MARS’HILL
THE TEAM
Katie Vermeulen Editor-in-Chief
Arkitt Martinez Operations Manager
Wilfred Elah Humour Editor
Caleb Turner Visual/Layout Editor
Stochia Ocon Illustrator
Sadie McDonald Managing Editor
George-Philip Dumitrascu Arts & Culture Editor
Olivia Margo Content Editor
Morley Draper Photographer
Amir Jafari Volunteer Public Relations Manager
Mari Kadri Chief Copy Editor
Netanya Castillo Community Living Editor
Esther Jungnickel Staff Writer
Aryan Srinivasan Web Editor
Success George-Nsoribe Social Media Volunteer
Mars’ Hill | Meet The Team
Letter FROM THE EDITOR
With gratitude,
DE CLASSIFIEDS
IS THIS ENOUGH CONTENT FOR YOU? ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED?
I’m going to split open a pineapple in front of the gym with a hacksaw.
His will not mine is toughhhh tho.
I’M NOT FINISHED WITH YOU!!!!! Egg
Dear Mars’ Hill editors. Please include photos of me in the next issue. Thanks.
I am painting for infinity.
Oh, for those endless shimmering days of summer
When we lay wasting on burning sand. Those quiet waves chipping away at ancient cliffs,White stone, white sand, entrap these bones.
Life hack! Don’t start your day by drinking gasoline. It only makes you feel icky.
#theologybro
JESUS GUNNA CARRY YOU TO THE FINISH LINE DON’T WORRY.
Gettin’ my dogs out at the 11:07 show
Stop falling in the DEATH WATER.
Mars’ Hill merch when?
YARGGHHH HHHHHHHH HHHH
THE UNION FOREVER DEFENDING OUR RIGHTS
More chaos in the declassifieds please ANOTHER YEAR IN THE BAG
I wish more people acknowledged how awesome the FNAS community is and how hard they work
For such a smart man, that was a very dumb decision.
Yo yo yo check it *starts rapping* I’ve got a litre of coffee in my system and it’s coming out FAST. Take my ship out the harbour, I’ll tie you to the MAST.
They want unsanctioned? Well, I am UNSANCTIONABLE!
A 280-character limit on declassifieds? Really, Mars’ Hill? Do you truly think I would be so weak as to accept blindly your rules and require-
KAIROS A CURATED PLAYLIST
Mars’ Hill | Curated Playlist
LIVING THE GLORIOUS IMPOSSIBLES Feature
TWU Global Outreach
The van jolts over deep ruts in the logging road, a cloud of dust rising behind it. Inside, a team of students grip their seats, their laughter mixing with the sound of gravel beneath the tires. No professors, no parents—just each other and the quiet certainty of God’s presence. This is the beginning of their journey—a month of voluntary displacement, led by faith and the call to love beyond borders.
To step into the unknown is to embrace transformation—both within and around us. What does it mean to trust when resources seem scarce, when the weight of injustice feels unbearable, or when our capacity is stretched thin? What does it mean to believe that the gospel is not just a message, but a movement—one that takes root in every culture in ways as vast and varied as creation itself?
Global Outreach at Trinity Western University (TWU) is more than just a missions program. It is an 11-month discipleship journey that fosters long-term missional transformation. Through month-long, cross-cultural service-learning trips, students engage with communities worldwide, partnering with the global church. A key component of the program is the reorientation process, where participants come together to reflect on their journeys.
This phase provides an opportunity to process experiences, discuss challenges, and discern how their new perspectives shape their next steps in life. These experiences shape them into holistic leaders who live out Mic. 6:8—doing justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God.
Answering the Call to Fort Babine 32 years ago, TWU students traveled to Fort Babine, a northern Indigenous community near Smithers, B.C. Streetcorners Ministry, has since become a long-standing partner in the Global Outreach program each year. Some have even chosen to move there permanently to help support and build connections for this grassroots fellowship program. Because of the foundation of positive relationships laid by those who came before, today’s students are welcomed into a community that might otherwise be wary due to historical generational trauma linked to certain branches of the church. “One sows and another reaps,” Jesus said (New International Version, John 4.37).
The Fort Babine team continues this legacy, walking alongside the Wit’at (Fort Babine) and Witset (Moricetown) communities with humility and respect. Jenaya Russell, a second-year education student co-leading a team this year, shares what she did last year: “We sat with elders, heard their stories, helped clean sheds, planted trees, and spent time with the kids.
We visited the town of Witset (Moricetown), a neighboring community, and met missionaries Doug and Sherry Anderson, who host a weekly pizza night for children and youth—a place for food, games, and gospel conversations. Each trip is different, but at its core, it’s about building relationships.”
What sets Global Outreach apart is its focus on relationships rather than trying to solve deep systemic issues. It acknowledges that we all experience poverty—not just material, but relational, spiritual, and emotional. Through prayer, intentional listening, and seeing others through the lens of Christ, students seek to restore these broken connections between themselves, others, God, and creation. This year TWU students, Jenaya Russell, Ruthie Van Egmond, Hannah Minzuno, Mauricio Martinez, Jake Loewen, and Lili Aldom prepare to step out of their comfort zones and surrender a month to serving the generous and loving community of Fort Babine.
MH: How did you get involved in this trip? What did God place on your heart?
Jenaya: “Just hearing the experiences from other people and being able to go and serve the Lord. I wanted to build on the relationships I made last year, and I felt called to co-lead a new team. It was unexpected at first, but once I went last year, I knew this is what I want to do with my life.”
Katie Vermeulen
Mauricio: “They were still waiting for one last member, and I was surprised there weren’t more people on campus answering the call. I joined later than expected because I was in a season of doubt due to personal loss and experiencing my most challenging semester yet. I knew God wanted me to say yes, even though fear crept in. I had to trust God even though I was questioning my leadership abilities and listen to His voice.”
