The Maranatha Advantage Fall/Winter 2013

1The Maranatha Advantage

DistinctivelyBaptist

Greater Joy

Noin the

HistoryMaking

2 Fall/Winter 2013

Comments on this issue? We want to hear from you! Email [email protected].

The Maranatha Advantage (Volume 14, Issue 1). Please send correspondence and address changes to: The Maranatha Advantage, 745 West Main Street, Watertown, WI 53094. © 2013 Maranatha Baptist Bible College & Seminary. All rights reserved. MARANATHA COMMUNICATIONS 13-093

Contents12 The Online Solution

14 Planning with a Purpose

18 Leading by Example 15 Ministry as We See It: Bella's Story

We like to say Maranatha has the best students in the world. And when the Higher Learning Commission visited our campus last month for our periodic quality checkup visit, the commission wholeheartedly agreed. In fact, they remarked, “The best proof of your spirit of excellence is all around the campus in the students we see.”

We praise God for our student body and those who have shaped their lives. We are thankful you have entrusted your students to us and that we have the privilege to educate and disciple the next generation of Christian leaders.

From conversations with Maranatha alumni, we have heard a resounding “thank you” for remaining true to our core, or our “DNA,” as Dr. Brock writes in his article, “History in the Making.”

We do not take that appreciation lightly. We have continued to hold fast to our heritage, and though we are ever changing, we remain true to what we’ve always been: focused on the Word of God, committed to developing leaders for the church and world, and dedicated to providing an extraordinary Christian education.

In this issue, we explore Maranatha’s “DNA.” We delve into our Baptist distinctives, our Bible college beginnings, and the bold expansion of our academic programs. We invite you to join us as we trace the hand of God upon this special place.

Great things are happening at Maranatha! We’re pleased to share with you what God has done and continues to do, “To the Praise of His Glory.”

His for Service,

Dr. Marty Marriott, President

Featured Stories

7 History in the Making

3 Distinctively Baptist

10 No Greater Joy

Executive EditorDr. Jim Harrison Graphic ArtistKristina Hendrickson

Communications DirectorPeter Wright Writer Karen Hansel

Director of PhotographyTim MielkePhotographersNathaniel BrewerVickie TurnerBeth Landers

2 Fall/Winter 2013


Director of PhotographyTim MielkePhotographersNathaniel BrewerVickie TurnerBeth Landers

aptist heritage—it’s as much a part of Maranatha as oxygen is to

the air we breathe. In fact, each student who earns a four-year degree from the College takes a class covering the Baptist tenets. Dr. Saxon, church historian and Maranatha Bible professor, has taught the class every semester since the fall of 2004 (the class is also available online three times a year). According to the syllabus, the class, fittingly named Baptist Heritage, covers a study of the doctrine and history of Baptists and baptistic peoples, emphasizing the development of the Baptists and Baptist Fundamentalism over the last four hundred years.

Dr. Saxon shared, “We want students to be able to identify the distinctive Baptist doctrines and ultimately to adhere to the biblical baptistic position on the church.”

A Baptist label

“The purpose of a label is to capture a set of theological truths that are biblical,” Dr. David Saxon said as he described some of his standard opening remarks to students in Baptist Heritage at Maranatha. The label “Baptist” has been a key part of Maranatha’s heritage for 45 years. Stated most obviously in its name, the

B

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set of principles the label represents has been securely woven into the teaching and preaching on campus since the founding of the College. The Baptist imperative first came to life with the teaching of BRAPSIS in Dr. Weeks’ Baptist Polity course and chapel messages on Matthew 16:18 from the founder, Dr. B. Myron Cedarholm.

A logical flow

Unique to Maranatha, the word BRAPSIS is a slightly modified acrostic for the Baptist distinctives developed by Dr. Richard Weeks, Maranatha’s first academic dean. While most Baptist historians have used the word BAPTIST or BAPTISTS to teach the distinctives, Dr. Weeks felt the acrostics did not reflect the logical flow of one distinctive into another.

“We do not apologize for our forefathers’ declaration of those truths which were designated Baptist distinctives and we courageously and proudly declare them now by the grace of God to the glory of God.”– Dr. Weeks

“He created a list of what he thought the key Baptist distinctives were, without trying to force them into the acrostic grid,” Dr. Saxon commented. “He also established

Distinct velyBaptist

The Maranatha Advantage

4

an order to these distinctives, considering not so much that some distinctives are more important than others, but rather that some distinctives tend to flow out of other distinctives.”

“From the foundational beliefs—the Bible as the sole authority of faith and practice, and a regenerated and immersed church membership—flow the autonomy of the local church, the priesthood of the believer, and soul liberty,” Dr. Saxon explained. “In essence, these become the pillars for the two ordinances and finally, the two separations (separation of church and state and separation ethically and ecclesiastically).”

A shared loyalty

Dr. Weeks’ BRAPSIS acrostic complemented the preaching from the chapel pulpit by Dr. Cedarholm. “Dr. Cedarholm would tell the students, ‘Let your Bibles fall open to Matthew 16:18,’” Dr. Oats remembered. “And he would preach these messages on the local church and on the primacy of the local church,” Oats said—and students were beginning to understand.

"Because you join a certain church, that doesn't make you a Baptist. Because you come to Maranatha Baptist Bible College, that doesn't make you a Baptist. Coming here, I trust that you'll learn the truths of God's Word and history, so that you will be a Baptist by conviction and be able to go out and serve the Lord Jesus Christ." – Dr. Cedarholm

Pastors recounted the faithfulness of Maranatha graduates to their local Baptist churches. Their belief in the primacy of the local church, coupled with a New Testament understanding of how a church should be structured—Baptist principles—were driving their actions.

When asked, “What is a Baptist?” Maranatha Baptist Seminary Professor Dr. Fred Moritz answered, “We are folks who insist that our doctrine of the church and our church practice come from Scripture, just like any other doctrine that we embrace.”

Both he and Dr. Saxon insist that it is the collection of New Testament principles embraced by Baptists, specifically applied to the church, rather than any single belief, which set Baptists apart in church history, assertions echoed by Dr. Larry Oats.

A full understanding

“When it comes to how we live out our lives in the community of believers—the Church—that’s where there are several other pieces of theology that separate us from the rest of the world,” Oats explained.

