Grace Story, Spring 2022

“I realized that church isn’t about getting rewarded if you follow the rules. It’s about a relationship between me and God.” LIZ MURPHY CURRENT STUDENT

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THIS IS GRACE Moments are the substance of our lives. Moments of uncontrollable laughter and moments of insufferable pain.

Moments of obscurity. Moments of bravery. Moments of life-altering change. Even the seemingly insignificant moments of life are precious because every single moment is a snapshot of who we are becoming in Christ – a picture of the “already, but not yet” and a glimpse at life between Christ’s words, “It is finished” (John 19:30) and “It is done” (Rev. 21:6).

In the pages of this issue are snapshots of recent moments at Grace: snapshots of our interim president, Dr. John Teevan (MDiv 72, DMin 07), who has faithfully led in a time of transition, snapshots of freshman student Liz Murphy, who was forever changed when Christ called her name and snapshots of students enjoying a fresh snowfall on campus in wide-eyed wonder.

As you peruse the gallery, we hope that it brings you joy amidst the snapshots of your own life and reminds you that you are being transformed to look more and more like Him in every photo that is snapped. This is Grace.

Campus was blanketed with snow during the first week of February forcing campus to close. Students stayed on campus to enjoy some winter fun while faculty and staff stayed warm at home.

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GR ACE ST ORY MAGAZINE

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INSIDE

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FALL 2022

Q&A with Dr. Teevan If you don’t know Grace’s Interim President Dr. John A. Teevan (MDiv 72, DMin 07), now’s your chance. In true Teevan fashion, with warmth, wisdom and wit, he shares about the journey that prepared him for such a time as this.

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Winter at Grace With its quaint shops and breathtaking charm, Winona Lake, Indiana, has often been dubbed a “snowglobe town.” After the first week of February 2022, you would be hard-pressed to find someone who disagrees.

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A Path Paved

by Grace When she was at her lowest point as a freshman in high school, God called Liz Murphy’s name and adopted her into His great Kingdom. Now, four years later, Murphy still cannot fully fathom the path which has led her where she is today.

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Q&A W ITH DR. JOHN TEEVAN W R IT TEN BY M A DISON COW M A N

Dr. John A. Teevan (MDiv 72, DMin 07) landed at Grace Theological Seminary (GTS) after accepting Christ in a most peculiar way on the campus of Princeton University.

He didn’t come to Grace to become a pastor (although he did). He came with a desire to better know God and His Word. Now, after nearly five decades, two Charis Fellowship pastorates and twelve years directing Grace’s prison program, he’s serving as Grace’s Interim President. If you don’t know Teevan, you should. We sat down with him to learn more about the journey that has prepared him for such a time as this.

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Anyone who has met you knows that you have a love for learning.

Are you able to identify when your hunger for knowledge originated?

It certainly started with discussions that happened at the dining room table growing up. My dad was an attorney and taught business law at Northwestern University in Chicago, his father also taught at Northwestern and my mom’s father was the Dean of Liberal Arts there.

So there was a culture of learning and asking questions and being curious in my home. That’s where I picked up “the liberal arts gene,” which is all about the desire to understand things and find where they fit. And I’ve never lost it.

Clearly that hunger for learning did you well in the college search.

How did you end up studying economics at Princeton University?

My dad told me, “If you get accepted into a school far away, it’s best to just get out of town.” And so when I got into Princeton, I followed my dad’s advice and took the opportunity to learn in a different subculture.

I enjoyed the different places and different people.

What memories most stand out to you about your time studying at Princeton?

The “Physics for Poets” class I took with Professor Rogers. Two things struck me about him. First, he had been Albert Einstein’s next-door neighbor. And second, I will never forget the words he shared with me after I was unable to get an experiment to pan out as it was

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supposed to. He said, “You’re either going to have to change your facts or change your theory.” Believe it or not, a year and a half later, that comment was influential in my becoming a Christian because the facts of my life and my theory did not align.

What were the events that led up to your decision to follow Christ?

My story of coming to faith is all very backward and not normative. I was in a church on the Princeton campus.

A guy got up and said, “We all know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God born of a virgin. He lived a perfect life, taught a lot of people, healed, did miracles, died on the cross to pay for our sins, rose from the dead, lives in heaven and will be coming back.”

He went on to say, “Now, up until the Enlightenment, we believed that nonsense. But ever since then, we don’t.”

Unknowingly and unwillingly, that man preached the gospel to me, and it was the first time I had ever heard it. My response was, “That’s great, but I’m not a sinner.” So I started running away from God. Over the next year, I took a philosophy course that I thought was nonsense. And then I took a religion course which I thought was more nonsense. (I guess I was a contrarian!) But slowly, I began to see that sin was not just committing a crime. It was a way of ignoring God – and I was certainly doing that. I also saw that my life was not working.

