The Journey Magazine | Spring 2024

INTERNATIONAL GRACE

FROM MILWAUKEE TO GRAND RAPIDS TO COSTA RICA

POSSIBLE THINGS

EDUCATION ON PURPOSE AND FOR A PURPOSE

SHAPED BY GRACE

THE VEGHS’ FULL-CIRCLE STORY

Years & Years of Consistent Commitment S

O RARE IT IS TO SEE AN INDIVIDUAL WHO HAS SERVED A CHURCH OR AN ORGANIZATION SELFLESSLY FOR DECADES. Sometimes we see couples who have celebrated 50 or 60 years of marriage and still have an adorable devotion to each other—these are the enduring efforts that legacies are made of. In this issue of The Journey, we highlight the legacy of those who have been dedicated to ministry at home and afar to continue the mission of our university from its inception as Milwaukee Bible Institute, to Grace Bible College, and what we now know as Grace Christian University.

As we celebrate these individuals’ long-term faith and practice, we also celebrate the legacy of Grace Christian University. In addition to our Bible, Theology and Ministry programs, degrees such as Criminal Justice, Human Services, Communication, and Business fulfill the long-revered legacy of preparing students to be ministers of the grace of God in this present world (Titus 2:1113). Grace has adjusted methodologies of teaching and modalities of learning over the decades but has never moved away from the legacy of a Bible-centered education. Today, we are still a Bible college that instructs every student on how to understand the Word of God to be saved and to be ministers of reconciliation to a lost world (2 Corinthians 5:17-20). Thus, our revised mission statement embraces our legacy:

Graduating Courageous Ambassadors for Christ who Make an Eternal Impact Wherever They Go

Notice the commitment to Christ and serving others evident in the articles of this publication, but also recognize the legacy of integrating the truth of God’s Word into the lives of students, alumni, and staff. These individuals carry forward the ministry of grace and impact people around the world. As you read and partner with us through prayer and financial support, you too become part of the legacy. Because of you, this legacy endures.

Gratefully,

Ken Bruce Kemper President

THE JOURNEY | SPRING 2024

President | Dr. Ken Kemper ’85

Managing Editor | Emily Gehman

Graphic Design | Tim Peters

Writers | Sarah Cross ’24, Rob Kilgo ’21, Haley Forbes ’23

Archive Photos | Erinn Huebner

Advancement & Alumni | Ami Walker, Emily Lazor

This issue is dedicated to the faithful servants and courageous ambassadors who have gone before us and left footsteps for us to follow. May all who come behind us find us faithful, too.

GRACECHRISTIAN.EDU

ON THE COVER

Chuck and Joy Befus grew their faith, their ministry, and their family in Costa Rica. Each of their nine children attended Grace Christian University, and with 17 grandchildren (so far), the Befus legacy continues. Read the story on pages 8-11.

Photo courtesy of the Befus family.

©2024 Grace Christian University

All Rights Reserved

Chuck and Joy Befus enjoy their growing family of grandchildren!

Kyle & Hilary Vegh: Paying It Forward

As students, they were shaped by Grace community’s transformational relationships. Now, they’re part of shaping it.

Chuck & Joy Befus: Grace for the Next Generation

Throughout their almost 40 years as missionaries in Costa Rica, all nine of Chuck & Joy’s children have attended Grace.

Jeb Meredith: An Impossible Purpose

For Jeb Meredith, being unhoused didn’t have to mean being uneducated.

Izzy Rupp: God’s Design

While Izzy’s childhood circumstances were less than ideal, she can see God’s hand throughout her story.

We’re Up To the Challenge!

See how Grace Christian University is doing on the Endowed Scholarships goal!

Something for Everyone in 2024

See what’s happening and plan to attend!

Congratulations To…

…The 2023 Alumni Award Winners!

Dr. Dan Gowdy: Following God Wherever He Leads

The president and CEO of Wedgewood Christian Services gives back to the university that changed his life.

Caleb Befus: Change of Plans

As a student, the last thing Caleb wanted to do was be a pastor. Famous last words.

Dr. Mat Loverin Transformational Relationships

Dr. Dave Greydanus Faith in the Criminal Justice Field

LEFT

Izzy Rupp’s Aunt Ginny and Uncle Jack became Mom and Dad.

RIGHT Jeb Meredith shares his story.

Kyle and Hilary Vegh celebrate their marriage with the Grace community.

& Hilary Vegh

PAYING IT

Forward

BY SARAH CROSS ’24

Kyle

IWAS A TERRIBLE STUDENT. I HATED EVERYTHING TO DO WITH ACADEMICS,”

Professor Kyle Vegh ’15 says. “But my master’s wasn’t hard because by that point I had gone through the crucible that is Grace Christian University.”

Crucible likely isn’t the word most Grace alumni would use to describe the welcoming environment and small class sizes. But coddle isn’t, either; Grace accelerates all-around development: academic, social, and spiritual.

“Grace was an immense time of growth for me as a person,” Kyle says. Perhaps it was a crucible for Kyle—who came from a homeschool background and wasn’t sure what he wanted career wise—but a good one.

While attending a church in New Jersey, Kyle and his older brother, Ryan ’15, met Pastor Karl Records ’01 who introduced them to Grace Christian University— Ryan went, and so Kyle followed, thinking Grace would provide a good biblical foundation. He began studying business, then youth ministry, before eventually landing on biblical studies. Through his ministry experiences, he discovered that he wanted to work with college students.

