Inspire, Fall/Winter 2009

2 FALL/WINTER 2009 campus news your source for what ’ s new and exciting at C edarville U niversity “You can’t find another ministry quite like this,” said Jonathan Walburg ’10, student leader of the inaugural East to West touring team. “It’s exciting to see where it will go … there is so much potential.” Launched during the 2008–09 school year, East to West is the newest addition to Cedarville’s touring ministries. You might be familiar with The Master’s Puppets teams, which have focused on children’s ministry. But according to Brandon Waltz ’87, director of youth ministry touring teams, reaching out specifically to middle school students had not been addressed by an on-the-road ministry team. So he intentionally programmed East to West for middle school and high school teens as a “rich multimedia experience, making it fun, interactive, and appealing.” Students enjoy a program with a Gospel-oriented theme woven throughout the games, videos, worship, and lesson. During their 2009 summer tour, the six team members introduced this new ministry to seven camps and several churches. “The response from New Endeavor: East to West "From east to west, the Lord'’s name is deserving of praise."” Psalm 113:3 WHO: WHAT: WHERE: Worship, games, and lessons for middle school students New high-energy praise and worship touring team Camps, youth events, and church services students and camp directors was great,” Jonathan commented. “Many directors have already asked us to come next summer!” As with all of Cedarville’s touring teams, East to West members don’t mind getting their hands dirty as they serve alongside camp or church staff. Nothing has influenced Brandon’s philosophy of ministry more than a quote from his former seminary professor Dr. Howard Hendricks: “You impress from a distance, but you impact up close.” As Brandon explained, “We’re not satisfied with simply giving an impressive performance from the stage. We want to build into the lives of teens in an intensely personal way with the Gospel of Christ.” Over the next year, the youth ministry touring teams will transition to include two East to West groups and the existing Lifeline Players drama team. East to West is ideal for middle school youth events, camps, and family church services. To learn more information or to schedule East to West for your event, visit www.cedarville.edu/easttowest .