TMU Mane - March 2022

The Mane

TMU's Student Newspaper

March 4, 2022

The Master's University

Volume 5, Issue 3

Modesty: Where do we draw the line?

By Gabriela Ciurcu Staff Writer

Campus parking is limited, but TMU's leadership team is working on several innovative solutions for next year.

Photo by Melissa Dickson

University takes aim at easing the parking crunch

By Steven Barrera Staff Writer The Master’s University has seen a surge in enrollment in the form of back-to-back record freshman classes in 2020-21 and 2021-22. And, while this is recognized almost universally on campus as a good thing, it has not been without challenges. The most pressing, according to many students, is the sudden, yet inevitable shortage of student parking.

Students have voiced their thoughts and let TMU know of the struggles they are having with parking. A few students have even gone as far as writing letters to the head of campus security on the matter. There are going to be changes in the coming semester. The big question is will the parking issue continue next semester with another large number of incoming students.

In November, a poll was conducted by life at TMU, a student-run instagram page surveying TMU students who have cars on campus. A majority of students polled think there is a parking issue and would like to

see a change.

“It would be nice to know that my permit ... guarantees me a parking spot if I get back late from work,” said Nicole Harris.

One student who wished to stay anonymous said, “It can be frustrating if I come back after working off-campus, there are no parking spaces left … I end up parking in a reserved spot and have to wake up early to park somewhere else so I do not get a citation from campus security.”

Changes are forthcoming.

Director of campus safety and emergency management, Bryan Kortcamp, says one important change will be assigned parking zones near the dorms starting next semester. The university would be able to sell a certain number of permits per lot. When the capacity is reached for each lot, Kortcamp could deal with where to put the overflow.

See PARKING - continued on page 8

Dr. Chou affirmed as full-time president

By Gabriela Ciurcu Staff Writer During a meeting in February, TMU’s Board of Directors voted unanimously to affirm Dr. Abner Chou as full-time president of The Master’s University, effective May 6.

Dr. Chou, who has served as interim president since 2021, becomes the school’s fifth full-time president and sixth overall since its inception in 1927.

Dr. Chou holds a B.A., biblical languages and exposition from TMU, and three degrees from The Master’s

Seminary: a M.Div., a Th.M., Old Testament and a Th. D. in the Old Testament. He began teaching in TMU’s Department of Biblical Studies in 2004 and in 2017, he became the first and only funded research chair at The Master’s University, serving as the John F. MacArthur Endowed Fellow.

Gabriela Ciurcu can be reached at ciurcumg@masters.edu

In a world where the fashion industry screams loud, where do we draw the line of modesty? The discussion of this topic can be considered unpleasant but inevitable, especially with the current fashion standards.

The Master’s University promotes and upholds the biblical principle of modesty. As expressed in the student handbook under the appearance and dress code rubric, the university defines modesty as “a way of showing honor and respect for one's body.” Specifically, the dress code extols students to cover “areas that are meant to be kept private, promoting godly character over external adornment, cultivating humility rather than seeking unnecessary attention, and loving one’s neighbor by avoiding becoming an undue source of temptation.”

The spring semester brought new dress code policies that reinforced the student's conduct for dressing. Under these new policies, repeat dress code offenders are subject to fines of $20, meetings with RDs and possible changes in their student status.

By and large, student response to the changes has been favorable. Student Lindsey Smart expressed that, “Some of the rules can be difficult, but they are definitely durable. We committed to following them, and I think we should make every effort to do that. I don’t think what we are asked to do is unreasonable, even though it might not fit everybody's preferences.”

Another student, Miriam White, also expressed that, “I don’t think it is hard to follow the rules when we understand the meaning behind it and the purpose for it, but if we do have a wrong attitude about it, it can be hard.”

The standards of modesty that Master’s upholds can keep the students accountable. TMU dean of women and director of student care, Brianna Harris, explains, “It is not about being able to agree with our standards of modesty but being willing to submit to them as a way to glorify the Lord.”

Behind an inappropriate outfit, there are many reasons and motivations. Harris suggested that there can be an issue of attention or pride. She believes that there is a lack of teaching and understanding of the dress code. Today’s culture also plays a big role in the way people dress.

“We are in the world and culture. We go along with trends and things that are popular when it comes to clothing. It is easy to fall into what everyone is wearing and is cool for the time being,” Harris said.

There is a difference between being immodest and looking fashionable, and the reasons can be attributed to that.

“As believers, we are trying to make sure that every category in our lives comes under the Lordship of Christ,” said TMU’s dean of men, Brett Zamroz.

Walking alongside the students with patience is something that the resident life is trying to accomplish as they encourage them to think beyond their outfits.

Gabriela Ciurcu can be reached at ciurcumg@masters.edu

In this Issue Features............................pgs.1-4 Arts & Entertainment.....pgs. 5-6 Sports..............................pgs. 6-7 Perspectives..........................pg. 8

www.tmumane.com

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Features

March 4, 2022

Sing to Jesus: The pursuit of Emma Erickson

By Abigail Perkins Staff Writer Emma Erickson is a gifted singer and a familiar face to many on campus. A student in the midst of her sophomore year at The Master’s University, Erickson’s talent has equipped her for various roles on campus.

She is a member of the prestigious singing group, The Master’s Chorale. She is most recognizable as one of the members leading worship in the Master’s University chapel band.

“Leading, you get to see a part of the people that the other student body can’t see,” Erickson said.“When people are worshiping, it’s so humbling. You see their adoration and awe, and you’re like “okay Lord, how

much more can I worship you then? It’s an example.”

Singing has been a major part of Erickson’s life. She says that she began singing when she was little, and started taking lessons at 13. By the time she was 16, she began taking classical opera singing lessons, which she continues today.

