Inspire, Fall 2001

In Memory Of Alice Creswell Funderburg '39 entered glory on June 11, 2001 at the age of 84 in Greenville, Ohio. Alice influenced the lives of many children during her 25 years of teaching. We extend our deepest sympathy to her family. Bonfiles Austin '70N went home to be with the Lord on June 11, 2001 in Jacksonville, Florida. He was the pastor of Bible Baptist Fellowship and a member of the Mt. Calvary Baptist Church. Our sincere condolences to his wife, Edith, and many other family members. Norm Benson '78 entered heaven on December 21, 2000 after an eight-year battle with cancer. He and his wife, Linda, placed a high importance on local church ministry throughout the years. We extend our sympathies to his family and friends. Sharing Her Journey (continued from page 17) After the accident, my world turned upside down.I spent very little time thinking of anything but recovering. Little did I know that Jason's world turned upside down,too. At first, no one knew if I would live, and he found in himselfa love for me that was much deeper than friendship. He decided that if I lived, he would not miss another chance to pursue a relationship with me.We have now been happily married for a little more than a year. He's my dream come true!" Many things carried Courtenay through that difficult summer."I was so blessed to have my parents by my side," Courtenay said."The memory of my father sitting by my bed,holding my hand,loving me through each hard moment is indelibly marked in my mind. Every time he saw my morale slipping, he would remind me to trust the Lord. My mother was always there caring for me,making sure I was comfortable,learning how to dress my wounds,crying with me when I was in 26 Fall 2001 pain. They were a testimony to the Lord, and the people in Durban were inspired by them every bit as much as I was." Courtenay believes God used the last night ofthe missions trip to touch lives in ways beyond comprehension. She explained,"We were able to witness to our doctors and nurses,and people we would not have met otherwise. Our ministry started as a four-week trip, but it extended weeks after that as the three of us recovered and lived as a testimony ofGod's grace. Even now, I continue to have ministry opportunities that I would never have had were it not for that accident. Obviously,these circumstances are not the norm for summer missions trips, but it shows that God may have plans that far exceed what you ever dreamed you would do for Him. God has truly used what happened to me to extend His name in a way I could never have imagined or even tried to accomplish on my own." Vacationing With A Purpose (continued from page 21) 6. Consider safety concerns,food concerns,etc., especially when taking kids. 7. Don't schedule too much for the kids. If changing time zones, remember that the kids(and you) will be tired for afew days(about one day for every time zone crossed.) Once you are there: 1. Do your best to accomplish more work than you create by being there. 2. Be self-motivated to get things done with some direction from the missionaries. 3. Don't expect the missionaries to be able to spend every moment,meal, or activity with you. "Not all ministries are direct evangelism,so in those cases the greatest joy is building relationships," Kate and Larry concluded."Ministry is about people,no matter what you do. We appreciate building personal relationships with the people involved in the ministry." This winter break,the Gross family will be looking to have a VWAPa little closer to home— somewhere in the Northwest. Make A Joyful Noise (continued from page 20) speaks of sacrifice in worship when talking with a Samaritan woman in John 4:1-26. He expects our obedience in His command to"worship in spirit and in truth"(John 4:24). Jim continues to worship God by obediently walking through various open doors ofopportunity. Although he is often taken by surprise at the breadth of options, he continues to marvel at the evidence of God's work. Not only does Jim serve part- time as director of music at Grace Baptist Church in Cedarville, Ohio, but he also has led hundreds of people before God's throne to worship at various conferences during the summer months.Jim has assembled a small team ofindividuals who have become a great support both technically and spiritually. Bob '85 and Sue Scott Beikert'85 add musical support through their singing and keyboard abilities. Steve Brock'93 offers technical support by handling all ofthe visual aspects such as graphics and Power Point presentations, as well as organizing various readings. Jim said ofteam member Kezia McNeal'92,"Her heartfelt solos captivate any audience,anywhere." Perhaps the most vital asset to this team and to Jim's ministry as a whole is his gracious wife, Melody. Melody not only partners with Jim through her musical abilities, but also through her roles as a loving wife and a nurturing mother to their three children. Jim firmly believes that he could not minister as he does on his own. Jim credits Cedarville University for providing extraordinary resources that have enabled him to foster ministry,grow personally, and learn from students and colleagues. Believing these assets would have been unattainable anywhere else,Jim takes greatjoy in being able to share this small piece of Cedarville University culture with others.