By Molly Malick (BA 25)
As Grace College’s dean of the School of Science and Engineering, professor of environmental science, and director of the Lilly Center for Lakes & Streams, Dr. Nate Bosch often experiences God through nature.
In his many roles, he finds great fulfillment in studying and conserving God’s handiwork. But even more rewarding to Bosch is mentoring students. Before Bosch’s students set out sampling lakes, he guides them in what it means to be a witness to those they encounter. He shares about the great opportunity they have, as many of the Lilly Center’s supporters are not yet believers. But most importantly, he models what it looks like.
83-year-old supporter of the Lilly Center, Tom Bolles, became a volunteer boat captain in 2016 on one of the 16 lakes Grace students sample every week during the summer. Bolles greatly enjoyed these hour-long weekly visits on the lake with students. So much so, Bosch suggested he join Grace’s Silver Scholars program, an opportunity for adults 55 and older to attend classes at a reduced rate.
In the fall of 2017, Bolles joined Bosch’s general ecology class.
“In that class we talk about the foundation of God creating the world with interconnected parts and how that shows us God values relationships because he built them into the structure of the world,” said Bosch.
By the end of the class, the two had cultivated a trusting friendship. Bolles came to Bosch with his spiritual questions sparked from a past that made him hesitant to follow Jesus. As Bosch answered Bolles’s questions with grace, he became a respected voice in Bolles’ life.
During the 2021-22 school year, Bosch felt led to form a Bible study. He invited Bolles and ten students to explore questions of faith by reading “The Walk: Steps for New and Renewed Followers of Jesus” by Stephen Smallman. Halfway through the book, the author prompts the readers to consider pursuing a relationship with Jesus. Bolles responded and committed his life to Christ.
The friends continued to meet one on one throughout the spring and summer. Bosch bought Bolles a Bible, and he began reading the Word daily. In the fall of 2024, Bosch decided to host the study again with a new group of students. This time, Bolles co-led it with him.
“Stewarding God’s creation is rewarding,” said Bosch. “But it’s even more rewarding when He uses that stewardship to change people’s lives.”
Learn more about the Lilly Center for Lakes & Streams.
Read more stories about how we’re doing mentorship at Grace.
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