Hannah: “I was interested in Global Outreach from my first year but didn’t feel ready. By my second year, I knew it was time. I initially planned to go to Indonesia, then Ghana. But after taking part in the blanket exercise on the Day of Learning and in my Foundations class, I felt called to learn more about Indigenous history. That’s when I applied for Fort Babine instead, and my plans completely shifted.”
Answering the Call to Ghana Meanwhile, another team prepares for a different journey—Ghana. They will partner with Operation Mobilization, an organization dedicated to fighting human trafficking and fostering vibrant faith communities. In the city of Kumasi, they will work with children and youth affected by trafficking, engage with the broader community, and share the gospel in the local marketplace. The team, composed of Lea Van der Hoven, Isabella Gamboa, Yiseth Garcia, Betty Tibaijuka, Nina Saro, and Vivienne Faith Sagadraca, comes with diverse callings.
Isabella’s journey to Ghana began with local outreach. In her first year, she joined the Urban Justice team at Surrey Urban Mission, a shelter for immigrants, refugees, and those with addictions. Humbled yet convicted to keep showing up, she discovered her heart for global service. Saying yes to Ghana meant trusting God in new ways.
Yiseth, a second-year chemistry major from Colombia, had not considered missions before—her focus was dance. Passing a table promoting trips to Ghana and Fort Babine, she learned Ghana involved working with sex trafficking survivors. “[My] heart got so heavy… [I] didn’t expect it to be so real.” The conviction lingered until she applied. “I didn’t even have a passport, but I knew I was going.”
Betty, originally from Tanzania, is in her fourth year studying psychology with a focus on human services. Her journey to co-lead the Ghana mission trip began two years ago after seeing a group head to Fort Babine. Last year, she felt drawn to a trip to Indonesia but did not take action. Though hesitant, Betty’s desire to serve persisted. “God kept opening those doors,” she shares. It got to a point where, while at church, she felt the need to ask, “God, is this really You?” As she heard sermons on missions, Betty felt the message was speaking directly to her. “I couldn’t avoid it,” she says. Despite her reservations, Betty took the first step by filling out the application. “I didn’t feel mentally ready to lead, but I felt God calling me to surrender,” Betty explains.
Nina, a biotech business student from Rwanda, first heard about Ghana from friends. “Almost my whole friend group applied,” she says, but balancing leadership, classes, and work made her hesitant. “I didn’t want to take it on if I couldn’t give it time.” Ultimately, she chose discomfort for growth. “I told Caleb Wollf, ‘I have so much on my plate,’ but he was incredibly supportive.” Through mentorship and faith, she chose to rely on God’s strength.“I needed to rely on God for the ability to do anything He calls us to,” she reflects.
From Student Participant to Global Engagement Intern
Gabriela (Gabs) Villanueva’s journey with Global Outreach has come full circle, from being a student participant to co-leading a trip to Indonesia, and now serving as an intern with the Global Engagement Office. Her story is a powerful testament to the lasting impact of how God leads. Reflecting on her experiences, Gabs describes how seemingly unrelated moments, like stars in the sky, align to form a greater picture, capturing the essence of kairos—God’s perfect timing for experiences of lasting importance in the greater story He is orchestrating.
This year, Gabs has played a key part in shaping the program by initiating projects like team lead dinners and a partnership with leadership boot camps. These efforts help equip students with a deeper understanding of identity, cultural values, and social location.
“[TWU] makes the promise of equipping people for life. I’ve seen that in Global Outreach—how we equip
students not just for graduation, but for their team life on the trip, their health, spiritual life, student life, and professional life.” She emphasizes how stepping outside our day-to-day context reveals insights that God can only show us in new and unfamiliar settings.
How can you take part?
The best way to support these teams is through prayer. Learn about the purpose of these trips and the culture of Indigenous communities, their challenges, strengths, and the issue of human trafficking. The Ghana team recommends Save Our Sisters by Deborah Meroff as a helpful resource. If called to give, donations can be made via the Global Outreach webpage. You can also apply to join next year’s team—applications open every September and October. For more information, follow @twuglobaloutreach on Instagram or email globaloutreach@ twu.ca, and check out the interest form QR code.
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
ARTS & CULTURE
Improv : Let Go
As the school year wraps up, and you begin to reflect on where you are versus where you started, you might have the temptation to hold on, to refuse to let go of the experiences and people that shaped the year. Whether it was a great year or a bad one, there is fear of what lies ahead, there is uncertainty. You may have a plan going into the summer, but what if this summer does not follow the script? What if you have to improvise? What then?
Seth Schouten and James VanderMeulen of 11:07 Improv Comedy are here to assure us that maybe that is a good thing. Maybe, just maybe, it is time to learn to let go.
There are plenty of reasons to partake in the lessons that 11:07 and the art of improv offer, including the fact that it is a “fabulous program that has been running for almost 40 years at Trinity Western University,” according to Seth. “Participating in 11:07 means participating in something generational” and when Seth meets alumni from years past, they ask him if the program is still running.
James says that improv is important to experience because it makes you a much better person; it gives you problem-solving, improvisational, and interview skills! It also fosters an ability to acknowledge and cope with mistakes and recognize that a mistake or an embarrassment is not the end of the world.
11:07 exists purely for fun; there is no other obligation beyond the simple enjoyment of the craft. 11:07 is unique because of its status within the school. Many are familiar with 11:07 but not many know that 11:07 is actually part of the School of the
Arts, Media + Culture Department, but it has its own struggles to find an identity beyond the Theatre Department after the beloved department’s departure. In a sense, 11:07 has had to let go of its past in an effort to seek its purpose in the future.
One of the ways that the entity has always found its footing is through unorthodox advertisement, which is spread primarily by word of mouth. Most of the audience and cast of 11:07 joined because a friend told them about it or a friend asked them to go. That is part of the charm of the organization. 11:07 prides itself in its ability to remain relevant this way because it helps to keep it genuine and authentic in the modern age. James Vandermeulen says “It’s a space to be yourself, a space to get comfy with yourself. This day and age, we are very uncomfy with ourselves—we put ourselves through a lot of lenses and filters to present to the world. 11:07 is a great way to get beyond that. To develop skills of making things up, holding onto some things, letting go of other things.”
