Dr. David Van Reken '63
Dr. David Van Reken has put his education and his gifts to good use through a life of dedication to those on the margins of society in desperate need of medical care and the healing that Jesus Christ brings. He is currently the Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, Indiana University Medical School and Medical Director of the inner-city Indiana University Health Clinic. He served as a medical missionary to Liberia from 1976-85. He was the first missionary-scholar-in residence at the Billy Graham Center, Wheaton College. David is the author of Mission and Ministry: Christian Medical Practice in Today’s Changing World, and the author of many juried medical publications. In 1989, he was selected as the “Outstanding Teacher in the Clinical Science of Pediatrics” awarded by the Indiana University graduating class.
Perhaps these words from his wife Ruth paint the best picture of the reasons why the Alumni Board considered David to be someone who lives the mission of Timothy Christian Schools: a counter-cultural disciple who embraces Christ’s call to transform the world:
“To me, his greatest service was that which few others saw . . . the babies people brought to our house in the evenings who had high fever or diarrhea; paying the school fees of young Liberians who had no other means for attending school; giving jobs to help others along the way; always looking for ways to help people create their own sustainable economic opportunities. Even more than that was the simple acts of kindness he did each day: certainly playing with our own children was a wonderful gift he gave them, but the rides he offered to those needing a lift to town for school or work, his generosity in how much food he was willing to see go out his kitchen door to those around in true need . . . so many things. David has always cared for the poor as well as taken care of many with great means . . . always with a humble heart.
David and Ruth are the parents of Sheri, Rachel, and Stephanie. They have five grandchildren. Ruth was born and raised in Africa on the mission field, so they make quite a team. Ruth, like David, speaks all over the world and ministers to those raised on mission fields. She has published several books and Bible studies.
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