Inspire, Winter 2005

Inspire 13 with disabilities. The Hokes began showing the film and sharing their testimony to anyone who asked, including Christian schools, churches, and summer camps. Over the years, the Hokes’ relationship with JAF grew. For the past four years, the Hokes have taken a short-term missions team from their church to a JAF family retreat, where they minister to families affected by disabilities. “They have used Curtis’ circumstance for God’s glory in such an amazing way,” said Faith Linn ’83, director of alumni relations. Along with their ministries to those with disabilities, Curtis and Carol are active in their church. They team-teach fourth grade Sunday school, and Curtis leads worship and is an elder. The Hokes reside in Elverson, Pennsylvania, where Curtis is the office manager for Stoltzfus Enterprises, Ltd., a home-building company founded by his father-in-law. Carol owns a small private elementary school where she teaches approximately a dozen students. The Hokes have three children: Cynthia (16), Abigail (8), and Jesse (4). Honorary Alumnus of the Year J. Wesley Baker As distinguished professor of communication arts and director of the electronic media program at Cedarville, Wes maintains a busy schedule of teaching, consulting, speaking, and writing. He is widely respected for his expertise and development of media technology programs, and he is passionate about keeping up-to-date with the rapidly changing landscape of electronic media. Along with his key involvement on numerous planning committees, Wes has received a number of teaching and innovation awards, including Cedarville’s Faculty Member of the Year (2000) and Faculty Scholar Award (2003). However, Wes is admired for much more than his scholarly knowledge. “J. Wesley Baker has been my professor, colleague, mentor, and friend for nearly 30 years,” shared Jim Leightenheimer ’80, associate professor of communication arts. “As my professor, Wes inspired me, by example, to work hard to excel in my studies and to use my abilities and skills to serve the Lord. As my colleague and mentor, Wes has challenged me, again by example, to build into the lives of hundreds of students. As my friend, Wes has been an encourager and an example of faithful Christian service. Our students know that while no one will academically challenge them more than Wes, he will also give them the tools necessary to learn and will always be available (even in the middle of the night by e-mail) to give a helping hand. I have never known anyone who more earnestly seeks to redeem the time and talents that God has given.” Wes joined the Cedarville faculty in 1977 and holds degrees from Bob Jones University, the University of South Carolina, and The Ohio State University. His wife, Rebecca, is an assistant professor of communication arts at Cedarville. The Bakers have four children: Vanessa ’01, Nathaniel ’05, Katharine ’08, and Elizabeth, a high school senior. Young Alumna of the Year Shari Kregel Gray ’99 Upon graduating with her bachelor of science in nursing degree, Shari wanted a job that would fulfill her greatest passion: ministering to those who are hurting. In line with this desire, she took a nursing position in the neonatal intensive care unit at Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan. During her second year there, Shari began to realize the Lord had another path planned for her as her heart became burdened for the growing number of orphaned children in Africa. In the fall of 2001, Shari departed for South Africa to assist Evangelical Baptist Missions (EBM) in the start-up of the Bethesda Outreach Children’s Home for orphans of the HIV/AIDS pandemic. At Bethesda, Shari worked in preschool, health, baby ministry, outreach, and public relations roles. She helped organize Bethesda work teams from Cedarville and other churches and schools, and she led a Bible study with teen girls at her church. After three years, Shari knew that God was leading her back to the U.S. although the reason remained unclear. She moved to Indianapolis and took up a nursing role in the pediatric intensive care unit of Riley Children’s Hospital. However, she stayed involved with Bethesda through volunteer work at EBM’s home office. It wasn’t long before the Lord revealed yet another step in His path for Shari. She met Stephen Gray, and the two married just a few month ago. The Grays are rejoicing in God’s path for them and anticipate serving Him wherever and in whatever ways He chooses to lead them. “I am so thankful that God doesn’t leave us to choose our own path by our limited human perspective, but instead guides us along the very path that He knows is best for us,” Shari stated. “My greatest desire is that God will be glorified through whatever circumstances He allows into my life to conform me more closely to the image of Christ.” To nominate someone for an alumni award, go to www.cedarville.edu/alumni.