VOLUME 128, ISSUE 4

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SIGNAL A P U B L I C AT I O N O F O U A C H I TA B A P T I S T U N I V E R S I T Y

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cover story.......................................3 news....................................................4-5 arts/entertainment.....................6 opinions................................................7 Sports....................................................8 pioneer

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Ethan Dial

Addy Goodman

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Sara Patterson

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The Signal is the student newspaper of Ouachita Baptist University, and is published twice a month on Wednesdays during the fall and spring semesters when school is in session. The newspaper is distributed free of charge; 1,200 copies are placed in more than 20 locations across campus. Opinions expressed are those of the writer and not necessarily those of the newspaper staff or university. The Signal is a member of the Columbia Scholastic Press Association and the Associated Collegiate Press and is printed by the Hope Star. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: Letters to the editor are encouraged and accepted, unless libelous, irresponsible or obscene. Letters should be typed and include a signature and contact phone number, and must be less than 500 words. The Signal reserves the right to edit letters for space and style. Letters should be sent via campus mail to Box 3761 or via e-mail to signal@obu.edu.

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Senior Aaron George (second from right) dances his way to the top with his fellow members of the Men of Kappa Chi as they take first place at Tiger Tunes 2019. George, a former Tiger Tunes host in 2017, directed Kappa Chi Leprechauns this year.

George’s triumph at Tunes sparks gratefulness BY BROC INGOLD Staff Writer

Tiger Tunes is a stressful time for most participants, but it was especially so for Kappa Chi’s director, Aaron George. As a senior, he could not think of a better way to end his time at Ouachita than by winning Tiger Tunes with the Men of Kappa Chi. “It feels incredible,” George said. “It was far more work than I ever thought six minutes could be, but that made it so much more rewarding.” While George is more than confident in his choice now, the Kappa

Chi director was torn when choosing a club freshman year. “I was very conflicted about which club I wanted to join. I went back and forth a lot, and then some members reached out to me and made me feel like Kappa was somewhere I could grow and learn.” Kappa Chi has a very active campus life and that was something that really appealed to George. The club offered a new way to form good relationships with people and new ways to get involved with the school. Though George’s life has mostly consisted of Tiger Tunes for the past few months, he does have a

life outside of his leprechaun costume. “After college I plan on marrying my fiancée and starting work as an accountant, and maybe getting my masters degree,” George said. George, an accounting and finance major from Rogers, Arkansas, loves spending time with his fiancée, Emma Pitts. He also enjoys playing on intramural teams in his free time. “I play pretty much all of them to varying degrees of success,” George said. “I enjoy sports and I feel like that’s why we have them. It’s something anyone can participate in, and anyone can enjoy.” If intramural sports are in the

off season, George can usually be found taking a nap or hanging out with friends. After being at Ouachita for a little over three years, George has found that the community here is what sets Ouachita apart. Even during high school, George felt a strong connection to Ouachita. “Ever since I visited during high school I’ve felt really good about it. I always felt that the professors really care[d] about your studies, and obviously, there’s a really great community here.” The first impressions that George had of the school were confirmed after he attended Ouachita and re-

alized that what was promised was more than just recruitment tactics to get kids on campus, but that the faculty and staff genuinely cared about the students. “The best thing about Ouachita has got to be the people. I know it sounds cliché, but the people are the reason this school is great.” Ouachita has played a significantly role in George’s life, and he will take the memories and experiences he’s had here with him for the rest of his life. George’s college experience has significantly impacted his character, career and life. He has truly cherished his time here and can’t wait to see what the future holds.

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Dr. David Bebbington addresses the history of evangelicalism in the church during his Oct. 7 lecture. The Birkett Williams Endowed Lecture Series brings gifted speakers like Bebbington to Ouachita with the intent of enriching students in both their faith and academia. (photo by Danielle Sourber)

Bebbington gives powerful evangelism lecture

BY RYLEE ROBERTS Staff Writer

Intellectual and spiritual growth are more than words stitched on a patch. Bringing in an accomplished theologian serves as just one of the ways Ouachita seeks to achieve this goal. Dr. David Bebbington was this semester’s guest speaker in Ouachita’s Birkett Williams Endowed Lecture Series. Bebbington gave a brief outline of evangelicalism in church history and examined how today’s church still suffers consequences from the past. His presentation illustrated how today’s evangelicals are participating in something that will become history. Christ-followers must take responsibility. “There has to be personal submission to the Savior,” Bebbington said.

