Fall 2015 Ambassador

the magazine of ozark christian college

FALL 2015 GOD HELPS THOSE WHO… An important truth the Bible actually says p. 4 THE MYSTERY OF BECOMING Shane Wood’s challenge to live as Jesus lived p. 6 STRAIGHT INTO COMPTON How just one alum makes a difference for the underdog p. 10

JUSTICE

AND MERCY

"...act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with your God." Micah 6:8

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CONTENTS TO INSPIRE President’s Perspective Matt Proctor

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The “why” behind OCC’s Biblical Justice major

Featured Theme Shane Wood, Ph.D.

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Biblical justice—an identity to embrace

Hope for the Helpless

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Three ministries shining in the darkness

New Testament Words Kenny Boles

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An in-depth look at the language of Scripture

Just One: Steve Meyers Amy Storms

What happens when God’s people loose the chains of injustice?

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TO INFORM Campus News

Recent happenings at OCC

The Big Picture

A snapshot of life around campus

Meet Your OCC Family

Introducing Ozark’s staff member, Teresa Baker

Coming Soon

Upcoming events at OCC

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TO CONNECT Here’s an Idea Dru Ashwell

Practical tips for your life and ministry from our editor

Your Partnership David Duncan Helpful tools for Christian stewardship

Alumni News

Updates from alumni around the world

One More Thing Amy Storms

A final thought from our assistant editor

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The Ambassador magazine is published four times each year to inspire, inform and connect the Ozark Christian College family.

Editorial Team: Dru Ashwell, Jill English, Amy Storms, Kathy Bowers, Jim Dalrymple Graphic Design: Little Bird Marketing Photo Contributors: Michael Rea, Felicia Severson, David Summerlin Contact Us: Ozark Christian College 1111 N. Main Joplin, MO 64801 alumni@occ.edu

The ultimate mission of Ozark Christian College is to glorify God by evangelizing the lost and edifying Christians worldwide. The immediate mission of OCC is to train men and women for Christian service as a degree-granting institution of biblical higher education.

PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE

“GOD HELPS THOSE WHO …”

Matt Proctor

Do a quick survey, and you’ll discover a surprising number of sayings that people think are in the Bible but aren’t.

• “God moves in mysterious ways.” That’s not in your Bible. William Cowper, the famous hymnist, wrote that.

• “Cleanliness is next to godliness.” Your mom said it, but God didn’t.

• “That dog won’t hunt.” A student at Middle Tennessee State University once insisted to his professor that this was actually a verse in Proverbs. (Maybe it’s in a special Tennessee translation.)

Pastor John Ortberg’s aunt said her favorite Bible verse was “God helps those who help themselves.” John replied, “That’s not in the Bible.” She insisted it was. John said, “I’ll bet you twenty dollars it’s not in the Bible.” His aunt stayed up all night looking for that verse, but in the morning, John got the twenty dollars. It’s not in there.

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TO INSPIRE

A Special Place in God’s Heart “God helps those who help themselves.”

The whole Bible is actually opposed to that idea. (The Bible is also opposed to the idea of betting!) The story of Scripture is of a God who helps those who can’t help themselves.

That’s true spiritually. The Bible calls those who try to save themselves “legalists” and roundly condemns them. Instead, the theme of the Bible is grace. We sinners are powerless to help ourselves, but God rescues us through the cross of Christ.

But it’s also true socially. God loves all people, but He has a special place in His heart for those whom society deems helpless. He looks out for the disabled, the disadvantaged, and the down and out.

Psalm 146:7-9 says He “executes justice for the oppressed and gives food to the

hungry. The LORD sets the prisoners free; the LORD opens the eyes of the blind.

The LORD lifts up those who are bowed down…The LORD watches over the immigrant; He upholds the widow and the fatherless.”

The Bible pictures a God who actively pursues justice for those who can’t help themselves, and His Word calls us to follow His example. “Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute.

Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked” (Ps 82:3-4).

“The Vandalism of Shalom” But what exactly does the Bible mean by justice?

The Biblical word shalom, which means wholeness, describes the world the way

small way. Justice is setting something right for someone who cannot do so for himself.

Matt Proctor has served as president of Ozark Christian College since 2006.

When we feed the hungry, love the handicapped, care for the orphan, advocate for the oppressed, visit the widow, rescue the captive, and welcome the foreigner, we are living out God’s heart for those who cannot help themselves.

Why a Biblical Justice Major?

That’s why Tessa Porter is majoring in Biblical Justice at Ozark Christian College.

The sophomore from Kentucky wants to take God’s love to disadvantaged youth in the inner-city. She will follow in the footsteps of other Ozark alumni around the world like:

God intended. The Old Testament prophets described this world of shalom as untainted by sin—where deserts bloom, swords are beaten into plowshares, and lions lie down with lambs.