“I knew that I had a lot of growth in my life that needed to happen,” Kyle says. “I told myself I wouldn’t even think about girls for the first two years of my time at Grace.”

Hilary Vegh ’15, who had always planned to attend Grace, was the first student Kyle met when he arrived. She was pursuing special education and hoping to just maybe meet a “nice Christian boy.” Grace is weaved into Hilary’s history. Her father attended Grace; so

did her grandparents. Her greatgrandfather, Pearl Pickett, taught at Milwaukee Bible Institute. And when the school moved to Grand Rapids, the family followed.

Hilary grew up on campus in Berean Hall and attended Frontline Bible Church. But in high school, Hilary’s family moved to Lansing— her father, a pastor, had accepted a job there—and she didn’t have a core group of friends. She was set on going to Grace because she knew its small environment would foster friendship. Although she might not describe it as a “crucible,” Hilary also grew during her time as a student.

“In high school, I was very anxious every single day,” Hilary says. “I remember my stomach always hurt before going to class.” But at Grace, Hilary gained the confidence to speak up in class and talk with professors one-on-one.

Grace brought growth, but also connection to those they could learn from.

TRANSFORMATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

Today, Hilary remembers the influence of Michelle Loverin ’04, the Resident Director her freshman year. Michelle’s authenticity and willingness to share her personal life stories was something Hilary really admired.

Meanwhile Kyle was similarly impacted by Dr. Mat Loverin’s ’98 theology classes, specifically Biblical Christian Thought, which Kyle now teaches. Dr. Loverin helped Kyle expand his worldview and broaden his understanding of what it meant to be a Christian.

“The Loverins are just so intentional,” Kyle says. “They think so deeply about things.”

Now they’re colleagues.

“Kyle was always an enterprising and attentive student with a creative and unconventional approach to his studies,” Dr. Loverin says. “Now as a professor in the School of Bible and Ministry, I am consistently blessed by Kyle’s desire to become a better teacher with every passing year.”

GRACE COMMUNITY

But it wasn’t just academics that affected Kyle and Hilary—their peers in the Grace community were the most important aspect of their growth. Kyle and Hilary made close connections, learning how to be vulnerable and confident even if the vulnerability wasn’t well-received.

Kyle found a new kind of friendship:

“I felt so left out in middle school and high school that when I came to Grace I decided this would be the time in my life where I would make sure that no one felt left out,” Kyle says. “I found that to be the most life-giving thing for my time at Grace.”

This resulted in many important and long-lasting relationships.

“I would just encourage students not to wonder, ‘Will people be nice to me? Will people make friends with me?’ Like, no, go make friends. That is your job,” Kyle says.

Hilary offers a similar sentiment,

“I want students to know that this is such a special time in their life,” Hilary says. “They have responsibility, but less responsibility in this very unique bubble where people are loving and it’s safe and they can be who they want to be. I want them to take advantage of that.”

They threw themselves into the Grace community; both Kyle and

GRACE WAS AN Immense Time of Growth FOR ME AS A PERSON

– Kyle Vegh

Hilary were RAs; Hilary led a Harry Potter club and Kyle a yo-yo club. They traveled to Israel and Ireland. Kyle worked in Bultema Memorial Library and was a teaching assistant for the Bible department, occasionally teaching classes.

“I just loved the friendly community,” Kyle says. “Our whole life was there. All of our friends, all our connections.”

PAYING IT FORWARD

And it was great—so great, in fact, that they were hesitant to move on.

“We love whatever stage of life we’re currently in,” Kyle says. “So when Hilary knew I was going to ask her to start dating me, she hid in her room for three days. She didn’t talk to me at all.”

Graduation in 2015 threw

them into new rhythms. Kyle went to Cornerstone Theological Seminary for his master’s degree, hoping to return to Grace to teach. Hilary spent a year at Grand Rapids Community College in the occupational therapy assistant program, having completed the prerequisites at Grace.

Kyle and Hilary married in 2016. Kyle was working at Cornerstone’s Miller Library at the time, but Hilary needed a job, so she applied to Grace—“Which was always a dream!”—and began working in the enrollment department.

Today, the Veghs are an unavoidable part of Grace with Hilary as the Undergrad Enrollment Assistant Director and Kyle as Assistant Professor in the School of Bible and Ministry, teaching theology and Greek.

And while Kyle has come full-

circle on the academics—he’s currently working on a doctorate through Lancaster Bible College’s Capital Seminary—it’s the students and staff at Grace that both Kyle and Hilary are most passionate about.

“I just love getting to meet and hang out with students that I’m teaching,” Kyle says. “I get to know and be involved in the lives of students.”

“I really like the people. It’s fun going into work,” Hilary says. “I consider my coworkers friends.”

No one really plans to stay at school after graduation—but Grace isn’t just a school. It’s a community. ■

NYC TRIP WITH FRIENDS

GRACE FORMAL 2013

Transformational Relationships in the Grace Community

with Dr. Mat Loverin ’98, Dean and Professor of Bible and Ministry

Q: Describe Grace’s community and interactions with students inside and outside the classroom.

