The Taylorsons
Life's major decisions rarely come easily. When they do, God's hand is usually the reason. When Glenn and Gail Taylorson began helping their son, John, search for the right college, God made a clear recommendation – Azusa Pacific University. As a spiritual leader on various campuses for nine years, Gail knew the collegiate scene well. Or so she thought. What they found at APU introduced them to a new level of campus life.
"When Dave Bixby [then an admissions counselor] toured us around the grounds, he bet us that on our way to the cafeteria, at least five people would stop us to say 'Hi,'" said Gail. "I think it was more like 10! Everyone was so positive and genuine. This place was worlds apart from other colleges. We knew this was the right atmosphere for our son."
John's experience at APU turned his life around. He entered with a less-than-stellar academic record and little appreciation for all things scholarly, but left with a deep love for literature and classic music that remains a prominent part of his life today.
The Taylorson's daughter, Lori (three years John's junior), also attended APU, graduated with a degree in psychology, and married a fellow APU alumnus. Because of her family's attachment to the school, Gail Taylorson accepted the invitation from Jon Wallace to bring her unique style of campus ministry to APU. Gail was reluctant to begin her ministry there until her children had graduated, wanting them to have their own college experience sans "Mom." When Gail came on board, she launched a new Bible study targeting students in leadership roles.
To break the ice, she and Glenn hosted a swimming and barbeque party at their home immediately following Walkabout. "I said, 'I'm a 50-year-old uneducated grandmother. What can I possibly offer you? Thirty years of experience'," said Gail. She must have struck a chord, because her Bible studies were always full. What began as a one-hour, Tuesday morning meeting, quickly grew. Gail soon spent her entire days at APU praying with students in groups and individually. She and others prayed regularly on Thursday nights for the people of APU, even laying hands on the buildings where they knew there to be strife. For seven years, from 1989-1996, Gail faithfully continued her ministry, hosting daily prayer groups, monthly socials, and yearly reunions.
From these days and nights of intense prayer, came renewal and salvation for countless students. For Gail Taylorson, the reward was just as sweet. "I gained lifetime friends during that time. I consider many of those students part of my extended family," said Gail. "To them I was an extra mom, a Christian mom, a mom away from home - whatever they needed. To me, they were my children."
Though Gail still ministers to college students, she has scaled back her hours significantly to allow her more time with family, including her grandchildren. What has remained constant is the Taylorson's commitment to Azusa Pacific University. "We support the university with our prayers and our money," said Gail, "because we want to help make this kind of education possible for other students who otherwise would not have the opportunity to attend APU."