“Emma has progressed immensely as a singer and musician. Her voice has matured and deepened as she’s learned more about music and how much she loves it,” said Erickson’s sister, Ashlyn.

Along with singing with the chapel band and in the Master’s Chorale, Emma is studying vocal performance at The Master’s University. Beyond graduation, she has hopes to continue to sing in a context where she can glorify God. “Worship has just been a part of my life for a long time. It’s where my heart is, and I think when I’m out of college I want to do something like that, either produce my own music or lead worship in a church,” she said.

Emma is unlike many individuals who seek to make singing their profession. She desires to make Christ known, not herself.

In the context of the chapel band, Emma is able to sing in front of a large crowd but not call attention to her performance. This campus role has prepared her for a future career in music ministry.

“That’s what I think my job on the chapel band is – showing them Christ, and pointing them to Christ. I love singing, and I love doing it for the Lord so I want to serve in that way,” Emma said.

By Somy Madeoy Staff Writer

went to Steph Beals’ house, and she made us coffee. I liked the fellowship and I loved hanging out with people ... It’s always nice to be at someone’s house and not in the caf.”

The 2022 event, which took place from Feb. 21-26 this year, was unique. There was a new focus in mind for hosting the event.

Harris said, “We say that it’s important for you guys to be connected to the church and involved in the church so we want to assist in that any way we can, and I think that this is a great event to do that.”

TMU freshman Niobe Peralta attended “Women to Women” for the first time in 2022. She is one of many female freshmen who were able to experience the updated “Women Discipling Women” as their precedent.

“It was an encouraging time getting to meet other women from the church and hearing the testimony and life of our host,” Peralta said.

The Master's University is unique and draws in a certain demographic. No two people are alike, but in the context of living for Christ, the students are surrounded by those who are like-minded.

The faculty and staff share core values that make the university special. TMU sophomore Joel Schluessler explains, “Ideologically we are different, and we are insulated from a standard core curriculum.”

So, how is this institution defined?

TMU is a tightly-knit community, and its members make it a priority to establish unity. So much unity, in fact, that the term “Master’s Bubble” is commonly thrown around when the campus environment is referenced.

Is there a bubble? And if so, is it a good thing or is it a bad thing?

A common theme among TMU students is that the bubble has its advantages, but comes with drawbacks as well. One advantage is the aforementioned campus unity. One potential disadvantage is that students may become so comfortable that they lose sight of the greater call to impact the world for Christ.

That idea of reaching out hinges on the students’ personal goals with regards to the Great Commission.

TMU student, Naomi Jimenez boils the question down to this: “How can we be set apart out there?”

Carolina Bojorquez, a senior biology major, has a theory.

“What sets up apart is the application of our knowledge – specifically of God’s Word,” she says.

Josephine Lee, a TMU communication junior, frames it this way: “You can’t be a light in a sea of light.”

Again, applied insight is key. Just as no one will turn on a flashlight in the daytime, evangelism has little impact in an echo chamber. The light must be brought into the darkness.

Leaving the supposed “bubble” is not without its challenges, however.

Erika Poblete, former auditor accountant who came back to TMU to pursue a degree in communication studies said, “Master’s still gives you the necessary foundation …in the world; you will get exhausted from being with unsaved people unless you conform to it.”

In spite of the prevailing campus culture, being champions of those values, sin still exists, and by no means are those on the TMU campus the perfect products of a perfect institution; all Christians understand the realities of a fallen nature. However, the TMU community – whether you call it a bubble or not, strives to honor Christ. It operates as a home base from which students can launch out into the world and shine their light.

Newly married TMU student Grace Atkinson sees where the “bubble” and the world intersect – where the unity experienced on campus finds its most fertile ground for the gospel.

“When learning how to approach the outside world, it is important that we are building out as much as we are building together,” she said.

Abigail Perkins can be reached at perkinsag1@masters.edu.

Somy Madeoy can be reached at madeoysg@masters.edu.

Abigail Perkins can be reached at perkinsag1@masters.edu.

The future of "Women to Women"

By Abigail Perkins Staff Writer Many students are unaware of what “Women to Women,” an annual event hosted by The Master’s University, actually entails. The event, more formally referred to as “Women Discipling Women,” has traditionally occurred at least once during the school year; however, it has not transpired in recent years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Women to Women is an event where women open up their homes: women who work here, wives of professors who work here, other staff and faculty members who work here- they have girls over,” said Brianna Harris, TMU's dean of women and the organizer of the event. “Maybe they do something fun or just have dinner and a time of fellowship.”

Though the event had not been hosted in the past two years, there are upperclassmen who have attended “Women to Women” from years past. One such student is Mindy Molloy, currently in her senior year at The Master’s University.

“We would go have food, some of them would have crafts, at some of them we’d hang out,” Molloy said. “I

Is there a "TMU bubble?"

Features

March 4, 2022

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Mission focus: Elijah Kellogg, missionary in residence

TMU's missionary in residence, Elijah Kellogg, has served the Lord in Asia, among other places.

Photo provided by Elijah Kellogg

By Somy Madeoy Staff Writer Elijah Kellogg is a missionary in residence at The Master’s university, a part of campus at The Master's University that mentors international students and disciples those interested in missions. Kellogg uses his experience as an overseas missionary and current pastor to serve the school in these areas. His role is profitable to students and his story reveals how God calls His people to share the gospel.

Joel Schroeder, a TMU senior mentored by Kellogg, said, “Not only has he given me practical advice on what this could look like in my own ministry, he’s also shown me that it’s possible.”

He continues by saying that Kellogg has truly invested in his life, and shown what it looksg like to follow Jesus and imitate him.

“He balances a sharp insight into the shortcomings of the American church with a joyful optimism and excitement about where his church is, and where God is leading them,” Schroeder said.

Elijah Kellogg was originally a graduate of Eternity Bible College with Francis Chan and received his bachelor's degree in biblical studies. He has since been involved in several forms of ministry.

