Inspire, Summer 2004

30 Summer 2004 Steve ’89 and Sherri Hannay Gerhardt ’88 reside in Lansing, Michigan, where Steve continues to enjoy being a stay-at-home dad and Sherri is a physician’s assistant in a neonatal intensive care unit. They enjoy their three boys, Daniel (8), Ryan (7), and Joshua (4). Pam Conrad Gould ’89 and her husband, David, announce the birth of Kenton Raymond on March 1, 2003. Kenton joins his siblings, Kaitlyn (11), Kyle (11), and Kurtis (4), at home in Pickerington, Ohio. John Krueger ’89 and his wife, Ginny, announce the birth of Reagan Danielle on January 3, 2004. She was welcomed home by her sister, Jordan (7), and brother, Ethan (2), in Austin, Texas. John is a public affairs consultant to SBC Texas, and Ginny is the CEO of Alliance Association Management. They are active members of Lake Hills Church. Cathy Anderson Little ’89 is touring and recording with the music group Mosaic as their primary acoustic guitarist. The group currently has a CD and is due to release another in the fall of 2004. This will include a song that Cathy wrote, as well as Cathy on background vocals and guitar. For more information, or to order a CD, visit http://www.beyondmeproductions.com / aboutmosaic3.html. Cathy and her husband, Tom, live in Marietta, Georgia and are both actively involved on the worship team at The Marietta Vineyard Church. 90s Andy ’90 and Meredith Clements Bidlen ’92 announce the birth of Macy Anne on February 9, 2003. She was welcomed home by her siblings, Andrew (9), Mallory (6), and Audra (3), in North Royalton, Ohio. Dawn Smith Monzon ’90 received her master of elementary education degree on December 15, 2003 from the University of Alabama. She is now pursuing another master’s degree in the area of educational leadership. Dawn and her husband, Juan, are missionaries in Paraguay, South America, and have three children, Wesley (10), Ashley (9), and Jessica (6). Kelly Fath ’91 continues to prepare for his departure to Romania this fall. He is thankful for the way the Lord has blessed him during his time of deputation. He thoroughly enjoyed his extended academic teaching experience at the Church Ministries Institute in Ukraine last year. Mendy Bradds Holtz ’92 received the Greeneview High School (Ohio) Golden Apple Award for April 2004. A health and physical education teacher at Greeneview, Mendy was nominated for her positive attitude, caring concern, and desire to make her classes interesting. She is also active as the junior class advisor and the 7th grade volleyball coach. Mendy resides in Xenia, Ohio. Laura Farnsworth McQuaid ’92 and her husband, Shawn, announce the birth of Erin Kate on May 21, 2003. She joins big brother Cole (3) at home in Cross Junction, Virginia. Shawn is a corrections officer, and Laura enjoys staying home with the kids and working per diem as a labor and delivery nurse and childbirth instructor. Matt Gilson ’93 and his wife, Jennifer, announce the birth of Benjamin Matthew. He was born October 6, 2003 and joins his sister, Rachel, at home in Loveland, Ohio. Karla Warnken Himka ’93 and her husband, John, announce the birth of Leah Marie on November 20, 2003. Big brothers Ethan (6) and Stephen (3) awaited her arrival in Factoryville, Pennsylvania. Paul McGrady ’93 is now a digital brands partner at Ladas & Parry in Chicago, Illinois. Susan Lancaster Stollings ’93 and her husband, Charles, announce the birth of Stephanie Marie on June 25, 2003. She joins her brother, Andrew (3), at home in Spencer, Ohio. Todd ’94 and Kari Beres Carter ’96 announce the birth of Camden Beres on April 16, 2003. He joins his brother, Colin Todd (3), in Troy, Ohio. Todd is the senior media producer at Ginghamsburg Church in Tipp City, and Kari tutors Japanese students while also being a mom. Brian ’94 and Traci Emes Good ’95 announce the birth of Bryn Renee on February 24, 2004. Big brother Bryce welcomed her home in Cincinnati, Ohio. Sena Lund Nunley ’94 and her husband, Tim, announce the birth of Janae Joy. She was born September 14, 2002 and joins her brothers, Braden (2) and Bradley (1), in Palmer, Alaska. Joe Slavens ’94 and his wife, Broni, were married December 20, 2003. Joe is a residence director with Multnomah Bible College in Portland, Oregon. Michael Wittmer ’89 has written a new book celebrating the Christian worldview. Heaven is a Place on Earth: Why Everything You Do Matters to God explains how the biblical story of creation, the fall, and redemption liberates ordinary believers to thrive in their everyday lives. Mike explained, “Many Christians mistakenly believe that this world is not their home, this life is not what really matters, and only spiritual things last forever. Unfortunately, these pious beliefs have more in common with the pagan thought of Plato than with the Christian Scriptures.” He continued, “Jesus Christ did not come to this planet to turn us into angels who would live forever in heaven, but to free us to flourish in every aspect of our human existence. Whether you’re playing ball, fixing dinner, going to work, or watching a movie, it all matters. This book will show you how.” Published by Zondervan, the book was released in April 2004. Complete with discussion questions and case studies, it’s excellent for small groups. “While I did not write this with Rick Warren’s book in mind, I think that my book could be considered a sequel to The Purpose-Driven Life ,” Mike noted. “Warren’s book addresses the meaning of the Christian life; mine explores the broader meaning of our human lives — the value of the many normal things we do — not because we are Christian, but primarily because we are human. So I am hoping that many readers who enjoyed Warren’s book will move on to mine, where they will learn even more about the purpose of their lives.” Mike serves as associate professor of systematic and historical theology at Grand Rapids Theological Seminary in Michigan. He and his wife, Julie, have three children: Avery (5), Landon (3), and Alayna (1). For more information about Mike’s book, visit his Web site at www.heavenisaplaceonearth.com . You may contact Mike at mwittmer@cornerstone.edu or call him at 616-874-1496. Heaven is A Place on Earth