In such a world, there is food on every table, every marriage is healthy and every child is safe. Doors have no locks, schools have no police officers and at recess, every kid gets picked for a team. In a world of shalom, people of different races join hands, and all mankind together gladly worships God.1 But as one theologian puts it, sin vandalized shalom.2 Since the Fall in Genesis 3, the world is not as God intended.

We live on a planet marked by disease, poverty, racism, crime, sex trafficking, and child abuse.

When the Bible speaks of doing justice, then, it means to restore shalom in some

• Jenni Snyder, rescuing girls from sex trafficking at Rapha House in Cambodia • Brian and Julie Mavis, whose adoption initiative reduced the children in Colorado’s child welfare system waiting for a family by 70% • Juliet Rose, whose rehab ministry in Joplin transforms women trapped in addictions • Ted and Bev Skiles, who have cared for hundreds of orphans at The Home of God’s Love in Taiwan • Michelle Peek Zuniga, educating countless deaf children in Mexico through Con Mis Manos

administration skills; it also lays a strong theological foundation, so our students avoid two common mistakes.

On the one hand, it keeps our students from pursuing social justice divorced from the gospel and evangelism. In the twentieth century, many mainline denominations taught a “social gospel” which was all “social” and no “gospel.” Our program is called Biblical Justice because the Bible is at the center of our curriculum, and Jesus is at the center of such ministry.

On the other hand, it keeps our students from presenting the gospel without seeking to live out the gospel in the form of social concern. As James 2:15-16 says, if we see someone “without clothes and daily food” and we say to them, “‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but do nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?”

When we see someone in need, we cannot simply say, “God helps those who help themselves.”

The story of Scripture is of a God who helps those who can’t help themselves.

Our Biblical Justice major will prepare Tessa and others like her “to share the healing love of Jesus in ministries that engage various social injustices.”3 This program not only gives practical

John Ortberg, Everybody’s Normal Till You Get to Know Them, Zondervan, 2004, pp. 19-20.

Cornelius Plantiga, Not the Way It’s Supposed to Be, Eerdmans, 1995, p. 14.

3 OCC Catalog, p. 73.

As they say in Tennessee, “that dog won’t hunt.”

Instead, remember a saying that is actually in the Bible: “What does the Lord require of you? To do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8).

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TO INSPIRE

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FEATURED THEME

BIBLICAL JUSTICE:

THE MYSTERY OF BECOMING Shane J. Wood, Ph.D. Shane Wood is a professor of New Testament and director of OCC’s B.Th. New Testament program. He and his wife, Sara, have four kids.

festivals (1:14). Ominously, verse 15 concludes: “When you offer many prayers, I am not listening: Your hands are full of blood!”1 This dramatic text climaxes in verses 16-17, revealing simultaneously the infraction and the path to redemption: “Wash and make yourselves clean. Take your evil deeds out of My sight; stop doing wrong. Learn to do right; seek justice.

Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.”

Biblical justice is not a command to obey; it’s an identity to embrace.

This is not to say that it was not commanded, because indeed it was— many times in fact (Exod 23:6-9; Lev 19:9-10; Deut 15:7-15; Micah 6:8; etc.)— with God even punishing those ignoring acts of mercy (e.g., Amos 2:6-8; 5:21-24).

From these texts, and the plethora of others like them, we can at the very least say: God highly values acts of justice and mercy.

Take Isaiah 1 as an example. After identifying the rebellious Southern Kingdom as “evildoers” as debased as Sodom and Gomorrah (Isa 1:4, 9-10), the prophet launches into a litany of Israel’s liturgical practices prompting divine repulsion: displeasure with sacrifices (1:11), “meaningless offerings” (1:12), detestable incense (1:13a), “worthless assemblies” (1:13b), and loathsome 1

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mediation of mandates. He endeavors to reveal. To disclose. To unveil. To break the boundaries imposed by Genesis 3 that separate understanding and interaction with the Trinity who created us, not out of necessity, but out of a single will and nature imbued with colors of love only vaguely seen in a creation harnessed with the bondage of decay (Rom 8:20-21).

From prophets to plagues to promises, God painstakingly reveals Himself to His creation ensnared in a spiral of death and darkness, ignorant of His glorious light.

And Then There Was Light…

Command as Revelation

It would be easy to transform this text into a simple ‘command-consequence’ formula, in which God gives a command, His people violate the command, and the consequence of judgment follows thereafter. This conclusion, however, misunderstands not only biblical justice but God’s activity in and toward creation since Genesis 1—wherein mankind, both “male and female,” were created in the image of God (Gen 1:26-27). Persistently, God reveals to (and through) creation what essentially exists beyond creation: namely, God Himself.