This carried throughout his entire message. “Reform is rooted in Christian conviction,” Bebbington said. Bebbington claimed activism as the natural outcome of conversion. In essence, he claimed a correlation between choosing to serve Christ and stepping out in faith and evangelism. He left no room for stillness of obedience in the life of a transformed soul. Action in this regard includes global missions, philanthropy and other social services. Bebbington did not hesitate to call students and professors in attendance to obedience. He discussed how action evolved particularly in the time of romanticism. A greater focus on feelings transformed the way people interacted with their faith. “It was no longer mechanistic,” Bebbington said. “It was organic.”

Christians genuinely experiencing their faith and moving in obedience to it propelled evangelism. “They helped unify the movement so that evangelicals of all denominations felt that they stood for a common purpose on common ground,” said Bebbington, referring to faith organizations that formed during that time. The period of romanticism also developed the missionary focus. Those who believed the Gospel message could receive support to share it worldwide. “The faith organizations led the way in encouraging missionaries to go out in faith that the Lord would provide,” Bebbington said. “Faith, not reason, was the going.” Christians gave God a chance to prove Himself a provider for His people. American culture can miss that freedom by obsessively seeking wealth or possessions to

become self-providers. Bebbington encouraged those in attendance to learn from faiths in other places around the world. Following the unity in message and mission, an emphasis of romanticism resulted in polarization. The chasm that grew between conservatives and liberals weakened and divided evangelicalism. The intense disunity hurt the way the media portrayed Christianity. Bebbington’s presentation concluded with a few appeals to each individual. He desires that we learn from the past and move evangelism healthily forward. “Evangelicals should remember the past…the seedbed of reform,” Bebbington said. Bebbington’s closing remarks emphasized how evangelical movements must be religious and not political. In their identity and values, evangelicals must seek to

accomplish God’s work first. The history Bebbington provided evidenced the continual influence of historical movements on modern perspectives. Bebbington’s depth of knowledge and international perspective offered a rich topic for the lecture series. He also relayed information that Baptists could relate to and comprehend. “Dr. Bebbington did a wonderful job of providing an engaging lecture that was accessible to both the specialist and the non-specialist,” said Adam Jones, a lecturer in Biblical studies. “He might actually be the wisest man I have ever met.” Bebbington has authored more than 20 books, most discussing evangelicalism. He has served as a history professor at many universities, but spent most of his time at Stirling University in Stirling, Scotland.

NEWS

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Annual Rec Life fall event fosters community

BY SANDY SWANSON Staff Writer

The Eubanks family will host Recreational Life’s Campout and Pumpkin Carving event at the Eubanks Lake from Oct. 25 at 6 p.m. to Oct. 26 at 10 a.m. The event is free, and the registration deadline is Oct. 24. Food and pumpkins will be provided, as well as camping materials upon request. Shane Seaton decided to make this event an annual tradition when he became head of Rec Life in 2015. He shared how the camp-out glorifies God. “One way is that throughout all of our events, sports, and fitness programs we are using our bodies which God gave us,” Seaton said. “We are holistic beings so we are supposed to engage the world with our bodies as well as our minds.

Hopefully every student who participates with Rec Life is thankful to God for the abilities they have.” Rec Life events build community among students as well. “Our outdoor programs connect students with creation which draws them closer to their Creator,” Seaton said. “Lastly, much of our programming builds community between students, which is a fundamental part of developing a strong relationship with God.” Junior James Hilton enjoys many of the events Rec Life hosts and attended the Campout and Pumpkin Carving last year. “It was such a great time to take a break from all of our school activities going on by taking a deep breath outside, enjoying ‘chef’ Seaton’s cooking and enjoying the festivities of the season,” Hilton said. Hilton also appreciates how

events like this one are pleasing to the Lord. “I would say that it glorified God; we grouped up and went out to enjoy what He created,” Hilton said. “We just sat down and relished in what He made, and that was truly special.” Most events hosted by Rec Life are free, and the program is happy to provide needed camping materials. Whether you’re looking for friendship, a camping experience or to strengthen your relationship with God, add the camp-out to your schedule. “Recently I was asked, ‘What brings you fulfillment?’ My answer is facilitating outdoor experiences where relationships are built and made stronger,” Seaton said. “I love seeing people find joy in a good conversation, learning a new skill, or connecting with God through creation.”

