Inspire, Spring 2008

28 spring 2008 di rector ’s cha i r one of the first things I do is look back and consider how I got where I am! Not to sound overly spiritual, but isn’t that what God was always doing with the Israelites? Reminding them of all He did to get them to where they were? Well, here I am leading Alumni Relations at Cedarville University. And I have to look back and think “How did I end up here?” It is pretty obvious to me — God put me here. But He used a host of people working with me, “reliable men” building into my life (2 Timothy 2:1-2) and establishing a legacy that I reflect on often. It began when a friend of my family, Rev. Tim Wolf of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, called my parents back in Indiana and told us about a school called Cedarville College that just happened to have started a pre-engineering program. Who knew how that simple conversation would influence this farm boy? I often tell others, particularly students, about my five “heroes” as a college student at Cedarville. Each made a lasting impression on my life: Dan Barfell ’85, one of my college roommates; Harold Green (PG), my college pastor; Dr. Paul Dixon, my college president; Kevin Smith, my first Australia MIS leader and a mentor through music teams; and Kirby Lancaster ’76, a Cedarville alum who is now a pastor in Australia. Through their lives, I have been challenged as a college student, then as a staff member, and now as a husband and father … to follow their example and live a life that glorifies God. When I began working in the Student Life Division, God brought Philippians 4:9 to mind: “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me — put it into practice.” I have watched and learned from three more “heroes” during the past 10 years. Through the example of his life, Jim Cato ’83 has taught me about worship. In his role as vice president for student life, Dr. Carl Ruby ’83 has shown me strong, godly leadership. And my long-time supervisor Dick Walker has challenged me in the area of service. These friends have shaped me into who I am today and have instilled in me the passions of worship, leadership, and service. I recently had the opportunity to host a group of student leaders at Dr. Bill Brown’s home for an annual event called “Putting Your Best Foot Forward.” He challenged the students with three important leadership qualities — strong character, a deep love for Christ, and a deep love for people. Dr. Brown continues to leave a rich legacy to our students, as well as the rest of us, at Cedarville University. What kind of legacy are you leaving? I trust this issue of Inspire will challenge you to reconsider how your life is influencing others and take a moment to thank the individuals who have shaped who you are today. Any time I step into a new phase of life, Jeff Beste ’87 Director of Alumni Relations “You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.” —2 Timothy 2:1-2