So, my sophomore year, while living alone in Lockhart Hall, I received a Time magazine in the mail. The cover, which was very famous, read

“Is God Dead?” I read the article and thought, these people are crazy. And within the next ten days, I stopped running away from God and became a Christian. Between the words of my physics professor, the atheist speaker and the Time magazine article – none of which aimed at pushing a Christian agenda – I came to Christ.

It’s not every day that a Princeton economics student ends up at Grace. How did you end up at GTS? After receiving Christ, I got involved with the Princeton Evangelical Fellowship which was a group that would gather for Bible studies. There was a strong Princeton connection with Grace Theological Seminary at the time, and of that group, two or three dozen people went on to attend Grace. I had never heard of Grace or the Charis Fellowship, but it was one of three seminaries recommended, and it was the closest one to Chicago. I didn’t enroll in seminary with any intention of becoming a pastor. I was there simply to learn more about the Bible.

What is your favorite memory from your student days at GTS? Two things. One of them was singing in the Ashman Chapel. There were probably about 90 students just in my class, and we would all pack in the chapel and worship together.

Our voices would fill the room and it was moving. I will never forget that.

The other memory that comes to mind was just down the hall in McClain. I was in a theology class surrounded by guys who were falling asleep because they had wives, children and full-time jobs. As a rookie Christian

my family and it’s a joy working alongside my brothers and sisters.

You served for twelve years as the Director of the Prison Program at Grace, and it’s clearly a passion point for you. How did you transition from church ministry to the prison program?

and single young man, I was fully engaged thinking, ‘I’m getting the good stuff here.” I just loved it.

Contrary to your original intentions, your seminary training led you to two pastorates within the Charis Fellowship spanning 36 years. What is the most important lesson you learned as a pastor?

I remember walking into Knute Larson’s (BA 62, BDiv 66) office one day as a young pastor in Ashland, Ohio, and saying, “People never change.” When I left eighteen and a half years later before taking a position at Winona Lake Grace Brethren, I was amazed (and I am still amazed today) at the amount of spiritual change I saw in people,

including me, over those years. My word of advice to pastors is, if you think you’re doing this and you’re going to get a one-to-one outcome, you may well be delusional. But if you think you’re wasting your time, you’re also delusional. Just keep at it.

What do you appreciate most about the Charis Fellowship?

It is my other family. That’s it.

Everybody has a family, and hopefully, you like your family. I do. Everybody has a family, and hopefully, you’re proud of your family. I am. I just finished forty years on Encompass World Partners mission board; I also served as a moderator for a while and have been on many committees. The fellowship is

After being a pastor for 36 years, you don’t necessarily expect that your life is going to change and a whole new vista is going to open and you’re going to see and learn new things. Usually, at that point, you think you’re coasting or on a bit of decline. But after opening up a transitional period at the church, I felt like I was jumping off a cliff into a fog bank and hoping there was water at the bottom. The ‘water’ ended up coming in the form of a phone call from Dr. Steve Grill (BA 70) asking if I would be interested in leading Grace’s Prison Extension program.

At first, I told him I’d think about it.

But immediately after hanging up, I realized that was just the call from God I had been waiting for, so I called him right back and said “You bet!”

What did you learn during your time serving in that capacity?

I learned a lot. When I took the position, I didn’t know anything about prison. I had all the same ideas and stereotypes everybody else has. But as I got involved, I didn’t just learn about prison higher education policy and practice. I learned about life. I remember there was a guy, Mark, who was so sharp. I had to step back and ask myself, “Is this guy actually wearing khaki?” And he was.

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Dr. John (MDiv 72, DMin 07) and Jane (Cooper BA 71) Teevan were both Grace students in 1971: John in the seminary and Jane in the college.

“We’re not getting off the planet alive.

We have to accept where we are, stop fighting, make our turn by accepting Christ, assess our opportunities and pursue the best one.”

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I thought, “He could run this thing.

He doesn’t need us.” Mark had been in prison for more than 50 years.

He taught me that life on the inside isn’t all that different from life on the outside. When you go to prison, you have to make a turn. The first step is realizing where you’re at. You have to accept the fact that you’re behind bars, you’re wearing khaki clothes and eating this food. The second step: quit fighting. About half of all people at a maximum-security prison keep fighting. If they follow steps one and two, it’s like a miracle. Then, step three: make the turn. For many that is trusting Jesus. Step four: figure out what your opportunities are. And step five: pursue the best one (which for them, we knew, was education).

Mark helped me realize that it’s really pretty similar on the outside. We’re not getting off the planet alive. We have to accept where we are, stop fighting, make our turn by accepting Christ, assess our opportunities and pursue the best one. Mark helped me see a real narrative about what all life is about. But I could only see it clearly from a prisoner who has the courage to make and sustain those decisions in such an extreme situation.

After the prison program, you continued to teach courses for the seminary. It’s evident Grace has been a prominent piece in your journey, but how has it been significant in your family’s journey as well?

I met my wife, Jane (Cooper BA 71) Teevan, while I was at Grace Seminary.

