Inspire, Winter 2007

Inspire 25 Brian ’92 and Dana Guy Phipps ’90 returned to Turkey in October 2007. They trust that God will use the stories they shared while on furlough to encourage their partners and put a desire to support in others. Their support needs have risen due to them living in Ankara and their boys’ junior high educational needs. Cliff Roop ’92 married Jean Siela July 28, 2007. They reside in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where Cliff teaches elementary physical education at Blackhawk Christian School. Jean is a nurse in a surgical center at Fort Wayne Orthopedic. Amy Riniker Smith ’93 and her husband, Chad, announce the birth of Carter Jacob on January 30, 2007. He joins his sister, Audrey (4), at home in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania. Chad is a geologist, and Amy enjoys staying home with the kids. Sherry Gavitt Price ’94 and her husband, Chris, announce the birth of Olivia Rebekah on August 31, 2006. Olivia was named after her great, great grandmother and was born on her great grandparents’ anniversary. After 12 years of teaching kindergarten at Calvary Baptist Academy in Hurricane, West Virginia, Sherry resigned to be a stay-at-home mom and absolutely loves it. She also enjoys teaching piano lessons part time during the week. Chris teaches history at Calvary Baptist, teaches some college classes, and is pursuing his third master’s degree. Joe Slavens ’94 and his wife, Broni, announce the birth of Lucy Avery on August 29, 2007. She was welcomed home by her sister, Bella (2). In July, the family moved to Redding, California, from Portland, Oregon, where Joe had been going to seminary and working at Multnomah School of the Bible for the past 11 years. Joe is now the director of student life at Simpson University, and Broni enjoys staying at home. Sam ’95 and Sarah Mattke Garland ’97 announce the birth of David James on December 1, 2006. He joins his siblings, Katie (7), Joshua (5), and Micah (3), in Slinger, Wisconsin. In August 2007, Sam received his master of science degree in nursing education from Cardinal Stritch University. He is an assistant professor at Columbia College of Nursing. Scott ’95 and Christine Fischbacher Hayden ’93 are encouraged by how their home is being used as a mission field in Thailand. They interact with several people on a daily basis and are able to share their love of Christ. Ann Woodman Leaver ’95 and her husband, Chris, announce the birth of Paul Michael on November 6, 2006. He was welcomed home by his siblings, Joshua, Daniel, Timothy, and Sarah, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Chris is a quality assurance tester for BDO Seidman LLP, and Ann puts her elementary education degree to work by homeschooling their kids. Rachel Searcy ’95 continues to work on the Punan translation of Scripture in Indonesia. She counts it a privilege to have some family members join her team. Joel Wallis ’95 and his wife, Aimee, announce the birth of their second son, Isaac David, on May 23, 2005, and the birth of their third son, Luke Andrew, on March 13, 2007. Big brother Ethan (5) welcomed them both home in Cedarville, Ohio. Joel is a project engineer for Cascade Corporation in Springfield, Ohio, and Aimee is a stay-at-home mom. Jim ’96 and Karen Ware Blumenstock ’96 started their one-year home assignment back from Asia in November. Gary ’96 and Lori Kenny Carter ’98 announce the birth of Braydon Larry on September 23, 2006. Gary is a teacher and basketball coach, and Lori is a stay-at-home mom. They reside near Elkhart, Indiana. Charlie ’96 and Jennifer Myers Dean ’96 announce the birth of Madox Logan on May 16, 2007. Big brothers Caleb (6), Gavin (4), and Jaxon (1) welcomed him home in Peoria, Illinois. Charlie is a pastor at Northwoods Community Church, and Jennifer stays at home with the boys. Brent ’96 and Kara Niemotka Gibbs ’96 were married August 25, 2007, at an outside ceremony in South Haven, Michigan. They reside in Cedarville, Ohio, where Kara is the website copy editor for the University as well as a freelance writer. Brent provides marketing and business development services to clients in entertainment and publishing and to small businesses. alumnotes Peace Bears for Empty Arms When Patty Thompson Young ’00 and her husband, Cyle, lost stillborn daughter Peace A. Young on July 20, 2005, a woman who had lost her baby years earlier presented the couple with a teddy bear. Though the Youngs felt totally alone, the bear reminded them of others who had lost babies and had overcome their tragic loss. The bear gave the Youngs great comfort and hope that they, too, could overcome their pain and grief. The next month, the Youngs started the nonprofit Peace Bear Project in Peace’s memory. Since the Peace Bear Project started, nearly 300 Peace Bears have been delivered to other families that are leaving the hospital with empty arms. In addition to comforting grieving parents, the Youngs hope to remind families and friends that every life is special and should be remembered — even the smallest life. Peace Bears are purchased through donations given in memory of Peace and others. Each bear includes an embroidered patch on the paw and a Peace bracelet for the mom. To learn more about the Peace Bear Project and to make a tax-deductible donation to the Peace Bear Fund, visit www.peacebears.org .