Indeed, the context of Isaiah 1 is not one of mere infraction or simply a violation of rules, but inexplicable ignorance of who “the LORD your God” (Exod 20:2-3) actually is. Isaiah 1:2-3 begins, “I reared children and brought them up, but they have rebelled against Me. The ox knows its master…but master Israel does not know—My people do not understand.”

Whether the text is Abraham’s nearsacrifice of Isaiah (Gen 22:1-18), Moses’s divine encounter at the burning bush (Exod 3:1-22), David’s hymnic epiphanies (Psa 22:3-5, 10-31; 23:1-6; 24:1-10), or Ezekiel’s rapturous theophanies (Ezek 1:128; 37:1-14), God intends more than mere

If Israel knew who God was, then how could they neglect the “cause of the fatherless”? How could they ignore “the case of the widow”? Or the plight of the oppressed? If Israel knew who God was, then how could they, like Cain, come to worship with hands tainted with the blood of the innocent?

Their actions betray that, in spite of all God’s efforts (e.g., judges, law, prophets, etc.), Israel simply does not know who

Unless stated otherwise, all Scripture citations are taken from the NIV 2011 version (with minor adaptations).

TO INSPIRE

God is. Inasmuch as the commands are enacted, God’s identity is reflected in humanity. Disobedience, however, betrays two equally troublesome possibilities: ignorance of God’s identity or rebellion against it. The acts of justice in Isaiah 1:1617, therefore, flow from, are rooted in, and are a demonstration of God’s identity that His people, apparently, do not know.

Biblical justice, therefore, is not an issue of obeying but becoming becoming; not a command but an identity; not a choice but an incarnation.

Revelation Through Incarnation Genesis 3 will not have a single victory.

Not one.

Leading up to the first century, this assertion was anything but certain.

Between Malachi and Matthew, a synthesis of exile and order gave rise to a tumultuous period of history leavened with longing and promises only partially fulfilled as silence seemed to saturate the prophetic terrain. Confusion, however, was replaced with revelation.

As foretold through Isaiah: “‘The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel,’ which means ‘God with us’” (Matt 1:23). Through the infinitely begotten Son, the radiance of God’s ineffable glory (Heb 1:3; Col 1:15) becomes flesh and dwells among us (John 1:14), so that “displayed in the face of Christ” (2 Cor 4:6) is “the power of God and the wisdom of God” (1 Cor 1:24b) that fulfills the law and the prophets (Matt 5:17) and, as an act of grace, exegetes God for us (John 1:18; John 14:6-9).

This being true, and in light of the Old Testament references above, it should come as no surprise when we find acts of justice and mercy as central components in the Son’s ministry of divine revelation.

Redemption of the Soul

Restoration of the Body

Proof-texting the importance of justice and mercy in the ministry of Jesus, although tempting, merely proffers competing proof-texts ostensibly offsetting any passage, however poignant.

Instead, the goal of the incarnation, including but not limited to acts of justice and mercy, is readily apparent through the word study of sōzō, commonly translated “save.”

In Mark 5:30, as a large crowd “pressed around” Jesus (5:24), He asks the peculiar question: “Who touched My clothes?”

Answer: ‘Lots of people!’ (5:31) But Jesus searched intently, “looking around to see who had done it” (5:32), not knowing the culprit was a desperate woman “who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years” (5:25). After spending all of her hope and money on doctors unable to cure her physical ailment (5:26), she fought through the shifting crevasses of the crowd looking for the hem of Jesus’ robe, because she believed “If I just touch His clothes, I will be healed (sōzō)” (5:28; cf. Matt 9:21).

Caught, the woman abased herself, trembling with fear, at the feet of Jesus (5:33). Gentle, as a father with his child, Jesus affirmed: “Daughter, your faith has healed (sōzō) you” (5:34; cf.

Luke 8:48). Incredibly, as Matthew 9:22 adds, “the woman was healed (sōzō) at that moment.”

Through angelic herald, Joseph is told that Mary “will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because

It should come as no surprise when we find acts of justice and mercy as central components in the Son’s ministry.

he will save (sōzō) the lost” (Matt 1:21)— that is, redeem souls from their sins.

Similarly, in Luke 19:10, after the calling of Zacchaeus, Jesus exclaims, “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save (sōzō) the lost.” Thus, on one level, sōzō indicates the eradication of the injustice of Eden, when humanity and God were separated by the sin of Adam, rehearsed by all generations thereafter (Rom 3:22b-23), yet remedied in Christ (see also Luke 7:48, 50; John 3:17; Acts 2:21; Rom 10:9; 1 Cor 9:22; Eph 2:5, 8; 1 Tim 1:15; James 2:14; Jude 23).