I actually left for a short stint, and she was the reason I came back. We

got married after she graduated in 1971. And then our son John O. (BA 97) who lives in Ashland, Ohio, attended Grace and met his wife Christina (Fox BS 98) Teevan at Grace. Our son Matt, who lives in Winona Lake also married a Grace graduate, Polly (Cary BS 01) Teevan.

Our third son, Adam, and his wife April work in Redmond, Washington.

Now, even to your own surprise, you are serving as Grace’s interim president. What have been a few of your goals for your six months in this role?

I see myself as a bridge to the future.

I see myself as a people-focused ambassador. And for a third analogy, I see it as my job to pass the baton to the new president so that he or she looks back and says, “He did what he could. That was helpful.”

One of the things you’ll be remembered for on campus is your fun initiative, “Tuesdays with Teevan.” What is this all about?

Tuesdays with Teevan are weekly emails that go out to students, faculty and staff that include thoughtprovoking quotes and maps that grab your attention or even tell a story. My goal is that the emails connect with students and engage their curiosity. I think using curiosity to help solve problems is part of what colleges are all about.

What is your favorite passage of Scripture, and why?

about every week. Psalm 90:1214 is my favorite passage today. It says, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

Relent, Lord! How long will it be?

Have compassion on your servants.

Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.”

What is the greatest piece of advice you’ve been given?

Well, just about anything my wife has suggested has been great advice.

But I will defer to the words of J.R.R. Tolkien here: “Cast aside regret and fear and do the deed at hand.”

What are your top three passions?

1. Curious Thinking. I just can’t stop it. To me, that’s the “liberal arts gene.” I didn’t go to college to learn facts or ideas, but to learn how to think. Since I have the liberal arts gene, I love being around people who know so much more than I do. I cannot turn it off.

2. Gardening. I am the flower gardener at our house, and I enjoy that very much.

3. Traveling. I have thoroughly enjoyed traveling over my life beginning with childhood trips to all four corners of the U.S. In my adult years, I’ve taken international trips with each of my sons: one to Japan, one to central Europe and one to Israel. I’ve also been to many places with Jane.

Everybody has a favorite passage of Scripture, but mine changes just

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ATHLETICS

Lancers Claim Three National Championships Men’s and Women’s Cross Country both won their first national championship this fall. Coach Poyner was later named NCCAA Coach of the Year.

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Women’s Soccer brings home their first national title.

JJ Aalbue cruises by an opponent.

Aalbue was named player of the tournament.

Women’s Soccer Head Coach Michael Voss was named NCCAA Coach of the Year.

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ATHLETICS

Men’s Basketball Wins Crossroads League Championship

Lancers celebrate after the final whistle blows.

Frankie Davidson was named FirstTeam All-Crossroads League and NCCAA National Player of the Year.

Coach Scott Moore (BS 08), who was later named NCCAA National Coach of the Year, cuts down the net after sweet victory.

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Celebrating Dr. Katip

The Grace College Athletic Department honored former Grace College and Seminary President Dr. Bill Katip (BA 74) and his wife Debbie (Cahill BA 74) Katip on Saturday, January 29, during halftime of the men’s game at the Manahan Orthopaedic Capital Center.

Both men’s and women’s basketball teams claimed victory over rival Bethel Pilots, a fitting way to celebrate a president who has contributed so much to Grace over the past decades.

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Save 23% ON RESIDENTIAL SEMINARY

“The past few years have been crazy, and it’s evident that everyone – including pastors – could use a little bit of Grace. In order to make excellent theological education readily available to those who are in ministry or training for ministry, we cut nearly a quarter of the cost per credit hour for our residential Master of Divinity (MDiv) and Master of Arts (MA) degrees.”

DR. FREDDY CARDOZA Dean of Grace Theological Seminary

Dr. Freddy Cardoza (center) chats with students (left to right): Lucas Cone (BA 20, MDiv 21), Addie Kemp (BA 21), Jordan Weimer (BA 20, MDiv 21) and Olivia (Burkholder MDiv 20) Hall

For students who apply for the GTS Scholarship, the tuition reduction results in a $14,000 savings for the 75-hour M.Div. and a $9,000 savings for the 48-hour MA. To learn more about the residential master’s programs, visit seminary.grace.edu

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Dr. Kip Cone (BA 89, MDiv 96, DMin 18) teaches at Winona Lake Grace Brethren Church.

Dr. Christy Hill visits with current student Joanna Erwin.

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He spreads the snow like wool and scatters the frost like ashes.

P S A L M 147:16

A frozen Winona Lake landscape captured by freshman student, Jonathan Downey from Arlington, Texas.

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SNOW DAY AT GRACE Feb. 2-4, a snow storm swept across the Midwest and heaped several feet of snow upon Winona Lake.

Campus events were cancelled and classes were moved online freeing students to enjoy some good, oldfashioned snow days. They grabbed their snowboards, sleds and yes, even Spikeball sets, and made a dash for the great outdoors.