Kellogg’s long-term goal was vocational ministry and he hoped to avoid debt. In his words, “A lot of agencies require that you are not currently in debt… they just don’t want to get into legal trouble.” This profited him in the long run since agencies overseas often require that you aren’t in debt due to legal reasons. However, Kellogg never thought he would be a missionary, let alone overseas.

After four years at Eternity Bible College, in order to graduate, he would have to have to write a paper on a cross-cultural one-to-two week overseas ministry. “I wanted to go somewhere I was interested in,'' he said.

“Though I was not interested in missions.”

Pondering where to go, Kellogg reflected on his time

as a foreign exchange student in China after graduating high school. “I loved China, I loved Asia,” he said. This, combined with previous research on the AIDS epidemic, along with a fascination of the area south of China, set off an idea. He connected with Overseas Missionary Fellowship (OMF), originally known as China Inland Mission with Hudson Taylor, and finalized his plans.

After having a lively dream, he woke up on the first day of about 10 a.m. in China, ready to seek the Lord and understand the deeper reason for what He had planned.“It was on that trip that God had begun to do a work in my heart”, Kellogg said.

While there, Kellogg learned from missionaries and participated in prayer walks through unreached people groups, village after village, for the first time. After this trip, he went back to an American ministry and was involved in worship and youth ministry for a year as a pastor.

As he continued his work, he was able to go to a Catalyst conference with David Platt, where Platt recited a large portion of Romans and stated that some were there who were not supposed to be, disobeying the Lord’s call to go overseas and share the gospel. This conviction sunk deeper into Kellogg.

“In these other regions, there are village after village that don’t know Jesus. I’ve been there, I’ve seen that!” he said.

He realized that during his prayer for missionaries, he may have been praying for himself all along.

“It was the instruction of God and the word of Godultimately the conviction of seeing the need, scripture, and Jesus’ heart for those who are lost,” Kellogg said.

Newly married, he told his wife Ally about the conference and how he believed the Lord was calling them overseas to Southeast Asia. Six months to a year of prayer passed, but the burden to go burned hot, even though their ministry in America flourished.

By Danielle Gallegos Staff Writer

While the Winterim production usually calls for communication students, specifically ones with the emphasis in Cinema and Digital Arts, according to professor Matt Green, the Winterim production is open to students of all majors.

This was the case for senior Alyssa Fraley, who is a music major with an emphasis in vocal performance.

Fraley has had an interest in audio tech and has taken most of the audio classes on campus.

“I didn’t realize my interest in audio tech until it was too late to change my major and graduate later,” she said.

Fraley just recently finished an internship in post-production audio and wanted to be a part of the winterim to gain more experience as well as get IMDB credit.

While being a music major is not too far off from joining the Winterim production, some majors may seem more distant. For example, biology or geoscience.

However, the Winterim production is a great opportunity for students to see if this or something similar is a thing they would want to do either long or short term.

This was the case for freshman and geoscience major Lilly Underwood. Underwood loves geoscience because of the research side but also loves the cinematography

After contacting the fellowship again, Kellogg and his wife went on a trip together. This sparked the final word, and, in 2015, they were finally ready. With the Lord’s hand in every part of the journey, they arrived in Southeast Asia August 2017 for their four years deep in the jungle of Myanmar.

Kellogg is now co-director of a student ministries center (student union) amidst three centers for higher education (University proper, tech school, and teacher’s college) that don’t have any student life or activities.

Boys were at brothels and bars, and girls had no safe place to go.

He and his local ministry partner saw the need and the receptiveness of students to the gospel. Myanmar, which is about the size of Texas, comprises nearly 200 ethnolinguistic people groups. Though some groups have heard of Christianity, others have no knowledge at all.

They now have a live coffee bar, noodles, breakfast, a live music stage and English tutoring where the students can get involved and hear the gospel. Theravada Buddhism is a unique sect with Myanmar and Sri Lanka and is the primary religion there. With Buddhism’s end goal of reaching Nirvana, the state of nothing, the goal is to find an escape.

Theravada Buddhism recognizes the difficulty of reaching this state of nothing, so this life should be dedicated to good works (karma) to become a monk with your full chance to reach nirvana in the next life. In Buddhism, women can’t reach Nirvana, so the hope is that they will build enough Karma to become a man or monk in the next life.

Since this religion is connected to culture as a whole, it’s harder to cut loose when hearing the gospel, and often there are those who are outcasts because of it. Kellogg’s and his partner’s ministry continue to run it and a goat farm while Kellogg is back in the U.S for the time being, though he hopes to go back and establish a church.

He is back now because of the military and parliament. When the military claimed the election was a fraud, they revoked votes and took power, and as the central bank collapsed the money was becoming worthless.

Kellogg’s goal is to “minister to students, excite them about missions, challenge them with the word of the Lord and His commands to go and make disciples”. He will remain here as a pastor of worship and outreach at Faith Community Church until he is able to get back to Myanmar.

“No one at any point, even in serving the Lord, is able to accidently establish their own eternal kingdom, it's not possible. Christ is inviting us to eternity in His kingdom ... Missionaries can take relief in it being God’s work,” he said.

In the words of TMU junior Michael Museler, also mentored by Kellogg, “He’s given me different perspectives on our calling to the Great Commission, and has helped me to have a greater passion for the Word and for pursuing Christ.”

Somy Madeoy can be reached at madeoysg@masters.edu.

Comm Dept. Winterim brings students together from various majors

Photo by Marissa Soto

Behind the Scenes crew member Tate Kiledjian captures actor Ethan La Rue as The Shade.

side due to its creativity. For Winterim 2022, Underwood helped with the set design.

“I’m not really sure what I want to do but that’s why I’m doing Winterim, to help me figure it out,” Underwood said.

