Current Status: Alumni
Graduation Year: 2015
Kim Beisel (BA ’15) has long felt drawn to reach the lost and hurting, and God gave her a specific desire to help young people who have dealt with trauma. “When I was in high school, discussions of self-injury and suicide among my friends ignited a passion to work with individuals who have experienced deep hurt,” Kim recalls.
In 2015, Kim graduated from HIU with her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. As a student, Kim was introduced to Christian Encounter (CE) while working at a summer camp, and was reminded of it again by her academic advisor. She recognized this as a nudge from God and applied to intern at the Northern Californian youth program. Christian Encounter provides a refuge for struggling youth to find restoration for their spiritual, physical, emotional, and academic lives. Residents are struggling with spiritual confusion, personal tragedy, abuse, substance issues, and/or school problems.
During her CE internship, Kim got involved in cooking meals for the students, supervising, and one-on-one discipleship, allowing her to share her faith and encourage the female residents. Kim credits her ability to engage in biblical conversations to the strong Bible foundation she attained while at HIU. “I was a small group leader for two and a half years when I was at HIU,” Kim shares. “That experience prepared me for leading group devotionals with the students at Christian Encounter.”
Kim recalls mentoring a young atheist girl who later became a Christian. “Knowing that I may have been a part of her journey to Christ, is the most fulfilling part of working here.”
After HIU, Kim ventured to Buffalo, New York, to earn her Masters in Mental Health Counseling. While attending grad school, she had the opportunity to work at Horizon Health Services, a not-for-profit corporation that provides hope and healing for individuals and their families dealing with substance use and/or mental health disorders. She started in a temporary position working in the kitchen, then was asked to join their staff as a Behavioral Health Assistant.
Upon earning her graduate degree, Kim returned to Christian Encounter. She thoroughly enjoys working with young adults and has plans to obtain her license and work at an in-patient facility to help break the cycle of brokenness.
“My heart’s desire is to bring healing to those who are hurting, to show that the brokenness they have experienced does not have to determine their life. They can work through it, heal, and become all that God has created them to be.”