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A Path Paved

by Grace W R IT TEN BY M A DISON COW M A N

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“I am filled with gratitude and awe at the intervening hand of God in my life. He called my name when I was at my lowest point, and He adopted me into His kingdom. He gave me hope, a purpose, a new identity and a new life. ” LIZ MURPHY CURRENT STUDENT

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For as long as she can remember, Liz Murphy had a dream of becoming a professional dancer. Her plan was to enroll in the ballet program at Indiana University, her mom’s alma mater.

But Murphy’s life seemingly turned upside down during her freshman year of high school, and those plans began to unravel. Her parents went through a painful divorce, and she was unable to dance because of impending surgery on a severe hip injury. Everything that felt familiar and constant changed rapidly.

“I remember sitting in my room crying because I was so upset about everything that was happening,” said Murphy. And that’s when a contrary thought flooded her mind. “I felt a strong urge that I needed to go to church.”

Despite her negative experiences in the past, that night in her room, Murphy had a deep conviction that would not go away – she knew she needed to go to church.

That Sunday, Murphy and her mom found themselves in a pew of the church down the road and were met with what can only be attributed to the grace of God. “The message spoke heavily to what we were going through,” recounted Murphy. “We just sat there sobbing the entire time. It was such a powerful thing.”

Compelled by a message of hope that brought comfort like nothing they had ever experienced before, Murphy and her mom started regularly attending church. The church gave Murphy a New Beginner’s Bible. Within a few weeks, she had read it cover to cover. “I fell head

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After Murphy met Jesus, she dove headfirst into living for him. She got baptized the summer before her sophomore year, and over the next several years, she became heavily involved with her youth group and began leading the Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter at her school.

“I felt a strong urge that I needed to go to church.”

Murphy, who didn’t attend church growing up, didn’t understand why she had this urge.

In fact, she had been quite disenchanted by the few experiences she had at church, like the time she accepted her neighbor’s invitation only to find out that her neighbor was being awarded a sticker and a sucker for bringing a friend. Or the time Murphy attended a youth event where the pastor asked everyone to write down a friend’s name who was not close to Christ. Murphy sat there awkwardly.

She knew her name must have been written the week before.

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over heels in love with Jesus at that point,” said Murphy.

“I was so interested and intrigued. I think it was the idea that there is a Heavenly Father that is so loving and caring and consistent. I realized that church isn’t about getting rewarded if you follow the rules. It’s about a relationship between me and God.”

Murphy’s mom knew how much her faith meant to her, so when a postcard from Grace College came in the mail, she encouraged Murphy to visit. Murphy hadn’t even considered attending a Christian school because she knew they cost considerably more than state institutions. But her mom convinced her to go. “At the very least, you’ll get a free T-shirt,” she said.

What Murphy experienced after the drive to Winona Lake was so much greater than a free T-shirt. “The moment I stepped out of the car, I knew I was home,” said Murphy.

Her tour guide was so intentional about getting to know her, she adored the quaint town of Winona Lake and the idea of getting to take Bible courses seemed too good to be true. She loved Grace so much, she came on four more campus visits and hung a poster of campus on her wall.

Murphy’s heart was set. After years of wanting to attend IU, she saw a new path forward, and the destination was Grace College.

While Murphy’s mom was trying to be supportive, she was crunching the numbers. As a single parent, she couldn’t make any promises that it would work out. Murphy began praying that God would provide a way, but ultimately, that His will would be done, even if that meant surrendering her desire to go to Grace.

Around that time, Murphy was invited to attend the Presidential Scholarship Days, a chance at winning a significant scholarship at Grace.

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She continued to pray for the upcoming competition every night, asking the Holy Spirit to speak for her, and that her words would not be her own, but God’s.

On the day of the competition, Murphy felt unexplainable peace and had a deep sense that her prayers were being answered. At the dinner, she was seated at the same table as her academic dean, Dr. Cheryl (Bartel BS 92) Bremer, who took down Murphy’s name in hopes to have her work for the School of Education that next year. “I knew God was mediating all of that. It was such a good day,” she recalls.

A few days later, Murphy received a call that she had received the trustee scholarship – the top scholarship of the weekend which put her in the running for a full-tuition scholarship to be awarded in March. She continued to pray every night.

“Lord, not my will, but yours.”

One day, Murphy noticed she had three missed phone calls from Grace College. “Could it be?” she wondered. She anxiously returned the call.

“Hi, Liz. This is Dr. Mark Pohl (BS 04, MA 07), vice president of enrollment management at Grace College.” Murphy’s heart began to pound. “I was just calling to confirm your address,” he said.

Murphy cleared her throat, trying to hide her disappointment. Before she could utter a word, Pohl’s voice punched through the phone, “I’m just teasing you,” he went on. “I have the privilege of informing you that you’ve won our full-tuition President’s Scholarship.”

“I felt overwhelmed with God’s kindness to me,” said Murphy. Immediately, she called her parents and celebrated the great news – she was going to Grace.

Now, a year later, Murphy is enrolled as a freshman elementary education student. Just as she suspected on that first visit, she is thoroughly enjoying the Christian community and Bible courses.

