For Northwest alumni, the friendships, memories, and moments of faith formed on campus can continue to shape a life long after graduation. The Annual 1960s Alumni Gathering celebrates those lasting connections, bringing classmates and friends together for worship, fellowship, and time with one another.
Led by Dan and Anita Secrist and Bill and Sharon Johnston, the gathering is a meaningful tradition made possible by their continued dedication to the Northwest community.
For Dan Secrist ’65, one memory from his college years stands out in particular—a quiet moment in chapel that changed the direction of his life and ultimately influenced countless others.
Here is Dan’s story:
By my second year at Northwest College, I still had no clear direction for my life. I loved the school and grew in my walk with the Lord, but I was still unsettled. Brother Butterfield (that’s what we called him), preached a message in chapel one morning. I can’t remember a word of what he said, but he concluded with, “We’re going to cancel classes for the next hour so you can stay and pray.” Awesome! We get out of class!”
I turned to kneel in prayer along with all the other students. I just knew it was decision time. Was I to prepare for a life of ministry or do something else? As Gideon in the Bible, I decided to put out a fleece. “Lord, if you really want me to go into the ministry, please direct either Brother Butterfield or Dr. Dan Pecota to come lay hands on me today and pray over me.” (Both were godly men I greatly admired and respected.)
Within a minute or two I sensed someone standing over me. (Oh, no! Could this be it?) I had my hands over my face in prayer but spread my fingers slightly so I could discreetly peek and see who it was. Now trembling, I began to weep knowing what was coming next. Sure enough, Dr. Pecota bent down, put a hand on my shoulder and prayed over me. I have no recall of what he prayed; I was sobbing so loud. God had answered my prayer. I had no doubts now. My destiny was cast; my life was changed. I would not turn back. My life, my career, were to be invested in serving Jesus.
Years later we planted a church in Lacey, and part of our culture was to honor and appreciate the volunteers with an annual banquet. One year I invited Dr. Pecota to come to be our speaker.
This is how I introduced him: "I have waited 40 years to tell this story, Dr. Pecota, and I finally have the opportunity to do so." I paused. Over 120 dedicated, Christian workers suddenly became very quiet. Something significant was about to go down and they sensed it. No one moved. Then I told the above story as an introduction and at the end I realized I had tears in my eyes and was choking a bit with emotion. I publicly thanked him and struggled a bit to finish.
"This church would not be here today except for this man reaching down to lay hands on one of the kids in chapel on a Wednesday morning." As I concluded, the place was silent. I then said, "Dr. Pecota, thank you for being here this evening, and thank you for being sensitive to the Lord with such a seemingly simple act decades ago. I believe you knew God was directing you to do so, but you had no idea the significance or the consequences of your obedience. Thank you, again. Please come share whatever the Lord placed on your heart."
Now an elderly man, he made his way to the front and very quietly said, "I believe that if I don't say another word, we have all been touched deeply tonight." He paused, then delivered his message. Today I cannot remember a word he said after that, but his first words were as meaningful to me as I think my words were to him. I am so glad God gave me that opportunity.
Today, I am retired and have no regrets. The Lord has blessed me far beyond what I deserve and far beyond what I even imagined possible when I finally said, “yes” to his call.
—Dan Secrist ’65