Garret Potter came to SAGU in Fall of 2002 and graduated with a BA in Pastoral Ministries and an Associate’s degree in Spanish in 2006. In May of 2007, he moved to Portland, Oregon, in order to contribute toward building a spiritual artists’ community, using a community house to provide nourishment and growth in physical, spiritual, communal, and creative aspects.

Though still in the process of attaining the money for the community house, Garret is busy working and taking advantage of numerous ministry opportunities. He frequents “open mic” events and art shows. He networks with as many people as possible, hoping to share stories, resources, time, energy, art, love, and hope. The setting for such ministry can be in a restaurant, an apartment, a local music venue, or under an interstate overpass.

According to Potter, “It is definitely a mission field. There are so many people compressed into such a small area. I find myself the only churched person in many settings, sometimes the only believer in a full venue. But there are believers here too, many of which I am learning from in amazement (their grace, generosity, understanding, and love)!” He is involved with a church called the Bridge (thebridgeportland.org) and partners with as many local congregations as possible. Garret collects and distributes groceries donated by local markets to those who in need.

While a student at SAGU, Garret was involved in numerous activities, both on campus and in the community. He was a part of SMA, participating in World Prayer, Family Prayer, SPEX/GLOW, and Frontline Ministries (FLM). Potter was involved in the Skateheaven ministry at Foursquare Family Church as well as several ministries at The Oaks Fellowship. He also participated in concerts, “open mic” events and art shows.

Through mentors that God placed in Garret’s life, he gained clearer vision regarding God’s attributes and was inspired to share his insight with others. The most meaningful part of his life in Texas was his relationship to a spiritual arts community. Deciding to leave the “Bible Belt,” Potter looked into cities with large populations that lacked followers of Christ and decided to go to Portland, Oregon. There he has discovered that many people, artists and arts appreciates, with homes and without, need what he hopes to offer, such as food, a place to open up and rest, cleanliness, conversation, prayer, discipleship, worship, art, expression, recycling, and gardening.

Potter’s goal is to be in a spiritual arts community where each person brings what they have to the table, exposes the mess, and helps put the pieces together. He would also like to live the same life in the Tokyo area some day.

Though he learned many things at SAGU, Garret considers learning how to read Scripture in context as the most valuable lesson. He also values the international education he gained from SAGU’s focus on missions. According to Potter, “Everything I perceive about what my eyes see in front of me has been put in perspective through a greater understanding of the situations of people across the world.”