How one Alumnus Is Changing Lives in his Community
Photo by Imagine Photography
From a young age, Rev. Randy Van Osten ’02, MDiv ’16, knew he was called to serve the church. He completed his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Urban Studies at Eastern and later earned a Master of Divinity from Palmer Theological Seminary. That calling eventually led him to become the pastor at First Baptist Church of Pitman.
There, his role extends far beyond Sunday sermons. Known for his colorful tie-dye shirts and patchwork pants, Van Osten is a force for good in the Pitman community. His good works were recently acknowledged on 6abc News for the role he plays in supporting the Pitman Food Pantry, which is a collaborative effort of volunteers that brings together several local churches to help feed neighbors in need.
Under Van Osten’s leadership, the church has expanded its outreach in powerful ways. He helped found The Lighthouse Community Center and played a key role in reviving Fig Leaf Thrift, a ministry that originally existed in the church during the 1960s. Today, Fig Leaf Thrift operates as a pay-as-you-can thrift store, offering affordable clothing, books, and other essentials to the community.
The service doesn’t stop there. Van Osten and his team also prep, cook, and package hot meals for those in need twice a month and host a variety of youth programs, creating safe, welcoming spaces for connection and growth.
At its core, Van Osten’s work reflects a deep commitment to compassion, service, and unity. Whether it’s through feeding families, mentoring youth, or offering dignity through accessible resources, his mission remains clear: to give back to the community that has given him so much.
As his story shows, Rev. Randy Van Osten’s lifelong calling continues to shape the Pitman community, one act of kindness at a time.