Building a New Beginning

When Enock Rop decided to attend Dordt University, he was looking for a new beginning.

“I wanted a new space and place,” he says. “I went to a large college back in Kenya, with an enrollment of more than 60,000 people. I also grew up in the city, and I was interested in a slower pace that a rural community might provide.”

He applied to several schools, but Dordt was the only one that gave him a tangible number of scholarships, he says.

“My parents and I had almost given up, because the financial costs seemed like too much,” he says. “But when we saw the financial aid package from Dordt, we knew that there would be a way for me to make it work. I am grateful for the donors who are part of making this possible for me.”

Back home in Eldoret, Kenya, he had studied education, so once he arrived at Dordt, it seemed logical for him to study education at Dordt. But after Rop took an introductory education course, Professor of Education Dr. Barb Hoekstra quickly noticed that Rop was already quite familiar with the education program material. Hoekstra encouraged Rop to explore his other interests and how his understanding of education might serve him in other fields.

“She helped me figure out my way to starting a new major. Even though she wasn’t my advisor, she worked with me to determine what program would be a better fit. I had been involved in agriculture a lot back home, and I was business oriented. It made sense for me to pick agribusiness as my major,” he says. “I am so grateful for Dr. Hoekstra’s help in figuring out where God was calling me to.”

Over the past three years, Rop has found ways to combine his education background with his burgeoning interest in agribusiness. From a captivating marketing class with Business Professor Dale Zevenbergen to a thought-provoking senior seminar class with Agriculture Professor Dr. John Olthoff to ongoing mentorship from Professor of Agriculture Dr. Jeremy Hummel, his Dordt courses and professors have helped shift his thinking about agriculture.

“Studying agriculture at Dordt has really changed my perspective on how to approach business. Previously, I was just thinking from a business perspective – how can I make money through farming? Now, I’m more focused on how to educate farmers on different farming practices.”

Mushrooms as a Way to Transform Small-Scale Agriculture

Back in the Kenyan countryside where his father grew up, Rop saw how larger plots of land would be split into smaller tracts as inheritance: what began as 100 acres would become 10 acres each for 10 siblings. Farmers grow wheat and white corn, but they often don’t have enough land to generate significant income. Rop wondered what other crops might use fewer resources and generate a big outcome. The answer: mushrooms.

“During a summer break, I cut down a tree, set up some shelves, and began the process of growing mushrooms,” he explains. “I grew button mushrooms. It wasn’t perfect, but what I learned is that growing mushrooms is workable: it’s profitable, requires less maintenance, doesn’t take up a lot of space, and is good for the environment.”

Eventually, Rop wants to return to Kenya to teach farmers about other alternatives to growing white corn and wheat.

“Farmers haven’t really changed their methods or had the means to explore other options,” he says. “Whether it’s planting mushrooms, planting orchards, or something else, I’d like to run my own business and teach others about the benefits of farming alternative crops.”

Rop’s Dordt experience has been about learning the ins and outs of agribusiness, while balancing a full load of co-curricular activities. Rop finds this to be ironic: in seeking a new beginning at Dordt, Rop had planned to be more laidback – more behind the scenes.

“I guess God had different plans,” laughs Rop.

Leading through Worship and Music

During Rop’s freshman year, musicians Geraldine Latty and Carey Luce served as musicians-in-residence at Dordt, and they formed a gospel choir ensemble. Rop was intrigued enough to join the choir. Later, Director of Worship Arts Rev. Dr. Jeremy Perigo asked Rop if he might like to help with leading the international chapel service. Then, he was invited to lead Praise and Worship on Thursday – next, a Monday night worship service.

“God brought me to Dordt for a reason, and it seems that He wanted me to be there and really use my talent to worship him – an opportunity I didn’t get to do much at my previous college,” he says.

By the end of the spring semester, he was asked to apply for a worship leader position. Since then, he has served as chapel leader twice and Praise and Worship leader once.

“It’s been a blessing, getting to lead campus and also encouraging people within my worship team,” he says. “It’s helped me grow spiritually. Now I look back and can see why God brought me here to Dordt, to this leadership position.”

He has also been able to hone his musical ability through participating in choir, Canons of Dordt, and chorale over the years.

“Having received a music scholarship, it’s been impactful to get voice lessons, which has benefited my singing techniques. I also met a bunch of guys who have become some close friends,” he says.

Running with Purpose: Athletics and Community

Rop also led in athletics, having received a scholarship to participate in cross country. “The cross country team at Dordt has really nice guys who are humble and encouraging,” he says. “Most people don’t think of cross country as a team sport, but it is. There’s such a bond created when you run together – when you motivate each other. I never thought I’d run at the college level, and I’m not the best runner at Dordt, but I love being part of the team. Running is therapeutic for me.”

Looking back, Rop is thankful for how God led him to Dordt. “I am so grateful God sent me to a Christian college. I have grown in my faith immensely and had more opportunities than I would have imagined.”