“Yes, true Baptists are different! We are different because of certain important beliefs and certain important doctrinal emphases.” – Dr. Weeks

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BRAPSISB—Bible, the sole authority of faith and practiceR—a regenerated and immersed church membershipA—the autonomy of the local churchP—the priesthood of the believerS—soul libertyI—immersion and the Lord’s SupperS1—separation of church and stateS2—separation: ethically and ecclesiastically

“Take any one of the Baptist distinctives and you will find somebody else who’s not a Baptist who believes that distinctive,” according to Oats. “But when you take all of those distinctives and put them all together and see how they are related to each other and then compare that with other denominations, Baptists are unique.”

This uniqueness in principle has marked Maranatha graduates as they have travelled all over the world to work and minister for Christ.“Each of these teachings has just enormous ramifications for how you live your life both inside and outside the church,” Dr. Saxon noted.As alumni plant churches in the United States, carry the gospel to mission fields around the world, teach in Christian schools, or serve in other ministries, their convictions are displayed.

A committed faculty

In a 2011 survey of Bible and Church Ministries Department alumni, over 80 percent of respondents described their continuing involvement in a

Baptist church. Nearly 80 percent agreed that their Maranatha education instilled Baptist convictions that still remain. When asked how he has seen a continuing commitment to Baptist principles in the lives of students and Maranatha faculty, Dr. Fred Moritz responded, “You see what the graduates have done, and are doing.”

He added, “As I sit here and I look at this faculty with whom I am privileged to work and these men with whom I am privileged to teach, I know what their convictions are, and I know that this is the very thing that is being taught from Scripture in the classrooms here.”

“The Baptist distinctives need to be emphasized to every generation of Baptists. If these truths are not biblically grounded, they should be rejected. If they are taught in Scripture, then they should be believed, defended, and obeyed.” – Dr. Oats

Dr. Saxon called the Baptist label a directional arrow. “Baptist as part of our name is not going to change, because ‘Baptist’ describes a central commitment that we want every student to grab hold of.” For a detailed look at Maranatha’s Baptist history, read Dr. Saxon’s Maranatha Baptist Theological Journal article here: www.mbbc.edu/journal or his Sunesis article here: www.mbbc.edu/sunesis.


Dr. Richard Weeks, the first academic dean at Maranatha, was an avid Baptist historian. He donated his own collection of 3,000 books to help Maranatha establish its first library. Well educated, he pastored for several

years in Chicago before going to Pillsbury Baptist Bible College, Owatonna, Minnesota, and then to Maranatha to teach Baptist Polity and Baptist History, among other classes. Not content with the usual BAPTIST acrostic for the Baptist distinctives, he began a study of the various

lists of distinctives identified by a wide variety of Baptist writers—old and new, northern and southern, American and European, and especially fundamental Baptists of the early 20th century. From this study he created a list of what he thought were the key Baptist distinctives, without trying to force them into an acrostic grid. He also established an order to these distinctives, considering not so much that some distinctives are more important than others, but rather that some distinctives tend to flow out of other distinctives. The result was BRAPSIS2.

Who was Dr. Richard Weeks?

Dr. Weeks mentoring his students.

6 Fall/Winter 2013

Degree Programs:Master of Divinity

Master’s Degrees in:Biblical StudiesBiblical CounselingCross Cultural StudiesChurch Music English Bible (online)Chaplaincy Program

Find out more today!www.mbbc.edu/seminary

Discerning Leadership for Critical Times

Development is a positive result of a healthy organization.

“

The DnA for what Maranatha has become

was present in her infancy, and our founder would be pleased with her maturity.

-Dr. Marriott

”

7The Maranatha Advantage 7The Maranatha Advantage

A Bible college announced

was a sophomore at another Christian university at the time Maranatha was launched, and I remember well

the buzz as a new fundamental Baptist college was formed. Though I never visited the campus during its early years, I was always impressed by the Maranatha graduates I met who served in many Christian schools around the country.

My affiliation with the American Association of Christian Schools brought me into the company of Maranatha graduates and administrators. After serving 10 years as a Christian school principal, I received a call from Dr. George Youstra (then the dean of faculty at Maranatha) regarding a position at the college. That was followed by a phone conversation with Dr. Weniger (president) and Dr. Cedarholm (founder and chancellor). Their vision for the College and love for the Lord persuaded this newly minted doctor of education to join them.

I

Dr. John Brock’s perspective on the making of Maranatha

in the History

Making

1989: Administrative Business Education, Secretarial Studies, Business Education, English Education, and Social Studies Education degrees added.

1988: Because of concerns related to ecumenical separation, the College abandoned the quest for accreditation with AABC and began exploring regional accreditation with the North Central Association (NCA, now the Higher Learning Commission of the NCA).

1987: The College began to explore “national accreditation” with the American Association of Bible Colleges (now Association for Biblical Higher Education).

1985: Maranatha secured financial aid for its students (through a very rigorous process), though we were still not accredited.

1983: Youth Ministries degree added.

A Timeline of Growth and Development 1973: Graduate degrees added in Bible and Theology.

1984: Added Elementary Education, Secondary Education, and Music Education.

It has been a supreme joy of my life to see God’s providential work at Maranatha since I took the helm of the academic program in July of 1984.

A solid foundation I encountered challenges for Maranatha when I first arrived, but in many respects, I could sense God’s amazing work in laying the academic foundation of this miraculous place. From the beginning, Dr. Cedarholm and his wife, Thelma, were not constrained by a Bible college curriculum. Rather, these two pioneers aggressively broke the mold, while retaining the key genetic components of the centrality of the local church and commitment to a life of service and ministry for every graduate. Early on, they added to Maranatha’s uniqueness by establishing a fine arts program. Ensembles and touring choirs, Shakespearean plays, and classical artist series all became an integral part of the Maranatha experience.

The College grew so fast and added programs so quickly that early printed and bound catalogs were not made. This was the era before high-tech digital copiers when program worksheets and course descriptions were simply typed up and mimeographed on 8-1/2 x 11 inch sheets of paper. By 1974, just

six years after the founding of the college (and 10 years before I arrived), the following non-Bible-related departments were already in existence: History, English, Modern Languages, Music, Speech, Education, Physical Education, Nursing, and Secretarial Science. By 1984, the College added liberal arts programs in Mathematics and Business.

A different perspective

Myron and Thelma Cedarholm were products of a liberal arts education for their undergraduate and graduate university studies. They borrowed heavily from well-respected liberal arts colleges and universities to help them structure Maranatha’s offerings. The academic programs reflected both a robust set of required liberal arts courses and a solid Bible core.