Students enjoy a game of Frisbee at the Eubanks lake property. This year’s camp out will offer a variety of outdoor activities for students to enjoy. (photo by Grace Talley)

thing that would promote action for students right now and show them how we can make an impact on our world even here,” Byrd said. “That is why we decided on Prayer for the Nations. The verse is Ephesians 6:18-19, and we really want everyone to be encouraged to be praying for the Gospel to be being spread and heard all over our world today.” Events for the week include a movie night, a dessert panel, a teatime, a culture exhibit and a prayer night. On the night of prayer there will be different stations focused on a specific area of prayer, which is what Teresa Workman is most excited for. There will be different missionaries coming to Ouachita, who will share their many mission experiences as a source of encouragement for students. A Q-and-A session will be open for any stu-

dents seeking more information. The entire week is meant to give students the chance to consider their own role in global missions. Global Focus Week would not be possible without the efforts of its leaders and many other groups on and off campus. The perspectives class, Campus Ministries mission trips, UK USA, ELIC, Nehemiah teams and the hands on/journeymen teams will all be on campus Tuesday, Oct 22. Noonday and Refuge will also follow the week’s focus and theme. These groups together give students many different opportunities to be involved, despite their busy schedules. “We believe that God’s work of redemption and mission in the world is important and that his people play a key role in sharing the good news of Jesus,” said Taylor, director of Campus Ministries. “College students often have the

freedom and flexibility to participate in a way that others do not. We also know that this is a time of life when many of our students are considering their own calling and vocation.” The week allows students to become aware of missions as a possible future. Students can get stuck in the Ouachita world and forget how big the rest of the world and God actually are. The week helps them refocus on how they may be able to help the world for God’s glory. The week puts the importance of missions and the work God does in it right in front of students, so they have no reason but to pay attention. People who may have never thought of doing missions may decide to become involved because of Global Focus Week. Some of the current leaders, like Byrd, became involved because of their participation in Global Focus

Global Focus Week brings world to Ouachita BY FAITH LYMBURNER

Staff Writer College students tend to get so caught up in their busy schedules that they forget the world that exists around them. Global Focus Week is a student-led event from Oct. 20-25 that offers students the opportunity to focus on the world and what God is doing in it. It started four years ago and has continued to be a tradition at Ouachita. The leaders behind it are James Taylor, Teresa Workman, Darby Byrd and Taylor Fielder. Each year, there is a different focus and theme that serves with its own unique flair. Many people and groups from across campus help plan Global Focus Week and believe that it is very important for many reasons. “When we were thinking about a theme, we really wanted some-

Week in previous years and being a part of Campus Ministries’ missions and events. The others, like Workman and Taylor, have been there since the week was first created and have continued to take part of its growing tradition. These leaders want others to become involved because of the experiences that they have had in creating the week. Anyone interested in missions can become involved and even those who are already involved in missions can still find value in attending this week. Students can learn a lot about missions and how they can make a difference in the lives of both the people around them and people around the world. “Missions isn’t a one-week event or a single trip, but a way of understanding God’s love for all the nations and his work to redeem them,” Taylor said.

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Ouachita to host U.S. Army Field Band BY SAMANTHA PIPKIN Ouachita News Bureau

Ouachita will host the U.S. Army Field Band and Soldiers’ Chorus in a performance on Friday, Oct. 25, at 7:30 p.m. in Jones Performing Arts Center. The concert is free and open to the public. Tickets can be reserved through Ouachita’s Box

Office, located in Jones Performing Arts Center, or at obu.edu/boxoffice. The theme of the concert is “Let Freedom Ring.” The band and chorus will present a mixture of both standard band literature and patriotic music. “The U.S. Army Field Band are the musical ambassadors of the U.S. Army from Washington, D.C.