Not to mention, she’s relishing lake life, but in an entirely unexpected way as a member of the bass fishing club team. One thing she knows for sure, none of it would be possible without a God who paved her path.

“As I reflect on my first year at Grace, I am filled with sheer gratitude and awe at the intervening hand of God in my life,” says Murphy. “He quite literally called my name when I was at my lowest point and adopted me into His great Kingdom. He gave me hope, a purpose, a new identity and a new life. He makes all things right in His time and has plans for us that are far greater than we could possibly think or imagine.”

DAY OF GIVING | APRIL 28 It’s very possible Murphy would not be at Grace if it weren’t for the gifts of generous donors that made her scholarship possible. There are countless high school students just like her, praying that God will provide so they too, can experience Christcentered education. Our annual Day of Giving is the perfect opportunity to help pave their path to Grace. Learn more at www.grace.edu/dayofgiving.

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Become a Lancer Again We love hiring alumni, and we have open positions that might be the perfect fit for you or someone you know. Full-time Grace employees enjoy these benefits: health, dental, vision, retirement savings, life insurance, disability insurance, tuition benefit and the joy of working with other believers.

FACULTY POSITIONS

STAFF POSITIONS

Assistant Professor of Accounting Assistant Professor of Biology Assistant Professor of Chemistry Assistant Professor of Marketing Professor of Agriculture

Administrative Assistants Admissions Counselors Associate Director of IT Director of Alumni Engagement Director of Development Director of Student Affairs Office Assistant

Additional part-time positions available.

See website for more details. www.grace.edu/employment 26

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ALUM NOTES Connecting With Our Family of Friends

Rev. Ken Houghten (MDiv 79) retired in Dec. 2021 after 42 years serving the Lord in Great Britain and Europe with Baptist Mid-Missions.

He continues to live in and assist churches in Britain.

1991 1 Brent (BS 91) and Dawn (Bergey BS 91) Mullett: Married June 12, 2021. The couple calls Fort Wayne IN home.

Management from Colorado State University. The couple resides in Colorado Springs CO.

2011 Jordan (BS 11, MA 13) and Renae Sharp: Oaklee Josephine, July 23, 2021. Oaklee joins brother Parker (2) at their home in Syracuse IN. Jordan has served Wawasee School Corporation (IN) as a health and physical education teacher since Aug. 2013. jtsharp89@gmail.com 5

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Class Notes

Lionel Young III (BA 95, MDiv 99) recently published “World Christianity and the Unfinished Task: A Very Short Introduction.” The book was chosen by Christianity Today as one of the best books on missions and global Christianity for 2022. lyoung@globalaction.com

1977 Dr. David Barker (MDiv 77, ThM 79, ThD 84) has been appointed professor emeritus of biblical studies at Heritage College and Seminary (Cambridge, Ontario, Canada). David retired in June 2021 after 43 years of teaching and leading at Heritage.

He is in the process of publishing a volume of essays entitled “This Poor Man Called: Songs and Stories of David.” David also served as a pastor in churches in London and Kitchener, Ontario. David and his wife Lorraine have five married children and 14 grandchildren.

1978 Dr. Les Martin (MDiv 78) retired from Lakeview Church (Zion IL) after serving as senior pastor for 32 years.

Les has recently published, “The History of God Speaking and What God Is Saying Today.” Les and his wife Karen reside in Beach Park IL. lesrmartin38829@gmail.com 27

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1999 2 Dr. Kary Oberbrunner (BA 99, MDiv 01) authored “Unhackable: The Elixir for Creating Flawless Ideas, Leveraging Superhuman Focus, and Achieving Optimal Human Performance,” which reached #2 on the Wall Street Journal Bestselling Books in March 2021 and is also a USA Bestseller. kary@ karyoberbrunner.com

2010 3 Eric (BA 07) and Deborah (Burkett BME 10) Bradley: Paul Lazarus, Oct. 14, 2021. Paul joins brothers Neil (12) and Luke (2) at their home in Goshen IN. 4 Peter and Tammara (Jongkind BS 10) Williamson: Married Sept.

18, 2021. Tammi is a partner at CapinCrouse, LLP. She earned a Master of Science of Organizational Leadership and Applied Business

6 Parker (BS 11) and Faith (Olson BA 11) Snowden: Avis Willow, Oct. 12, 2021. Avis joins siblings Charity (5) and Bardon (2) at home in Elkhart IN.

Dave (BS 11, MA 13, MA 15) and Nina (Ferry BS 13) Lantz: Adelena Catherine, July 20, 2021. The family relocated to Lockport IL in June 2021 where Dave serves as employer relations coordinator at Joliet Junior College. Nina continues to work remotely for Carmen Schools while finishing her master’s at Michigan State University. nina.c.lantz@gmail. com 7

2013 8 Vincent (BS 13) and Andrea (Tucker AS 15) Sell: Tiberius Walter, Oct. 18, 2021. Tiberius joins big brother and big sister Theodore (3) and Cecilia (1) at their home in Warsaw IN.