When you join 11:07, you are free to cast aside all projections, any and all masks: your curated, perfected social identity, leave it at the door, and if you still desire to, you can pick it up on your way out. It is the hope of both coordinators, though, that you will become comfortable being yourself, and let go of what you are uncomfortable being.
“The ultimate mission of 11:07 is joy,” according to coordinator Seth, “so if we can guarantee that people are in Freedom Hall, enjoying themselves, then we’ve won.”
The secret to the success of 11:07 is that they are not trying to be import-
ant; all they are trying to do and be is funny and genuine. Even as the torch is passed, and the new guard of leaders takes on the art of “yes, and’ing,” the practices will remain the same, as they have for nearly 40 years. James is eager to finally rejoin the audience for once.
James has this to say to the readers: “There is no one reading this far into the article that doesn’t at least have a passing interest in 11:07.” James wants to express his gratitude to the audience. If you have ever come to a show or participated in a workshop, you have helped them become what they are. What is next is for you to simply continue what you have been doing. Come to the shows, share with your friends, laugh, and experience the freedom of improvisation with a cast and crew of people who absolutely enjoy the art of letting go.
11:07 can be found in workshops at 10 p.m. on Tuesdays in the upper floor of Robert N. Thompson Centre, and their shows are every other Friday at … 11:07 p.m. in Freedom Hall.
Zach Galloway
ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: Rachel Kehler
Esther Jungnickel
“The reason I have the skills I have now is because art has always been a part of my life. I developed a skill because I was consistently doing it over and over again.”
Ihave had the privilege of knowing Rachel for the last four years and being a part of the same art cohort. We are both about to graduate and go onto a completely different journey in life. What a bizarre and exciting time. I wanted to commemorate this season by spotlighting one of the hardest working women I know in the art department.
MH: Could you introduce yourself? What medium do you work with?
RK: My name is Rachel and I am a multidisciplinary artist. I am both very fond of working in the studio space— painting, drawing, getting my hands dirty. I also work in design, especially poster design or anything printing related are my interests.
MH: What projects have you been working on this past semester?
RK: I have created a poster series. Each poster was a way to acknowledge people who feel anxious in crowded spaces, or people who need to isolate themselves to regain confidence and social inertia. Some of them said, “you’re allowed to take up space” or, “there are seven billion people on this planet and you’re scared of what one of them thinks.” Things that helped me when I was feeling really intense anxiety about spaces that were pretty hectic.
MH: Do you often think of creating work that resonates with people?
RK: A lot of my work right now is personal and comes from my own experiences, and putting it out there and hoping that other people relate to it. My first thought is never, oh my gosh, what will people think of it? My first thought is do I want to do this or not?
MH: Do you think that your attitude towards creating is what keeps you going?
RK: So many people say don’t make your hobby your work. There is definitely the potential of getting burned out. As creatives, you try to hone your craft and to be as good as you can possibly get. In reality, you do not have to create. Take a break, and if you still hate what you are doing, then you have to find the thing you enjoy. Maybe taking it as a hobby is exactly what it needs to be.
MH: Where does that motivation and confidence come from to learn new things?
RK: The reason I have the skills I have now is because art has always been a part of my life. I developed a skill because I was consistently doing it
over and over again. Picking up a new hobby and telling myself to stick with it is so hard, so I think I was lucky to have that mindset at a young age that has served me into adulthood, which means that I now have a bit more confidence in starting new creative hobbies. For example, linocutting (a printmaking technique where a design is carved into linoleum) is something I recently got into, and I probably would not have had the confidence to start a new creative skill if I did not have other creative skills that I know I can do. I am also such a fan of “bad art” and things that look like children have drawn it. There is so much character and energy in those things that I strive to emulate. Just because something looks realistic does not necessarily make it “good art.”
MH: I have seen you create work that gives off the impression that you are a perfectionist. Where does your attention to detail come from?
RK: People call me a perfectionist and I think I am just really good at faking it because I cut corners wherever I possibly can. I used to paint my room all the time as a kid and my dad kept telling me, “you need to prime the wall, you have to wash this and do that.” I thought this will not be taking me longer than a day. I am doing two coats of white paint on top of this blue wall, and I’m not washing it first, that is too much work. I have always been that way and it is to a fault, for sure. One of the drawings I made last semester was this big piece of paper with the words “laziness will be my downfall” on it because I was recognizing that about myself.
MH: Every space you have lived in on campus has very much been decked out very much Rachel. Would you say that comes from the freedom you had as a child?
RK: Yeah, my personal style has definitely developed. I am definitely more of a maximalist than a minimalist. I enjoy getting all the random trinkets I possibly can. I literally have a framed dried up balloon animal on my wall because I was like, “I’m not throwing that out; I’m going to frame it.” There are a lot of eclectic things I have gathered over time and I think it is the best way to decorate a space because it actually shows who you are instead of who you are trying to be.
MH: Moving forward from university, do you feel as though you are walking into an appointed time towards success?
RK: I do think I am about to walk into a very oversaturated industry that is unbelievably competitive the design world. Also, when you leave university, especially with the courses we are both taking you leave exhausted and burnt out, and ready to accept the first thing that comes your way as long as it pays. I would love to say that I just live day by day, but I am a bit too much of an anxious person to not think about tomorrow, so I think I try to live month by month. It will come, so I am trusting that my portfolio will speak for itself. I am excited and scared to see where life takes me. I am ready for a nap.
MH: We all need to take a nap. Well, Rachel, thank you for your time, and I am really excited to see where you go.
EQUIPPING MEN TO BE SPIRITUAL LEADERS:
George-Philip
Dumitrascu & Katie Vermeulen
Last April, I had the privilege of meeting Dr. Neil Campbell, who had just completed his Doctorate in Ministry at TWU, focusing on equipping men to be spiritual leaders. Little did we know that a year later, George and I would be sharing part of Dr. Campbell’s inspiring journey.