Some thought these business, teacher education, and nursing programs did not belong in a Bible college, but Myron and Thelma believed, “If a church can use it, we can offer it.” The breadth of the curriculum expanded far beyond the vision of a Bible college. But the Baptist heritage and local church engagement were transcendent hallmarks that provided

alignment to the foundational purpose into the future.

By the time I arrived, many of Maranatha’s present offerings were in place and the direction of the programs had been established. In 1984 there were three divisions of the college: Bible and Church Ministries, Liberal Arts, and Teacher Education.

There were also several master’s level programs in Bible and a master’s degree in education. Catalogs were printed, academic needs were evaluated, and academic areas where expansion was aggressive were consolidated to focus on preparing the foundation for future growth.

Growth and development

Initially, the graduate degree in education was phased out to focus more carefully on undergraduate education. Graduate programs in Bible were refocused on a single Master of Arts in Biblical Studies. The College embarked on a long process of consolidation, retrenchment, and ultimately, new growth. After an enrollment decline from 1979 to 1984, the College began an era of sustained enrollment growth for 20 straight years.

1991: Maranatha, after an exhaustive self-study, achieved candidacy with NCA. Speech Education and Office Administration added.

2005: Accounting Management and Marketing Management degrees added. Dining Complex opens (six classrooms and two computer labs).

2004: Biblical Counseling and Missionary Aviation degrees. Hanneman Hall opens to support Science and Nursing instruction. Wisconsin State Board of Nursing approved admitting students for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.

2003: Office Technology degree added.

2001: Bible Dept. and Church Ministries Dept. combined into Dept. of Bible and Church Ministries.

1996: Learning Disabilities minor added. Maranatha achieved approval for Wisconsin Teaching Licensure for all of its Teacher Education programs. Cedarholm Library and Resource Center opens.

1993: Maranatha achieved regional accreditation in February 1993 in the minimum time allowed. Early Childhood Education, History Education, Mathematics, Education, and Communications Arts degrees added.

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2006: ROTC Air Force and Army added.

2011: BSN program receives official State Board of Nursing approval. Burckart Hall renovated to support music programs.

2010: Interdisciplinary Studies online degree and Accounting (CPA) degree added. Spanish Immersion and Study Abroad programs begin.

2009: Maranatha Baptist Seminary begins. Master of Divinity reinstated. Online Office and classes launched.

2007: Biology degree added.

During this time, the three divisions expanded to eight academic departments: Bible, Church Ministries, Business, Teacher Education, Fine Arts, Applied Sciences, Humanities, and Graduate School. Though these eight departments placed Maranatha outside the curricular domain of the traditional Bible college, Maranatha remained true to its core values of service to the local church and fidelity to the Bible and its Baptist heritage.

This 20-year period of organizational stasis was not without academic development. Each program became stronger as enrollment grew. Faculty training was accelerated to match and exceed higher education expectations. The College grew in reputation and regard within and without the fundamental Baptist community. By the fall of 2013, in addition to the College’s academic departments, the Seminary had grown to offer six graduate programs (with expansive online offerings) with a doctoral-qualified, semi-autonomous faculty and governance under the leadership of the Seminary dean, Dr. Larry Oats.

Maranatha Online and Distance Learning was added in 2009, and now 14 percent of all revenue can

be attributed to this course delivery method. By the 2012-13 academic year, total unduplicated enrollment had risen to 1,206 students, with early 2013-14 numbers indicating a three to five percent growth. By God’s providence, Maranatha has enjoyed a dynamic period of quality improvement, growth, and expansion during a period of global economic stress.

Change and continuity

Maranatha has always been about change and continuity. Through the natural cycle of growth, change, and maturity run common genetic strands that have marked the college since its inception:

1. Baptist/separatist2. Dispensational hermeneutics3. Leadership and engagement in the local church and the world4. A wide variety of quality academic programs

When a living organism grows, it changes, but its DNA stays the same. In the same way, an organization may grow stronger, bigger, and have more influence, but its essence is unchanged. Long ago Maranatha outgrew the academic parameters of a classic Bible college, yet its ethos remains constant.

These are challenging times for fundamental Christian colleges and seminaries. Commitment to heritage and biblical position are tested as voices call for compromise and accommodation to contemporary societal values. Maranatha realizes that, ultimately, it has a constituency of One, and may He be pleased! God has blessed Maranatha. By His grace, though it has grown and matured, its heart continues to beat with the same DNA the founders envisioned.

New horizons

As we look ahead, we believe that it would please God for us to go as far as He blesses. New programs and exciting growth initiatives are being planned, and technology is enabling a reach into areas and corners of the world that could not even be imagined when I arrived in 1984.

From the exciting vision of a Bible college in the spring of 1968 to the comprehensive college of 2013, God has shown Himself “able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think” (Ephesians 3:20), that Maranatha should be “To the Praise of His Glory.” May it ever be.


2012: BSN program accredited by Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Bridge to Campus launched.

rs. Cedarholm would often quote, ‘I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth’ (3 John 1:4),” commented Dean of Students and Alumni Director, Dr.

John Davis. “She thought of the students and alumni as her own children, and she nurtured those relationships as much as possible around campus and wherever she went.”

Connecting with alumni was a priority for Mrs. Cedarholm when traveling with the choirs and ensembles. “Madrigal concerts in the churches were always special,” Louise Budahl shared. “Mrs. Cedarholm would call forward any alumni in the audience and ask them to join the choir for the last number. Everyone would lift their voices together to sing, ‘How Firm a Foundation.’”

The Maranatha faculty and staff share the same sentiment toward students and graduates today. “Nothing brings us greater joy than to hear of graduates ‘walking in truth’ and serving the Lord in the places and vocations God has prepared for them,” said Davis.

Maranatha continues to be guided by the Cedarholms' vision to develop leaders for local church ministry. For over 45 years, graduates have demonstrated a pattern of faithfulness to ministry in Baptist churches. The fruit of that vision is evident in the graduates’ commitment to the local church—a commitment that transcends the decades.

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No Greater Joy Greater Joy

No

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Greater NoFaithful through the years


The 90s Pastor Jeff Estes, Class of 1991

Jeff and Nora Estes established Fellowship Baptist Church in Meridian, ID, in 2002. Working with a co-laborer, Chris Best, they have enjoyed the Lord’s blessings on the work. Located just outside Boise, ID, they have a significant population to reach. The church has a healthy mix of young families and mature saints. Jeff ’s burden is to reach people of all ages with the gospel and to make FBC a family-oriented ministry. The church has purchased property and is making plans to build their own facility in the near future.

