Inspire, Winter 2004

W h a t ’ s t h e W o r d ? My time at Cedarville revolutionized my view on life, Scripture, relationships, ministry — and the list continues. I began as a scared young individual with a passion to live for something real, something bigger than myself, and something worth dying for. My education reached far beyond the classroom; however, my most intense time of experiential learning took place during the 10-week internship portion of my Bible degree studies. As I reflect back on the time I spent at Scioto Hills Baptist Camp and Retreat Center (Wheelersburg, Ohio) during the summer of 1998, words escape me to adequately describe the degree of impact it had on my life. It was at that time that I watched the theories learned in class become reality as God, through His Word, changed lives for eternity. Revisit with me as I reflect on some of the major themes of learning that God took me through during my internship at Scioto. The First Day — May 8, 1998 Wow … I really don’t feel prepared for this. I have a lot of head knowledge, but is it worth anything in the real world? I don’t know, but I guess we will see. I have so much more to learn. Thoughts on the Scriptures — June 21, 1998 I am so thankful that God knows our every need. I wanted to share what was on my heart, because I felt God was prompting me. I want to encourage and rebuke from His Word, because It has authority, not me. The Importance of Laurie (Jelinek) ’99—June 18, 1998 Laurie is just so much a part of me that I really struggle to function without her. I wouldn’t be anywhere near where I am Summer of 1998 … Reflections by Aaron J. Cook ’99 today had not God so graciously put her in my life just four and a half years ago … I am just not the same person without her. Thoughts on Spiritual Growth — May 28, 1998 Today was a struggle … I keep worrying about the future. I always talk about trusting God with everything, and I preach it pretty well, but do my actions and thoughts reflect it? I have a lot to learn about trusting Him. I want so badly to grow, and I think I am, and struggling has been a big reason for it, but I wish I didn’t have to struggle to grow. Why can’t I just get it the first time? Thoughts on Spiritual Growth — June 28, 1998 I don’t have the tools that I need yet, and I will never be able to do it on my own. I believe God has called me. I don’t have all the answers, but my job is obedience, and He will take care of the how. Today, I am blessed to still be a part of the team at Scioto Hills Camp and Retreat Center. Though I have enjoyed many different hats during my time here, I currently serve with my wife, Laurie, and daughter, Aleena, as the director of guest ministries. I am privileged to experience God changing lives, as He did mine through the ministry of Christian camping. In the department of biblical education, we are eager to develop students with knowledge, character, and skills to be able to serve effectively in a wide variety of contexts. Our programs for vocational ministry majors (youth ministries, Christian education, international studies — missiology, pastoral studies) intentionally develop skill in biblical studies and prepare students for teaching Scripture effectively. Leadership and programming issues are also addressed. You can currently find our graduates working in many different Classrooms Without Walls: Internship Experiences for Bible Ministry Majors by Dr. Thomas Hutchison ’80, Assistant Chair of the Department of Biblical Education and Associate Professor of Christian Education ministry positions: youth ministers, children’s directors, Christian education directors, cross-cultural ministry workers, teachers at Christian schools, para-church organization workers, camp directors, etc. While there is much we can do to prepare students for ministry in the classroom, we recognize that there are some things that just can’t be taught in the classroom alone. Practical ministry experience is necessary to help surface questions; identify personal strengths and passions; and begin establishing 18 Winter 2004