2016 9 Samuel and Ashlee (Fern BS 16, MS 17) Eda: Hezekiah Willingston, July 27, 2019. Ashlee began serving as research coordinator for the advancement office at Grace College & Seminary in Sept. 2021. The family recently moved to Fairfield CT.

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In Memoriam

2016 1 0 Adam (BS 16, MDiv 18) and

Claire (Byers BS 16) Penird: Married June 5, 2021. Claire teaches fourth grade at Lincoln Elementary School (Warsaw IN) where she began working in Aug. 2016. byersclairea@ gmail.com

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2018 1 1 Blaze Bowers (BS 18)

accepted a new role as Director of Development at Stetson University (DeLand FL) beginning this May. He currently serves as Assistant Vice President for Academic and Student Support Services at Lincoln Memorial University. Bowers holds a Juris Doctor from Stetson University College of Law (Gulfport FL) where he previously served as a teaching and research fellow for the Stetson University COL Center for Excellence in Higher Education Law and Policy.

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2020 12 Jackson (BS 20, MBA 21) and

Hanna (Leach BS 21) Cardoso: Married Dec. 18, 2021. The couple resides in Fort Wayne IN. hannavb13@gmail.com 13 Tertius and Ali (Hirschy-Kinsey

BS 20) Steyn: Married June 6, 2021.

Ali has served as a skills coach at Otis R. Bowen Center since Sept. 2020.

The couple resides in Warsaw IN.

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Charles H. Koontz (BDiv 56) went to be with his Lord on Dec. 18, 2021. Two months later on Feb. 6, his wife of 64 years, Alice E. (Snider MA 56), joined him in heaven. Following graduation from Grace Theological Seminary, Charles and Alice moved to Modesto CA where Charles became the pastor of the McHenry Avenue Grace Brethren Church. They returned to Winona Lake in 1960 for Charles to manage the Brethren Missionary Herald Bookstore and later the Christian Light Bookstore (Nappanee IN). Both of them enjoyed the fellowship at Winona Lake Grace Brethren Church as members for more than 60 years. Charles and Alice are survived by their children: David (BS 80, MS 19) (Linda (Stapleton BA 76)); Doug (BS 83); and Steve (BS 85) (Christine (Sparzak BS 90)).

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2 Edwin “Ed” Gene Blue (BA 56) died on Dec. 8, 2021, concluding a lengthy battle with kidney disease.

Ed and Judy Hunter were married 65 years until Judy passed in 2017.

They raised four children: Tim, Susan, Teresa and Scott. Ed was the first in his family to graduate from high school (North Webster, 1952), attend college and pursue graduate work (Master of Science in Education, 1962 and Doctor of Education, 1975, both at Indiana University (Bloomington IN)). His 53-year career as an educator began in Kosciusko County, continued at Asbury College (Wilmore KY, 1978-92) as professor and president and concluded at Greenville College (Greenville IL, 1994-09) where he served as professor and interim president.

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3 Pastor Kenneth David Koontz (BA 59, BDiv 62) went to be with His Lord and Savior on Oct. 23, 2021.

He had a pastoral career spanning half a century, serving churches in Leesburg (IN), Mundy’s Corner (PA), Deltona (FL) and Elkhart (IN). He also served on the Grace Board of Trustees (1992-2007). Throughout his career, Kenneth was known as a servant leader and encourager. His life verse was Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (KJV) Surviving are his wife of 62 years, Janice (Grubb BA 59); sons, Larry (BA 85) (Jean) and Rick (BS 86) (Tammy BS 04); and four grandchildren: Emily (BA 14), Cody (BA 16) (Alexandra (Sanford BA 16)), Kenneth (BA 17) (Kristy) and Cassidy (C 19) Koontz.

5 Eugene “Gene” Alexander Frye (MDiv 66) passed away on Nov. 6, 2021. On June 8, 1963, he married Barbara Dale (Green AS 82), his wife of 58 years. For 12 years, Gene was a missionary in Jamaica and St. Thomas where he taught at Bluewater Bible College and Institute and was the founding pastor of Grace Baptist Church. In 1979, the Frye family settled in the Warsaw area where Gene pastored several small churches. After that, he worked in real estate for almost 40 years. Gene will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Barbara Frye; son, Nate (Alicia) Frye; 11 grandchildren; and eight greatgrandchildren.

1960 Claudette Marjorie (Ellis BA 60) Willig went to be with the Lord on Nov. 27, 2021, after a brief illness.

Claudette was happily married to David (BA 62) Willig for 61 years and lived her life as a homemaker and follower of Jesus. Claudette is survived by husband David; brother, Jerry (Susan) Ellis; children, Michael (BS 84) Willig, Timothy (BS 86) Willig and Betsy (Willig BS 96) (Steve BS 94) Stockman; and four grandchildren. She loved teaching Sunday school, serving her family, working in her flower gardens, caring for her pets, solving crossword puzzles, reading Christian biographies and spending time with her grandchildren. For many years, she served with Child Evangelism Fellowship and would host summertime backyard Bible clubs.

