Isabelle Jarvis

"It is not the greatness of our work which matters to God, but the love with which it is done." - Brother Lawerence

• Expertise
  My experiences in rock and mineral identification, guiding hiking trips, and brewing the perfect cup of coffee have made me an expert in these areas, and, more importantly, have showed me that the opportunity for ministry presents itself everywhere!
• Research Interests
  During my senior year at Furman University, I got the opportunity to complete two Thesis papers, one for each of my areas of study. To complete my BA in Religion, I wrote extensively on Christianity's perspectives on climate change, and dove deeply into Genesis 1-3 to discuss our call as one body to environmental stewardship. In this paper, I also put into conversation how different Biblical translations may impact views and arguments present in secondary sourced literature. To complete my BA in Earth and Environmental Science, I wrote a thesis paper on the mineralogical observations of a rock complex in the Spruce Pine Mining District. The conclusions made in this thesis were derived from a combination of making on site geological observations and interpretations, running chemical analysis on rock samples collected in the field, and comparing a specific rock type to two other mining locations in western USA that hold striking similarities. The findings of this study promote education about this specific rock type and how the minerals observed are critical to a more sustainable future.
• Teaching & Education

  Bachelors of Arts in Religion
  Furman University
  Greenville, South Carolina
  2023

  Bachelors of Arts in Earth and Environmental Sciences
  Furman University
  Greenville, South Carolina
  2023

• Professional Experience

  During my college years, my heart for the Lord grew when I got to study His creation in depth, and my love for the natural world (rocks, minerals and crystals in particular), has led me to many beautiful places! I seasonally worked in camp ministry with Sky Ranch in Lake City, Colorado for three years where I served in a range of positions from Adventure Guide, Activities Lead, Camp Counselor, and Work Crew member. After college, I served as a Regional Director for a college women’s ministry named Delight. Throughout this year long position, I traveled across Georgia and the Carolinas, visiting Delight chapters on college campuses to equip and disciple the young leaders there. This role was made possible through support-raising for my salary and ministry expenses, and I am grateful for the experience and expertise gained through fundraising. Recently, I worked as a barista at a local coffee shop in the Greenville area.

• Selected Awards Received

  Bell Tower Scholar, Furman University
  LD Johnson Humanities Scholar, Furman University
  Research Fellow for the Earth and Environmental Science Department at Furman University

• My Story

  I was born and raised in Tyler, Texas, and I have always been increasingly grateful that I have parents who took me to church growing up. My home church did well to ensure that I knew much about God, the Bible, and the importance of having, and keeping, the faith. While I gained a solid foundation about God through my church, my personal walk with Him truly became tangible and life-giving when I began attending Sky Ranch, a Christian summer camp in east Texas. One summer, at age 11, I gave my life to Christ and have felt changed ever since. As I progressed into high school and college, my faith continued to be my biggest priority in life, and I began working for Sky Ranch every summer because I wanted to pour into campers in the same way I had been poured into by the counselors and staff that were there when I surrendered my heart to the Lord. Looking back, it is so easy to see the Lord’s hand at work when He led me to Greenville, SC to attend Furman University for college. Up until college, I had never experienced Christ-centered community apart from Sky Ranch, and I was desperate for more than just what I had during the summer months. At Furman, I got involved with a women’s ministry called Delight, and after two years as a member, I stepped onto leadership. Through this women’s ministry, I was also able to find a local church to attend every Sunday, and five years later, I still attend. The Lord moved prominently in Delight and blessed me with a group of women I know I have found friendship, community, and accountability with for life. Through the connections I made even my first year in this ministry, I was able to find a church home that nurtures my daily walk with God. After graduating college, I went on to work for Delight Ministries, and the Lord exponentially grew my heart to pour into the next generation. Daily, I am amazed at His faithfulness and love for me, my life, and those around me.