Dr. Campbell has dedicated over four decades to ministry, serving as a youth pastor, children’s pastor, and senior pastor before stepping into a global ministry role with his wife, Annette. As Directors of Family Foundations Canada, they have spent the last 18 years strengthening families and equipping leaders across North America and internationally.
A lifelong learner, Dr. Campbell earned his Master’s in Transformational Leadership from Berkeley College in 2007 and, at 63, completed his Doctorate in Ministry from Trinity Western University. His passion for mentoring men and fostering strong spiritual leadership has led him to lead Covenant Marriage Conferences, Building Strong Families Conferences, and Father/Son Rite of Passage events.
Now, as he shares his heart on what it means to be a Kingdom Man, we invite you to step into the conversation—one that calls men to radical discipleship in a time when strong spiritual leadership is needed more than ever.
MH: What was your introduction to the field of men’s mental health?
NC: Through 25 years of pastoring, I saw many men struggling with trauma, abandonment, and fatherlessness. In the early 2000s, I noticed a lot of brokenness in men, struggling to find their identity. That’s when I began focusing on helping men heal from past wounds and discover their true identity.
MH: Could you elaborate on the role of men in their families and churches?
NC: One of the key lessons my wife and I teach is that fathers need to be actively involved in their children’s lives, particularly as they reach ages 12-15. Dads must teach, train, and bless their children by example. I also emphasize the importance of biblical masculinity, which contrasts with the secular view of dominance. Jesus exemplifies true masculinity through servanthood and sacrificial love.
MH: How does Christ’s blueprint for masculinity challenge current worldviews?
NC: Many myths surround masculinity, like the idea that it’s about power or avoiding emotional vulnerability. Jesus shows us that masculinity is about meekness—strength under control. Biblical masculinity also involves being a leader at home, as prophet, priest, and king. The Deuteronomy 6 model encourages parents to teach their children in all aspects of everyday life. In Ephesians 5, husbands are instructed to love their wives as Christ loved the church, emphasizing sacrificial love.
In
his research, Dr. Campbell posed two key questions:
What are men doing to disciple the next generation to be followers of Jesus with a biblical worldview and kingdom lifestyle?
What is the church doing to equip men to fulfill their mission?
Dr. Campbell’s research involved interviewing pastors and men in local churches, and collaboration with Cardus, a research organization in Ottawa, to analyze trends. He found that 85 percent of men do not have a plan to disciple their children, and many do not realize this responsibility is part of their role. Most people do not have a blueprint on how to disciple their kids. This lack of intentional discipleship can affect the faith development of their children, with the most significant influences being a parent’s blessing, a pastor with a father’s heart, and supportive grandparents.
While the church’s purpose is to play a crucial role in equipping men to disciple their families effectively there is more work needed in these areas. However, Dr. Campbell’s research has provided some valuable resources to address this gap.
MH: Where do you think most mental stress comes from?
NC: Much of men’s mental stress stems from not knowing who they are, with many young men struggling
to understand what it means to be a man. This lack of identity, often due to the absence of affirmation from a father, leads to anxiety. Many men face mental health challenges because they don’t know how they fit into society or the church. Through our Rite of Passage weekend retreats, held in locations like the Grand Canyon, Algonquin Park, the Australian outback, and the Kananaskis Mountains, we teach fathers to bless their sons. These retreats combine fun activities with meaningful conversations, helping sons understand what it means to be a biblical man.
In his workshops, Dr. Campbell equips men to confront past traumas and reject false beliefs like “I’m not good enough.” Through mentorship and community, men can rediscover their purpose and embrace their leadership roles.
MH: Thank you, Dr. Campbell, for sharing a glimpse into the meaningful work you are doing. Dr. Campbell encourages men to seek mentorship and become part of supportive
communities where they can grow together. “We were not created to do life alone,” he asserts. “In this kairos moment, let’s embrace the opportunity for this generation to experience a revival and turn back to God.”
Additional resources:
1
M5 Groups (Mighty Men Network): Weekly discipleship groups for men to share life, discuss struggles, and explore God’s solutions through the Word.
2
Men’s Sheds: A community initiative where men work on practical projects like fixing bikes for children, fostering purpose and connection.
3
Dr. Campbell’s Doctoral Thesis: Available on the ACTS Seminary website under DMin projects.
4
TWU Discipleship Groups (DGroups): Offering spiritual growth and community for men at Trinity Western University.
An Interview with Dr. Neil Campbell
Katie Vermeulen
Get ready to dive into the mind of one of the most creative and bold individuals on campus. In this interview, Bailey, a fifth-year education student, shares the inspiration behind their unique fashion choices.
on acid—very colourful and exaggerated. I call it “disco wizard fashion.”
I also love the ‘80s New Romantic movement—think goth meets Boy George, with bold colours, costume pieces, and dramatic silhouettes. My style is colourful, experimental, and
MH: What would you say to someone who’s scared to stand out with their fashion?
BF: Do it anyway! People usually respond positively when you’re bold enough to wear what you love. I often get compared to characters like Gonzo or Ms. Frizzle, which I take as a
If you had unlimited shopping
Vintage stores! A lot of my wardrobe actually comes from the theatre department’s costume collection after it closed. I also love secondhand pieces, like these tall black boots from my great-aunt. The best way to find good fashion? Hang around people
: Do you have a favourite go-to
Definitely! It’s my professional but still me look—a purple corduroy jacket, yellow argyle vest, green swirly shirt, red flare pants, and Doc
How do you see fashion influenc-
I think teachers who wear fun outfits are the best kinds of teachers. One of my inspirations was my Grade 12 English teacher, who always wore a blazer with elbow patches—he just looked like an English teacher. When I teach, I want to look like an English teacher, but also kind of like an art
I’ve received compliments from the kids I’ve worked with during my field placements as an education student. I think my style also sends a message to those who feel like outsiders—letting them know that it’s okay to stand
Thank you Bailey for all the inspiration! Your future students are going
The current model of Christian radio relies on heavy corporate influence, tight playlists, and constant fundraising interruptions that can make it feel more like a telethon than a music station. But there is a new player in town doing things differently—Worship Road Radio—operated by a non-profit foundation based right here in Langley, just minutes from Trinity Western University (TWU).