Nevertheless, this aspect of sōzō does not exhaust its definition, for Genesis 3 did not merely effect the spiritual but—as is evident in sickness, natural disasters, wars, famines, pain, sin, and death, to name a few—the Fall impacts the physical as well.

And, as stated above, Genesis 3 will not have a single victory. Not one.

Similarly, the healing of the blind (Mk 10:52; Lk 18:42), the deliverance of the demon-possessed (Lk 8:36), and the restoration of the leper (Lk 17:19) are all designated with the word sōzō. Thus, the word sōzō also indicates the eradication of the injustice of Eden, when decay and death descended upon humanity through the sin of Adam, evident in the pain and disease in all generations thereafter (Rom 8:20-22), yet remedied in Christ, at times in the ‘now’ but completely in the ‘not yet’ (see also Matt 8:25; Mk 6:56; Acts 4:9; 14:9; James 5:15; Jude 5).

Setting the Wrongs Right Thus, sōzō is used indiscriminately by the Gospels to describe the restoration of all that is broken, both body and soul, and powerfully summarizes the incarnation as a declaration of war on Genesis 3. Jesus Continued on page 9

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WOMEN IS A VICTIM OF RAPE OR ATTEMPTED RAPE

BUT THERE’S HOPE...

Since 2003, Rapha House has been finding native people who are qualified and passionate about combating the issues of child slavery and sexual exploitation in their own countries, and equipping them to combat on behalf of these children.

OCC alum Stephanie Garman Freed is co-founder and executive director. Other alumni Biaka Zaidarhzauva, Jennifer Osgood, David Conrad, Crystal Melton and Travis Buchan serve on the staff.

raphahouse.org 8

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SUFFER FROM

CHRONIC HUNGER BUT THERE’S HOPE...

Since 1974, International Disaster Emergency Service has been meeting the physical needs of people impacted by disaster and in need of hunger relief. IDES has worked in more than 90 countries on about 250 projects each year (268 in 2014), offering people around the world help and hope in the name of Jesus. OCC graduates Rick and Nancy Jett serve as the directors, and Randy Jones serves as projects manager.

are currently enslaved BUT THERE’S HOPE...

Since 2010, Blackbox International has holistically rehabilitated sex-trafficked boys age 16 and under. OCC alums Wade Landers, Ben Hedger, Gregg Murdock, Shane Wood, and Roger and Elaine Twitchell serve on their volunteer staff, and Chris DeWelt, Troy Gariss, Brian Jennings and Bryan King serve as trustees.

blackboxinternational.org

ides.org

SOURCE: www.ijm.org/the-locust-effect

BIBLICAL JUSTICE: THE MYSTERY OF BECOMING Continued from page 7

came to completely overturn the curse and all that it ensnared. Jesus came to set all the wrongs right, to restore all that was broken—body and soul. Jesus came to save the lost, to cure the sick, to redeem the wayward, to restore the impaired, to give light to those grasping in darkness, and to give life to those imprisoned in the miserable clutches of death’s decay.

Jesus came to sōzō. And our ministry should be no different.

Indeed, the divine incarnation was the complete revelation of God’s identity to humanity. Yet, it was not only divine disclosure to be received passively by those who comprehend it. For those with eyes to see and ears to hear, the incarnation is

also the exposition of true humanity living in the image of God. In other words, through the power of the Spirit, the incarnation is who we are to become: the body of Christ.

The Body of Christ

that stops at nothing to, like Christ, restore all that was broken, even if it means being broken ourselves; an identity that celebrates being created in the image of God by reflecting the “image of the invisible God” (Col 1:15) when He became flesh and dwelled among us (John 1:14).

If we are the body of Christ (1 Cor 12:27; Eph 4:12-15; 5:23), then we should look like Jesus, both individually and collectively—our words and actions reflecting His.

Thus, biblical justice is a performance of scripture. It’s not something you do in Christ; it’s something you are in Christ. As Paul claims, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me” (Gal 2:20).

Thus, biblical justice is not a command to obey, but an identity to embrace; an identity with an irreversible aversion to all that Genesis 3 accomplished; an identity

Biblical justice is not a command; it’s an incarnation. As 1 John 2:6 reminds, “Whoever claims to live in Him must live as Jesus did.”

NEW TESTAMENT WORDS

MERCY

Kenny Boles taught Greek and New Testament for more than 40 years.

Find more New Testament Words at www.occ.edu/words.

“Mercy” and “pity” are translations of the same Greek word, eleos (EL eh oss). In classical times Aristotle wrote a definition of eleos that contained these two elements: (1) Mercy/pity is what you feel when you see someone who got some painful or deadly evil that they did not deserve; (2) Mercy/pity is stimulated by the fear that something like this could happen to you. On a purely human level, Aristotle was quite right.