Claudette lived out her Christianity by witnessing to nearly everyone she met.

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Rev. Richard L Hines (BDiv 66) passed away on March 21, 2021.

Richard pastored Westridge Baptist Church (Ft. Wayne IN) from 1966-1970 and First Baptist Church (Greenfield IN) from 1970-1976. The Hines family moved to Millburn NJ in 1976 where he pastored First Baptist Church for 45 years until his death. Richard and wife of 53 years, Marilyn, also served as managers on the Cliffs at Eagle Rock Board of Managers, where he volunteered and led Bible studies.

Richard and Marilyn have four adult children.

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1969 Cheryl Knight (BS 69) went to be with her Lord on Sept. 27, 2020. She earned a master’s in education from Indiana University and in Messianic studies from Yeshiva University. She began working for Maconaquah School Corporation (Bunker Hill IN) in 1969 where she taught special education for 10 years. Following her teaching career, Cheryl served as a clinical therapist prior to co-founding a ministry, C.A.R.E. (Kokomo IN) in 1991 which moved to Baldwin MI in 1999 where she co-developed a program to help abuse survivors.

Cheryl had a full life of serving the Lord in ministry.

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Edward “Ed” Roe Poush (BA 70) went home on Oct. 30, 2021. A lifelong non-smoker, he waged a rapid battle with lung cancer. Ed was a personnel director at General Hospital (Muscatine IA) and had a side business selling dinner and cinnamon rolls. He worked as an administrator at Mayflower Community (Grinnell IA) for 30 years, retiring in 2018. Ed was united in marriage to Sharon Ruth (Skellenger BSN 70) on July 8, 1978. Ed and Sharon fostered over 70 children during his life and adopted two. Ed loved to be involved with Grinnell College international students and devoted a great deal of time and resources to the local and worldwide church.

1971 Arthur R. Mikesell (BA 71, S 84) entered his heavenly home on Sept.

2, 2020. Arthur was called to serve in the evangelism and church planting ministry and worked with the Central American Mission, now 31

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Avant Ministries, throughout his career. He served in Guatemala and all the Central American countries for 18 years and Mexico for 35 years. Surviving Arthur are: his wife Marita Mikesell; daughters, Deborah (Joe) Meng; MeLinda (Dan) Nelson; Cynthia (Randy) Waldrop; Felicia (Larry) Harvey; brothers, Daniel (Donna) Mikesell and Philip (Ruth) Mikesell; brothers-in-law, L.J. (Donna Mae) Main and Charles Main; twelve grandchildren; and six greatgrandchildren.

1972 Francis “Frank” J. Glick III (BA 72, S 73) passed away on Nov. 26, 2021.

Frank married Jeanne (Fisk) Glick, his wife of 46 years. Frank owned and operated F&J Enterprises and later worked at the Manheim Auto Auction.

Frank enjoyed hunting, archery and disaster relief work with Samaritan’s Purse. Surviving in addition to his wife, Jeanne, are children Susan (Andrew) Zimmerman; William (Lisa) Glick (York PA); and John (Erika) Glick; nine grandchildren; sister, Sally (Deryl) Albrecht; and brothers, Paul (Sharon) Glick and Donald (Stephanie) Glick.

1973 7 Rev. Jay M. Fretz (BA 73, MDiv 78) died on Nov. 11, 2021. He was the husband of Beth (Hoehne BA 72) Fretz for 48 years. After graduation from Grace, he spent 40-plus years pastoring five different Grace Brethren churches. He loved photography, his dogs and his family, but most importantly he loved his Savior. Jay is survived by his wife Beth (Greencastle PA); daughter, Rachel (Fretz BS 03) (Andrew) Gannon and son Joshua (BS 01) (Lexi (Oliver C 03)) Fretz; three grandchildren.

Jay is also survived by brothers, James (BA 70) (Kathy) Fretz, John (BME 74, MA 79) (Barbara) Fretz and a sister, Jane (Fretz BA 75, CERT 83) (Bernhard) Hennig.

1990 Annette Renee (Miller BA 90) Coenen went to be with Jesus on Sept. 2, 2021. After graduating from Grace with an education degree, she taught for a year (Atlanta GA) and then moved to earn her master’s degree in biblical counseling at Colorado Christian University where she taught before returning to Indiana. Her greatest joy was teaching for Grace College at Miami Correctional Facility, a state prison located near Bunker Hill IN. Annette was a member of Winona Lake Grace Brethren Church. She is survived by her parents, Tom Richard (BA 65, MDiv 69) and Donna Mae (Grady BS 65)) Miller; and sisters, Tami Sue Miller (BA 93) and Amy Lee Miller (BA 95).

