Inspire, Fall 2005

20 Fall 2005 Mary Jo Moore I n the summer of 1949, the Baptist Bible Institute (which later became Cedarville College) sent out its first gospel team to represent the school. My husband, Charles Moore ’51, was part of that team — the other four were Dean Ainsworth ’50, Ward Weaver ’51, Ken Andrus ’51, and Vernon Weber ’51. The team traveled in our Studebaker. It was small for the five of them, but they survived the close quarters and developed a wonderful friendship. During their six-week journey that took them more than 6,000 miles, they represented the school and shared the gospel in 10 states. My husband did the preaching, and Ken played the piano while all sang and gave testimonies. They were good ambassadors and came home with many fond memories. My husband and Vernon are with the Lord — I’ve lost touch with the others. But I know that someday when we are all together with our Savior, they will reminisce about that summer. Back then we could never imagine how the Lord would bless and prosper the Baptist Bible Institute, making it the wonderful University and witness for Christ it is today! John Tobias ’37 L ike many Heritage alums, John attended Cedarville out of convenience. He lived on a farm outside of Cedarville and couldn’t afford to go anywhere else at that time. John fondly remembers his friends from his Cedarville days. He noted, “When I joined the Alumni Association there were 15 to 18 of us, and we did a lot together.” John majored in physical science with minors in math and English. After graduating, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and later went to Italy to fight in the 88th Infantry. After World War II, John served as a teacher for 37 years and earned a master’s degree in industrial arts. He retired in 1975. In looking back over his educational and professional career, John said, “Cedarville prepared me for the fundamentals of life.” John still lives on the same farm his grandfather bought in 1828. And living close by the University, at age 91 John enjoys following Yellow Jacket sports, especially the basketball games. This photo of the first gospel team to ever go out for BBI was taken in the summer of 1949. From left to right: Vernon Weber ’51, Ken Andrus ’51, Ward Weaver ’51, Charles Moore ’51, Dean Ainsworth ’50 John Tobias ’37 (highlighted) posing in a group photo from the 1937 Cedrus .