Donelle Bergeson converted to Islam in Jan. 2010.

Christian Scholar Donelle Bergeson (M.Div.) Accepts Islam - (Part 1) - Interview on TheDeenShow

Donelle had great ambitions to become a Christian Elder, Scholar in Christianity. And after she bumped into Islam, her life took a turn in another direction. All we can say is you don't want to pass this interview up.

Donelle Bergeson converted to Islam in Jan. 2010. She was a United Methodist and pursuing her Master's degree in Christian Divinity at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, Evanston, IL to become a Christian Elder/Pastor/Minister when she decided to convert to Islam. She entered her Master's degree as a committed Christian and she graduated in May 2010 as a Muslim.








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Donelle Bergeson converted to Islam in Jan. 2010. She was a United Methodist and pursuing her Master's degree in Christian Divinity at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, Evanston, IL to become a Christian Elder/Pastor/Minister when she decided to convert to Islam. She entered her Master's degree as a committed Christian and she graduated in May 2010 as a Muslim.



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Christian Scholar Donelle Bergeson (M.Div.) Accepts Islam - (Part 2) - Interview on TheDeenShow







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http://www.turntoislam.com/forum/showthread.php?t=70863

http://www.islambosna.ba/forum/pomo263-dawa-aktivnosti/our-new-sister-donelle-needs-muslim-community-support/msg297795/


Please Forward this email to all the Muslims. Our new convert Sister Donelle excepted Islam and is now losing her Job and is getting kicked out of her School Apt from the Christian College all because of her choice to accept Islam. We need to show her our support. She will be needing housing, food,and a Job and emotional support from her sisters, so start by reaching out to her and making Dua and making phone calls to everyone you know so that we can help find her a new Job and get her back on her feet inshalah. This is her information below. She has also learned from Dr Bilah Philips who also knows about her situation and Dr.Sabeel from gain peace knows her and she was a guest on TheDeenshow. Let's help our new Sister! show her what Islam is really about, love,mercy, helping those in times of need,community support. Allah swt is testing us all let's do our part!

----------------------Donelle Bergeson's info and letter below

Asalaamu alaikum my brothers and sisters in Islam,

Alhamdulillaah, I am a new convert to Islam and I am currently in the Evanston, IL area. For the last four years I have been studying in graduate school to attain a Master of Divinity degree with the intention of becoming an ordained Christian minister. Though I converted to Islam in January 2010, I still completed my M.Div. in May 2010.

To hear my story, please listen to the following radio interviews from "The Deen Show":

Part I. http://thedeenshow.com/videos.php?ac...atured&id=1772

Part II. http://thedeenshow.com/videos.php?ac...atured&id=1780

Many Muslims told me I would experience tests after my conversion and to be strong in my iman in Allah (swt). Masha'Allah, now I am understanding this.

Though I planned to continue working part-time or full-time, I also planned to pursue part-time graduate studies at my former institution to keep building my scholarship in religious studies and Islam. However, these plans recently fell through completely, effecting my current housing and job situation, and making it urgent for me to find new employment as soon as possible.

Because this transition has also been a surprise to my children, it is my hope to continue living in or nearEvanston for them to continue in their schools with their friends. However, I would be willing and able to commute to a position elsewhere in the Chicago area if it is feasible for me to manage, in shaa Allah.

Many people have told me that networking is the best way to find good employment in Chicago, so please look at my attached resume. A good majority of my work has been within the context of the Christian community, but my skills are very diverse. My background is in the performing arts so I am very good with public speaking, teaching, or presentation. Interpersonal relations, event-planning, multi-tasking, and public relations are also strengths of mine. I enjoy working in a team environment, but I have no problem working independently either.

My first preference is to work for and/or with Muslims, within a reasonable distance of Evanston, IL if possible. Full-time employment would be ideal, but a part-time position is also desirable. Though I am considering Islamic chaplaincy in the future, this will require some additional training/education, so employment in a not-for-profit, office, library, or academic setting would be ideal at this time, in shaa Allah.

Shukran and Jazak'Allah khair for your help, suggestions, and for any du`aa you ask on behalf of my three children or for me.

Asalaamu alaikum wa rahmatuallahi wa barakatu,

Donelle Bergeson
donelle.bergesonATgmail.com
cell: (620) 262-7925

Donelle Bergeson

Evanston, IL 60201

donelle.bergesonATgmail.com

620/262-7925


620/262-7925



EDUCATION Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, Evanston, IL

Master of Divinity, 2010

Leadership Scholar; Steinberg Preaching Award Recipient

Southwestern College, Winfield, KS

Bachelor of Arts in Music; Theatre Arts, 1997

Graduated Magna Cum Laude

EXPERIENCE

2006-2010 United Library, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, Evanston, IL

Circulation Clerk and Book Repair and Preservation Specialist

· Assisted with library services: copy machines, books/periodicals, and circulation

· Restored and repaired hundreds of aging library books and periodicals



2009-2010 Receptionist (Garrett-ETS)

· Directed calls and inquiries coming into the seminary switch-board

· Facilitated hospitality needs for students and visitors, events and conferences within the seminary community



2009-2010 Project Interfaith Co-Coordinator (Garrett-ETS)

· Co-Coordinator of the “God Is Light” Academic and Interfaith Conference held in April, 2010 by Northwestern University and Garrett-ETS

· Arranged for inter-faith dialogue opportunities with Interfaith Youth Core and 20,000 Dialogues



2008-2009 Holy Covenant United Methodist Church, Chicago, IL

Children and Family Minister

· Created a foundational ministry for children and families

· Developed/selected curriculum to teach children and youth

· Coordinated and executed all events for children and families

· Administered communications through newsletters, phone calls, & internet



2007-2008 Church of the Three Crosses, Chicago, IL

Student Minister

· Planned and executed adult curriculum that addressed global issues

· Planned, coordinated, advertised, and led events for fellowship gatherings

· Provided leadership for worship including preaching and leading prayer



2005-2006 Winfield Public Schools, Winfield, KS

Substitute Teacher K-12



2003-2006 Grace United Methodist Church, Winfield, KS

Music Director

· Director of the adult Chancel Choir, youth choir, and children’s choirs.

· Mentored high school aged apprentices interested in directing as a profession



VOLUNTEER INVOLVEMENT AND INTERESTS

Community Ambassador for the One Chicago, One Nation initiative in Chicago, IL; Diversity Coordinator for Muslim Women’s Alliance of Chicago; participant in the Evanston Interfaith Action initiatives of Evanston, IL.