A: As a professor, I always felt that the connections I had with students in the classroom were the gateway to a deeper relationship of mentoring and eventually a real sense of shared partnership in ministry. The strong working relationship between Community Life and academics at Grace helps to further this connection through chapels, various ministry trips around the country, and overseas travel to destinations like Israel, Greece, Turkey, and Ireland. As professors, we're grateful for the opportunity to impact the lives of students outside the classroom, often through immersive and transformational ministry experiences. Many professors also serve students as mentors, ministry supervisors, and even through premarital counseling and officiating their weddings. It is a massive honor to be invited into some of the most meaningful moments of students' lives in this way.

Q: What’s it like to work with a former student?

A: Kyle and Hilary were fixtures of the Grace community during their time as students, and it's no surprise that as alumni and now employees at Grace, they continue to be a vital part of the lives of students, faculty, and staff… A favorite experience of mine is to team-teach a class

with Kyle called "Biblical Perspectives on Current Issues," in which our unique approaches to classroom teaching can really harmonize and play off of each other—students get the best of both worlds.

Q: How has the Grace community impacted you?

A: The learning environment at Grace (both community life and academics) presents students with a unique transformational experience. Students can find a sense of place here that nurtures spiritual and personal growth while challenging them with academic learning that sets the bar as high as they want it to go. I know from personal experience that Grace prepared me extraordinarily well for a graduate program in theology at the University of Notre Dame. We have wellprepared graduates who go straight into their chosen jobs, career fields, and ministries immediately after commencement, and we celebrate that. And we also regularly have graduates who are accepted to some of the most academically prestigious graduate and seminary programs in the country and even the world. There is something at Grace for everyone. Professors are committed to helping students find what God may be calling them to do, and helping them prepare for those specific roles as courageous ambassadors for Christ. ■

CHUCK & JOY BEFUS' NINE CHILDREN

Chuck

GRACE THE GENERATION

1960

Befus Family Timeline at Grace

Clarence Befus, husband of Elnora Befus, father of Chuck Befus, earned a Bachelor of Theology degree in 1961 (Milwaukee Bible Institute).

Frank Edwards, husband of Rebecca (goes by Joan) Edwards, father of Joy Befus, is a non-grad alumnus (Milwaukee Bible Institute).

Chuck & Joy Befus

GRACE FOR THE NEXT GENERATION

1980

Mark Edwards, son of Frank and Joan Edwards, brother of Joy Befus, and husband of Karen (Kool) Edwards, earned an Associate of Arts degree in 1980.

Karen (Kool) Edwards, wife of Mark Edwards, attended Fall 1979-Spring 1980 and is a nongrad alumnus.

BY EMILY GEHMAN

David (goes by Dave) Edwards, son of Frank and Joan Edwards, brother of Joy Befus, and husband of April (McFadden) Edwards, earned an Associate of Arts degree in 1979 & a Bachelor of Religious Education degree in 1981.

April (McFadden) Edwards, wife of Dave Edwards, earned an Associate of Religious Education degree in 1981.

CHUCK’S FATHER SAID, ‘DON’T BOTHER TO COME TO COSTA RICA UNLESS YOU’RE GOING TO COMMIT FOR FIVE YEARS.’ So we said, ‘Well, we’ll go for five years and see how God works,’” Joy Befus ’83 says.

With Chuck’s full construction business and Joy’s childcare center, the Befuses had plenty of opportunities to stay stateside and make money.

“But that just wasn’t what we wanted to do,” Chuck Befus ’84 says.

Their plan was to go to Costa Rica to help Chuck’s aging parents —who had been the first Grace Ministries International missionaries to Costa Rica—for at least five years.

“We didn’t know we were going to end up staying here 37 years,” Joy says.

The better part of four decades on the mission field holds plenty of adventures, challenges, and stories of God’s faithfulness. Chuck and Joy have seen a lot.

Charles (goes by Chuck) Befus, son of Clarence and Elnora Befus, husband of Joy (Edwards) Befus, earned an Associate of Arts degree in 1981 & a Bachelor of Theology degree in Pastoral Studies in 1984.

Joy (Edwards) Befus, daughter of Frank and Joan Edwards, wife of Chuck Befus, earned an Associate of Religious Education degree in 1981 & a Bachelor of Religious Education degree in 1983.

1990

Christopher (goes by Chris) Edwards, son of Frank and Joan Edwards, brother of Joy Befus, and husband of Karen (Kottmann) Edwards, earned an Associate of Arts degree in Business in 1995 & a Bachelor of Religious Education degree in Business in 1996.

SECOND GENERATION GRACE GRADUATE

Chuck was one of Clarence ’61 and Elnora’s eight children raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, near Milwaukee Bible Institute, where his father studied. Named after its founder, Charles F. Baker, Chuck was the only one who attended Grace Christian University; everyone else went to Wheaton College in the Chicago suburbs. At Grace, he met Joy Edwards, who, ironically, was from the Chicago area. They had a lot in common: they’d both grown up in church, they both appreciated large families, and, most importantly, were Christians and wanted to be in full-time Christian service.

“We were so encouraged by the idea that we could do ministry,” Chuck says.

Grace Christian University’s curriculum was full of ministry and missions-focused themes. Dr. Sam Vinton ’55, having grown up on the mission field, taught from a wealth of experience as a missionary in Congo, West Africa. Naturally, Africa held plenty of connections, and students were encouraged to consider it for a mission field.

2000

Amber (Befus) Kemper, daughter of Chuck and Joy Befus, wife of Kaleb Kemper, earned an Associate of Arts degree in General Studies in 2005 & a Bachelor of Science degree in Missiology in 2007.