But like many Greek virtues, mercy is lifted to a whole new level in Scripture. In the Old Testament we see God generously extending mercy to people who are unworthy of it. Unworthy, yes; but they were in covenant with Him. God’s mercy was not prompted by seeing people who somehow deserved better; much less was it prompted by fear that evil could also happen to Him. God defined mercy for Himself, without any help from Aristotle! Then in the New Testament, God’s mercy is shown to all those—even the Gentiles—who are in covenant with Him through Jesus Christ.

And now that God has shown mercy, He expects us to do the same. Twice Jesus quoted Hosea 6:6 to the Pharisees: “I desire mercy and not sacrifice” (Matt 9:13; 12:7). In the parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus showed that we should love recklessly, and not be so restrictive in selecting which neighbors are deserving of our mercy (see Luke 10:37). Jesus’ own brother James later put it quite boldly: “Judgment will be merciless to the one who has not shown mercy” (Jas 2:13).

To sum it up, what God expects of us is nothing other than what He announced through the prophet Micah long ago. “And what does the LORD require of you? To do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8).

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JUST ONE: STEVE MEYERS

STRAIGHT INTO COMPTON: ONE GRAD’S EFFORTS TO MOBILIZE THE CHURCH AND TRANSFORM THE WORLD

Amy Storms

Steve Meyers has always rooted for the underdog. From Jimmy Chitwood in Hoosiers to George Bailey in It’s a Wonderful Life, Steve loves a come-frombehind victory—an against-the-odds story of restoration and transformation.

In his 23 years in student ministry, Steve was drawn to underdog teens, too—to those who were struggling or lost, had bad reputations or were far from God. Why? Simply put, because God is the God of the underdog. Because Jesus came, not for the healthy, but for the sick.1 Because rooting for the underdog— defending the weak and upholding the cause of the oppressed2—reflects the very heart of God. Steve grew up in Wichita, KS, where he attended Countryside Christian Church and was greatly impacted by Ozark grads Mike Hughes, Mike Harenza and Shane Philip. In his ninth grade year at Camp Cyokamo, Steve committed his life to fulltime Christian service. Later, as a student at Ozark, he met and married Stacey Stark, whom Steve calls, “God’s gracious gift, my best champion, best friend and right hand in ministry.” Since graduating from OCC in 1994, Steve and Stacey have ministered together at churches Matthew 9:12-13 Psalm 82:3-4 3 Isaiah 1:17

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in Arkansas, Indiana, and Colorado. In February, Steve and Stacey and their three kids, Jake, Avrie and Cade, will celebrate ten years with Real Life Church in Santa Clarita, CA, where Steve now serves as Director of Outreach.

And what better role for the guy who loves underdogs? Steve’s entire outreach ministry at Real Life—a church that averages 6,000 people each week under the past and present leadership of several OCC alumni—reflects God’s heart.

Loose the Chains “Over and over again in Scripture,” Steve says, “God is revealed as a compassionate God, slow to anger, rich in mercy. He is a champion for the weak, for the poor, the marginalized. God desires that His people join Him in an effort to loose the chains, feed the hungry, and provide shelter for the wanderer and clothes for the naked.

We cannot call ourselves the church—His hands and feet—if we are not seeking justice and mercy for the oppressed.”

One way that RLC reaches out with justice and mercy is through their ONEMORE foster care initiative. Every child needs a home, but the foster care system in Los Angeles County is in crisis,

with a shortage of services and homes for children.

“The church is the answer,” says Steve.

“God’s heart beats for the orphan, and so must ours. We want to inspire one more person to invest in the life of a foster child.”

In the nearly two years since the program began, 20 children have been placed with families who stepped up to fosteradopt with ONEMORE. Several other volunteers have partnered with social workers to be a resource, prayer support and encouragement to foster families.

ONEMORE supplies duffle bags packed with essentials to be given to kids when they’re taken from troubled homes, a “Foster Closet” where clothing and other items are donated and stored, and even simple gift cards for foster parents to use on date nights.

“Take up the cause of the fatherless,” the Lord said through Isaiah,3 and Steve is doing just that.

“Our Children and Family Services office has been blown away by ONEMORE,” he says. “They see us as a strong partner in making a difference in our valley.”

Feed the Hungry Another outreach ministry at RLC, ReNEWal, ministers to the homeless community of Santa Clarita, making sure that they’re “fed, clothed, served, and loved.” Every Monday, ReNEWal offers a hot meal and resources to the homeless, and twice a month the church provides free showers and haircuts. The #HashtagLunchbag program hands out sack lunches twice a month, too, at the church’s main campus.

ReNEWal changed the life of 16-yearold Peter. After running away from a foster home, Peter lived with a few other kids behind the air conditioning units on the top level of a parking garage. Peter introduced Steve to his friends—teens who were running the streets, doing drugs and trading sex for money. Steve’s persistence with Peter…in spite of Peter’s run-ins with the police, times spent in a shelter, and more…is paying off. On Peter’s birthday, Steve threw a party for his friends and him.