The 80s Mr. and Mrs. Richard Post, Class of 1982

Richard has dedicated his life to advancing the cause

of Christian education. He and his wife, Marlene, have

served in Christian school ministries all of their lives.

Both his ability to teach a variety of subjects and his

willingness to assume many ministry responsibilities

were lessons learned at Maranatha. Rich has taught

for the past 23 years at Emmanuel Baptist Christian

Academy in Mechanicsburg, PA, where he can be found teaching high school math, operating the scoreboard at basketball games and serving in the church’s music ministry, among other activities.

The 2000s Pastor Matt Lahmann, Class of 2003 Matt and Jenny (Mikkelson, ’04) Lahmann began the City Light Baptist Church in St. Charles, MO, on September 8, 2013. After nine years in youth ministry, in central Florida, they answered the call of the Lord to establish a new church. They spent one year on deputation holding meetings in over 100

churches seeking prayer and temporary financial support. Their passion and energy are evident in their zeal to see God start a gospel preaching church in the St. Louis area.

The 2010s Pastor Andrew Solarek, Class of 2010

Andrew has served as music pastor and youth pastor for over a year and a half at Southeast Baptist Tabernacle in Indianapolis, IN. Both he and his wife, Jessica (Hraba, ’12), were excited to explore new areas of service and plan new discipleship groups and activities for the teens. For Andrew, ministry training happened in Maranatha’s classrooms, dorms, and beyond—including on the soccer field with Coach Jeff Pill, where Andrew was captain of the soccer team for two years. Andrew’s soccer skills were always the Lord’s to use, and today Andrew is the assistant soccer coach at Franklin Central High School—a position, he believes, provides a “great opportunity for outreach.”

The 70s Dr. Robert (Bobby) Lehn, Class of 1975

After finishing his BA at Maranatha, Dr. Lehn went on to earn an MA and PhD. In 1983, he and his wife, Kay, planted Westside Baptist Church in Augusta, GA, and he has served as pastor there for the last 30 years. The Lord has blessed the ministry with numerical growth and the addition of property and several beautiful buildings. Dr. Lehn’s commitment to planting and growing a fundamental Baptist church has produced much fruit.

Maranatha alumni are united on the importance of local church ministry. Consider these facts from a comprehensive alumni survey:

• 43 percent of alumni serve in a paid ministry position

• 93 percent of alumni continue to feel that fidelity to God and ministry in the local church is a significant quality of Maranatha

“Local church ministry is at the core of Maranatha,” concluded Davis. “When we see these results, we know students are getting the message. They understand the importance and are reaping the benefits of a vision sown years ago.”

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Something for everyone

any high school seniors today find themselves facing the reality that they may not be able to start college right away due to financial constraints. Many adults also

find themselves wanting to finish a degree begun years earlier or to earn a master’s degree, whether for promotion, professional development, or personal fulfillment.

In response, Maranatha offers a variety of online and blended programs through Maranatha's Office of Online and Distance Learning. “Our department covers all online and distance learning classes,” shared Dr. Jeff Crum, director of online and distance learning. “The online part of what we do includes dual credit classes for high school students, bachelor degree completion, Bible certificates, and our seminary programs. Distance learning includes our Bridge to Campus learning centers, where students attend classes at Maranatha’s Watertown, WI campus virtually.”

A closer look at Distance Learning | Bridge to Campus

For college freshmen, the Bridge to Campus program has learning centers up and running for the 2013-2014 school year. Through a combination of virtual, online, and face-to-face courses, a student can complete his or her freshman year in a regionally accredited, Christian college atmosphere before arriving on Maranatha’s main campus.

Virtual course delivery is the modality that connects these students directly to Maranatha’s campus. It uses Polycom technology for real-time, high-definition video conferencing to join the Maranatha classroom with the learning center’s classroom.

“You can see and raise your hand and be heard. It’s two-way, interactive video,” Crum explained. “In addition to people interacting back and forth, they can also share content like video and PowerPoint, because each classroom has two screens–one with people, the other with content.”

Bridge to Campus utilizes two types of learning centers: residential and commuter. At a residential learning center, students live and work at a camp while taking courses as a group, much like a work study program. The camp directors have a mentoring program for the students, and because students live and learn together, they can experience many of the group dynamics of college life.

For instance, Mike Herbster (pictured on next page) at Southland Christian Camp in Louisiana said the Bridge to Campus program has opened another arena of discipleship for

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The ONLINESOLUTION

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students at his camp. His burden is for young people to have an education with a Christian worldview.

“I have seen young people floundering in the world,” he said. “I want this to be a place where they can come and nurture a passion for Christ in a familiar place away from home, so they can reach their full potential.”

Part of helping young people reach that potential is the discipleship program at Southland, which goes along with the Bridge to Campus program. This mentoring program includes small group sessions, weekly one-on-one sessions, a Bible study schedule, and “accountability, accountability, accountability,” according to Herbster. Ministering in local churches is also required, as well as serving in the camp ministry.

“My burden is the development of the whole student from a Christian worldview with a conservative perspective,” Herbster said.

Because of the Bridge to Campus program, Southland has been able to expand its camp program from a full-time summer camp program with a few retreats, to a year-round ministry.

In contrast to the residential learning center, the commuter style learning center is hosted by a local church and operates during office hours. Commuting students gain the Maranatha experience much like off-campus students at Maranatha in Watertown.

“We’re excited about our breadth of accomplishment so far,” Crum said, “and we will add centers as the Lord directs. In fact, several ministries are discussing the possibilities now.”

Ministries interested in hosting a learning center may contact Dr. Crum at [email protected]. Centers that plan to open in the fall of 2014 need to commit in 2013 to allow for recruitment time. Donors who desire to multiply their stewardship by making a Maranatha education accessible to those who can’t come to Wisconsin are encouraged to contact Dr. Crum. For a full explanation of Bridge to Campus and to explore our listing of classes, visit www.bridgetocampus.org.

ONLINESOLUTION

Meet Matthew Sheeley, a student from Kansas City, Missouri. Matthew is studying youth ministries and has been enrolled in Bridge to Campus since fall 2013.

“The interaction between staff members and the classes is great and would make a transition into Maranatha easy. It's a cool thing to be able to take classes while still living my life down here at the camp, but I am looking forward to going to campus in the future.” – Matthew Sheeley

Jessica Fuller is from Joshua, Texas, and is working towards a nursing degree. She’s attended Bridge to Campus since

fall 2013.

