HOW CEDARVILLE STUDENTS IMPACTED OUR FAMILY Early on, we believed it was important to serve our family in a way that would encourage our children to be enthusiastic followers of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have not been perfect at that task, but we were committed to being intentional disciplers. We were married seven years before we had children, and during those years we had a lot of time to reflect on and evaluate how God would lead us. We were certain we wanted to raise up a godly seed for His glory. So, when they arrived, we began the process of discipling our kids. When you are young parents, you sometimes need a break! This need resulted in our first encounter with Cedarville students in the mid to late 80s. Into our lives stepped seven of the most incredible young men and women one could imagine, all from Cedarville University! As they watched our children so we could have time away together, the Cedarville students refreshed us with their genuine love for Jesus, which was demonstrated with our children. We were so encouraged and immediately fell in love with Cedarville and the type of students it attracts. After returning from a much-needed date, I said to Idora, “how do you grow kids like these students?” It was clear to us that the value of a great education is not just a degree that prepares you for work in God’s created world, but a discipline that prepares young people with hearts to serve that world in a sacrificial way for His glory. As time progressed, we became more involved with Cedarville University. Our children began to participate in drama at Cedarville before they had graduated from high school. The results of the Cedarville experience and the Lord’s grace has allowed our children to serve their churches, combat sex trafficking, serve as a nurse with CareFlight and Samaritan’s Purse, and serve our country as an intelligence analyst. We trust that other families will see the value of a godly education for the glory of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. Walt Price is the father of seven children, including Christen ’09, Danielle ’12, Nathan ’15, and Micah ’16. Our first experience at Cedarville was chapel. Seeing thousands of students engaged in worship through music and the Word left a deep impact. As Breanna interacted with faculty and staff throughout the day, we knew we had found her home for the next four years. We canceled trips to other universities and began a path of trusting God to provide. Her experience at Cedarville allowed Breanna's roots to go deeper in her love for God and others while consistently being stretched in her learning inside of an amazing community. In a word, it was transformational! Fall 2023, Breanna became one of six students (out of 132 applicants) to be accepted into the master’s program in genetic counseling at Johns Hopkins University. She has entered an arena where few Christians are employed, but this is the mission field God has called her to. As a dad, I see how Cedarville University has provided the framework for Breanna to soar professionally, but most of all to shine the light of the Gospel in a place where so many are desperately seeking hope. Josh Beers is the father of Breanna Beers ’21. 13
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