Alumnus Update: Laurie Malchow

by Laurie Malchow

Estimated Time to Read: 5 Minutes

We asked Laurie Malchow to share about her ministry work and how her time studying with BBI enriched her. Be encouraged, and join in prayer as she shares Christ’s heart for children across the globe, patients in distress, and vulnerable women.

My name is Laurie J. Malchow, and I am the Area Coordinator for Washington/Ozaukee Upper Midwest Team for Samaritans Purse Operation Christmas Child. The last thirteen years I have been a year-round volunteer for this Evangelical organization started in 1993 by Franklin Graham. The mission of OCC is to demonstrates God’s love in a tangible way through a shoebox gift filled with supplies/toys. Alongside the local church we share the good news of Jesus Christ and make disciples of the nations globally.

I recently completed my Associate Degree in Biblical Foundations at Berean Bible Institute.

I have been so blessed by BBI Ministry studies and curriculum. It has strengthened me in so many ways with my Walk and Journey with the Lord. 

Through the training at BBI, it has helped me develop character and strength in Christ as HE intended, through utilization of His absolute truth the Bible and alongside excellent Christian Leadership for guidance. God is creating character strengths and placing the full Armor of God in place, ready in all seasons of life. BBI has much to offer for those seeking to know Him in a deeper level. The studies have made me see the importance of His word and the Biblical guidance he has put in place for all of us. I studied more in-depth and learned more intensely about what He wants for me and my future. The plans He has put into place for me to prosper and not to harm, plans for a hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11).

With Operation Christmas Child, I have connected with over 50 churches/community groups in our area regularly every year. 85% of all the shoeboxes collected come from the churches. These project leaders are in need of encouragement and support in their roles as leaders. Last year, my area of Washington/Ozaukee Team collected 18,209 shoeboxes with a global total of 10.5 million. The opportunity to come near to Him in this project and walk by faith is a powerful testimony of His faithfulness and promises to us as His children. I stand in awe of the mercy and grace of His love upon all of us, and especially the children throughout the world through this simple shoebox. I often laugh and share: “that is just how our Jesus is, born in a manger, and getting His message out to the world through a simple shoebox,” (already 188 million in over 170 countries).

I have been able to utilize my teachings and Biblical studies as a Registered Nurse in Critical Care and Emergency Room nursing for the last 38 years. For those patients needing prayer for encouragement and support I feel a confidence and boldness “I am unashamed” (Romans 1:16-17) to help them while they face disasters and devastation in the distress of life’s struggles. Biblical context and scripture is key to get His message out to the masses, giving them peace and joy in the storms of life.

Many of my co-workers pursued their degrees that would eventually benefit their pocket books, but I chose to learn the truth, the Bible—the truth that will set us all free. The training at BBI is to equip all of us for moments of ministry/life’s adventures. Priorities first in “delighting ourselves in the Lord and He will give us the desires of our heart” (Psalm 37:4).

As a nurse, the spiritual aspects of wholistic nursing have been pushed aside through the years. Chaplains are not everywhere and many nurses lack understanding and training on spiritual needs of patients. Many nursing schools elect not to even teach on this topic of spirituality. Most of my patients are overwhelmingly grateful for the word of prayer and support during moments of great distress. With the confidence that BBI also showed me through studies, I feel God’s Holy Spirit, a strong force in my life, finding strength to be His hands and feet, in all aspects of this Journey of life while walking with Him.

Disciplined training at BBI has helped plant seeds of hope and love in all areas of my life. The training received at BBI, has been instrumental in my family and grandchildren that I live an active life with. Training up the next generation in Christ is critical. Some family members have also attended classes at BBI and see the importance and difference it made in their lives.

I am also active in HCAST (Healthcare Collaborative Against Sex Trafficking). Our team is implementing changes through Milwaukee County and eventually the entire state of Wisconsin for awareness, resources, and policy changes for victims of Sex Trafficking. When you ask to see what Jesus views and to feel what He feels in all matters of concerns, you change. Life takes on a totally new meaning and understanding for His good will and plans. Proverbs 15:3 says, “The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.”

The value of training at BBI cannot be underestimated, and coming to know His word. Isaiah 55:11 says, “So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth, it shall not return to me empty, but it will accomplish what I please, and it will prosper where I send it.”

The power of God’s word in our life should be set as a priority for all of us. The in-depth studies through BBI have helped this Child of the King walk more boldly and connect more personally with those around me, through Christ who is always strengthening me and walking forever before me.

Blessings to all who are called the Children of God!!!

2 Timothy 3:16: “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness…”

Thank you,

Laurie Malchow

Is the Associate of Biblical Foundations degree right for me? Explore our program offerings here (starting page 20 of the Handbook & Course Catalog).