Cedarville Magazine, Spring 2018

THE HEART OF A PRESIDENT Cedarville University’s Foster Care Scholarship came out of a burden God placed on President Thomas White’s heart several years ago as he looked over the Ohio Foster Care Registry. “I noticed that many of those in foster care were above 15 years of age,” he explained. “I began to wonder what would happen as these precious children created in the image of God aged out of the system. They certainly wouldn’t have the resources to attend a school like Cedarville.” White brought the idea of a yearly foster care scholarship to members of his Cabinet. The Cabinet unanimously agreed with the plan for the scholarship, which would be a way to show love for others without requesting anything in return. “Little did I know that one prospective student that I had spoken to and prayed for would be the first recipient,” White said. “When I first met her, she told me that she could not afford Cedarville but felt led to go to school here. My response was that God would provide if He wanted her to attend. I had no idea that God was already working to provide through this scholarship. Looking back on the way it all happened, I have no doubt that God led us to this point every step of the way.” For White, this scholarship is a clear example of Cedarville’s firm stand for the Word of God and the Testimony of Jesus Christ. “James 1:27 says that ’pure and undefiled’ religion is ministry to the orphans. Philippians 2 states that Christ considered others before Himself, and that we should have the same mind,” he explained. “This scholarship lives out our motto and our student life core values of Loving God and Loving Others. By investing into the Foster Care Scholarship, the University lives out what our faculty and staff urge our students to do. It is consistent in every way with our mission and adds valuable relationships to our Cedarville community.” Eybers said. But, no matter how much she wanted to come to Cedarville, the cost seemed to make it an impossibility. “I knew that if the Lord wanted me here, He’d have to make a way,” she recalled. Allie started researching different scholarship opportunities, and she noticed the Foster Care Scholarship that Cedarville offered. “I didn’t know if I would qualify since I wasn’t technically in foster care,” she explained. Her high school counselor, who also happens to be her aunt, stepped in to investigate. “We discovered that since I was made a ward of the state when my dad died and my grandma was appointed my guardian, I qualified to apply for the scholarship.” She applied and received an email that White wanted to meet her. While her friends were enjoying Senior Skip Day back home, Allie came to Cedarville to interview with White. “I was so nervous, but then so excited when he offered me the scholarship,” she recalled. “I was in shock. I thought, ‘Is this really happening? You must really want me here, God.’” Now finishing her first year as a communication major at Cedarville, Eybers is thankful for the opportunity that has been given to her. “Winning this scholarship is really a testament to all that God has done in my life,” she said. “My dad’s death was so unexpected, but I see now that God had a plan for me all along.” She clings to that thought on her tough days. “I’m still grieving; I still struggle,” she explained. “But I know God put me here for a reason. I take it day-by-day to see what He has for my life.” Michele (Cummings) Solomon ’91 is the Copy Editor for Cedarville University Marketing and Communications. When you give to Cedarville University, you help students like Luke and Allie experience an education that transforms lives for godly service, vocational distinction, and cultural engagement. Give today at cedarville.edu/onlinegiving . Cedarville Magazine | 31 ADVANCING CEDARVILLE