Inspire, Summer 2010

Take advantage of the Ux2 gift match! Now through December 31, when you make your first gift to Cedarville, an alumnus will match your gift. And if you haven’t given for awhile, he’ll match your gift, too! • Whatever you’d like to support • No minimum amount U x 2 = Visit www.cedarville.edu/Ux2 for videos, updates, and online giving! “Before I could grow academically and spiritually in college, I had a lot of stuff I brought with me that I had to deal with first,” said Michelle * , an alumna who met with a counselor as a student. “It wasn’t going to get worked out by just talking with friends.” Looking back, she’s impressed by the quality of care she received through counseling services. The counselors were highly trained, licensed professionals and, more importantly, were committed to loving her and all the other students who walked through their doors. Counseling services helps students seek answers that are directed by and consistent with God’s Word while encouraging a healthy dependence on other believers who can help them bear their burdens. John’s enthusiasm is evident when he shares how much he enjoys working with college students. “This is a vital transition time in their lives,” he explained. “They may be sharing for the first time that they were abused or that they struggle with an eating disorder. They may be wrestling with their faith and who they are now that they are ‘on their own.’ This service provides students with a safe outlet to be honest and open about their struggles while having consistent accountability and assistance. It is very rewarding to see God use us to bring about lasting positive changes in students’ lives.” Hope Reborn Cedarville places great emphasis on caring for the whole student. In Michelle’s opinion, providing counseling for students demonstrates Cedarville’s commitment to giving students the practical resources they need. “At the time, I didn’t realize what a huge blessing it was to have free counseling for students available right on campus,” she said. “But looking back, had I not dealt with those issues then, I’d be paying for it now, in more ways than one.” Every year, students report that they probably would not have finished the academic year, or even the semester, without the help that comes from their counseling relationship. “We have also seen students come to faith,” John said. “They come to us struggling with their circumstances but eventually see their greater need to truly know God.” Restoration like this happens when donors invest in students’ lives. Gifts to the Cedarville Fund open doors to the full Cedarville experience without raising tuition costs. Students benefit academically, spiritually, and personally for a lifetime because of their experience at Cedarville. Michelle found healing through her visits to counseling services and the support of her friends in the Cedarville family. Today, she works with a nonprofit organization committed to helping vulnerable children, bringing hope to those who need it most. In a very real way, gifts to the Cedarville Fund are part of Michelle’s healing story and many more stories like hers. Few gifts are more beautiful than giving a broken individual the opportunity to live a whole and transformed life and, in turn, extend a lifeline to others. * Name has been changed to maintain confidentiality. Michael Colletto ’06 is a freelance writer, editor, and the communications director for The SOLD Project ( www.thesoldproject.com ). He and his wife, Heather (Wenzel) ’08, live in Thailand. You may contact him at mccolletto@gmail.com . The Impact of a Gift • Students can meet with licensed professional counselors free of charge, thanks in part to gifts to the Cedarville Fund. • Students would pay, on average, $65 for sessions with private- practice counselors. Invest in Cedarville students today with your online gift: www.cedarville.edu/giving