Another non communication student taking Winterim in 2022 was Addie Moberg. Moberg is a freshman double majoring in pre-nursing and classical liberal arts.

Moberg has done theatre since she was young, loves photography and has an interest in cinematography but not as a full career.

“Since this wasn’t during the year I thought it would be a perfect time to do something cool like this outside both of my majors” said Moberg.

Moberg’s job on set is to capture the behind-the– scenes footage - to tell the story of what's going on behind the camera.

“I get to work behind the scenes and just get to go around and see each part of the project and how it all comes together,” said Moberg.

Danielle Gallegos can be reached at gallegosdl@masters.edu.

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Features / Arts & Entertainment

March 4, 2022

Rowland leads TMU’s handbell choir through its 40th year

Photo by Luke Fitzgerald

Master's handbell choir practices for its next performance.

By Luke Fitzgerald Staff Writer

The classroom EHC 100 seems like it was made for worship, and no wonder. This spacious room is a converted church chapel. There have probably been thousands of hymns and worship songs sung inside its walls. Now, all sorts of lectures from Bible to philosophy are heard from the podium. But another sort of class meets there as well. It also starts with worship.

Lawrence Rowland gathers his students around and passes out several thin books. He then asks for a volunteer to read a section of the devotional and pray. This week, the reading is about seeking God through reflection in nature. After the reading and prayer, everyone gets up and walks to tables filled with glistening brass bells, lying on their sides. Some are smaller than the ringers’ palms and others are as big as their heads.

But Rowland has only recently started his classes in reflection and prayer. For over 25 years, he has been teaching handbells at a public school in Agua Dulce, where he never had an opportunity to pray aloud for class.

He notes that since he is so used to starting class right away, he sometimes forgets to pray. “It’s humbling to me that they had to remind me [to pray]. I feel like they actually minister to me more than I could ever minister or mentor to them. Like they kind of recharge me every week,” Rowland says.

To Rowland, music has constantly been a source of

encouragement and growth. Growing up, he used to strive to be the very best in every performance and recital, but after God saved him, music became personal and private, a way to pray to God. Finally, Rowland realized that God had given him a gift to share, so after some time, he was able to start a handbell program at the public school where he taught.

Meanwhile, handbells were starting to sound at the Master’s University’s campus. Clair Blackwell, who taught math at TMU and still teaches in the online program, had fallen in love with handbells ever since hearing a group play and getting involved at her local church.

TMU’s handbell program started at a Fourth-of-July party. At the gathering, TMU’s dean of The School of Music, Dr. Paul Plew, asked Blackwell to talk with the music department about music and faith. During the meeting, Blackwell brought her bells for the students to ring. It was then that Dr. Plew asked her to start a ringing event that next Christmas. So, after a few months, The Master’s University handbell choir was born in December of 1982.

Throughout those first years, the program had around eight or ten people ringing. They started a tradition each fall called “Bellfest” where local churches and schools would come and ring for each other and an audience. “We put on our posters how many thousands of pounds of bells were going to be played at that,” Blackwell says. So, handbells is “The only heavy metal band that Master’s has ever had,” she says.

It was during these yearly performances that Rowland started bringing his students and playing with them rather than directing them.

“It’s kind of what always made my public-school program unique, it was kind of unheard of not to have a director so that’s all they really knew,” Rowland says.

At each practice, he would count out the beats and measures as they played. “When they practice, they can hear my voice in their head, so they have a built-in, internal metronome, so they’ll hear me counting even though I’m not counting,” he says.

Because of his attention to excellence and commitment to his students, Blackwell and Dr. Plew noticed Rowland and began to form a relationship with him. At one point, Rowland told Blackwell that when she retired, he would love to take over for her.

“So, he was the first one I told that I wanted to retire, and that I wanted him to have the job and that I would make sure he got the job,” Blackwell says.

Soon afterwards Dr. Plew called Rowland and asked him if he wanted to take over the job. He didn’t even ask for an interview. Shocked and humbled, Rowland accepted the position.

“I went back, and I told my other students, ‘Thank you for giving me a job’ because they were my job interview,” Rowland says.

So, in fall of 20, Rowland took up the leadership of the choir. It wasn’t an easy transition, however. He started with few students to begin with and there were many COVID-19 restrictions in place.

Rowland not only had to deal with a lack of ringers but also during last fall’s Bellfest, several groups bowed out because of sickness. Nevertheless, he has been resourceful and tenacious through it all.

“One of the things that has been very amazing to me is his creativity,” Blackwell says.

She describes how when he had few students in the choir, they worked on the base cleft first and when they had that part down, they recorded it and then played the treble cleft with the recording during the concert.

Rowland and Blackwell have both worked hard to make the handbell choir as excellent as they can, but, more than anything, they stress the importance of working together.

In fact, Blackwell says that in Japan they call their handbell groups “teams” rather than choirs or ensembles.

Rowland shares the same conviction. To him, handbells is less about one certain person excelling, but instead, he wants the whole team to work together as one.

“You’re a team sport. You can put a non-musician next to a musician and still make beautiful music together. It’s kind of hard to comprehend how that works, but it does,” Rowland says.

Rowland begins each practice with a time of reflection and worship. Blackwell’s passion for handbells is also centered on devotion. Just as those who prepare each Sunday to lead their worship services, performing as a bell choir takes time and practice, and that focused time spent together is what makes the team vibrant.

“So much of the music is put together rather quickly... and our music for the Lord and our leadership for churches should be excellent. And so, we don’t have to be good to begin with, but we have to prepare for that opportunity to lead other believers in worship of the Lord. It’s a fantastic opportunity,” Blackwell says.

Luke Fitzgerald can be reached at fitzgeraldlt@masters.edu.

