Torch, Spring 2005

Spring 2005 / TORCH 15 Newest Trustee Named C edarville University has named Karyn Brookes as its newest trustee. Brookes will serve a three-year term. Dr. Bill Brown, president of Cedarville University, stated, “Karyn brings a wealth of experience to the board of trustees. As a wife, mother, and teacher, she is able to provide a great perspective for the board. Her involvement in a number of national ministries allows her to see the University in a broad context. And, of course, the fact that she is a Cedarville alumna and serves as an officer on the Alumni Council shows the depth of her commitment to her alma mater.” After receiving her elementary education degree from Cedarville University in 1995, Brookes taught third and fourth grades in New York, North Carolina, and Washington. She is currently a substitute teacher in Annapolis, Md., where she and her husband, Dan, are involved with Officers’ Christian Fellowship, The Navigators, and a home Bible study group. John Piper Leads Line-Up at Evangelism Celebration D r. John Piper (right) , senior pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church (Minneapolis) and founder of the ministry Desiring God, was just one of the renown Christian leaders on campus for the February 28- March 1 Evangelism Celebration. The Celebration, called “Defending our Faith in a Changing Culture,” was a free conference sponsored by Cedarville University and the State Convention of Baptists in Ohio. The two-day event featured challenging messages and renewing music. Additional speakers included Josh McDowell, nationally known author and speaker with Campus Crusade for Christ; Dr. Ergun Caner, nationally known author and speaker on reaching out to Muslims; Dr. Voddie T. Baucham Jr., evangelist and founder of Voddie Baucham Ministries; Dr. Bobby Welch, president of the Southern Baptist Convention; Dr. Alvin Reid, professor of evangelism at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary; Dr. Bill Brown, president of Cedarville University; Dr. Thom Rainer, president and CEO of The Rainer Group; and Rick Stanley, evangelist and step-brother of Elvis Presley. Music was led by Charles Billingsley, artist-in-residence at Liberty University; Babbie Mason, Dove Award-winning vocalist; and Angela Carl, contemporary gospel vocalist. A variety of Cedarville University musical ensembles also provided music during the event. During the lunch program on March 1, attendees heard from Leah O’Brien Amico, three-time Olympic gold medalist with the U.S. women’s softball team, and Mark Dantonio, head football coach of the University of Cincinnati Bearcats. Missions Conference Opens Minds and Hearts C edarville University’s three-day Missions Conference “Shine in the Darkness” concluded on January 13, leaving students with a clearer picture of available missions options and, in many cases, a clearer desire to serve. Approximately 80 missionaries, representing 37 international ministries, shared information about their organizations with students during the week. The missionaries led 28 seminars on a variety of current missions topics, from ministry software and medical missions to aiding children in crisis. Six special presentations by missionaries were a highlight of the conference. Students heard the testimony of New Tribes Mission’s Tania Rich, whose husband was held hostage and later killed by Colombian rebels in the 1990s. Rich talked about some of the fears and challenges she has faced since then. “We allow too many things in our lives to hold us hostage,” she noted, citing fear, pride, and anger. She exhorted students to see each day as an opportunity and obey God no matter the circumstances. In addition, Grady Toland of Evangelical Christian School in Memphis, Tenn., blended his original comic songs about missionary life with the message, “Anything you do of value for God will involve sacrifice.” Gary Frost, director of the Metro Baptist Association in New York City, gave a passionate call for tender-hearted, intelligent service to God and others. Dr. Ron Cline of HCJB World Radio spoke in the evening presentations. He advised students to walk away from “sloppy living,” share God’s light and love with others, commit to do God’s will, and trust Him to provide. A tremendous response followed, as hundreds of students prayed with missionaries and made commitments to be open to God’s will for their lives. “This year’s Missions Conference has been indescribable,” said Brian Nester, director of Cedarville’s Missions Involvement Services. “The response from the students, missionaries, and even faculty and staff has been overwhelming. We just thank God for what He has done and will continue to do in the hearts and lives of our students.” Audiocassettes, CDs, and DVDs of part or all of the conference are available for purchase by calling the CDR Radio Network at 1-800-333-0601. Next year’s Missions Conference is tentatively scheduled for January 10-12. Understanding Today’s Youth Culture I n a world where Britney Spears and Eminem reign and high-tech video games and text messaging ramble, it may be harder and harder for youth workers to understand the very generation they are trying to help. In an effort to provide motivating training and encouragement for both full-time and volunteer youth workers, Cedarville University held its first-ever Youth Worker Summit on January 28. The theme was “Understanding Today’s Youth Culture.” The 180 guests in attendance heard from Walt Mueller, president and founder of the Center for Parent/Youth Understanding. A recognized authority on youth culture and family issues, Mueller talked about issues students face today and how to have an effective ministry in today’s youth culture. Mueller has many valuable resources for youth workers, including his critically acclaimed Gold Medallion Award-winning book Understanding Today’s Youth Culture. More resources are available at www.cpyu.org.