Kaleb Kemper, husband of Amber Kemper, earned a Bachelor of Theology degree in Missiology in 2009 & a Master's degree in Organizational Leadership in 2021.

But neither Chuck nor Joy wanted to go to Africa. Latin America sounded much better. And since his parents were already there, it made sense.

After Chuck and Joy married in 1982, they stayed in Grand Rapids for five years while Chuck tried his hand at pastoral ministry, something his professors encouraged him toward. They saw ministry potential in him and he was qualified for it, thanks to his bachelor’s in theology and pastoral studies. But while he always knew he was headed for ministry, he also knew he didn’t really want to be a traditional pastor.

The plan was to start a school in Costa Rica, so Chuck earned a secondary history education degree from Calvin University. They’d start a school, he’d teach high school history, and help his parents. So off Chuck and Joy went, with one child in tow.

THE COSTA RICA ADVENTURE

It was a fine plan, and it worked for about a year. Until:

“The man who was the pastor took the money from the offering and ran,” Chuck says. “Never saw

Terrah (Befus) Quesada, daughter of Chuck and Joy Befus, wife of Oscar Quesada, earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Missiology in 2009 & a Master's degree in Organizational Leadership in 2021.

him again except for when he wanted more money.”

Because Chuck was teaching a class, the church looked to him. He told them not to call him pastor, but as time went on, he assumed more and more church responsibilities in addition to the school, the Sunday school, and the school’s chapels.

“I had to decide what a church looked like,” Chuck says. “And how I was going to get it into the people’s hands…The true job of a missionary is to work yourself out of a job.”

Once that church became more established, they began planting new churches. One in Nicaragua, then one in Panama, and now they’re working with national missionaries who will be going to Honduras or Colombia. It’s exciting work, but not always easy work.

“The struggles with people are the hardest thing,” Chuck says. “I think it’s Satan trying to discourage and change directions or something. It’s hard when you’re discipling people and they turn on you.”

But Chuck and Joy will tell you that God has always been faithful to bring them exactly what they need when they need it. Chuck recalls a recent challenge that caused some friction: the church

2010

Caleb Befus, son of Chuck and Joy Befus, husband of Mary (Quesada) Befus, earned an Associate of Arts degree in General Studies in 2009, a Bachelor of Theology degree in Pastoral Ministry in 2012, and a Master's Degree in Ministry in 2018.

Erin (Befus) Segura, daughter of Chuck and Joy Befus, wife of Arturo Segura, earned a Bachelor of Religious Education degree in Elementary Education in 2016.

Camron Befus, son of Chuck and Joy Befus, husband of Luci Befus, earned a Bachelor of Science in Biblical Studies degree in Pastoral Ministry in 2016.

purchased a piece of land for well under the value price but couldn’t sustain the whole thing long-term. Sharp disagreements and worries of bankruptcy floated through the church. But at just the right time, God sent a buyer for a portion of the land that offered more than they paid for it, and now the church is completely debt-free.

“But you just have to be faithful and say, ‘God, we’re waiting on you,’” Chuck says. “And God opens the doors.”

GOING BIG

“We went to start a school,” Chuck says. “We thought very small, but God said, ‘This is a lot bigger than you are.’ And it’s way bigger than I thought it was going to be.”

The church and school were not the only ministries Chuck and Joy saw God grow while in Costa Rica. Their family began growing, too. Their oldest child was born in 1985, in Grand Rapids, and Joy was pregnant for their second when they moved to Costa Rica. Chuck and Joy welcomed a baby into their family and the world every two years until 2001.

That adds up to nine.

One family. Two parents.

Autumn (Befus) Olson, daughter of Chuck and Joy Befus, wife of Austin Olson, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Services in 2017.

Austin Olson, husband of Autumn Olson, earned a Bachelor of Religious Education degree in Business in 2018.

Nine children. All raised in Costa Rica among ministry and career transitions and the general chaos a family brings in the early years. Chuck and Joy homeschooled the kids through the sixth grade. After that, they attended an international school so they would be ready for college in the United States. Michigan, actually. Grand Rapids, specifically.

Grace Christian University, to be exact.

No, Chuck and Joy didn’t require their children to attend Grace Christian University. But they encouraged each of them to spend a year at Grace to build a solid biblical foundation for whatever God would lead them to do.

And they did!

All nine of them spent time at Grace Christian University. Four of them met spouses there, and now one of them serves on the board.

“We’re hoping that our grandchildren will be able to go there, too,” Joy says with a bounce in her voice.

The chances are good. Chuck and Joy have 17 grandkids—so far.

Lucia (goes by Luci) (Chaves-Pacheco) Befus, wife of Camron Befus, earned a Bachelor of Religious Education degree in Business/ Management/Entrepreneurship in 2019.

Elenrae (Befus) Pilieci, daughter of Chuck and Joy Befus, wife of Nick Pilieci, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Services in 2019.

THE BEFUS LEGACY

It’s certainly no small task to raise a large family on the mission field. And Chuck and Joy wouldn’t say they have it all figured out or did everything right, in ministry or in parenting. But their firm belief and advice is the same to anyone: keep Christ central.

“You have to have your own relationship with God to help you through all the ups and downs that everybody faces in this world,” Joy says.

Five years could turn into 37. A family could grow from 2 to 11 to 20 to 37 and counting. Plans could get turned upside down in all the best ways. But the Befus legacy is not about the Befuses. It’s about Christ.