Behind the scenes of theatre arts

By Gabriela Ciurcu Staff Writer

This semester, under the directing of Tricia Hulet, theatre arts is putting together the musical “Daddy Long Legs.” Opening Night is scheduled for March 25.

According to the theatre arts page on TMU’s website, the play, which is based on a novel from 1912 by Jean Webster, is, “a heartwarming Cinderella story about a witty and winsome young woman and her mysterious benefactor.”

Hulet has been the director of theatre arts for 15 years.

Her passion for theatre started at a young age when she got to play the role of Rosemarie in Heidi. She has a range of responsibilities apart from directing the plays, extending from teaching the students how to execute the performance to training them in seeing the production as a whole.

“Directing theater combines my love of the performing arts with the student ministry,” Hulet said. She loves watching the students grow, expand, and live what they know to be true.

“I want the audience to be able as much as possible to feel like they are looking into a window of real life, and this takes hard work,” she said.

There are 34 students involved in the aspects of both production and acting. Without notice, they are bringing the story to life in a hiding and unique way.

“The world that the students create around the actors is quite fantastic. Each one of them brings so much creativity. I am impressed by the level of detail they think through,” Hulet said.

Preparing and building the set for the musical begins in the first couple of weeks of rehearsal. Throughout the rehearsal period, the stage crew is planning the set model.

“We start with almost nothing, and throughout this process, we are creating something beautiful,” said Lily Underwood, stage manager.

From the smallest detail on the scene to the most evident one, the properties crew intervenes to unify the set to be as close as it can to reality. Lydia Borisuk, manager of the properties crew, is passionate about putting her thoughts into a physical form.

“I love to look at the set and imagine what it is going to look like in the end,” she said.

Learning the era in which the musical takes place is an essential part of costume preparation. Doing the research for this specific time period and seeing how fashion is constantly changing with every season is something that the costume crew loves.

“The hard thing is to find the perfect pieces of clothing because we are limited,” said Catalina Sonnenburg, the costume designer. Even so, this doesn’t stop them from trying everything they can to make the characters fit the time period.

Working closely with the costume crew, the hairstyle and makeup crew design the look of the characters to go along with their clothing. Abigail Hokanson, the hairstyle and makeup designer, describes the experience of working behind the scenes as “humbling.”

In “Daddy Long Legs,” the role of Jerusha Abbot will be played by TMU senior Arianna Sonnenburg. Sonnenburg, a veteran of the theatre arts program and no stranger to taking on large roles, says that one key to developing a strong performance is studying the characters she plays.

“You can get to know the character deeper as you play it,” she said.

She also recognizes the synergy of every aspect of making a play come to life – the set, the costumes, the

Photo provided by Theatre Arts Department

Arianna Sonnenburg, right, and Joshua Bretz, left, at rehearsal.

makeup, the hairstyle.

“Those are beautiful things that are going to help the story come alive. I like the brainstorming of what we could do,” she said.

Playing the role of Jervis Pendleton, Joshua Bretz explains how the performance and everything they are doing is for the glory of God. “The way we act behind the stage to memorizing the lines is and should be God focused,” he said.

“We practice, and practice, and practice and perfect everything,” said C.J. Beck, a member of the production crew. Being in charge of the recording and editing of the backstage videos, Beck, explains that, “there is a lot to learn, and everyone cares about the quality of the performance.”

“Daddy Long Legs” will be performed on March 25 through April 2 and streamed online from April 8 to 16. Tickets can be purchased at the theatre arts page via TMU’s website until the opening night.

Gabriela Ciurcu can be reached at ciurcumg@masters.edu

March 4, 2022

Arts & Entertainment

Page 5

Winterim set designers trade time off for a creative outlet

Photos by Marissa Soto

Above left: Set graffiti designed by Eva Craw and Eliza Neshiem. Above right: Students and the lighting staff set up lights and cables for the set.

By Marissa Soto Staff Writer The Master’s University Communication Department held its fourth annual Winterim session in January. The Winterim classes are designed for students to earn three credits in merely a week rather than a full semester. This year’s Winterim is fashioned to film for a television show pilot, “The Shade.” There are six classes that feed into the Winterim immersion, which all come together for the production. One class in particular, Set Design and Wardrobe, mainly focused on the pre-production aspects.

Much of the pre-production was done during the winter break where several students devoted their time and energy into prepping different details for onscreen elements.

Among some of those students was junior Eva Craw and senior Eliza Nesheim. As part of the class, both Craw and Nesheim spent a majority of their Christmas break finding or creating props for the set.

“Everyone in our department works really well together. This is my first time doing behind the scenes work, and it has been so cool to see everyone work and to see how all of the little details come together,” said Nesheim.

The two followed a master-list based on the script.

They continuously reread the script, highlighted items for props, designed decor for set walls, created art for the set, ordered props online, contacted other individ-

uals to find pieces and got creative with the finetuning that went into their work.

“It is not necessarily about the props, it’s about making sure everything looks like it fits and belongs there in the story,” said Craw.

The set design crew wanted a continuous theme throughout each prop and item that was consistently a mood of dark yet redemptive.

“Everything you see in a movie has a purpose, down to the lighting and the mousetraps under the table.

There is a purpose to every single thing, and it has been touched by at least ten people for a common goal.

It even makes me watch movies and television shows differently,” Neshiem said.

“We’re able to tell the different departments, ‘This is the backstory we have created for a piece and the background for the story as a whole, even behind the words Professor Green wrote in the script,’” Craw said.

Another aspect of pre-production goes into preparing the wardrobe, hair and makeup design for the actors. Sophomore Abigail Hokanson, head of hair and makeup, spent time during her break researching and melding different time periods and looks into the hair and makeup. Hokanson even practiced the makeup on herself over the break, making fake bruises on her arms.

“All the students that worked over break are so

Swords and ministry? Local park outreach has students buzzing

By Steven Barrera Staff Writer

If you are looking for something fun to do on a Saturday mornings, Sword of the Christian Ministries has the perfect thing for you.

