“We can positively impact those around us, no matter who we are, no matter where we are,” shares Martha Stoeppelwerth ’84 Van Buskirk. This is a key theme of her book, Ordinary Lives, Extraordinary Grace – God’s Purpose in Your Every Day, recently released by Concordia Publishing House.
Now an author, speaker, and nonprofit writer living in Houston, Texas, Martha reflects on her time at Valpo: “My education and experiences supported my goals to become a better writer, give back, and encourage and lead others.”
Martha’s decision to attend Valparaiso University felt like a calling. Though her family lived in Southern California and she had been accepted to UCLA, something led her to apply to Valpo anyway. “My mom was a teacher, and my dad was a pastor, so attending a private university halfway across the country didn’t seem likely.”
Martha’s journey to Valpo is one chapter in a larger family legacy. Martha’s parents met on campus when her father spotted her mother playing a ukulele on the front porch of her sorority house. “They went out that night with a group and their courtship began,” she says. In addition, her younger sister, cousin, two aunts, and a great-uncle are all alumni. Her mother’s cousin, Dr. Warren Rubel, was a professor at Christ College – Honors College.
One of only a few Californians in her freshman class, Martha quickly found her voice on campus by becoming a DJ at WVUR, the university’s radio station. “It was fun to share the latest SoCal hits. Being an on-air DJ is one of those unique opportunities you find at a smaller school like Valpo.”
A double major in journalism and Spanish with a minor in political science, Martha immersed herself in campus life. She pledged Alpha Phi Delta sorority and co-chaired the Senior Class Gift Committee. “I received a generous scholarship that made Valpo possible for me. Giving back felt right, and our class broke the giving record that year.”
After graduating from Valpo in 1984, Martha moved to Washington, D.C. “I reached out to an organization doing terrific work, and they invited me to interview. I was offered a job, thanks to my writing skills and fundraising experience at Valpo.” Her career in politics gained momentum and led to a role on President George H.W. Bush’s transition team. She adds, “I met my husband, Raymond, in politics.” Fittingly, their wedding was catered by their local Valpo Guild chapter.
After more than a decade together in D.C. and growing a family, their path took a dramatic turn when Raymond transitioned from government work to ministry. His first call was to Texas, where they’ve lived ever since. Martha remained active in nonprofit writing and advocacy work while supporting her husband’s ministry. Today, he serves as pastor of St. Peter Lutheran Church, a historic 1937 mission plant in downtown Houston.
“During the pandemic, many of us had time to reflect,” Martha shares. “I didn’t want to look back one day and say ‘I could have written a good book, but never really tried.’” Martha prayed, researched, joined a coaching program, and found a mentor. She was inspired by the power of everyday actions on the lives of others, which became the heart of Ordinary Lives, Extraordinary Grace.
“What we do in our everyday lives matters,” she explains. “We may think that we can’t make a difference, or that we don’t have purpose, but when we share kindness and lift others, it impacts our communities and gives glory to God.”
Ordinary Lives, Extraordinary Grace – God’s Purpose in Your Every Day is a popular book for personal reading, small groups, Bible studies, and gifting. It’s available from Concordia Publishing House and Amazon.
