Cedarville Magazine, Spring 2019

Abide inMe Lisa (Steele) Wiggershaus ’86 – Warren Wiersbe has had a longstanding relationship with Cedarville University, dating back to James T. Jeremiah’s presidency. He spoke in chapel at Cedarville numerous times, no doubt making an impact on countless students with his gifted speaking from God’s Word. For one alumna, Lisa (Steele) Wiggershaus ’86, Wiersbe’s words became a pivotal moment that changed the trajectory of her life and still speaks to her today. (To read about Wiersbe’s recent extraordinary gift to Cedarville, see page 34.) I was a freshman sitting in the Jeremiah Chapel in 1982, looking ahead at life and trying to decide which way I would go. The speaker that day was Warren Wiersbe, and his message from John 15 spoke directly to me: “Abide in Me.” Dr. Wiersbe painted a picture of the strength and joy we have in Christ if we stay close, coupled with the warning, “Apart fromme you can do nothing.” These words — this message — forever changed the trajectory of my life. Life is not pain free. We are pruned by God so we will “bear more fruit.” I was a freshman then; now I am a grandmother. I can look back to see the graciousness of God in my college years; throughout our marriage, especially during Tom’s (’84) bouts with cancer; in career changes; and in rearing and advising our now married children, Heidi and Erich. Almost 37 years and all of these experiences later, the core of it all has always been, “Abide in Me.” I haven’t always. Thankfully, He promises never to leave us or forsake us (Matt. 28:20) and is our great High Priest who understands us and wants us to draw near (Heb. 4:16). These are priceless truths. I am forever thankful for them and for Dr. Wiersbe, who spoke truth into my life so many years ago. W hen Tony Evans was preaching in the James T. Jeremiah Chapel in 1996, the power went out, and he still went on preaching in the dark. Everyone that was in the satellite auditoriums came over and sat on the floor and steps and finished listening to him preach. He had a powerful voice, and everyone could still hear him even though his microphone was not working. We closed with an a capella song. It was beautiful. Sarah (Mattke) Garland ’97