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Mission House
(Vanderhill Cottage)
Ann DuMez, resident director
Dr. Rod Spidahl, religion, faculty adviser
Cottage managers
Preeti Elaiyavalli, India
Abhi Dutt, Oman
Northwestern’s Mission House first opened in 2006–07. Ten to 15 students live in the house with religion professor Dr. Rod Spidahl, and his wife, Alice, former missionaries to Cameroon in Africa.
While it is called Mission House, the focus for residents is on community. Only some of the students living in the house plan to pursue overseas missions full time. Others simply want to learn how to live in true Christian community because the ability to do so is key to serving others and Christ’s kingdom both abroad and at home.
Mission House residents claim their goal is, in part, to live as an open and truthful community, depending on faith in Christ, dedicated to challenging each other to learn about God, the world, and how God has gifted each to serve. They gather at least three times each week: one morning for breakfast and prayer together, one weeknight to study Scripture and Life Together by Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and Sunday evening for a meal of ethnic food and learning about mission efforts in another culture. They also take trips to places where they can experience cultural and religious diversity.
Mission House is a family-style living experience with both male and female students living in two adjacent campus houses. Each house has several bedrooms and a common kitchen, living room and bathrooms. Beds, dressers and desks are provided, and laundry facilities are in the cottage.
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 Residence life |
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