In this episode, Dr. G reflects on why the Multnomah Library is far more than just a collection of books — it is a rare, carefully cultivated treasure that shaped his life, his work, and countless students over decades. For years, it was quite literally his library, sitting just steps from his office. When the time came for him to give away his personal books, he had to remind himself that an extraordinary resource already stood fifty feet away. As Dr. G visited other academic libraries around the city, his appreciation for Multnomah’s collection only deepened. Again and again, comparisons confirmed what he already suspected: this library was exceptional. The turning point came when the library moved into its new building. As donors lined up to carry books into that beautiful space, the school made a decisive commitment — this was a library worth fully funding and protecting. Today, with approximately 123,000 volumes, the Multnomah Library stands out among institutions of similar size. For Dr. G, it wasn’t just impressive — it was strategic. For years, he quietly kept an eye on its future, sensing that if the school ever struggled, the library itself could continue serving the global church. Four years earlier, he began reaching out, sharing a vision for Rwanda: building the largest theological library in East Africa, and eventually across the entire African continent. When the opportunity finally came, confirmation followed quickly. A trusted book expert — someone who had studied at Multnomah himself — examined the collection and delivered a striking verdict: the library was even better than remembered. Solid. Deep. Carefully built. A theological resource of enduring value. That realization brought both hope and heartbreak. If the school were to close, the loss would be profound — but the library itself still had a calling. Its books, once forming pastors and scholars in Portland, could continue their mission abroad, equipping churches and leaders who desperately need access to solid theological resources.

In This Video
• Why the Multnomah Library stood out among peer institutions
• How the move to a new building transformed its future
• The scope and significance of a 123,000-volume collection
• Dr. G’s long-standing vision for theological libraries in Africa
• Why the library’s fate carried deep personal and spiritual weight

About This Series
This video is part of a collection celebrating the story, ministry, and legacy of Dr. Garry Friesen (Dr. G), honoring the heritage of Multnomah School of the Bible / Multnomah University and the continuing work God is doing through new ministries around the world.

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If these stories encourage you, feel free to like, subscribe, and share with others who knew and loved Multnomah — and with believers growing in faith in Rwanda and beyond. Videos are also available at https://www.youtube.com/@ABCMultnomah.

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The production of these videos was provided by the Multnomah Family Team, if you would like to help sponsor more videos like this, please contact us here.