“It is such a great experience to be a part of Maranatha, even though some of us distance students are in Louisiana. I especially love Mr. Miller’s Fundamentals of Public Speaking over the Polycom. He makes the class fun and helps us get to know the on-campus students by having them interact with us before the start of class.

Overall, I would recommend a Bridge to Campus program to any incoming college freshman who may not be close to Watertown and wants to attend Maranatha and still be closer to home. It is amazing and life changing.” – Jessica Fuller

Students Share

Anchor Baptist Church

Millersville, MD

Andy Counterman 410-647-9614

Southland Christian Camp

and Conference Center

Ringgold, LA

David Keck 318-894-9154

Wolf Mountain Christian Camp

Grass Valley, CA

John Bladine 530-273-8709

Bridge to Campus Learning Centers

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hroughout the pages of this magazine, we have emphasized the wonderful

heritage and the legacy we have received from those who have gone before. It leads us to an important question we must ask ourselves: “What legacy will we leave?” The United States is in the midst of the largest transfer of wealth in history, with trillions of dollars being passed down to future generations. It has been said that our last act of stewardship here on earth is what we do with the remainder of our earthly wealth. Have we established a plan to share what we have with family members, our church, and others? Will our stewardship reflect our love for the Lord and demonstrate to those we leave behind the desire of our hearts for His work to continue?

For forty-six years, the students of Maranatha have gone out and served the Lord. Yes, it is because of His leading and the quality education each student receives at Maranatha. But it is also due to the kindness and generosity of God’s people. During the 2012-2013 school year, nearly fifty percent of our students received scholarships, many of which were funded by individuals. These scholarships have a direct impact on the student’s ability to stay in school.

Tina (Yelland) Davidson, a 2010 graduate, was the first recipient of the Claron and Ina Stewart Memorial Scholarship and was able to receive the scholarship for three years. She wrote, “One specific way I remember the Stewart scholarship impacting me was by God once again demonstrating that He will meet our needs.”

Betty Hanneman established a Memorial Scholarship in her husband’s memory. It provides up to $1,000 each year for a junior or senior “who has made a commitment to making Bible-based science a significant part of his or her ministry,” according to the scholarship’s qualifications. “I really wanted to help students who had a need and were genuinely interested in scientific work,” Betty Hanneman said.

Aided by the sacrifice of many benefactors like Betty Hanneman and the Stewart family, the efforts of faculty and staff, and good stewardship of God’s provision—the past and current administrations of Maranatha have worked diligently to keep the cost of the education affordable for the current generation. In 1968, a student could pay $462.50 per semester to cover the costs of room, board, tuition, and matriculation fees.

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with a PurposePlanning

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Even with the efforts made to keep costs reasonable, college is much more expensive today.

You, too, can have a legacy impact on the students of Maranatha and the work of God throughout the world. Legacy partners of Maranatha have communicated their intent to benefit Maranatha by seeking to assist in the mission of developing leaders for ministry in the local church and the world “To the Praise of His Glory.” There are many ways you can help support the education of coming generations:

• Charitable Gift Annuities—provide for Maranatha’s future while you

receive interest payments for a lifetime.• Bequests and other deferred gift vehicles—include Maranatha in your will or as a beneficiary of an insurance policy or annuity.• Endowed scholarship funds.

Maranatha offers more than 30 privately funded scholarships and 10 additional scholarships funded by the Annual Fund and the College. Donors wishing to establish a student scholarship at Maranatha determine the criteria for the scholarship, including how the funds should be spent, what major or minor field or program the student must be in, the GPA of the candidate, and what year the student must be entering to be eligible. Scholarships are presented

at the annual Scholarship Chapel held each spring and are applied to the student’s account the following fall semester.

Every gift to Maranatha makes a difference in someone’s life. While unrestricted gifts allow for the greatest flexibility in meeting priorities for our students and mission, you may choose to designate your gift for a particular project. We invite you to visit our website at www.mbbc.edu/giving to explore the many opportunities to give, or contact the Development Office at 920.206.2325 or by email at [email protected]. For students interested in applying for scholarships, visit www.mbbc.edu/financial-aid.

baptist bible college & seminaryMaranathA

TeacherEducation

Our students regularly practice skills in the classroom, and over 100 hours of fieldwork are required, including a 50-hour practicum with a certified teacher. A full semester of student teaching allows seniors to experience “first days” and “last days” and everything in-between.

Our regional accreditation paves the way for state teacher certification and easy reciprocity. In fact, we have licensed teachers serving today in 30 states across the U.S. as well as 5 foreign countries—Guam, Albania, Peru, Saipan, and China.

Know the worth of a rigorous program. Come to the place that gets you ready.

Around Campus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The men’s soccer team attained “double digit” wins for the first time in the last five years. Newcomer Wira Wama (Papua New Guinea), who

played on the PRK Hekari United FC as well as the PNG Youth National Team, added a spark to the season for players and spectators alike.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Maranatha hosted a November Business Breakfast (pictured in background) featuring guest speaker Stephen Einhorn, principal at Capital Midwest Fund, a venture capital firm. Local businesses are being invited through the Watertown Chamber of Commerce. In attendance were local business leaders, community professionals, and Maranatha faculty and students. The breakfast was especially relevant for Maranatha’s business students planning their Senior Capstone projects.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . In September, Maranatha completed a quality checkup visit by the Higher Learning Commission. This is the single most important element connected with the College’s continued regional accreditation. Repeatedly emphasized by the commission was the excellence of our student body. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Nursing Department’s official NCLEX-RN pass rate for the 2012-2013 SY was 100 percent. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CDT Robert Truax (MS3) participated in Project GO (Global Officers) this past summer. Project GO is a Department of Defense program designed to improve the language skills, regional expertise, and intercultural communication skills of ROTC students. Five critical language programs were being offered at the University of Wisconsin-Madison during the summer. The Russian program at UW-Madison has been classified as one of the best in the nation. Truax applied and was accepted into the program. Cadets Jeremy McPhillips, Joel Auchtung, Richard Warren, Oliver Klein, and Rosa Lewis completed LDAC Leadership Development and Assessment Course (Warrior Forge) 2013 in Ft. Lewis-McCord, WA, this past summer. They are now all MS4s. Cadet Elijah Walters (MS3) completed Airborne School this summer. The five-man Ranger Challenge team won the Battalion Competition this year. Cadet Klein (MS4) went to LTC (Leaders Training Course) in Ft. Benning, Georgia.