Later that day, Peter finally left the streets to live in a group home. Today, he is thriving in Job Corp, learning to be a welder and on his way to his own job.

Satisfy the Needs On any given day in the city of Compton in South Central Los Angeles, gang violence and crime are the norm. Where some might look on Compton’s streets and see only the fights between the Bloods and the Crips, Steve sees the needs of the lost. He knows that God would not turn away. In fact, the God of the underdog—the God who “satisfies the needs of the oppressed”4— would run straight into Compton.

Because of this, Steve and RLC are “adopting” that city. Together with Young Life Greater Los Angeles, Real Life will fund a full-time staff person and provide Isaiah 58:10 Isaiah 58:6-12 6 Philippians 2:7 7 John 1:14 4

volunteers to hold club events, take kids to camp, and offer mentoring and muchneeded resources in Compton—in the very city that many choose to shun.

“It’s good to remember that we were all once poor,” Steve says. “Poverty is rooted in broken relationships with God, self, and others.” By going into Compton, Steve will not only satisfy the physical needs of the community, but he’ll also point them to God, who can satisfy their spiritual needs and restore their broken relationships.

Blameless is another of Steve’s ministries that satisfies the needs of the oppressed.

Blameless seeks to mend the broken hearts of women in the sex industry. Each month, Blameless visits women in strip clubs, and distributes gift bags of cosmetics, jewelry, a Bible, and a message of love and value.

Blameless also partners with organizations who specialize in after-care, providing women a place to stay while they are in counseling and recovery.

Shine the Light What happens when God’s people loose the chains of injustice, and share food with the hungry, and satisfy the needs of the oppressed? Isaiah writes, “Then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday….Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.”5 Steve spells out his mission for outreach this way: “Through the Gospel of Jesus, we will mobilize the church to serve through relationships that transform the world.”

His vision continues, “When we change, our surroundings change. When we are transformed by the Gospel, our world— near and far—is, too.”

And so, patterning after the Christ who made himself nothing6 and took on flesh to dwell among us,7 Steve Meyers goes

We cannot call ourselves the church—His hands and feet—if we are not seeking justice and mercy for the oppressed.

“Our city and county have begun to recognize that Real Life Church is a church that does things for the community,” Steve says. “It speaks volumes on what the church is or should be about—that we’re not afraid to mix it up with ‘the world,’ and not afraid to get dirty and work hard for people in need. The church is the answer. It’s so fun to see a community begin to realize that truth!”

straight into the world. Straight to the troubled children in the foster care system.

Straight to runaways living on the streets.

Straight to women caught in the sex industry, and—where else would the God of the underdog send him?—straight into Compton.

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CAMPUS NEWS

CONVOCATION BANQUET —AN OCC TRADITION

On August 17, the OCC family gathered at the annual Convocation Banquet to worship God and dedicate another school year to Him. Professor Michael DeFazio and his wife, Beth, spoke on Philippians 2, “Consider One Another.” As is our tradition, OCC administrators, trustees and faculty served the meal for the approximately 650 students on campus this fall.

OCC EMPLOYEE SERVICE AWARDS

GO, AMBASSADORS! This fall, OCC’s athletic teams continue to compete very well. Four members of the new men’s and women’s cross country team have already qualified for nationals in New York in November. Men’s soccer and women’s volleyball both have winning records thus far, too—soccer, with 8-2-1, and volleyball with 15-6. We’re proud, not only of how well our athletes compete, but more importantly of how they represent Christ as His ambassadors! (2 Corinthians 5:20)

Coach Tony Allmoslecher, Emilee Mitchell, Whitney Matlack, Susie Dowden, Sarah Kent, Abigail Terrill, Rickie Lea Duley, Kirsten Lovekamp, Brooklyn Presko, Tessa Lucas, Jennie Tamerius and Shea Pearson

Assistant Coach Andy Storms, Jesse Koskovick, Timmy Wesley, Tyler Endicott, Andrew Rogers, Weston Woodring, Josiah Weece, Skyler Davis, Nick Cannon, Sullivan Smith, Lauro Soto, Coach Kevin Greer, Austin Sather, Jake Sutherland, Evan Belk, Luis Ramos, Christian Clark, Alex Christian, Kelvin Maina, Nick Hilgediek, Taylor Hunt and Nate Wesley

Each year, OCC honors employees for their years of service to the college. At the first faculty and staff luncheon this fall, President Matt Proctor recognized Teresa Baker, Mindy Sloneker and Judy Welch (5 years); Chad Ragsdale and Damien Spikereit (10 years); Howell Henderson (15 years); Tim Runyon and Patti Bearden (20 years); Greg Hafer and Jennifer McMillin (25 years); Jill English and Mark Sloneker (30 years); and Jim Marcum (40 years).