Sword of the Christian Ministries teaches the team martial art of Evach Lahak, which started in the 1980’s in southern California. Lahak focuses as much on teamwork and tactics as individual abilities. All meetings are free, and equipment is provided.

On a typical Saturday, the event starts at 10:30 a.m. at Bouquet Canyon Park and ends around 1:30 p.m.

A typical match consists of teams battling each other until all of one team’s players are eliminated. There are other types of games as well, where teams agree on specific objectives that must be met to win.

Towards the middle of the session there is a break for Bible study and prayer.

From a martial arts aspect, Lahak’s approach it is not a kendo or fencing group, nor is it a LARP or medieval reenactment group. Although it shares some things in common with these other arts or groups; it is unique.

With Sword of the Spirit Christian Ministries, Lahak has created an opportunity for outreach and fel-

lowship for a number of reasons. At Sword of the Spirit Christian Ministries, participants believe that Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior. For individuals who do not know God, it is an opportunity to learn about God and interact with a Christian community.

Another reason for the ministry is that with the teamwork required to play it gives all participants a better chance to interact and develop interpersonal relationships. The team aspect also allows new members to join and contribute almost immediately.

Jeremy Meagher, who founded the organization, began his practice in the arts in the mid 90’s. In 2011, a few people from the group he was a part of broke off and started their own group in Santa Clarita as a ministry activity. That group lasted five years and ended in 2016. Later that year, Meagher started the current ministry activity.

There are also groups in Spokane, Wash. and Atlanta, Ga. Anyone interested in more information can go to their website www.sotscm.org or on Facebook and Instagram at sotscm.

Steven Barrera can be reached at barreralopezsa@masters.edu.

amazing and worked so hard,” said Hokanson. “It really shows their heart for what we are doing that they were willing to use their own time to work for the production. It’s been so cool working with them.”

Hokanson also managed the mask that the main villain, Nachzehrer, wore in the show. The artist ordered the mask and figured out how to apply it to Nachzehrer’s actor. Sophomore Sean Doyle and junior Catalina Sonnenburg additionally had their own roles in mask making for the thugs in a fight scene.

The masks’ creation consisted of modeling clay, papier-mâché, aluminum foil and paint. Each mask was unique in order to invent a personality and individuality for the characters. In the weeks between the end of the fall semester and start of the production, Doyle and Sonnenburg spent hours on mask design and modeling, even working during family vacations if necessary.

Besides making masks, Sonnenburg found and put together jewelry, including rings and necklaces, for the actors to wear for different scenes as well as shopping for pants, shoes and other clothing items for the cast.

“It’s important to realize that a project this big doesn’t just happen overnight,” said Doyle, “something of this high quality and budget takes time, determination and commitment.”

Marissa Soto can be reached at sotomr@masters.edu.

Thursday food truck frenzy offers an intriguing cafeteria alterna tive

By Steven Barrera Staff Writer

Tired with the same meals being served in the cafeteria? Well, spice things up every Thursday at What the Truck from 4-9 p.m. in the Higher Vision Church parking lot. This event is held by What’s Up SCV and has a plethora of different types of food trucks.

Whether it’s seafood, burgers or tacos, they got it.

Along with different dessert trucks.

This event is free of charge and is a good way to get off campus and enjoy some good food. There is also a DJ at the event keeping things alive with some good music. On top of that, there are also giant connect four games spread out throughout the area.

First time attendee Benjamin Gideon said, “I'm grateful our valley does something like this and it's great to see the community out and about.”

So, if you want to get something to eat or just get off campus and hang out you can do so at the What the Truck.

Steven Barrera can be reached at barreralopezsa@masters.edu.

Arts & Entertainment / Sports

Page 6

March 4, 2022

Featured Student Art

The Mane is pleased to be able to feature the work of TMU's talented student artists and photographers. Submissions can be made via email at bdickson@masters.edu. Please include your name, your year in school and you major. Please note: Space will not allow us to publish everything submitted. If your art/photo is selected for publication, we will notify you via email.

Artist: Hannah Lamb Year: Sophomore Major: Biblical Studies (Education emphasis)

From Italy to the SCV: TMU's Martino shines

Photo provided by Giorgio Martino

Giorgio Martino elevates to trap the ball for the the Mustangs.

By Steven Barrera Staff Writer

Adjusting to a new team can be tough for many college athletes, but Italian born Giorgio Martino has had to adjust to living in a new country as well. For Martino, The Master’s University was not his first stop to America as he had previously played soccer at Arizona Western College.

While playing soccer in Italy, some of his game films made it to the U.S.; that is when he was offered a scholarship to play at Arizona Western College.

Playing soccer for a school was something new for Martino because in Italy high schools don’t have athletic teams. If you played a sport, it was club.

Moving to Arizona was a culture shock and Martino says, “It is completely different, it looks like a different

world.” He also experienced firsthand what a secular college looked like.

“There were a lot of parties, drugs and alcohol,” Martino said, “I came to the U.S to work and follow my dreams, I did not want to be around that.”

While playing in Arizona, he would be introduced to Christianity by his teammate Michael Nachfoerg.

“Where I’m from everyone was Catholic,” Martino said, “but nobody really went to church because it was almost two hours away.”

In Arizona, there was a church five minutes away, where every Sunday, Martino and Nachfoerg would attend services.

Being in a secular environment, Nachfoerg was looking to transfer to a school where he wouldn’t be around the parties and everything that went with them. Martino liked the sound of that as well, and that was the first step in his journey to TMU. Martino asked Nachfoerg if he could talk to TMU head men’s soccer coach, Jim Rickard – and maybe put in a good word. Rickard then looked at Martino’s game film and loved what he saw.