Campus Panorama

New Faces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

16 Fall/Winter 2013

Isaiah OetkenTechnical Director

Phillip OltAssistant Director of Online and Distance Learning

Paul WeirPublic Services Librarian

Nicole ChodanCustomer Care SpecialistOnline and Distance Learning

Timothy ChodanDevelopment Office Manager

Neal CushmanBible and Cross-Cultural Ministries

Pam CushmanAdministrative AssistantBible Department

Tim DillingBusiness Manager

Karen HanselWriter/Editor

Emily BarclayInformation Support Specialist Registrar’s Office

Paul BarnesCustodial Director

Chelley BoydStudent Management SpecialistRegistrar’s Office

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Over $18,000 was raised at Maranatha’s 14th Annual Golf Classic, with all proceeds going toward Maranatha’s Scholarship Fund. Dr. Doug Jackson, pastor of Community Baptist Church in Saginaw, Michigan, and Chairman of Maranatha’s Board of Trustees, assembled the winning foursome for the eighth time in nine years. The 15th Golf Classic is scheduled for May 16, 2014, at the Watertown Country Club. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ."From Watertown to the World: Maranatha Missions" was the theme of this year’s Missions Emphasis Week. This was more of an internal conference with our own Brian Trainer and Dr. Neal Cushman as the main speakers. During the conference, interviews with four recent graduates were facilitated over Skype. Two of the graduates were from restricted access nations and two were on deputation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Scores of alumni returned to campus to renew friendships and enjoy the events at this year’s Alumni Weekend. The Alumni vs. College athletic games were exciting and entertaining at times, but ultimately the College was victorious in all events, including football, men’s and women’s soccer. The football teams united at midfield after the game to sing and honor retiring coaches Dr. Terry Price and Dr. Curt Malmanger for their many years of dedicated service to hundreds of Maranatha football players. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Maranatha alumna and tri-sport athlete Torey DeLozier was recently honored by the NCAA for her Top-30 nomination for NCAA Woman of the Year, which covers Divisions I, II and III. The evening ceremonies were held in Indianapolis, IN. DeLozier has achieved All-American status in both the NCAAIII and NCCAAII, and she was named the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference (NACC) Woman of the Year during the 2012-13 academic

school year. “I was grateful for the opportunity to represent Maranatha and Christ at the event,” DeLozier stated.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dr. Ying Liu’s Molecular Genetics Research class project on the transcription of human endogenous retroviruses was presented at the Seventh International Conference on Creationism in Pittsburgh, PA. The project was one

of only two biology projects with laboratory research at the conference and the only one coauthored by undergraduate students. The response from conference attendees was extremely positive. “Some even indicated a possibility of financial help,” Dr. Liu stated.

Memorial and Honor Gifts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .In memory of Burt and Olalah Phelps: Dorr Phelps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .In memory of the Cedarholms: Douglas Hewison . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .In memory of Helen Steinhaus: Dick and Sarah Steinhaus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .In memory of Lee Krueger: Loren Krueger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .In memory of Marilyn Weniger: Shirley Hilsen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .In memory of Mary Ella Broere: Gerald Broere . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .In memory of Richard Ellis: Ellis Educational Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .In memory of Steve Stratford: Cynthia Stratford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .In memory of Warren Brokering: Berkley Thompson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mark Your CalendarDecember 6-7 Christmas Festival of Music

January 24-25 Great Lakes Music Festival

February 14 Homeschool Days

February 14 Valentine Artist Series

February 21 College 4 a Day

March 14-15 First Annual Nursing Summit

April 10-12 Spring Musical: You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown

April 18 College 4 a Day

May 9 Graduation

May 16 15th Annual Golf Classic


18 Fall/Winter 2013

o train a leader, one must be a leader. Insert this simple

truth into Maranatha’s mission and it reminds us, “To develop leaders for ministry in the local church and the world ‘To the Praise of His Glory,’ we must be leaders in ministry in the local church and the world ‘To the Praise of His Glory.’”

Maranatha’s staff, faculty, and administrators are living examples of the College’s mission. Collectively, they serve more than 1,000 hours each week in 17 different Baptist churches from Northern Illinois to South-Central Wisconsin. That’s an average of almost 5 hours per week per employee.

T For instance, on any given Wednesday night during the school year, one can hear the whistle of Maranatha’s Grounds Supervisor Steve Kibler getting the attention of a gym full of noisy children at Calvary Baptist Church in Watertown, WI.

Kibler had led the children’s ministries at his home church in New Lisbon, WI, for 22 years before moving to Watertown and joining Calvary. Within a year, he was asked to lead the Truth Trackers ministry.“Ministering to kids isn’t just about standing up in front. It’s about sharing in their lives and being a friend,” Kibler said to college students who had signed up to serve in Truth Trackers.

EXAMPLE

18 Fall/Winter 2013

LEADING BY


Maranatha employees working alongside Kibler in Truth Trackers include staff, faculty, and administrators, and they are joined by many college students. They serve by listening to Bible verses, teaching a Bible lesson, or helping in game time. Students and faculty serve side by side in Truth Trackers, striving toward a common goal.

Kibler defined that goal when he said, “All we can take to Heaven with us are the souls saved through the power of the gospel.”

Maranatha surveys its employees each year regarding active church membership to see the impact the College has for the cause of Christ through local Baptist churches. A breakdown of these statistics shows that 97 percent of Maranatha’s employees report serving in some capacity in a local church on a regular basis and 52 percent serve more than once a week. At the time of the survey, the three percent not serving were new employees who had just moved to the area and had not yet settled into a church ministry.

Dr. Michelle Clater, a professor in the Department of Music, began attending Calvary Baptist Church in Watertown when she first began working at Maranatha in 2009. Then Pastor Tom Fuller from Kettle Moraine Baptist Church in Whitewater, WI, contacted her regarding the church’s need for a pianist.

“After praying and visiting,” Clater said, “the Lord clearly indicated that I should become part of that ministry, and I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the people and ministering with them.”

Clater serves as the church pianist, playing for services, the choir, and specials. She has served in the music ministry in other churches over the past 15 years, but this is the first time she has been the main pianist. For her, serving includes two choir rehearsals on Sundays plus time for rehearsing with those providing special music.

About 10 to 12 Maranatha students attend the church, often singing in the choir or providing offertories or special music. Kettle Moraine Baptist Church is a 35-minute drive from Maranatha, so the church feeds the students and Clater between the morning and evening services, and Clater stays with a single woman for the afternoon.

