Inspire, Fall/Winter 2009

from Portugal has been able to go back for Christmas each year, but Easter is the holiday that causes him to miss his family the most. He attends Emmanuel Baptist Church in Xenia, Ohio, and appreciates the church’s commitment to caring for students away from home. “One of the families took the initiative to invite me over to their house on the first weekend I attended,” he said. “The generosity they have shown by including me in their small-group fellowship every week has been a huge blessing.” Kimberly (Nikitin) Siemer ’04 recalled, “I was able to go home to Budapest, Hungary, every Christmas, which was a really good thing. But on other holidays, I usually traveled to see extended family in Michigan or be with friends’ families. It was especially hard to be away from my parents over Thanksgiving and Easter.” Finding Family In addition to the local families and churches that encourage MKs and provide a home-like environment during college, Cedarville strives to meet the needs of these students through the organization Mu Kappa. A national fraternal association for missionary kids, Mu Kappa got its start in 1985 at Taylor University. A group of MKs realized no one understands the transitions they face in adjusting to North American life better than other MKs. Mu Kappa now has chapters on about 50 college campuses across the country. Over the years, various Cedarville faculty and staff have been involved in the University chapter of Mu Kappa, assisting these students with the important changes in their lives. Brian Nester, director of missions involvement services, has served as Mu Kappa advisor for 15 years. Dr. Frank Jenista ’68, professor of international studies, and his wife, Barb (Lepine) ’70, an adjunct instructor, also make a point of inviting MKs over on a regular basis. Having grown up in the Philippines, Dr. Jenista is called the “elder MK” on campus. As members of Mu Kappa, Jeff and Tiffany credit the organization with helping to make their college experience a positive one. Not only that, Mu Kappa played a big role in bringing the two of them together. As they spent time with other MKs in the group, they also grew closer to one another. In fact, Mu Kappa was such a central aspect of their relationship and college experience that Jeff proposed to Tiffany at the Mu Kappa Christmas party of 1993. With 40 other MKs watching, as well as the faculty and staff sponsors, Tiffany said, “Yes!” to Jeff’s request, and the room erupted with cheers and applause. This level of support and community defined Jeff and Tiffany’s Cedarville experience. As they explained, “Mu Kappa provided a family atmosphere for us when we were lonely for our own families.” For Jeff and Tiffany — and many other MKs — their unique University experience added a whole new dimension to the concept of “the Cedarville family.” Donna Messenger is a missionary with Barnabas International as a Mu Kappa representative, working with colleges primarily in the Midwest. She lives in Cedarville and assists the University with ministry to MKs and international students. She has worked with MKs for more than 25 years, both in North America and overseas. You may contact her at dmessenger@cedarville.edu. Many MKs and international students arrive in the United States for their first year of college with only a suitcase or two of clothing. They may need bedding, linens, toiletries, and other furnishings for their rooms. It would mean so much to a missionary family if you helped their son or daughter get situated at college! i www.cedarville.edu/visit Pack your bags for a Cedarville visit! 2010 CU Fridays March 12 April 9 2010 Academic Previews January 30 Nursing Day February 13 Engineering and Computer Science Day March 27 Allied Health and Pharmacy Day A Day Just for You! You are unique, so your Cedarville visit should be, too! Together, we will customize a day that fits your interests and answers your questions.