“Giorgio is a skilled attacker who can create chances on his own and that is tough in soccer,” Rickard said.

“He is also strong on the ball and could hold off defenders while dribbling.”

After some discussions, coach Rickard was able to offer Martino a scholarship.

Even though Martino had multiple offers including Division I scholarships after his freshman campaign, he still stuck with going to TMU. “I love it here and would never leave,” Martino said.

Since Martino arrived, his presence has been felt.

During his junior campaign, he led the team with five goals on the season and tallied four assists.

“Giorgio has a lot of passion for the game, and he is enthusiastic at practices and games,” Rickard said.

Steven Barrera can be reached at barreralopezsa@masters.edu

March 4, 2022

Sports

"This is the fun side of the campus"

TMU's Athletic Department is where student athletes hone their craft and learn to compete for the glory of the Lord.

Photo by Luke Fitzgerald

By Luke Fitzgerald Staff Writer The MacArthur Center is one of the first buildings seen by visitors of The Master’s University. A large, impressive front with glass walls and a wide fountain before it welcomes all comers. Next to it, Trophy coffee buzzes. But on the back side of the building, a different kind of excitement is stirring.

Two sets of stairs behind the building lead to the front doors of the school’s athletic department. A basketball game is scheduled to begin later in the evening.

Behind the front desk, a smiling secretary works on her computer. The office is clean and orderly. Photos of students kicking balls and swinging bats line the walls.

In a room to the left, a coach can be heard speaking with his assistants. Some basketball players bounce in and tower over the desk.

“Hi Donna, coach wanted to see us?”

“All right,” she looks up beaming, “he’ll be ready in just a minute.” The game is just getting started.

This scene could describe a regular day in the office of athletics at the Master’s University, but according to the school’s athletic director, Steve Waldeck, there are few normal days. Between meeting students, planning games, hosting guests, greeting coaches and cleaning everything up after the match, the athletic department is ceaselessly doing something different to run the sports at TMU. Behind the thrill of game day, a group of dedicated staff carry on that same passion through the days leading up to it.

Tim Heiduk has been the assistant athletic director at TMU for more than a year. He was hired from a similar position he held at Westmont University in Santa Barbara. He says Master’s was one of the only places he would leave Westmont for.

Heiduk loved sports during his youth. He played for the soccer team throughout his time at Westmont and loved it. He especially noticed how the coaches and athletic directors cared deeply for him and the other athletes.

“They were servants and served us in the best way possible. And so, I’ve tried to duplicate that in a way,” Heiduk says. He ensures each game is run and recorded properly, he writes the majority of online articles and runs the athletics’ social media.

Heiduk says he views sports as a microcosm of life.

All the joys of success, depressions of loss and trials of injuries are mimicked in play. Thus, athletics is yet another training ground within the university, a course in the realities of life.

Life in the athletic department is real, but it’s also exciting. Donna Henderson sits in the office’s front desk. Behind her, muffled squeaks on the floor of Bross Gym sound through the walls as the volleyball team warms up.

“This is the fun side of the campus,” she says.

Aside from watching some major sports, Henderson never experienced athletic culture until she moved positions from the school’s Registrar’s office.

“I wanted to downsize on life,” says Henderson, so when the position in the athletic department opened, she pounced on it. Since then, she has loved every minute of the job. Henderson says her favorite day is when the coaches lean on her desk or sit in the waiting chairs and talk to each other about the game they just played.

“There are intricacies to every sport that as a non-athletic person you don’t realize,” she says.

Henderson also points out how the coaches at TMU

are “people people.” They know how to have fun and they know how to encourage. They don’t just care about their team; they care about the whole university, and they model that in their lives.

The same passion for students drives the administrative staff. Waldeck seeks to serve the Lord in all that he does. After that, his favorite part of his job isn’t really in his job description. He works for the athletes and other students who come to see them play.

Waldeck has been involved in managing games for 28 years and started working for Master’s 11 years ago.

He started his career by helping run intramurals while working on his undergrad degree. He has always cherished the close-knit community created by athletics.

“I love the fact that I get to mentor and influence students that are at a really crucial turning point in their life—those college years—and then I get to do it in the context of something I love, which is athletics,” Waldeck says.

Waldeck cares deeply for the students that he works with. He knows the passion of the athletes, and he desires to nurture that passion, placing it under Christ’s lordship. Staff and students alike admire the tone he has set for their culture.

“He deserves a lot of credit for just the overall success of the department as a whole,” Heiduk says.

Just like his boss, Heiduk seeks to bring God honor as he serves the student athletes. One of his main means of highlighting them is by writing articles. He believes they deserve to be recognized for all the hard work that they put into their sport. But he has a broader goal than merely displaying the skill of the student body.

“I know that each team has stories to share, and their stories are a way that God’s faithfulness and grace to us can be shared,” he says.

As someone who others look up to, each athlete and coach has a unique opportunity to point back to God as the one who gave them the very skill they have developed. Heiduk hopes that by displaying excellence in athletics, people outside will be drawn to come see who the students really play for.

Even in his own life, Heiduk says that he didn’t fully realize what it meant to be a Christian until he came to Westmont, and it was sports that brought him there.

Now he hopes that even just one student will come to Master’s and embrace Christ because of his work and the witness of the athletes.

“I definitely see this right now as my calling to use my experiences in athletics and some of the gifts that god has given me…ultimately to use for his glory and to share what He’s been doing in the lives of the student athletes and the coaches and hopefully the future generations to come,” Heiduk says.

As the game ends, and the fans linger in the gym, the athletic department is busily working to put everything away. The athletes go back to their locker room and the staff back to their offices just above. Everyone knows the team played their best that day to worship the Master and that group is not just the guys shooting hoops.

Luke Fitzgerald can be reached at fitzgeraldlt@masters.edu.

