āI love what I do,ā says Jessica Zahrt, who teaches kindergarten and first grade at Our Saviorās, Wausau, Wis. āThereās nothing better than seeing progress in young studentsā academic and social skills and watching their knowledge of God and faith in him grow.ā
When Jessicaās three children were in school, she began looking into masterās programs. āMartin Luther College (MLC) was the best fit for me,ā explains Zahrt. āI loved the undergrad education I received there, which was focused on Godās Word and ministering to children and their families. . . . MLCās completely online format was also convenient for me as a busy mom and teacher, and from what I found, also the most economical choice for our budget.ā
Zahrt enrolled in MLCās program in 2012 and graduated in 2016.
Reflecting on her time in graduate school, she says, āI most enjoyed the camaraderie of learning with fellow Christian teachers who are in classrooms so similar to mine. . . . These classmates, along with caring professors, encouraged me in my ministry to grow, improve, and faithfully continue to ārun the raceā (Hebrews 12:1).ā

Nate Wordell
In August 2016, Nate Wordell was ordained and installed as a tutor at Martin Luther College (also pictured is MLC President Mark Zarling). Wordell is a 2016 Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary graduate and a 2012 Martin Luther College graduate. Shortly before Wordell received his assignment to MLC, he reflected on his time there: āMLC taught me about Godās Word. Whether I become a pastor or not, the most important thing I can do is read my Bible. That is hands-down my biggest takeaway from MLC. MLC also helped me better understand people. . . . MLC taught me how much people need Jesusāmyself included.ā

Move-in Day
On move-in day, Martin Luther College students were greeted with tables around campus advertising organizations to join and opportunities to build relationships and gain ministry experience. MLC freshman Jonah Backus says, āMLC is an amazing environment for learning and being encouraged in the faith.ā MLCās first semester on-campus enrollment in fall 2016 totaled 742. For more information, visit mlc-wels.edu.