We’re grateful for men and women who faithfully exemplify our aim, “…not to be served, but to serve.”

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Alex Wilson, Kelly Lange, Eddie Hardimon, Zayne Connatser, Dakotah Young, Coach Jeremy Butler, Emmy Dagnan, Jessica Williams and Dayzah Kelly

CAMPUS NEWS

ATTENTION, HIGH SCHOOL JUNIORS AND SENIORS…

IT’S A BARN RAISIN’!

OCC’s Student Ambassadors are here to serve you! Our Admissions Counselors will contact you to help you through the application process. When you schedule a campus visit with your family, church or school, a Campus Host will guide your tour. And every high school junior, senior or transfer student who takes a Tuesday Tour receives a $500 OCC scholarship for tuition or room and board. For more about Student Ambassadors and Tuesday Tours, visit occ-admissions.com.

We asked, and you answered! Thank you for your generous gifts toward the construction of a storage barn for our Physical Plant Department. The barn, which sits on the northeast corner of the college property, will store equipment from our Grounds, Custodial and Maintenance departments.

2015-2016 FRONTLINE

Jacob Chandler, Shelby Ingalls, Micah Balu, Gabrielle Brotzman, Vanessa Cox, Logan Carrigan, Ryan Dufoe, Samantha MacIntyre, Samuel Funderburgh and Jesse Furst

Marcus Schaeffer, Madison Oberg, Josiah Javier, Rachel Owsley, Caleb DeRoin, Grace Smith, Alia Alzyoud, Olivia Johnson, Shane Robison and Trevor Bachofner

Frontline is an auditioned team of OCC students that travels throughout the country, leading worship at churches, youth retreats and conferences. The group also performs concerts and offers worship team training for churches. Frontline travels two weekends each month and eight weeks each summer, and is now available for bookings. For more information and to schedule Frontline at your church or event, email frontline@occ.edu.

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CAMPUS NEWS

DEAF MINISTRY STUDENTS TRAVEL TO ST. LOUIS

AACC 2015 IN TENNESSEE

Last September, deaf ministry students attended the 22nd annual National Christian Convention of the Deaf, held in St. Louis, MO. They also traveled to Fulton, MO, to visit Missouri School for the Deaf, interview and share a meal with deaf Christians, and learn more about deaf ministry opportunities. The group was led by OCC professor Mary Alice Gardner.

THANK YOU, JASON CASEY! Professors Peter Buckland and Dr. Gary Zustiak traveled with eight students to the American Association of Christian Counselors Convention at the Opryland Convention Center in Nashville, TN. Each year, the plenary sessions at the AACC include speakers such as John Ortberg, Joni Eareckson Tada, Matt Chandler, John Townsend and Ed Stetzer. Students choose from a variety of workshop track options on counseling topics like eating disorders, brain trauma, play therapy and more. Students also have the chance to sit in on classes taught by the very people who write their textbooks.

OCC students have attended the AACC for eight years. Next year’s convention will be held in Dallas, TX.

Many thanks to Hodell Window Covering for donating and installing motorized, retractable shades for OCC’s Mabee Student Center! The company’s president is Ozark alum Jason Casey. Jason’s generous gift will make “the Stu” even more functional for the campus.

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HEARD IN CHAPEL Our college family continues to be challenged by outstanding messages in Chapel each Tuesday. Listen to the messages at OCC.edu/media, or watch the messages on Ozark’s YouTube channel. Here’s a taste of what we’ve heard recently.

“

Young emerging leaders need older leaders to tell them where the dragon hides.

”

- Randy Gariss, 8.25.15

Admonish one another | occ.edu/media

“

If you have a problem with submission, you really have a problem with Christianity.

”

- Doug Aldridge, 9.1.15

Submit to one another | occ.edu/media

“

The challenge in our time is THAT we can be physically present, but mentally and emotionally present somewhere else.

We need a generation of ministers who can be really present.

”

- Mike Ackerman, 9.8.15

Forbear with one another | occ.edu/media TO INFORM

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LEADERSHIP

OCC central midfielder Taylor Hunt lines up against Southwestern College. A preaching major and senior from Owasso, OK, Taylor is a leader on and off the field-as co-captain of the soccer team, and as a Resident Assistant in Boatman Hall.

presents the 2015 Living Christmas Tree:

If You're Missing

Baby Jesus...

Thursday, December 3 7:30 p.m.

Friday, December 4 7:30 p.m.

(Deaf Interpretation available)

Saturday, December 5 4:00 and 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, December 6 4:00 and 7:30 p.m.