“If you want to have a life that’s full,” Chuck says, “it’s got to be in Christ.” ■

Nicholas (goes by Nick) Pilieci, husband of Elenrae Pilieci, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business in 2019.

Thane Befus, son of Chuck and Joy Befus, husband of Brena (Knoth) Befus, attended Fall 2019 and Spring 2020 and is a nongrad alumnus.

Emily Gehman is a Grace faculty member and managing editor of The Journey

Regan (Befus) Lorenz, daughter of Chuck and Joy Befus, wife of Ben Lorenz, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business in 2021.

Benjamin (goes by Ben) Lorenz, husband of Regan Lorenz, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biblical Studies in 2022.

AN IMPOSSIBLE PURPOSE Jeb Meredith

BY SARAH CROSS ’24

IBARELY HAD A HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA,”

JEB SAYS.

At 57 years old, Jeb Meredith ’18 decided to earn his college degree while living in Peace Park in Houston, Texas. In a tent. He had been homeless since 2001.

Jeb grew up in Conroe, Texas, forty miles north of Houston, but didn’t always live in Texas. During his years of homelessness, he traveled the country–“from one end of it to the other”–weaving his way through various church denominations and discovering his purpose in the world.

“We’re just passers-through here,” Jeb says. “My purpose is to direct you to where you’re going.”

And so, he decided to get an education. To Jeb, getting a college degree seemed impossible given his circumstances. But, he knew his situation couldn’t stop God’s plan. Jeb researched Christian

universities all over the country—he learned as much as he could from their websites.

“The internet is a really cool thing if you operate it properly,” Jeb says.

Eventually, he found Grace Christian University and began a two-year degree program. But it wasn’t easy—he had no formal education experience. He dropped out of high school in 11th grade and didn’t earn his GED until 12 years later. But, Grace allowed him to work at his own pace. He spent three years working on an Associate of Arts degree with an emphasis in Leadership and Ministry.

“I spent a lot of time researching. Sometimes 16 hours a day,” Jeb says. “It took me every bit of that time to manage to muster the grades that I got.”

Down the street from Peace Park, there was an Episcopalian church with a street ministry called the Trinity Center—it was at that

church where Jeb completed most of his degree. In 2018, at 60 years old, Jeb became a college graduate.

“I’m dumber than a box of rocks,” Jeb says, “but I did it. And if I can, you can too.”

In 2021, Jeb moved into Community First Village in Austin, Texas—a community designed for those coming out of chronic homelessness. The founders, Alan and Tricia Graham, began with Mobile Loaves & Fishes, a food truck that travels to homeless communities.

“They’re very hands-on people when it comes to this business. They have dedicated their entire lives to it,” Jeb says.

Mobile Loaves & Fishes was Jeb’s first interaction with the Grahams— they invited him to Community First Village twice before Jeb finally trusted the Grahams enough to move in.

At Community First Village, everything is designed to enhance

community with shared spaces and access to support.

“You don’t even have to leave here,” Jeb says.

Today, Jeb lives in a community of people stepping out of chronic homelessness and into hope. And Jeb gets to be part of that journey–with his personal understanding and first-hand experience with chronic homelessness, he knows how to connect with members of the community.

“It takes a lot for a person to decompress from that, to become un-brainwashed, you might say,” Jeb says. “So, you have to go about talking to them about everything in a different manner than you would with anyone else. It’s a hard thing to do.”

Jeb’s goal is to communicate the truth with members of Community First Village: “I put out there what I know to be the facts—the truth. Grace Christian University is the one school that made that happen.”

JEB’S HOME IN THE COMMUNITY FIRST VILLAGE

Thanks to Grace, Jeb is equipped to share the gospel with members of his community and help them toward their God-given purpose as they lay the foundation for their future. ■

Sarah Cross ’24 is a student in the communication program and a freelance writer and editor.

I DID IT. AND IF I CAN, you can too.

GOD’S DESIGN Izzy Rupp

BY SARAH CROSS ’24

IREMEMBER TAKING MONEY OUT OF MY MOM’S PURSE SO WE COULD BUY FOOD TO EAT.”

At 10 years old, Izzy Rupp ’25 and her twin sister, Zoey, learned to rely on each other. Together, they would get up, ready, and off to school without any prompting.

Their father, Eric Rice, had died unexpectedly just before the twins’ seventh birthday and although the family had always relied on government assistance, they were now in dire straits. Eric had led the family and provided financial support—his love for his girls was obvious despite certain lifestyle choices.

The twins turned to their only source of hope: their mom. Wendy Keech loved her girls, but with mental and physical health issues, and an addiction to alcohol and prescription drugs, she was trapped and isolated. Wendy knew her girls needed better than what she could give them.

MEETING JESUS

In fifth grade, Child Protective Services placed the twins in their grandparents’ home to finish the school year. The next year was spent in Schoolcraft, Michigan to stay with an aunt and uncle before eventually landing in Marcellus, Michigan to be with their Aunt Ginna and Uncle Jack.

This was where 12-year-old Izzy first heard the gospel.

“I just remember being so intrigued. Because, growing up with our parents, I never really knew what trustworthy people were like,” Izzy Rupp said on the Grace “Listen Up Campus” podcast.

Izzy and Zoey were asked to help with childcare at a church event where the gospel would be shared by missionary speakers.