They are one of the finest bands in the world,” said Dr. Craig Hamilton, director of bands at Ouachita. “This is a great opportunity for our students, faculty and community to hear a wonderful concert by professional musicians…I am very excited to host the band and look forward to a wonderful performance.” The Army Field Band has en-

tertained audiences in all 50 states and in more than 30 countries on four continents since its founding in 1946. The band, which consists of soldiers who are full-time professional musicians and are enlisted in the U.S. Army, presents a variety of music while fostering the support of the American people for members of the armed forces and supporting diplomatic efforts

around the world. The Soldiers Chorus represents more than 187,000 U.S. soldiers who are deployed, forward stationed or committed in over 140 countries across the world. To reserve free tickets to the concert, visit obu.edu/boxoffice or stop by the JPAC Box Office. For more information, call the box office at (870) 245-5555.

‘Abominable’ plot disappoints audience

BY WYATT ASHLOCK Staff Writer

“Abominable” attempts a new, animated take on a classic mythical creature: the abominable snowman - a.k.a. the Yeti. The star is a young girl, Yi (Chloe Bennet from “Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.”), who lives in Shanghai with her mom (Michelle Wong) and grandmother Nai Nai (Tsai Chin). Yi is dealing with the traumatic death of her father when she finds a wild Yeti living on her roof. The Yeti was being held captive by Mr. Burnish (Eddie Izzard), but he escaped and ran away. Yi names the

Yeti Everest and promises to take him back to his home on Mount Everest. Her friends, Jin (Tenzing Norgay Trainor) and Peng (Albert Tsai), join her on her journey to take Everest back to his home. They spend most of the movie trying to escape from the clutches of Mr. Burnish and the evil zoologist Dr. Zara (Sarah Paulson). This film is very well animated. When Everest uses his powers or Yi plays her violin, the animation becomes so beautiful that it is impossible to look away. The storyline is lacking its luster, though. It’s a very predictable film, spoon feeding the plot to the audience.

The so-called “plot twist” is obvious enough for the most oblivious person to see it coming. The acting is very well done, and Nai Nai steals the spotlight with her comedic jokes and timing. The film attempts to make a comment on society by making Jin’s character obsessed with his looks, his clothes and his social media followers, but it falls short in its attempt to comment on how social media is becoming an obsession. The film has some very comedic moments, especially with Everest and Peng’s relationship. The two act like brothers and do all of the things that brothers would do to-

gether and to each other. The score and music help set the mood for the location and plot, and there are some very powerful symbols throughout the film that will encourage people to continue pursuing their dreams no matter what. “Abominable” does provide the powerful message that no matter where you go or what you do, you have a family that cares for you, whether an actual family or your friends. Overall, “Abominable” is a cute children’s movie that was hyped up too much for me to fall in love with. A big advertising point was it was made by the creators of “How

to Train Your Dragon,” but it does not live up to the standard that trilogy established. The iconic song from the trailer “You Can Go Your Own Way” by Fleetwood Mac was never in the film, which was a letdown. The film entertains the audience, but doesn’t explore or push the boundaries of animation. This is a Redbox, nothing-elseto-do type of movie. It is a good film that just did not live up to the hype. I enjoyed it very much, but I don’t give it the status of other Dreamworks films, such as “Kung Fu Panda” and “How to Train Your Dragon.” I give it 3 out of 5 tiger paws.

