Inspire, Winter 2000

Inspire 3 Lin Johnson ’71 I have worked as Christian education (CE) and youth director, curriculum editor, and special instructor of CE at Moody Bible Institute. Currently, I am self-employed. Under my company, WordPro Communication Services, I edit several publications, write, teach in writers’ conferences, and own/direct the Write-to-Publish Conference. Janet McClish Powell ’64 Teachers are in an ideal spot to be role models. This is currently my 37th year of teaching. At the present, I am a teacher, coach, and athletic director at Sharon Christian Academy in Hermitage, Pennsylvania. Live what you say; otherwise, students can spot a phony a mile away—breaking down your influence. It is only in His strength that we can become consistent in living and have any influence on the world around us. I am very thankful to God for using my life to influence those in my world for Him. Two of my former students graduated from Cedarville and a few others have attended for at least one year. Others have gone to various Christian colleges or secular schools, all seeking what God would have for them. What a privilege I have had through the years of sharing and caring for my students and now reaping the benefits. Jill Slayton Puett ’88 Since November 1995, my husband, Stephen, and I have been privileged to serve the Lord in Guyana, South America. We planted a church in Tain, a Hindu and Muslim village. God has built His church, and I am thankful to have a part in teaching/discipling the women and children and training Christians to serve the Lord in their local church. You never know how God will bring you a ministry opportunity. [At camp] the ladies of the Tain Bible Church have the task of cleaning the fish we plan to eat. I know this may be hard to believe, but in all honesty the day we clean fish is a day filled with sweet fellowship. It’s a messy day and it’s a long day, but I have been amazed at what God has taught me about Guyanese culture and relating to the Guyanese women while I sit and clean fish with them. Because I graduated from Cedarville with a business/marketing degree, some people have asked me if my education from Cedarville has been wasted. I give a two-fold answer to that question. I do get to use some aspects of the business discipline as assistant field treasurer. More importantly, though, I didn’t learn to be a businesswoman at Cedarville, I learned to strive for godliness so that I am a woman God can use wherever He leads me. To share your photo with Inspire readers, please send one glossy photo to the alumni relations office, 251 N. Main St., Cedarville, OH 45314. (Because of quality issues, we cannot accept computer print-outs or e- mailed pictures.) Please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you would like your photo returned. We reserve the right to limit the number of submitted pictures published in Inspire. From the Director’s Chair Homecoming: 1,706 meals, 355 tables, 1,426 chairs, 1,190 preprinted name tags, 30 events, and approximately 2,000 guests later, another successful Homecoming is over. Is it possible to lose sight of my ministry when ordering more chairs? Absolutely. Does the vision of having an impact on the lives of others seem remote when trying to squeeze one more person into an already-full reunion? Of course. Does the “urgent” at times eclipse the “important?” Unfortunately. As a resident director, my ministry was clear. Touring with a singing team, my ministry was obvious. Working with church drama, my ministry was defined. But, planning Homecoming? Hauling boxes and setting up registration? Traveling around the country and hosting alumni events? Where is the ministry in that? However, when I see friends hugging and sharing what God has done ... when I have the chance to encourage someone who simply thinks of Cedarville as a safe place ... when I help someone make a connection ... then I realize my ministry. My life, and what I do with it, is my ministry. Many of us are not in “full-time Christian service,” but God has a specific ministry for each of us regardless. In planning this issue of Inspire , which focuses on “Women in Ministry,” we heard from women in all walks of life. Mothers, teachers, writers, speakers, missionaries, pastors’ wives, and businesswomen ... all with unique ministries using God’s unique gifts. I trust you will enjoy reading these stories and will gain an even brighter perspective on the ministry God has given you, as I have. Faith Linn ’83 Director of Alumni Relations