“I was like, man, this Jesus guy claims to be trustworthy and that He’ll never leave you and never fail you,” Izzy said on the podcast. “That’s something I had never experienced in either of my parents or really in anybody.”

When Aunt Ginna heard the news of the twins’ acceptance of Christ, she could do nothing but cry for joy. The twins had been living in their home for only six weeks.

HOME

With a stable home and a newfound faith in Jesus, Izzy’s life began to settle. But their mother still wanted to be in their lives.

“She always talked about getting us back. And once Zoey and I realized what better life was like, we didn’t want to go back with her,” Izzy says.

News of their mother’s death hit them hard, but it also brought a wave of relief. They knew they were in their forever home.

So, at 12 years old they asked to be legally adopted and two years later, Aunt Ginna and Uncle Jack became Mom and Dad.

FINDING GRACE

Then came high school. Izzy’s years at Howardsville Christian

School led her to a deeper understanding of the Bible and relationships. She spent time with friends, playing sports, and leading Bible studies with Zoey.

And, as graduation approached, she knew she wanted to attend a college that would continue to reflect the small community and atmosphere at Howardsville.

After a Google search, she found Grace Christian University in Grand Rapids and started her freshman year in 2021.

In 2025, she will graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Education for English and TESOL through Grace’s partnership with Cornerstone University while also earning a Bachelor of Science in Intercultural Studies from Grace through the Bible/Theology coursework load.

Izzy, now a junior, has worked on campus at Bultema Memorial Library for a year and a half and she has connected with Grace’s librarian, Erinn Huebner, who also encourages her as a leader to her peers. Working at the library gives Izzy a unique opportunity to serve other students and see how the library’s services impact academic success.

Although Izzy is planning to use her degree to teach in a Christian school with the possibility to move into education administration, her experience at Bultema has given her an interest in working in libraries in the future.

Grace’s community has allowed Izzy to thrive in work and in her academics. She explains that two classes specifically have impacted her understanding and practice of the Bible.

“Bible Study Methods and Application gave me some incredible tools to be able to interpret and understand the Bible,

not only for deeper theological study, but also to be able to know God’s Word in day-to-day life,” Izzy says. “Theology of Spiritual Formation has helped me to understand how to become closer to God through spiritual disciplines.”

Grace has offered Izzy a biblical basis and a welcoming community as a solid foundation for her future.

“From GCU, I have learned how to love people as Jesus does and have compassion for all people,” Izzy says.

ALL THINGS FOR GOOD

Looking back, Izzy can see God’s hand throughout her story. Generations before her had dealt with drug addiction, alcoholism, broken families, and difficult situations—and Izzy had to deal with it too.

But because of Jesus and the impact of Aunt Ginna and Uncle Jack, Izzy broke the pattern and started a new one—one that knows God and makes Him known.

Her childhood circumstances didn’t determine her future, God did.

"Even the horrible parts of my story lead to the moment of my salvation," Izzy says. “My story is God using all things for His good. And I’m grateful.” ■

Sarah Cross ’24 is a student in the communication program and a freelance writer and editor.

IZZY & ZOEY WITH PARENTS AUNT GINNA & UNCLE JACK

ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIPS

We’re Up to Challenge…the

OF CREATING AN ARRAY OF ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIPS! From these endowments, funds will be distributed from the interest accrued. The assets of each endowed scholarship shall be invested by the Grace Christian University to maximize the fund’s earning potential—and scholarships will be awarded from the proceeds. Currently, we have nearly 30 Endowed Scholarships with almost $1.6 million committed to date.

Scan the QR code to view the full list of Endowed Scholarships and learn more about who each scholarship was created to support! ■

SCHOLARSHIP GOAL $5 MILLION

SCAN TO LEARN MORE ABOUT FAMILY ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIPS

Meet our NEW ADVANCEMENT GIFT OFFICERS!

Pete Tilden

ptilden@gracechristian.edu

(616) 298-0771

Pete Tilden comes to us with an impressive background in philanthropy, spending time at both Hope College and Trine University, and has a proven track record of cultivating meaningful relationships with donors.

As Senior Gift Officer, Pete plays a pivotal role in strengthening our philanthropic efforts, ensuring that we continue to provide exceptional educational opportunities and support for our students.

Rick Pilieci

rpilieci@gracechristian.edu

(616) 250-2853

Pastor Rick Pilieci ’03, ’18 served faithfully as Campus Pastor for over 8 years. A proud Grace alumnus, Rick continues to give back in any way that he can, pivoting from his role as Campus Pastor to Gift Officer. Rick continues to love and connect with those God brings into his path.

2024 EVENTS

HOMECOMING

20 - 21

There’s something for everyone in 2024

DURING ANY GIVEN MONTH, Grace Christian University hosts a variety of in-person and online events for students, alumni, and our community.

Scan the QR code for event details, registration, and more or call our Advancement Office at (616) 530-7756. ■

WILL PLANNING Has it been a while since you yourupdated

will?

MAKE SURE TO INCLUDE THE PEOPLE AND CAUSES YOU CARE ABOUT. We’ll help!

You may think changing a will requires visiting a lawyer, and because lawyer fees can be expensive, you’ve put it off. We understand. But thankfully, you don’t have to go to a lawyer!

SCAN HERE FOR UPCOMING EVENTS

Grace covers your cost to create a Will and Power of Attorney for your health and finances as a friend, donor, alumni, or student.