OPINIONS

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Christian culture cultivated at OBU BY RYLEE ROBERTS Staff Writer

Hands lifted. Eyes closed. Low lights. Voices raised. To some, this depicts the perfect worship night. To others, this scene evidences the presence of cultural Christianity. At a private Baptist university, the percentage of students who take their faith seriously stands greater than at other places. However, the culture of Christianity can both help and hurt this statistic. “Cultural Christianity makes it a popular thing to be at least perceived as Christian on campus,” Abigail Putterill, a senior from Zimbabwe, said. “Some people are just Christian in name and not in lifestyle.” While no individual can see another’s soul, an international perspective helps identify some of the illegitimacies. The fact of the matter remains: individual submission to Christ must happen above all. “Though Christianity in some measure is popular at Ouachita, living in pursuit of holiness and purity will always be unpopular,” Putterill said. Spending four years of college in an environment with other believers offers a deep opportunity to personalize faith and practice living it and incorporating it into various disciplines. Once a student leaves campus, however, living out their faith becomes harder. “If I am relying on this culture

for my personal faith, it is just going to fail,” said senior Caleb Byrd. Byrd spent a semester studying abroad at Liverpool Hope University and felt more challenged and grew in his time there than throughout his preceding semesters at Ouachita. Coming back to Ouachita with a developed perspective

“Cultural Christianity makes it a popular thing to be at least perceived as Christian on campus.” -Abigail Putterill

helped him fight the tendencies toward excessive like-mindedness and judgmental legalism. Standards for what makes someone a “good Christian” fluctuate with cultural context and religious tradition. Each person must commit to genuinely pursuing Jesus. “Having a cultural faith is stupid,” Byrd said. “If you’re only going to do it halfway, you should not do it at all.” The freshmen that grow up in different environments quickly learn the need to depend on God

personally. “I have to really understand that I depend on God and trust that I am here because He wants me here,” said Valeria Gomez, a freshman from Costa Rica. Maria Urbina offered a different perspective on the need for commitment to God. “I especially need Him now because home is far away,” Urbina said. Urbina, Gomez and Putterill all highlighted Refuge as their favorite way to grow with the Lord at Ouachita. “It has been a weekly highlight for me since freshman year,” Putterill said. These ladies attend Refuge to escape their school schedule for an hour and to join with others who wish to grow toward the Lord together. They love the opportunity Ouachita provides for student community in the Lord. Students often refer to the Ouachita community as a “bubble.” While the term brings a laugh, it accurately describes what can happen to thinking and action regarding the Christian faith. Students who burst the “bubble” more easily identify evidences of the cultural Christianity present at Ouachita. Believers at Ouachita, heed the wisdom and perspective of those who see things with a fresh set of eyes. Allow a deep, personal relationship with God to cultivate in a way that does not depend on context.

‘New Morning Mercies’ gives reminder to recall God’s grace BY ETHAN DIAL Editor- In-Cheif

Because it seemed to be a Ouachita staple, at the end of last year I selected “New Morning Mercies” by Paul David Tripp to be my devotional for the year. I can guarantee that I haven’t been the most consistent in my quiet times, but when I have read over the pages and suggested Bible readings at the bottom of each devotional, I have found truth. One of the greatest pieces of wisdom that the devotional gave actually came quite early on. Tripp encourages readers to focus on remembering, even claiming that it is an important spiritual discipline. He argues that much of our sin stems from forgetfulness. We tend to forget who God is and what he has done for us. We forget the power of the Holy Spirit and the fact that the God of the universe is dwelling within us. Instead of choosing to remember who God is and who He’s made us to be, we believe the lies that come from the enemy. We get wrapped up in the world and forget who created this temporary home of ours. Because of this reminder, I have been contemplating the act of remembrance all year. I’ve prayed that each time I am tempted to sin that the Lord would remind me of what He did for me on the cross. In the midst of the chaos and busyness

of school, I have asked the Lord to continually reveal His abundant peace. Yet, while even being more thoughtful than ever about the discipline of remembrance, I still forget every single day. You see, all the thoughts that slide through the back of your brain telling you that the challenge you’re facing is too great or that you could never be enough to overcome whatever it is you may be going through are lies. They’re lies that stem from forgetfulness. They’re lies that the devil uses to twist you into becoming what Tripp calls a “eternity amnesiac.” Somehow, Christians of this world have forgotten that our best days are yet to come. Our minds should not be set on this world but rather on the hope of the eternity set before us and the victory we have because Jesus conquered death to save us from our sin. This is the good news that should drive us every single day to live a life worth living. I often think about my life from the perspective of an old man pondering his time spent on earth. I question if the decisions I am making now will be ones that are important to the story that I want to unfold. I want my life to tell the story of Jesus, and to do this, I have to choose every morning to wake up and remember. Whether it be through prayer, reading the Bible, praise or any other act of worship, we must be constantly reminding ourselves of the Gospel.