“Kettle values engaging young people in ministry,” Clater said. “I greatly enjoy the opportunity to work with them and encourage them in their musical growth and their service for the Lord.”

Encouraging students in spiritual growth and service for the Lord is a part of developing them to be “leaders for ministry in the local church and the world.” And as the numbers show, it’s a part that the Maranatha staff, faculty, and administrators all take seriously.


EXAMPLE

“MINISTERING TO KIDS ISN’T JUST ABOUT

STANDING UPIT’S ABOUT SHARING IN THEIR LIVES AND BEING A FRIEND.”

IN FRONT.

BY

20 Fall/Winter 2013For a full list of recent alumni news, visit our web site at www.mbbc.edu/alumni. Send your photos to [email protected].

Alumni Births . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Anderson, Abi (Potter '95) and David ('86): a son, Andrew Milford, born September 22, 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bennett, Amanda (Dunford '11) and Jonathan ('09): a son, Chase Jonathan, born on June 4, 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bennett, Laura (Neisler '08) and Jake ('06): a daughter, Linden Grey, born on April 30, 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Binkley, Anne (Ronemus '95) and Timothy ('97): a son, Braxton David, born on June 22, 2013

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bosma, Beth (Davis '08) and Shayne: a son, Caleb, born May 23, 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Briener, Brittany (Buroker '05) and Adam ('07): a son, Hudson Monroe, born September 28, 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Brill, Rebecca (Kobosh '10) and Jordan ('09): a son, Micah Jack, born May 12, 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Crocker, JoDee (Watson '02) and Jonathan: a son, Malachi Todd, born July 2, 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .DeWitt, Tanya and Steven ('10): a son, Silas Waters, born August 19, 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Eloe, Erika (Licht '08) and Erik ('07): a son, Emmett Lincoln, born April 20, 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Haese, Melissa (Aurand '12) and Peter: a daughter, Madelynn Rose, born on March 31, 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Hall, Nadine (Flack '12) and Eric ('10): a daughter, Alethia Grace, born on April 9, 2013

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jex, Jennifer (Rachow '05) and Scott ('06): a daughter, Avonlea Makenna, born May 29, 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .LaCount Amanda (Martelli '05) and Justin ('05): a son, Nathan Zachary, born August 15, 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Lawson, Lindsay and Jarid ('11): a daughter, Summer Grace, born May 28, 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ledgerwood, Michelle and Matthew ('05): a son, Calin David, born May 13, 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Logan, Ginny (Spees '03) and Josh ('03): a son, Charles Ryan, born April 29, 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Loggans, Maegan (Wetzel '06) and Dan ('04): a son, Haddon Robert, June 25, 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .McCarrell, Julane and Jonathan ('07): a son, Levi Jared, born April 10, 2013

Miller, Abby (Miller '06) and Nathan ('08): a son, Reagan Nathan, born August 19, 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Miller, Hannah (Kutz '07) and Timothy ('06): a daughter, Annie Mae, born on June 14, 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Music, Andrea and R. Lee ('95): a son, Cole Tyler, born August 9, 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Nadraus, Hannah and Michael ('02): a son, Micah Spurgeon, born July 9, 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Oetken, Charity (Wishart '05) and Isaiah ('06): a son, Ezekiel Thomas, born September 7, 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Parkes, Kelly (Holt '06) and Kyle ('05): a daughter, Sierra Dawn, born on April 4, 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Potter, Joanna (Ray '09) and Jonathan ('08): a son, Quentin Joseph, born August 14, 2013

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Stertz, Casey (Baldwin '05) and David ('04): a son, Paxton James, born July 11, 2013

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Smith, Elisabeth (Maxfield '09) and George: a daughter, Alexis Marie, born July 1, 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Solarek, Jessica (Hraba '12) and Andrew ('10): a son, Klayton Ford, born May 29, 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Stanley, Christina (Harrison '06) and Eric '07: a daughter, Emma Leigh, born May 28, 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Tanis, Ranae (Peterson '09) and Micah ('06): a son, Calvin Joel, born August 6, 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Walker, Becky (Holl '88) and Johnny: a daughter, Josie Kathleen, born July 16, 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Whitmore, Jenny (Hutchinson '05) and Eric ('13): a daughter, Kathryn Jade, born on June 8, 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Wright, Sarah (Saverino '09) and James ('08): a son, Arthur, born April 22, 2013

Alumni Focus

See who tied the knot over the summer at: www.mbbc.edu/alumni


Alumni Updates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .This year, we are honored to recognize Dr. Robert Lehn (’75) as the Preaching Ministry Alumni of the Year and Richard (’82) and Marlene (Mayo ’83) Post as the Christian Ministry Alumni of the Year.

Dr. Lehn and his wife Kay planted Westside Baptist Church in Augusta, GA, 30 years ago. They are still serving there while Dr. Lehn is the secretary for the Board of Trustees for Baptist World Mission and the baseball Chapel Leader for the San Francisco Giants. Dr. and Mrs. Lane have 3 children and 2 grandchildren.

Richard and Marlene Post are currently serving the Lord in Mechanicsburg, PA, at Emmanuel Baptist Christian Academy. Rich has been teaching for 31 years and is teaching high school mathematics, Bible, and anything else that comes along with each new year’s schedule. Marlene is the bookkeeper for both the church and the school. Rich and Marlene both serve in many different capacities at Emmanuel Baptist Church, and they have been blessed with 4 children. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Joel (’00) and Dawn (Shaffer ’01) Gearhart, along with their three sons, will be moving to South Carolina sometime in November. Joel has accepted the position as Pastor of Student Ministries at Hampton Park Baptist Church in Greenville, SC. They are praising the Lord for His leading in their lives and this exciting new ministry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Paul Scharf (’92) has helped prepare the new Life Design adult Bible study leader’s guide entitled, Working Together in the Body of Christ: 1 Corinthians, for Regular Baptist Press. Previous studies that

Paul co-authored are also available on Nehemiah, Daniel and 1 John. They are all listed in RBP’s new 2013–14 Church Ministry Resources Catalog. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Brian Teets (’07) started a new job near Denver, CO, this past July. His newly created role is that of Technical Analyst for the customer experience team at tw telecom out of Littleton. tw telecom is a leading provider of managed services, including Business Ethernet, converged, and IP VPN solutions for enterprises throughout the U.S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pastor Tom Lemmons (’91) and his wife, Dawn, started Lighthouse Baptist Church in Missoula, MT, back in April 1998. Lighthouse Baptist Church just celebrated their 15-year anniversary. Please pray that they would continue serving the Lord and going strong for the cause of Christ. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Joshua Steinbart (’08) received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine on May 18, 2013. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Rebekah (Sahlstrom ’07) Longsine’s husband, Jared Longsine, was installed as the Assistant Pastor at First Baptist Church of Oak Creek, WI. Rebekah and Jared are excited to see how God will use their family to minister in this area. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Phil Erk (’75) and his wife Nan, of Waukesha, WI, have written a series of historical novels called The Chain of Witnesses under the pen name “The Old Heretic & His Wife.” The Overcomers and The Inquisitor are now in the Maranatha library. When The Greek