In the past, life changes required an expensive new estate plan. With GiftWise, you can update your will for free and if you choose, even include estate gifts to your favorite organizations and causes. Scan the QR code to get started today.

If Grace Christian University is already in your will, let us know and we’ll ensure you are listed as a member of our Legacy Society. ■

SCAN TO CREATE A WILL WITH GIFTWISE

GOLF CLASSIC August 19

September

CLAY SHOOT September 21

GALA - WITH SELAH October 7

Faith in the Criminal Justice Field

IREALLY LOVE MY GRACE STUDENTS BECAUSE THEY SEE PURPOSE IN WHAT THEY’RE DOING.”

Dr. Dave Greydanus, Chair of the Criminal Justice program at Grace Christian University, teaches a wide variety of criminal justice students around the state of Michigan. Dr. Greydanus’ 30-year career with the Michigan State Police took him to Detroit, Paw Paw, Manistee, Wayland, and South Haven. He is a graduate of Michigan State University and the University of Toledo School of Law, and has been teaching law and criminal justice students since 1993. He especially enjoys teaching at Grace because it allows him to show students how their faith informs and integrates with their work. ■

Q: What difference does a Christian’s faith make working in the criminal justice field?

A: You’ve got a basis here of no matter what happens, you see the individuals created in the image of God. They have to be respected, treated professionally. But also that you see a purpose in what you’re doing to help them but also to help the victims.

Q: What advice do you have for students to keep from getting burned out in the field?

Find a church. Get your kids involved with the church. You have to have that community… Because you’re going to see a lot of bad things… You can always fall back on your faith to show why you’re here, and why you’re doing what you’re doing.

Q: What sets Grace Christian University graduates apart in the criminal justice field?

The humility they bring from the Christian perspective—that really impacts them, realizing it’s not them doing things, it’s God working through them that’s helping them have that impact. And I think so many employers are really seeing that humility, but also the hard work.

MASTER'S PROGRAMS AT GRACE

Refine Your Calling

AS YOU CONTINUE TO MAKE AN ETERNAL IMPACT

6 WEEK COURSES

Our online programs give students the flexibility to earn their degree from anywhere around any schedule. Our short 5 week courses start throughout the year. No need to wait for the next academic year – start your degree today!

ONE COURSE AT A TIME

We understand that your attention may be pulled in many directions at once. Online students only need to take one course at a time to be considered a full-time student, and still graduate in the same time as an On-Campus student.

• Master of Arts in Higher Education Leadership

• Master of Arts in Ministry

• Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership

• Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Graduates of Grace Christian University are eligible for a 20% Tuition Discount towards a master's degree.

NO SET LOGIN TIMES

Online classes are available anytime and anywhere. There are no set login times – just due dates to keep classes on track. Typically, 15 hours per week the the average time commitment for students to successfully complete their class work.

SCAN TO LEARN

MORE ABOUT OUR MASTER'S PROGRAMS

MEET THE BOARD | DR. DAN GOWDY

FOLLOWING GOD Wherever He Leads

BY ROBERT KILGO ’21

FOR DAN GOWDY ’92, GRACE CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY WAS ALWAYS PART OF HIS LIFE. His parents, John and Mary Lou Gowdy, partners in marriage and ministry, met when Grace was still Milwaukee Bible Institute. Although Dan’s father, a youth pastor, shepherded countless high school graduates to Grace, he encouraged Dan to follow wherever God wanted him whether that be at Grace or not.

“When I was in high school, Dad said something very interesting to me. ‘If you can do anything other than being a pastor you should. But if God is calling you to full-time ministry, you do it with all your heart, soul, and might,’” Dan says. “These words gave me the freedom to follow God’s leading instead of trying to meet others’ expectations for me.”

After high school, Dan attended a school in Illinois for Computer Science. But after the first semester, he felt a “divine nudge” and decided to transfer to Grace. Although a mid-year switch is challenging, he quickly adapted and made friends due to his familiarity with Grace. He was still interested in pursuing Computer Science until a short-term mission trip to Africa during his junior year transformed

I FOCUSED ON DOING GOOD WORK AND MINISTERING WHERE I WAS.

his perspective. Over the summer, equipped with just a backpack and Bible, Dan and a few friends traveled to three countries and witnessed hundreds of people turn to Christ.

When he returned to Grace, he was changed—he shifted his major to Pastoral Studies.

He didn’t have a plan for his major—but it offered him a deeper understanding of scripture and he desired to go even deeper and learn even more. Dan wanted to be ready for whatever God had in store for him.

Grace’s academic rigor and emphasis on ministry was a stepping stone for Dan as he

entered the world with a strong work ethic and faith in God. He was equipped.

“I wouldn’t have planned my professional career to start as a chauffeur for Hope Network. But it did. I hated driving,” Dan says, “At that time, I focused on doing good work and ministering where I was, even if that meant arriving to work at 4am and making coffee for the crew. I resolved to work hard, make a meaningful contribution, and be faithful. By God’s grace I left Hope Network 24 years later as one of its Executive Directors.”

Dan entered several executive leadership positions including his current role as President/CEO of Wedgewood Christian Services. He may not have been able to predict God’s plan for him, but he was never surprised by God’s guiding hand.

