Inspire, Fall 2004

Timothy Gombis Tim and his family have just returned to the U.S. after spending four years in St. Andrews, Scotland, where Tim finished his work on his Ph.D. at the University of St. Andrews. Tim said, “These past four years have been the best of our lives, though we hope for wonderful times to come in Cedarville. St. Andrews is a lovely small town, and we were part of a thriving evangelical postgraduate community that allowed for rich relationships and opportunities for discipleship and fellowship.” Tim and his wife, Sarah, met while they were students at Liberty University, and they married in 1993. Tim graduated with a B.S. in government, and the couple moved to Los Angeles, where Tim attended The Master’s Seminary. During the six years they lived in Los Angeles, both Tim and Sarah were heavily involved in campus ministry with college students. They ministered to and alongside students at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) before starting a ministry at The University of Southern California (USC). They led the USC ministry for four years, led several short-term ministry teams to Northern Ireland, and spent two summers doing pastoral ministry at a Baptist church in Dungannon, Northern Ireland. It was during these years of ministry that Tim and Sarah realized that they wanted to spend the rest of their lives working with college students. The Gombises have three children. Madeline (10) enjoys ballet and is a cheerleader for the Cedarville Pee-Wee football team. Jacob (8) loves soccer and is the family’s technical wizard. When Riley (5) is not playing soccer, he follows big brother Jake around to see if he can join in whatever Jake is doing. Tim noted, “We’re very happy to be at Cedarville University and are looking forward to being blessed by our experience here.” Michael Parrott Mike grew up in Walnut Creek, California and attended California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo. During his first week of classes he accepted Jesus Christ and became involved with Campus Crusade for Christ. After graduating with a B.S. in biochemistry, Mike joined the full-time staff of Campus Crusade for Christ and worked with the high school ministry which later became known as “Student Venture.” His first assignment was in Portland, Oregon, where he served for seven years. Mike met his wife, Tracey, when she joined the team during Mike’s second year on staff. They were married in 1977. The following year Mike entered Western Seminary. During his years at Western, two of the Parrotts’ four children were born: Lindsey in 1979 and Luke in 1981. Mike graduated from Western in 1981 with an M.Div. in pastoral theology. The Parrotts moved to Philadelphia with Campus Crusade for Christ, still working with “Student Venture.” After the move, Mike was ordained by First Baptist Church of Wycombe, Pennsylvania. The Parrotts had two more children during their nine years in Pennsylvania: Laurie, born in 1983, and Daniel, born in 1986. The Lord moved the Parrotts to Cincinnati, Ohio in 1990. During this time Mike served first as an area director for “Student Venture,” then as metro-city director. The family joined Forestville Baptist Church, where Mike currently serves as chairman of the deacon board. During his 30 years on staff with “Student Venture,” Mike has been involved in and has led overseas projects in Mexico, Canada, France, the Philippines, Russia, Hungary, Israel, Uganda, and Siberia. At Cedarville, Mike’s ministry will primarily focus on the Christian education program with teammates Dr. Tom Hutchison ’80 and Dr. Scott Dixon ’84. Mike noted, “I look forward to being part of the team of faculty at Cedarville University this fall.” Department Welcomes Two New Faculty Members Inspire 13 The department of biblical education welcomes Timothy Gombis and Michael Parrott as its two newest faculty members. Back row (left to right): Tim Gombis, Jack Riggs, Scott Dixon ’84, Dave Drullinger, Steve Janssen Second row from top (left to right): Mike Thigpen, Jim Bjornstad, Jeff Cook ’81, Don Grigorenko, Dave Mappes Third row from top (left to right): Mike Parrott, Dan Estes ’74, Tom Cragoe Fourth row from top (left to right): Pam Bromer, Amy-Hope Guisleman, Tom Hutchison ’80, Chris Miller, Mike Holt, David Mills ’92 Front row: Kelly Hellwig Not pictured: David Hoffeditz ’92, Rich Blumenstock ’63, Greg Couser