36 | Cedarville Magazine Cedarville Magazine 251 N. Main St., Cedarville, OH 45314 1-888-CEDARVILLE | magazine@cedarville.edu cedarville.edu/magazine I’ve been a part of the Cedarville community now for over 40 years. It’s hard to believe that this freshman from southern Indiana back in the fall of 1982 is still here. It definitely was not my plan — and I am grateful that God had a better plan for my life. So, what has kept me here, and what has made it such a great 40 years? First and foremost, God, and second – the Cedarville community! The alumni office uses the phrase “Jackets for Life!,” but those of us who have been a part of the Cedarville community know that it goes much deeper than just being Yellow Jackets — it means lifelong friendships that are often even closer than family. I’ve had the privilege of serving in a variety of roles while at Cedarville, and with that, I’ve seen a number of friendships form around me. Over the years, there have been so many vibrant communities that have made a lasting impact on my life, as well as the others involved. Communities that loved, challenged, and supported each other, rejoicing with those who rejoiced and weeping with those who wept. Let me share just a few of these communities. When I was the RD over The Hill from 1992–1995, there was a group of guys in Carr Hall who would meet often to play euchre, watch movies or ESPN, or just hang out together in community. There wasn’t a weekend where you didn’t find these guys together. But over the years, I witnessed that group of boys turn into men who prayed with one another and encouraged each other after one of their kids received a devastating diagnosis. Praise the Lord that this fall, Tate — whom we prayed for so fervently — will be on campus as a freshman! Also during my time as an RD, I saw another group of guys live out what true community is all about. Starting out in the The Hill as freshman, they formed an intramural softball team they named “The Chilldogs.” The group stuck together through every year of undergrad, and they haven’t lost touch since. Years later, they each have families of their own and have vacationed together every year since 2002. Cedarville has the unique ability to foster relationships that last decades. One more group that has become a community is the Cedarville Parents Leadership Council. While this group works to help promote Cedarville among their communities back home as well as support the University financially, they have become a group that encourages and prays beyond expectation. Recently, the group met on campus and assembled care packages for the RDs and counseling staff — just to be an encouragement. Along with including notes and snacks, they spent time in prayer for the full-time staff members in Student Life. Years ago, when I was traveling with my pastor, David Graham, to a funeral, he shared with me the importance of Romans 12:15 – “Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep.” He challenged me to be there for the highest times and the lowest times in people’s lives. And I see that being practiced time and time again through the Cedarville University community! Jeff Beste ’86 serves as Director of Development for the Advancement Division at Cedarville University. COMMUNITY FOR LIFE IN CLOSING
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