March Mustangs Sports Capsules Women’s Basketball The Mustang’s claimed the GSAC Tournament Title on Feb. 26 after defeating Vanguard, Hope International and Westmont. They will play in the NAIA opening round at home March 11-12 with a current conference record of 15-3.

Men’s Volleyball The Mustangs have an overall record of 9-5 after sweeping Hope International in Fullerton on Feb. 26.

They will be playing Menlo for the first time this season March 5 in Asherton.

Men’s Basketball In a loss to Hope International in the GSAC quarterfinals, the Mustangs finish their season with an overall record of 19-12. Sophomore Kaleb Lowery led the team in scoring with a total of 392 points on the season.

Golf In the Las Vegas Shootout, both the men’s and women’s team competed at Boulder Creek G.C. The men placed fourth out of 15 teams with Jack Dudeck finishing eighth and Callaway Winans tying for 10th. The women finished seventh out of 11 teams.

Women’s Beach Volleyball In their third season, the Mustangs have gone 5-3 overall with a conference record of 4-0. They travel to Huntington beach March 4-5 to play four sets against, Ottowa, Arizona Christian, Vanguard and San Diego Christian.

Baseball The Mustangs head into this weekend's four-game series at Menlo College with a 13-8 overall record (3-5 in conference). Their next home game will be March 11 vs. Vanguard University.

Page 7

Perspectives

Page 8

The Supremacy of Christ

By Gurgen Sahakyan Staff Writer

“...the name which is above every name” Philippians 2:9 (NASB) The universe and all that is within, the heavens, the earth, and life are all the work of One’s hands, and He is greater than all, Jesus Christ our Lord. For by Him and for Him all things were created (Col. 1:16). “The heavens are telling of the glory of God” (Ps. 19:1). He is the eternal God of all, with no beginning and no end.

There is none like Him, for there is no one with such power as Him. As He came into the world to fulfill the Father’s plan of redemption, He revealed God to man in the fullest.

“He is the image of the invisible God” (Col. 1:15). He showed us His supremacy as truly man and truly God in His sinlessness, power over death, and His everlasting grace.

Where Adam fell to sin in the Garden of Eden while in perfect conditions, Jesus succeeded in the wilderness in the worst conditions. Being hungry for 40 days,

with a weak body, He stood against the attacks of Satan, and remained sinless. For He knew that trusting in God and relying on His Word are far greater than Satan’s offers. He was tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin (Heb. 4:15).

“He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” 2 Corinthians 5:21 Therefore, since He was sinless, God deemed Him a worthy sacrifice for sins. As He was on the cross, He died bearing the full wrath of God, and was brought to the grave. However, while every man remains in the grave after death, Christ rose from the dead, and He still lives today (Acts 13:37). Jesus the Almighty displayed His triumph over death through His resurrection, He showcased that death and sin hold no power over the Son of God. “For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace.”

John 1:16 His sinlessness and triumph over death has brought upon us everlasting grace. Though we were walking in darkness as children of Satan, Jesus rescued us from death and granted us eternal life. Where our sins increased, His saving grace abounded all the more (Romans 5:20). How wonderful is His mercy and grace, that it should pay for the sins of many. Salvation is a gift of God’s grace, through Christ alone.

This is eternal life, that we may know God, and Jesus Christ our Lord. Our supreme King, who is above all and worthy of all adoration. For in Him we have been granted everything in order to live godly lives.

Christ is our all sufficient Lord, “in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Col. 2:3).

“Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways!”

Romans 11:33

March 4, 2022 PARKING - continued from page 1 At this point it is still uncertain what the boundaries for the parking zones are going to look like. As to enforcing that people are parking in their zones, enforcement might include a colored dot or a number that corresponds with the lot displayed on the parking pass.

Kortcamp recommends that RD’s that do not use one of their reserved spots could allow one of their RA’s or another student to use the spot so that there are more available spaces.

Students are allowed to park on North Campus overnight if there are no parking spots available near the dorms, but campus security is aware that some students may not feel comfortable walking up to the dorms later in the night.

“If you are uncomfortable with the walk, you can give campus security a call and we are more than happy to give them a ride up,” said Kortcamp. “We have a whole protocol for that, or you can call campus security to notify them you are making the walk over to the dorms and they will keep an eye out for you.”

Kortcamp has even thought about having a shuttle for students that have to make the late-night walk from North Campus to the dorms. However, due to logistic issues it has not yet come to fruition. Kortcamp wants the students to know he understands the frustration and that the university and is working to make the situation better.

Steven Barrera can be reached at barreraslopezsa@masters.edu.

Gurgen Sahakyan can be reached at sahakyang@masters.edu.

A Glimpse of Hope A Poem By Gabriela Ciurcu In a world surrounded by strangers, there was she.

A girl broken inside and out. Scared, she lives to survive. Her dreams are slowly falling apart. Dark outside, complete silence, her breath stops. Waiting for a glimpse of hope, she looks up to the sky. Is that going to be enough? This girl is waiting for her Saviour to come. What joy and peace she will have, being in the presence of the One Most High.

Gabriela Ciurcu can be reached at ciurcumg@masters.edu

https://www.showtix4u.com/events/tmutheatrearts

The Mane

FACULTY ADVISOR Dr. Bob Dickson COPY EDITOR Melissa Dickson www.tmumane.com @tmumane @mastersmane TMU Mane

DESIGNERS Anahit Sahakyan Gurgen Sahakyan

STAFF WRITERS Steven Barrera Gabriela Ciurcu Melissa Dickson Luke Fitzgerald Danielle Gallegos Somy Madeoy Abigail Perkins Gurgen Sahakyan Marissa Soto

SOCIAL MEDIA Steven Barrera Luke Fitzgerald Somy Madeoy Abigail Perkins

PHOTOGRAPHERS Melissa Dickson Luke Fitzgerald Marissa Soto