrating 38 years of marriage and enjoy spending time with the families of their three children. Jeremy and Suzanne in Colorado; Julene and Rouru , and Chuckie, Griffyn, and Gwen in New Zealand; and Joy in Southern California.

PR Contact: Larry Becker
Executive Director of University Relations
La Sierra University
Riverside, California
951.785.2460 (voice)