For a full list of recent alumni news, visit our web site at www.mbbc.edu/alumni. Send your photos to [email protected].

register today at: www.mbbc.edu/glmf

Printing Press is finished, the series will have followed a family of believers through the turbulent time period from 1400 to 1500. The books are available through Amazon.com and the Xulon Press online Christian bookstore. In response to reading the books, Lois Oetken, retired Maranatha librarian, said, “I would definitely recommend the series as an excellent way to understand the persecutions born-again Christians

experienced in Europe.”

Alumni Deaths . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Pastor Gale Schafer (’70) went home to be with the Lord on May 12 at 8:45 a.m. Pastor Schafer was the founding pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Jefferson, as well as a number of other ministries across Wisconsin. He was 99 1/2 years old, married for 76 years to his wife, Mildred, and one of the pioneers for Baptist churches in the state of Wisconsin.

Our alumni continue to support and encourage us by donating to their alma mater. The average university receives annual gifts from 9.2% of its alumni. Maranatha received gifts last year from 10.8% of its alumni. Thank you, alumni, for making a difference.

22 Fall/Winter 2013

eet Isabella, a dazzling, energetic, and feisty nine-year-old with a wild imagination and a love for volleyball,

Girl Scouts, and friends. But behind her beautiful smile, there is a medically fragile child who has endured more pain and suffering than most people do in a lifetime.

At birth, “Bella” was diagnosed with esophageal atresia, three heart defects, and bilateral hearing loss. And this was just the beginning. It was not until six years later, after eight major surgeries and countless minor medical procedures, that the family would know the full extent of Bella’s physical condition.

“On Bella’s first day of first grade, doctors finally found the piece of Bella’s puzzle that explained it all,” shared Stephanie Griggs, Bella’s mom. “Our world came crashing down when we were told Bella has Fanconi anemia.”

Fanconi anemia is an inherited type of anemia that leads to bone marrow failure. Though considered primarily a blood disease, FA may affect all systems of the body. It is a complex and chronic disorder that causes patients to be cancer-prone and potentially succumb to cancer at a young age.

Upon diagnosis, the Griggs family searched for resources that would help provide a support system to enhance Bella’s

Ministry as we see it

M

o o

22 Fall/Winter 2013

quality of life. They found Team IMPACT, a non-profit organization for children facing life-threatening and chronic illnesses. With Team IMPACT, children are drafted onto local athletic teams and, to the greatest extent possible, become an official member of the team for the duration of their treatment and beyond.

Around the same time, information about Team IMPACT came across the desk of Maranatha’s Athletic Director, Rob Thompson.

“When we were presented with the opportunity to partner with Team IMPACT, we researched the organization and had several conversations with their representatives,” shared Thompson. “We concluded partnering with Team IMPACT fit perfectly with our mission and goals. It gives us a great opportunity to have direct impact on children and families within our community.”

Maranatha, particularly the women’s volleyball team, chose to connect with Team IMPACT and very soon the team met Bella.

“Taking care of Bella keeps us focused on what is important in life, which is ministering to others,” shared middle blocker Lauren Schulz, senior nursing major and Team IMPACT class representative. “Our goal as a team, both on and off the court, is to show others the hope that is in us through Jesus Christ (1 Peter 3:15). Having Bella as a part of our team reminds us that people matter most.” On October 8, 2013, Bella became the youngest player ever listed on Maranatha’s volleyball team roster. At a special game during cancer awareness month, Bella was welcomed to the team and introduced to the home team

crowd. The applause was overwhelming. She received team apparel, bright pink shoelaces, season passes for her parents, and miscellaneous Maranatha items. She was awarded the #1 team jersey and is now responsible for the team mascot bear, named HOPE, during each match.

“Ministry opportunities are all around us,” shared Regina DeLozier, Maranatha’s women’s volleyball

coach. “We have 16 girls on our team, with different majors and minors, who are likeminded in their love for the Lord, their love for the game, and their love for others. Thankfully, God uses all of us to accomplish His purposes. If we are willing, He has someone waiting.”

Bella and the team are in this for the long haul. Within the next two years, Bella will likely require a bone marrow transplant. Relationships are being built now that will help carry her through and draw her to a kind and loving Savior.

“When Bella was drafted by the team, it allowed her the unique opportunity to become an integral member of a team without risking her health and safety,” shared Griggs. “The players are wonderful role models for Bella. It's like she has 16 new big sisters, all cheering her on in the game of life while she cheers for them on the volleyball court.”

Welcome to the Maranatha family, Bella.

that is in us through

Having Bella as a part of our team reminds us that people matter most.”

“Our goal as a team, both on and off the court, is to show others

t he hopeJesus C hrist

o

.

MaranathAbaptist bible college & seminary

745 WEST MAIN ST. ~ WATERTOWN, WI 53094

NONPROFIT ORGU.S. Postage

PAIDPermit 467

Bolingbrook, IL

Rigorous academics, careful mentoring,

and over 1,000 hours of clinical experience

in local hospitals and other healthcare

facilities prepare our nurses to practice with

excellence and face ethical challenges with

a biblical worldview. Maranatha nurses are

driven by a higher purpose—to care for the

physical body and to help meet the needs of

the heart and soul.

The baccalaureate program at Maranatha is

accredited by the Commission on Collegiate

Nursing Education. Maranatha is the only

regionally accredited fundamental Baptist

college to offer the BSN degree.

M A R A N AT H A N U R S I N G D E PA RT M E N T

A HigherPurpose

MARCH 14-15, 2014

Save

datethe

THE GRAY DIVIDE: Navigating Ethical Challenges in Nursing

www.mbbc.edu/nursingsummitRegister online!

Keynote Speaker: Dr. David Gibbs IIIPresident of the National Center for Life and Liberty

www.aacn.nche.edu/ccne-accreditation

Documents

The Maranatha Advantage Fall/Winter 2013