Worship Road Radio is Canada’s national Christian radio station, but unlike traditional stations, it is breaking away from the old industry model. With its unique sponsor-based model, the station avoids endless fundraising drives, giving you more music, fewer interruptions, and no guilt-driven pledge campaigns. This sets it apart from stations that often spend as much time asking for donations as they do playing music.
But perhaps the biggest difference? The music itself.
A Home for Independent & Canadian Artists
Most Christian radio stations play a limited selection of songs, typically controlled by major record labels and industry gatekeepers. This system has made it nearly impossible for independent artists, new artists, and especial-
tian station in Canada or America.
This means listeners can expect:
• Indie artists who would not get radio play elsewhere.
• New artists making their debut in Christian music.
• Canadian artists who are too often overlooked by traditional radio stations.
For students at TWU, this is a big deal. Christian artists emerging from Canada’s West Coast now have a national platform to share their music.
Worship Road Radio is already partnering with TWU for concert opportunities and internships, giving students hands-on experience in music, media, and broadcasting.
If you are an indie artist who has been looking for an opportunity to receive airtime on your Christian music, email us at: info@worshiproad.com.
Beyond Worship—Exploring All Christian Music Genres
Despite its name, Worship Road Radio is not just about worship music. The station’s playlist includes Christian pop, rock, hip-hop, and other faith-driven genres—a refreshing change from the predictable, slow-paced playlists found on most Christian radio stations. Whether you
A Radio Station Built for the Digital Age
Instead of relying on traditional FM/ AM satellite stations, Worship Road Radio embraces the future with digital radio, offering live streaming and on-demand playlists that let you listen anytime, anywhere—whether you are in your dorm, commuting, or just looking for an uplifting playlist.
More Than a Station—It is a Movement
Worship Road Radio is changing the way Christian music is shared, amplifying new voices, and proving that Christian radio does not have to be predictable.
So, if you are tired of the same old songs, if you want to support Canadian and independent artists, and if you are looking for a station that gets where music is going, not where it has been—Worship Road Radio is for you. The app is free to download on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, and you can also listen to it on smart speakers (like Alexa), TuneIn, or Amazon TV.
And finally, you can also stream it directly now at worshiproad.com.
Mars’ Hill | Arts & Culture
COMMUNITY LIVING
What an exciting lineup we have for our TWUSA executive team in the 2025/2026 school year. I had the privilege of asking each of them a single question: Can you recall a moment in your life that was an appointed time towards success? I have full confidence that they are about to embark on a kairos journey to serve the student body for God’s glory. Let us get to know the heart of the leaders the students have appointed.
Giving the Lord free reign in our lives can sometimes lead to modern day miracles that are unfathomable. Arda Tastan, the future president of TWUSA, shares the utter shock his family was in when his visa to enter Canada to complete his last year of high school arrived in eight business days. “It’s unheard of. When my mom found out that my sister and I were leaving home at the same time, she just started bawling her eyes out; she wasn’t doing too good. It’s not possible, like everything is possible with our God, but still. On a business and secular
Called To Serve
How Faith and Experience Shaped TWUSA’s Next Leaders
Esther Jungnickel
level that is unheard of. On top of that everything got covered. A family offered for me to stay at their place for the whole school year for free.” The One who has called you is faithful.
William Laframboise, our future vice president of student relations, recalls a crucial moment in his childhood that has informed his confidence to this day. Being a “terror child, I was not well liked by anyone. I had a teacher, shout out to Mr. Bird from fourth grade, that liked me—that was a big turning point. [I thought] there is this person who sees me and meets me where I am at [and] who respects and cares for me. I draw from that experience now, seeing people who may be a bit different like I was, and meeting them where they are. It’s given me that perspective to notice people who are having a hard time. I have a lot of passion for that.” One relationship where he was seen and accepted for who he was has transformed his mindset towards himself and how he approaches others.
Community is essential to building one another up. Arturo Lombardo, the future executive vice president of TWUSA, attributes the impact his family business has had on his community to God’s bountiful blessings. He shares, “Running a business is also an opportunity to be an example [of Christ], to share the gospel: it’s like a church. At the end of the day, the way you share the gospel is not through reading the Bible, but in the way you live your life and share your relationship with God with other people.” Even in a Christian university setting, Arturo recognizes that many people are lost and wishes to use his role to share God’s love. “People are
looking for answers; in Mexico we call it spiritual breath. If you see people being joyful, enjoying life, sharing love, you’re going to want to try and look for and have the same thing, and that is only accomplished through God.” When it comes to making the decision to fully trust God, sometimes we must leave our home community to choose to build our own reliance on the Lord.
TWUSA’s future vice president of finance, Shalom Obakin, recognizes God’s faithfulness even amidst her fears. “When I came to Canada, I realized how much potential I had, but I was not able to walk in that potential because of my fear and how hurt I was. It’s been a journey of God working in my heart, making me understand that I can trust Him, and the people He has placed around me. Coming here was the point that tested my faith in Christ, that strengthened my belief in myself and my belief in others.”
Sometimes when we make ourselves available to the Lord’s call, He has a sense of humour in the way He teaches us dependency on Him.
Sena Tese, our future vice president of academic relations, did not know she was stepping up to God’s call when she innocently offered to help at a worship night. She recalls the moment she realized it: “when my good friend
Shannon asked me to give a word I just thought ‘okay, okay God, I see what you’re doing there.’ I struggle a lot when it comes to speaking to huge crowds of people because I start to overthink.” But God knew what He was doing. “I learned to really surrender in the moment and recognize that ‘if God has given me something to deliver to His people, it means that it is His. I cannot allow myself to be insecure about it because it’s His. Why am I questioning something He has done? The Lord’s guidance of what it should be is what I should be focusing on.”
