This month, decades of Life Pacific alumni reunited in Shedd, Oregon, for the historic 7th annual Back Porch Gang Reunion—a celebration of lifelong friendship, faith, and shared Kingdom purpose. What began as a simple gathering among friends has grown into a powerful movement of alumni connection and generosity.

Hosted by alumna Pam Keselburg ’67 alongside a dedicated team of family, alumni, and friends, the multi-day gathering once again took place on a beloved family farm. Generations of Life alumni made the trip—many from out of state—to reconnect, worship, testify, and celebrate the legacy they still carry from their formative years at LIFE Bible College.

A Gathering with Purpose

Affectionately named for their tradition of sharing life together on a good friend’s back porch, this group values intentional relationships and meaningful moments. But this isn’t just a nostalgic reunion—this is a community that continues to serve, give, and invest in what matters most: raising up the next generation of leaders for Christ and His Kingdom. Out of this shared heart, the group established the Back Porch Gang Scholarship, created to support Life Pacific students who demonstrate servant leadership, spiritual resilience, and a commitment to ministry.

This year, the group celebrated a major milestone:

✅ More than $20,000 has already been raised
⏳ Just $5,000 remains to reach the $25,000 endowment threshold
🎓 Once endowed, this scholarship will support LPU students every year—forever

Honoring Heritage, Inspiring Hope

This year’s reunion also welcomed a special guest—LPU President Dr. Angie Richey, who spent time listening to stories, praying with alumni, and honoring the community’s deep impact.

“The Back Porch Gang reflects the heart of Life Pacific—faithful, relational, Spirit-led, and committed to lifelong ministry,” President Richey shared. “Their love for one another and their investment in future students is a powerful legacy.”

Every year, testimonies at the reunion affirm this legacy. Stories of God’s timing. Stories of healing. Stories of calling. Stories of life-long ministry. And now, these stories are being passed forward.

💛 Help Complete the Back Porch Gang Scholarship Endowment. The scholarship is just $5,000 away from being fully endowed! Every gift—large or small—moves us closer to launching this annual scholarship for LPU students in need. Give today to support the Back Porch Gang Scholarship

More Than Memories

At its core, the Back Porch Gang reunion wasn’t just about gathering—it was about gratitude, obedience, and faith in the God who still writes stories. As testimonies were shared throughout the weekend—stories of God’s faithfulness through joy, loss, redemption, and calling—one phrase rose again and again: “Then came Jesus.” More than a moment of worship, it became a shared declaration over every life, every story, and every season represented at the reunion. It’s the heartbeat behind this community and the legacy they now pass on: what Christ has done in one generation, He will do again in the next.