Inspire, Spring 2006

28 Spring 2006 Elizabeth Moon Brinkley ’95 and her husband, Tim, announce the birth of Christian Lucas. He was born August 18, 2005 and joins his brother, Austin (3), in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Tim works in landscaping, and Liz stays at home with the boys and is the coordinator for the Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) group at their church. Dayton McEwen ’95 and his wife, Bev, announce the birth of Claire Jean on June 18, 2005. She joins her sister, Karys Kate (2), in Jupiter, Florida, where they are blessed to attend Grace Immanuel Bible Church. Dayton is the director of operations for the Canadian branch of his company, Stainsafe, Inc. Bev loves being at home to love, train up, and be with their girls. Allan McGuire ’95 assisted with the relief work in Pakistan in December 2005. He managed one of the communication centers for Partners in Aviation and Communications Technology (PACTEC). PACTEC works closely with ministries throughout the world. Paul ’95 and Libby Kennedy Miner ’97 and their son, Patrick (18 months), live in Whitefield, Maine. Paul is the vice president of consumer lending at Skowhegan Savings Bank, one of Maine’s largest community banks. In October 2005, Paul traveled to the Dominican Republic for a short-term mission project. He was excited to see the two children that their family sponsors. Tami Doden Best ’96 and her husband, Brian, announce the births of Chloe Sophia on May 6, 2004 and Carlinn Olivia on September 21, 2005. Their two sisters, Audra (4) and Sadie (2), enjoy having them as part of the family. They reside in Garrett, Indiana. Laura Boothe Blackwood ’96 and her husband, James, announce the birth of Benjamin James on September 15, 2003. He is loved and adored by his two sisters, Anna (5) and Holly (4). James received his doctorate in mechanical engineering in May 2004. They live in northern Alabama and enjoy ministering at Hope Evangelical Free Church. Dale Radcliff ’94 and his wife, Jennifer, announce the birth of Amalie Joyce on July 22, 2005. She was welcomed home by her big brother, Andrew, in Hilliard, Ohio. Joe Slavens ’94 and his wife, Broni, announce the birth of Isabella Jade Callister on September 19, 2005. Joe is a resident director at Multnomah Bible College in Portland, Oregon. James ’96 and Karen Ware Blumenstock ’96 report that the Asia Baptist Theological Seminary (ABTS) continues to grow and develop. They are so thankful for the five families that work in Singapore with ABTS and the two other families that are in the support-raising process. They were able to spend the month of December in the States visiting with family and introducing their daughter, Ella (18 months), to them. Dan Braswell ’96 and his wife, Lynne, announce the birth of Braydan Charles on August 11, 2005. Dan is in his 10th year of teaching third grade in his hometown of Barberton, Ohio. Lynne is a stay-at-home mom and part-time realtor. Kristin Decker Delp ’96 and her husband, Rich, announce the birth of Allison Elizabeth on March 15, 2005. Big sister Abigail (3) welcomed her home in Harleysville, Pennsylvania. Kristin stays home with the girls, and Rich is an electrical engineer. Jason ’96 and Winona Monge Driesbach ’97 announce the birth of Samuel Martin on November 9, 2005. Jason is an editor at Tyndale House Publishers, and Winona is a labor and delivery nurse. They are thankful to God for His many blessings. Melissa Hartman ’96 has been named the new head volleyball coach at Cedarville University. Derek ’96 and Yoshi Ikeda Johnson ’96 have begun a new work with OASIS in Turkey. They teach high school Bible at an international school where enrollment recently jumped by 75%. They have two children: Solon (4) and Megumi (2). Dustin ’96 and Eve Edsell Martin ’96 announce the birth of their daughters. Gwynyth Vivienne and Madelyn Elena were born September 18, 2002, and Isabella Rose was born December 16, 2004. Dustin is pursuing a job in theatre while continuing to act and direct plays around Milwaukee. Eve works in the marketing department of the Aldrich Chemical Company. Dan ’96 and Kristen Frederick Nelles ’98 announce the birth of Audra Beth on July 11, 2004. She was welcomed home by her big brother, Caleb (3), in Galloway, Ohio. Brian and Julie Martindale Neils ’96 and their two-year-old daughter, Olivia, were expecting a double-delivery of joy in their home. Julie was pregnant with twins — a boy and a girl. But their excitement became fear when at 28 weeks Julie went into preterm labor. Everything seemed to stabilize, but then doctors discovered that the baby boy’s heart had stopped beating. His umbilical cord had gotten twisted, cutting off his nourishment. Julie was hospitalized for a month as doctors tried to give the remaining baby as much development time as possible. At roughly six months, the twins were delivered by C-section. The Neils named them Leyton Frederick and Lauren Hope. “Lauren means ‘victorious one,’” explained Julie, “and we are thankful to God for her life.” Lauren weighed 3 pounds and 15 ounces and spent seven weeks in neonatal intensive care. After many ups and downs, including a very worrisome bacterial infection and episodes in which she stopped breathing, she was able to come home on November 30, 2005. The Neils held a memorial service for Leyton on November 5, 2005. “These past few months have been full of unspeakable grief, bittersweet joy, and physical and emotional exhaustion,” remarked Julie. “There are no words to fully describe all that we are going through, but we are grateful to so many of you who have surrounded us with love and prayers. … We anxiously look forward to the day when we will be a complete family and can hold our little boy again.” In reflecting on Leyton’s death, Julie added, “All of life is ultimately about heaven. Leyton’s short time on earth reminds us every day that, as believers, we live to help make heaven a reality for those headed for an eternity without Jesus. May heaven be richer because he lived.” The Neils live in Colorado Springs, Colorado and can be reached at 719-638-4466, julieneils@netzero.com, or Brian.neils@fotf.org . Brian is in his 10th year with Focus on the Family. Julie continues to serve as director of media relations with Exodus International. Bittersweet Joy