I have faith that this team will succeed because of the immense trust they have in our unfailing God. This team is stepping into a kairotic moment where their confidence, humility, and wisdom will guide them towards a year of success.
Prayerful Perseverance
Sacha Mugisha’s Journey as Prayer Coordinator
Netanya Castillo
It all started with a difficult decision. Sacha Mugisha, an MCOM major, theatre concentration and biblical studies minor had initially considered applying for a position as devotion coordinator, men’s ministry leader, or prayer coordinator, but it was during a TWU evening prayer meeting that the path became clear.
“I remember thinking, prayer is so foundational, and it’s something I want to grow in personally. If this prayer ministry is something I pour into, it will not only impact the campus spiritually but also deepen my own prayer life,” said Mugisha. That moment of clarity led to his acceptance of the prayer coordinator role, an experience that would stretch him and push him beyond his comfort zone.
What started as a plan to lead prayer meetings twice a week quickly became four times a week. “God’s grace really makes things easier when you’re called to do something,” said Mugisha.
The transition into leadership also brought about some personal transformations. One of the most significant changes was how prayer became one of his first responses in all situations. From interpersonal conflict to everyday challenges, Mugisha found himself leaning on prayer more than ever. “I think being in a position of leadership forces you to practice what you preach,” he said.
But prayer was not just a tool for leadership; it was a lifeline during a period of uncertainty. After the winter holidays, Mugisha found himself stuck in the U.S. when a border issue prevented him from returning to Canada. “Instead of getting angry or upset, I began to ask, ‘What is God doing here?’” He embraced the unexpected situation as a part of God’s plan, choosing to see it as an adventure rather than a setback.
While stuck across the border for weeks, he reached out to those he trusted, asking for prayer. It was not just about keeping people informed— it was about recognizing the power of prayer in life and ministry. He reached out to friends, professors, and fellow ministry team members, asking for prayer. The response was immediate, and the power of prayer surrounded him.
In reflecting on his journey, Mugisha realized the deep impact prayer had on his leadership role and personal faith. “There’s always something bigger happening, and prayer helps to keep our focus on God’s will,” he shared. Through uncertainty, leadership, and personal growth, Mugisha learned the vital importance of leaning on prayer in every circumstance—a lesson that has shaped his leadership role and faith for the better.
WHEN THINGS GO WRONG, YOU CAN’T JUST THINK ‘SATAN’S AFTER ME.’ INSTEAD, I THINK, ‘WHAT’S GOD UP TO?’
Hired by TWU in April 2024, Dr. Steve Studebaker is a professor of theology and the appointed chair of the biblical studies and theology department. Dr. Studebaker’s story exemplifies a life shaped by profound personal and professional transitions that in hindsight have kairos written all over it.
“Three years ago, my wife passed away after a battle with pancreatic cancer. She struggled with it for 14 months. At the time, I was teaching at McMaster Divinity College, where I had been for 16 years. But in 2022, both of my children decided to move to Oregon, and I faced a decision: stay in a prestigious position or move closer to family. I chose family,” said Dr. Studebaker, offering a glimpse into the life-changing circumstances that led him to the Pacific Northwest.
A year and a half after his wife’s passing, Dr. Studebaker found himself in a valley of grief. Then, a colleague shared their own life-altering tragedy—an unexpected loss that shattered their future expectations. Their vulnerability became a turning point. “Hearing their story made me realize that I didn’t have to let my grief define my life,” Dr. Studebaker shared. “For the first time in a long time, I felt like my life was opening up again.” In that moment of shared pain, he encountered God’s grace in a new way.
Before coming to TWU, Dr. Studebaker’s research on Jonathan Edwards’ Trinitarian thought led to three books. Later, Dr. Studebaker transitioned his focus of study to Pentecostal theology, a Christian movement emphasizing the experience of the Holy Spirit, and belief in the ongoing work of the Spirit. He then wrote
GOD’S GRACE IN THE MIDST OF LIFE’S TRANSITIONS
three monographs on the Pentecostal Trinity, Pentecostal political theology, and a Pentecostal theology of the atonement.
After briefly teaching in Portland, financial troubles at his previous institution unexpectedly opened a door to TWU. “I moved twice in a 12-month period—Ontario to Oregon, and then Oregon to B.C.” He recalled how God’s plans were unfolding in unexpected ways, noting, “The questions of what to do next were easy to answer but harder to facilitate.” Even when it is clear what God wants for us next, it is not always easy to step into the unknown.
Mars’ Hill | Community Living
FACULTY SPOTLIGHT: Steve Studebaker
While at TWU in mid-March, he presented on the book The Pentecostal Hypothesis by Nimi Wariboko at the Society for Pentecostal Studies which is “the largest international meeting of Pentecostal scholars,” exploring how Pentecostals live in a way that “may not make sense but makes Spirit.”
He also participated in a panel on Canadian Pentecostalism, based on a book written by TWU professors Michael Wilkinson and Linda Ambrose, discussing the future of Canadian Pentecostal scholarship in historical and contemporary contexts. These engagements with Pentecostal scholarship provide a snapshot of the broader commitment of TWU’s Biblical Studies Department to theological exploration and academic growth.
The plans of God are not linear. “My first year as a Masters in Divinity student in Chicago I was very discouraged, and I actually withdrew from the seminary and then applied for a master’s degree in history and a public school teacher certification because I thought the prospect of getting a job in theology was too remote,” said Dr. Studebaker. While working as a bank teller, his path shifted when his former professor, Dr. Feinberg, became his next customer. “What are the chances?” Dr. Studebaker reflected. “If my
coworker had taken the next customer, we wouldn’t have talked. But that moment shifted the trajectory of my life.” As Proverbs 19:21 says, “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails” (New International Version).