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Baseball scrimmages help build team chemistry BY MICHAEL BURGE Staff Writer

With the season four months away, the baseball team has been practicing day in and day out to perfect its chemistry. Jackson Nichols and Josh Salim are two seniors on the team that are ready to make this their best year. With their coach’s guidance, a great attitude and a love for the game, both are excited about their senior season. Nichols is a catcher, and his years of experience with the team have put him in more of a leadership position, especially when it comes to his younger teammates. From what he’s seen, this might be one of the best baseball teams Ouachita has had. “The team looks really good in

my eyes,” Nichols said. “We have a lot of young guys this season, but they have shown that they aren’t scared to put in hard work and grind.” Nichols has also learned that being on the team is more than just an athletic grind. Head Coach Luke Howard encourages his players to do well outside of sports, too. “Always, always, always stay on top of your school work. Coach Howard is big on his athletes doing well in the classroom,” Nichols said. “You better be ready to work hard and give it 100% at everything you do.” Josh Salim is the team’s second basemen and utility. As another senior with years of experience, this year has started off differently for him. Salim played on the team his freshman year, but quit after one

season. He decided to rejoin the team after last season because of Coach Howard. “He knows what it takes to be a successful program, and he proved last year - in his first year - that he can come in and turn things around immediately,” Salim said. “I would not want to play for anyone else.” Salim is excited to be back on the field, and he knows the team has the potential to be really good. He also has a few personal goals for his first season back. “My goals are to be the best teammate, the best player and the best person on and off the field that I can be,” Salim said. “As a team, our goal is to win conference and win the GAC tournament, and then we will see from there. If we take things one game at a time, the sky is the limit.”

Jackson Nichols warms up at baseball practice. Nichols, a senior from Nacogdoches, Texas, plays as a catcher for the Tigers. (photo by Levi Dade)

Goodman garners awards, success BY ASHLEY BECK Staff Writer

Gabe Goodman lines up to kick the final field goal of the game against Harding. Goodman gave the Tigers their first win of the season. (photo by Justin Trostle)

Gabe Goodman never misses field goals. He scored 10 of the 16 points in Ouachita’s first football game of the season, helping the team defeat Harding University. But in his first ever collegiate game, he missed his first field goal attempt-- and it set the mood for the rest of his season. Nervous or not, Goodman decided he wouldn’t miss another field goal this season. With a freshman season that’s been one for the books, Goodman kicked it all off by sealing the Tigers’ win against Harding University with a 38-yard field goal. After the game, Goodman earned his first GAC Special Teams award. He was named the Special Teams Player of the Week again for the fourth week of the 2019 season, after making a 43-yard field goal in the game against Southwestern Oklahoma

State University. After winning these two awards, Goodman has been nothing but grateful. “The award goes to a player that has had a great game and has impacted the team greatly, and I really do not think I did that our first week,” Goodman said. “I was far from perfect that game; if I would have made the 30-yard field goal beforehand, then we would have never been in a situation to kick the game winner. But I am very grateful to have been awarded it [the award].” Goodman’s football fame started before that first game against Harding, though. He played football for the Arkadelphia High School Badgers, where the team won the state championship his junior and senior years. As the kicker, Goodman carried a lot on his shoulders during those games, and he dealt with being under pressure often. His transition to college has been different, but no less difficult.

“I learned quickly that it doesn’t matter how many rings I have or how many patches are on my letterman,” Goodman said. “College football is on a whole other level than high school football.” With the heavier workload of a student athlete, Goodman has worked hard to keep his grades up and do well on the field. His family has been a great support system for him, making sure he finishes everything he needs to and rooting for him at football games. His teammates are also a big part of his support system, and he’s thankful to be part of the football team. “Everyone on the team supports and encourages each other every single day, no matter what,” Goodman said. “At first, I wasn’t very familiar with many of the players but over the past few weeks I have created a bond with a lot of them. It’s really awesome to be a part of such a great team.”