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Former Trustees Ralph H. Fitz died on Dec. 10, 2021. He and his wife, the late Betty Jane, were married on Nov. 15, 1945. Mr. Fitz farmed and worked in insurance until he founded Fitz and Stoneham John Deere Dealership. He held many offices at the Grace Brethren Church in Waynesboro PA. He also ministered through Hagerstown Rescue Mission, the Keenager and Missions Committees and Joy El Ministries Bible Released Times. Ralph was a faithful servant on the Grace College & Seminary Board of Trustees (1994-2006). He is survived by son, John Robert (BA 72) (Joyce) Fitz; one granddaughter and her husband; and two great-grandchildren.

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Former Grace Trustee (2005-2010), Dr. Kent J. Adams, passed away on Dec. 19, 2021. He and his wife Nancy (Albert BS 63) Adams of 61 years raised five children. Kent held many roles for Travelers Insurance Company, the Indiana State Police, the FBI, German Township, Marshall County IN, the Indiana General Assembly and a number of school districts. Kent is survived by his children, Kent (Robin) Adams II; Greg (Carol) Adams; Mark Adams; Carol (Doug) Jennings; and Leah Ann (James) Self. Also surviving are 19 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

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PLE A SE PR AY FO R THE FA M ILIE S O F THE SE ALUM N I W H O AL SO R ECENTLY PA SSED AWAY.

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Wallace Geiger (MDiv 55), Oct. 1, 2021 Vivian (Stewart BS 57) Fuller, Sept. 14, 2021 Carol (Roderick BA 68) Bergmeier, Dec. 17, 2021 Lolita Paxine (Williams BS 72) Miller, Aug. 18, 2021 Dr. Douglas Gene Fritzel (MDiv 76), Sept. 19, 2021 Rev. Louis Showers IV (BA 76, MDiv 80), Sept. 20, 2021 Dr. Howard “Bud” L. Downing (MDiv 78), Oct. 12, 2021 Stanley Wayne Martin (BA 81, MDiv 89), Aug. 10, 2021 Rev. Patrick James Daniels (ThDiploma 85), Aug. 14, 2021 Rev. Otha L. Aden (MDiv 90), Oct. 23, 2021 32

Acknowledgments

Remembering Dr. Greg Howell On Nov. 21, 2021, Dr. Gregory M. Howell (BA 76, MDiv 79, DMin 07), a beloved member of the Grace College & Seminary Board of Trustees, went home to be with his Lord and Savior.

Howell graduated from Grace in 1976 with a major in history and a double minor in Greek and Bible. A month later, on June 19, 1976, he married his high school sweetheart, Colleen (Jones BS 77), and together they raised nine children.

After college, Howell served as a youth pastor and then an associate pastor in Warsaw, Indiana, (1977-1981) before he moved to Goldendale, Washington, where he faithfully served as head pastor at Goldendale Community Grace Brethren Church for forty years. Howell’s decades of faithful ministry in Goldendale extended beyond the walls of the church. He was involved with 4-H, AYSO soccer and Goldendale Christian Fellowship. Howell also taught seminary classes with the Ezra Bible Institute in Sunnyside, Washington, and served as camp director for the Grace Brethren District at Camp Clear Lake.

In August of 2017, Howell was elected to join the Grace College & Seminary Board of Trustees, where he made a lasting impact on the institution and those he served alongside.

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“Greg was dedicated to the Lord, his family, his church and Grace College and Seminary,” said fellow board member Kip Cone (BA 89, MDiv 96, DMin 18). “He had a gracious spirit and always took his responsibilities as a board member very seriously. His light heart and evident love for the Lord flavored board meetings. He loved to talk about his church and his family. He will be greatly missed.”

“Serving on the Grace Board of Trustees together for years, Greg consistently asked significant questions that put light on the heart of the issue,” said fellow board member John McIntosh (BA 71, MDiv 87). “When he expressed his opinion, it was always spoken with humility and grace.”

“Greg was a quiet, but strong board member, friend, pastor and Charis Fellowship Leader,” said retiring Grace College President, Dr. Bill Katip (BA 74). “He always spoke the truth in love.”

Howell is survived by his wife of 45 years, Colleen; children, Sarah Baker (BS 03); Jennifer (C 02) (Scott) Spencer; Austin (BS 04) Howell; Ashleigh (BS 05) (William (BS 05)) Hobart; Leslie Petko (C 04); Amanda (Justin) McKeehan; Cameron Howell; Bekah Howell; and Rachel Howell; 17 grandchildren.

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Episodes: E63: Kiersten Martin went from transfer student to Grace Student Body President.

Hear more about her journey to Grace.

E62: Mike Yocum (BS 79) first became interested in theater when Oklahoma was a Broadway play. True or false?

E61: Jim Hocking (BA 77, MDIV 84) knows all of the ins and outs of installing wells in Africa.

Now you can too.

E60: Bob Vitoux talks about how Jesus interacted with people and suggests it can impact even our business relationships.

E59: Mike Yoder (BA 93, MDiv 96) teaches in front of a large church weekly. But speaking in chapel still makes him nervous. Find out why.

E58: Laura (Maxson BS 06) Robertson didn’t intend on coming to Grace College, but she says the impact has lasted forever.

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