When discussing his research, Dr. Studebaker reflected on how theological perspectives, while distinct, are all connected in a broader conversation.
“That’s probably why I enjoy teaching RELS 160: Introduction to Theology— because exploring theology expands our vision of life, shaping how we see and live in the world,” he explained.
As a theologian, Dr. Studebaker’s goal is to move beyond abstract doctrine.
“When we think about the Holy Spirit as a Pentecostal, do we just want a doctrinal discussion? I don’t. I want to understand: what are the biblical narratives of the Spirit and how do they become the horizon for our lives?”
These questions shape his classroom, where theology meets real-world application.
Reflecting on his experience teaching at other institutions, Dr. Studebaker noted one of the many factors that sets TWU apart: its diverse mix of Christian backgrounds and perspec-
tives. Unlike his previous roles, where students were primarily preparing for ministry, TWU’s environment fosters engagement with a broader range of theological and religious perspectives.
“There are conservative Christians, but also students from all over the map—and many who aren’t religious at all,” he said. This dynamic environment not only deepens students’ understanding of their faith but also equips them to share the gospel with people from diverse backgrounds, preparing them to engage thoughtfully and compassionately in a world of many perspectives.
Dr. Studebaker encourages students to share with others about their experiences. “Embrace the reality that your life represents a unique opportunity to manifest God’s grace in and for this world. Life is an adventure. Dream dreams and pursue them.” He acknowledges that challenges can shake our core belief in God’s goodness, but He refuses to deny either pain or grace. “I try to live in a way that doesn’t ignore those realities. I can’t be dishonest about the tragedies of this life, but I also can’t be dishonest about the grace, mercy, and compassion I’ve experienced.” He urges students not to dismiss their struggles but to recognize that hardship does not negate God’s presence.
“It’s hard to hold pain and grace at the same time, but both are true.”
If you are interested in learning more about what is happening in the biblical studies department, feel free to reach out to Dr. Studebaker. One exciting update is the upcoming hire of Shannon Parrott, a new Old Testament professor who is set to begin in August 2025.
OPINIONS
THE PURPOSE OF WAITING...
Waiting… it is one of the few certainties in life. We wait for semesters to end, difficult seasons to pass, and for the next exciting chapter to begin. The discomfort that uncertainty brings has made us obsessed with immediacy, the wait is something we endure, not embrace, as we seek instant answers. Our conditioning to expect immediate results has become so ingrained that patience feels unnatural, and trusting God’s timing can sometimes seem difficult.
But what if the waiting we dread is not a roadblock but a vital part of our preparation? An opportunity to align with kairos, God’s perfect timing, rather than the hurried, wordly time we are so accustomed to?
Our society operates in chronos, the measurable time by which we plan out
our lives. We plan, plan, plan—fixating over the perfect graduation timeline, the right classes, and the five-year plan after graduation. In our obsession with speed and productivity, we avoid waiting and overlook the deeper purpose behind it. We forget that God’s divine timing does not unfold according to our expectations. Waiting allows us to prepare. It fills us with peace and mindfulness, reminding us that no matter how daunting an obstacle seems, we have faced uncertainty before and came out stronger. In waiting, we are reminded that God is working through us and guiding us towards the best path. It teaches us trust. And when we finally move forward, we are transformed and renewed, not only due to the outcome, but due to the process itself. We come out of the process more resilient, patient, and faithful in ways immediate answers could never show us. If we try to circumvent waiting,
we lose precious moments of growth, wisdom, and peace.
It is like sitting in a classroom moments before a final exam takes place. You can either stress over what will come or take a deep breath, embrace the moment, and prepare. One approach fills you with anxiety while the other brings clarity. Waiting is that pause before the test, the space in life where you can resist or trust. Waiting is a sacred space where transformation begins.
Waiting then becomes an invitation to trust even in stillness, a moment where you know God is at work. When we surrender to kairos and relinquish control of our timeline, we are able to see the divine opportunity that waiting can bring. When we understand that, it is possible to see that perhaps waiting itself holds the answers we search for.
Cris Pedraza
Living in the Age of Already, but not Yet:
A Conversation with Ed Gerber
Esther Jungnickel
“All is supernatural, and when you look at the world as Miracle...
MH: What is your understanding of kairos?
EG: The Christian first and foremost marks time based on God’s action in history. As Christ came and rose from the dead, so He will come again, and we will rise with Him. He is the head, and we are the body; where the head goes the body follows. When we organize time in that fashion we are talking about kairos time. It is rooted in salvation history and eschatology: We live in the age of resurrection: we live in the tension of the already but not yet.
MH: When we find ourselves in the already but not yet, how can we respond?
EG: “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal,” says the Apostle Paul, “but I
press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me” (New International Version, Phil. 3.12-14). The church depends on the Holy Spirit; in His power, we strive to move forward and attain the Triune God’s plans for us as His new humanity. We seek to live with a greater sense of justice, for example, becoming peacemakers (and not only peacekeepers) in the way that God wants us to be. We seek to be people who abide and dwell in a spirit of grace, so that just as we have been forgiven, so we forgive other people. We are the Holy Spirit in jars of clay—we are still fragile. We disappoint ourselves and others, and yet God still loves us and calls us to faithfulness. We operate in a womb of grace in this time-between-the-times.
MH: What if you obtain and see the grace God has for you, but you do not use it for God’s glory?
EG: I say, “I too am a sinner, let us walk together.” Ideally, we are not to be motivated by a sense of duty alone, but by an awareness of God’s love. We must repeatedly return to the gospel to receive anew the look of God which is a look of perfect love even though we are messy. This is what will motivate us. And then, in tandem with this, we must avail ourselves of the spiritual disciplines to grow in grace and obedience. The practices of Christianity are unbelievably nourishing. That is what the sacraments are: means of grace; God’s special way of nourishing His people.
MH: What does a sacramental perspective look like?