But his involvement with Grace wasn’t over. Today, Dan is a board member, driven by a strong belief in Grace’s mission to “graduate courageous ambassadors for Christ who make an eternal impact wherever they go.” Dan contributes to an institution that molds students into eternal impact-makers.

Now he can give back to a place that gave him so much. ■

Rob Kilgo is a 2021 alumnus and the Assistant to the President.

PLANSChange of

BY ROBERT KILGO ’21

AS SOON AS HE GRADUATED FROM HIGH SCHOOL, CALEB BEFUS ’12 KNEW THAT HE WANTED TO LIVE IN THE MOUNTAINS, and certainly in a place much warmer than Michigan more like where he grew up.

Caleb was born in San Jose, Costa Rica, where his parents are missionaries through Grace Ministries International. Chuck and Joy Befus joined the ministry of Chuck’s parents, Clarence and Elnora, planning to only stay for five years. Thirty-seven years and nine children later–Caleb is third in that line–Chuck and Joy are still there.

Caleb graduated from an international Christian school in Costa Rica before coming to Grace Christian University, just like his 2 older siblings, parents, and grandfather had done before him.

Choosing Grace Christian University was an easy decision; he received scholarships specifically for missionary kids like him. He wasn’t exactly sure what he’d major in, but he was sure about one thing: though he came from a long line of Christian ministers, he adamantly opposed the idea of being a pastor.

“I did not want to be a pastor,” Caleb says. “Especially when I

was in high school—I would tell everyone who asked about it that it wasn’t for me!”

But—spoiler alert—God had other plans.

Toward the end of his time at Grace, he felt a pull to pastoral ministry, and finally settled on the Pastoral Studies program.

Caleb realized he had spent his entire life in ministry, constantly helping his parents with various tasks at church and through their ministries in Costa Rica. He saw that his parents had given him plenty of wisdom as a solid foundation for his life.

“My parents provided the blueprint, and Grace helped me build my faith up from there.”

So Caleb—who originally said he would never be a pastor— transitioned from associate to lead pastor after three years at Grace Bible Fellowship in Jenison, Michigan, not far from the Grace Christian University campus. He was only 26.

“Becoming a pastor at that age is not for everyone,” Caleb says. “And I doubt I could have pulled it off without God’s grace and the excellent lay leadership team already in place at Grace Bible Fellowship.”

Caleb explored more ministry opportunities in the community. For several years in a row, Grace invited

WHEN YOU GIVE YOUR LIFE TO CHRIST... YOU GO WHERE HE LEADS.

him to speak in chapel, and after giving a particularly challenging message, President Kemper asked him to consider being on Grace’s Board of Directors.

“My favorite part of being on the board is that I get to help steer the school that guided me and many family members over the years towards lives in ministry,” Caleb says.

While Caleb may not have planned this life for himself when he was in high school, he’s quite happy about the direction his life has taken—even if there are no mountains or tropical temperatures.

“My calling was surprising to many, no doubt,” Caleb says. “But at the same time, when you give your life to Christ, you devote yourself to Him and you go where He leads. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”. ■

Congrats to... THE 2023 ALUMNI AWARD RECIPIENTS

BY HALEY FORBES ’23

ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR

Dale Carper

Dale Carper ‘19 values education and has earned a total of three degrees from Grace, including a bachelor’s in Human Services and Biblical Studies. He applies his knowledge and passion working as a Child Protective Service Investigator for the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services. Dale specializes in cases related to child abuse and neglect, mainly focusing on minimizing experienced trauma. In addition to working as a CPS Investigator, Dale has also served as a firefighter for eleven years and as a chaplain for three years. He cherishes his experience at Grace, particularly valuing professors Dr. Sam Vinton and Dr. Scott Shaw. Dale shares that, “the life as a student on such a beautiful campus surrounded by friends who truly care for one another as people was a blessing." Dale met his wife and fellow alumni award winner, Katie Carper, during his time at Grace and they now have two beautiful daughters, Madilyn and Lauren.

ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR

Nick Mascorro

ALUMNA OF THE YEAR

Katie Carper

Katie Carper ‘18 graduated from Grace with a bachelor’s in Human Services. She attributes a large part of her influence in pursuing a degree and career in human services to professors Dr. Scott Shaw and Dr. Jan Schregardus. Katie grew professionally at Grace as well as spiritually, saying, “I was able to learn more indepth about the Bible from my classes.” Currently, she is faithfully serving as a foster care services specialist for the Michigan Department of Health. In her role, Katie works closely with families who have had children removed from their care and provides services in hopes of reunification. In cases where parents have lost their parental rights, she aids in processes such as adoption, guardianship, and independent living. As a human services professional, wife, and mother, it is evident that Katie is a loving servant to everyone God places in her life.

After graduating from Grace with a Bachelor’s in Human Services, Nick Mascorro ‘14 graduated at the top of his classes at the ATF National Academy and the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center. Nick currently serves as an ATF Special Agent and is dedicated to apprehending criminals involved in firearm-related felonies, specifically shootings and homicides. Nick credits Grace for playing an instrumental role in the formation of a strong spiritual foundation in his life, one that has helped him remain grounded while encountering stressful, violent, and difficult situations in his field of work. “There is nothing extraordinary about my skills or abilities,” Nick says. “The only thing that is extraordinary is God’s grace in my life, because I deserve no special accolades or awards, and He deserves credit for everything."

Haley Forbes ‘23 is the Alumni Relations Coordinator.

LET'S CONTINUE THE