EG: All things are sacred; every good and perfect gift comes from above— from the Father of heavenly lights (James 1:17)—and can be received as a divine gift. This perspective puts us into the realm of sacred space and sacred time. God has made all things by His Word—this means that, if the material creation comes from the mind of God, the thoughts and intentions of God are revealed in His creation. All (minus sin) is supernatural. When you look at the world as a miracle, every blade of grass, every flower that comes out of the ground can then be perceived and received as a gift of the Heavenly Father. I do not take these things for granted. Flowers grow and grass springs up in the springtime after fall and winter again and again. With the eyes of faith, therefore, you can everywhere see signs of resurrection. God is reminting his creation; He is making all things new again in and through Christ, our dying and rising Lord.
...every blade of grass, every flower that comes out of the ground is a gift of the Heavenly Father.”
HAVE FUN. MAKE MONEY!
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CREATIVE WRITING
HOW TO BE LOVED
you’d be able to empathize and respond without any projections of hurt, because you know it’s not about saving yourself, but rather understanding why they’re upset.
We talk about our love languages and constantly reflect on how we think we need to be cared for, but how often do we attempt to fight for our self-preservation and create boundaries that assert respect? Is it worth talking about whether we like physical affection, quality time, gifts, acts of service, or words of affirmation when we still expect none of the above?
“It would be nice,” we say, “if people would treat us that way,” but we neglect to state the things that would be nice if they changed.
“How can I be better for you?”
“How do you appreciate being loved?”
The intentions are kind, but if I were to really say what was on my mind, I would let you know that the question with no action proved to show no real support. If you truly did care, maybe there would be less hurt people in the world. Maybe you wouldn’t explode over a difficult discussion. Maybe you wouldn’t lie about the small details to hide from any repercussions. Maybe
If I were to really care for myself, I’d tell you that love goes beyond gifts or touch or time. If I were to care for myself, I would confront the problems that need to change. I would tell you that I’m not emotionally capable of carrying your pain today. I would tell you my belongings are offered to you out of love, but never expect it as though you deserve it.
I would tell you that I do enjoy physical touch, but there are times when it’s too much. I would tell you that I enjoy quality time, but when you take advantage of it, it feels like a crime. I would tell you that I enjoy gifts, but when you complain that no one ever gives back, it subtracts from the matter of fact, that love isn’t about what you purchase. I would tell you that your acts of service shouldn’t be done expecting transactional efforts. I would tell you that your words of affirmation were less of admiration and more for the amplification of your self-gratification.
I wouldn’t go so far as to say love languages don’t matter, because they do. They show hope. They show that love can be tangibly understood. In a world where people are incredibly different and beautifully intricate, love can abound.
But having hope that maybe one day you will be held with respect is a battle that can’t be faced without some defense. Building defense is not being defensive, it’s showing you have the right to be loved in the way you see best because you deserve nothing less. It’s knowing that you are worth it and remembering that so is everyone else.
How can we feel seen without attempting to care for what is unseen?
How can they know they’re venturing through the wrong pursuit if they don’t know they’re looking through the wrong point of view?
Love looks different in everyone’s eyes, but how will we ever know how to fully love if we never know what other people want? And how will people know what we want if we never tell them?
Abigail Emmanuel
FOR LIVING IN DYSTOPIAN TIMES
I am grateful that the sky is blue after all, that birds still remember the old tune, that human hands may again be used for soft touch, even as they are used to press the trigger, throw the punch, pluck the fruit, tear the contract, hail the dictator, break the vase promise horse heart country child.
that the waves break, as surf over sand, even as mothers’ hearts do the same when soldiers summit dunes that the stones surrendered from the riverbank make an altar here, even as bodies are pulled from the rubble of a building that decided to give itself up.
that bread is made and given, even as much is broken. that water and wine flow, even as much here may never be transformed.
Madeleine Headley
I am grateful that the humming drumbeat of eternity, of all Earth and all Heaven, marches on— in spite of our humanity in spite of our made-up things politics and cryptocurrencies snapchat and the printing press foreign policy and snub-nose dog breeds and
wealth, when much of the world is hungry fire, where the land was meant to be green hate, which is a foreign tongue to the soft auricle of the Earth’s ear, curved as the shell which delivers the oceans good tidings, or the infant curled around his mother’s beating heart constant, keeping time, singing out
that we are alive.
AN ODE TO AGING
Oh, how we’ve nurtured and grown
Wings to flutter around
In forests and fields made for play.
Each day, when I’m old, I shall lay,
Yearning deeply for time I’ve known:
Return the sound
Of youthful joints who swayed all day,
How I wish that I could still be
Young in physique; yet my mind is childlike and free! Caleb Emon
VC6 Texture Drawing ballpoint pen by Rachel Liu
UNTIL NEXT TIME
Mars’ Hill
EDITORIAL POLICY
Mars’ Hill encourages submissions and Letters to the Editor. Mars’ Hill reserves the right to edit submissions for style, brevity, and compatibility with the Mission, the Statement of Faith, the Student Handbook, and the Core Values of the University. Anonymous authorship of any material may be granted at the discretion of the Editor-in-Chief. Opinions expressed in Mars’ Hill belong to the individual authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the editorial board, Trinity Western University, its officials or its Student Association.
CONTRIBUTORS
Zach Galloway
Worship Road Radio
Chris Pedraza
MediaScene
Abigail Emmanuel
Madeleine Headley
Caleb Emon
Photographers:
Collin Lugat (P.4, P.17, P.18, P.21)
Carson Bird (P.30)
Oli Nicholson
Cath de la Rambelje
Kristian Trevena
Rachel Schouten (P. 11)
Quotes: Madeleine L’Engle (P.19)
The mission of Mars’ Hill, as the official student magazine of Trinity Western University, is to inform and entertain its readers, cultivate awareness of issues concerning the TWU community, and provide a forum for purposeful, contructive discussion among its members in accordance with the Community Covenant, Statement of Faith, and Core Values of the University.
Mars’ Hill Magazine