TICKET PRICES:

$7.00 for adults overflow seats or under 12 $5.00 forchildren

Tickets go on sale Monday, October 26!

Online at occ.edu/lct

Over the phone 417.626.1221

In person Ticket Desk in the OCC Chapel foyer

Ticket Desk is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m to 4:00 p.m., beginning October 26.

MEET YOUR OCC FAMILY Getting to know the people of Ozark Christian College

TERESA BAKER: FAMILY, FARM AND FOOD

Teresa’s favorite way to spend the day? Outside with family. “We love to just hang out, picnic, or go fishing together.

I want to teach my grandkids to enjoy God’s creation—that fun isn’t about spending money or watching TV.”

From her four-year-old twin granddaughters to her husband of 35 years, family is Teresa’s highest priority.

Half-an-hour northeast of Joplin is Carthage, MO, and just north of Carthage—far enough from town that only one other house is visible— lives Teresa Baker. Teresa grew up in Carthage as the youngest of six kids. Her father passed away when she was just ten years old, and her mother, whom Teresa calls “the most unselfish woman I know,” went to work to provide for the family.

Teresa attended Missouri Southern State University before marrying her husband, Ron, and moving to the farm.

Teresa learned from her mother-in-law how to live and work on a farm, and she stayed home with their two children, Jeremy and Jessica, until they graduated from high school. In 2010, Teresa came to work in the OCC cafeteria.

“I started at the cash register, and then moved to a cook,” Teresa recalls. Today, Teresa serves as OCC’s Food Services Director, managing a staff of 45-50 people, ordering food, planning menus, and tracking inventory and budgets. Teresa also trains and mentors her student staff, intentionally and graciously making her role not just meal prep, but ministry.

“Years ago, Julie Gariss led a women’s Bible study on Ephesians, and that book has been a favorite ever since. I especially love chapter 1, about all the blessings God prepared for us.”

Tomatoes, green beans, peppers, corn…Teresa combines her love for gardening with her love for cooking. She makes homemade salsa, spaghetti sauce, applesauce and more.

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COMING SOON Upcoming events at OCC

NOVEMBER 13-14: THE EVENT What defines you? At OCC’s fall teen conference, “The Event,” high schoolers will hear about their “Defining Image” from speaker Jason Epperson and worship leader Jon-Michael Bontrager. The world tries to redefine us, but we’ve been created in God’s image and transformed into Christ’s image. occ.edu/theevent

FEBRUARY 2-3: INTERNATIONAL FOCUS WEEK You’re invited to join us for International Focus Week—a time set aside each year to focus on the global aspect of the Great Commission—this February at OCC. This year, we’ll explore Biblical Justice, and hear from Rapha House Co-founder and Executive Director Stephanie Freed, as well as representatives from International Justice Mission and Blackbox International.

Watch occ.edu/ifw for details.

DECEMBER 3-6: LIVING CHRISTMAS TREE This December, OCC’s Living Christmas Tree celebrates its 31st year. If You’re Missing Baby Jesus… is set in a small town in North Dakota in the 1950s. When a family discovers an “extra” baby Jesus in their newly purchased nativity set, they join the townsfolk at Hinkley’s Hardware Store to solve the dilemma and celebrate around their giant “singing” tree.

Choose from six performances: Thursday, December 3 - 7:30 p.m.

Friday, December 4 - 7:30 p.m. (Deaf interpretation available) Saturday, December 5 - 4:00 and 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, December 6 - 4:00 and 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $7 for adults, and $5 for overflow seats and children under 12. Tickets go on sale Monday, October 26, and may be purchased online at occ.edu/lct, over the phone at 417.626.1221, or in person at the Ticket Desk in the OCC Chapel foyer.

The Ticket Desk is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., beginning October 26. occ.edu/lct

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COMING SOON Upcoming events at OCC

FEBRUARY 22-24: PREACHING-TEACHING CONVENTION

APRIL 8-9: WOMEN’S CONFERENCE

This year’s Preaching-Teaching Convention is sure to encourage and equip you and your ministry. Main speakers Dave Stone, Dudley Rutherford and others will explore the theme, Greater Than: Trusting in the Greatness of God. The convention officially begins Monday evening at 7:00 p.m., but three pre-convention seminars will be held earlier that day. In addition to six main sessions, Preaching-Teaching also includes workshops, special events for OCC alumni, and children’s programming throughout the week. occ.edu/pt

Ladies, mark your calendars and invite a friend for this spring’s Women’s Conference at OCC. We’ll hear from main speaker Jodi Hickerson (Mission Church in Ventura, CA) as we worship together. We’ll also enjoy workshops, late-night games, and more. Watch occ.edu/womensconference for more.

APRIL 22-23: DEEPER LIFE Each April at Deeper Life, we seek to take high schoolers and youth leaders deeper in the Word, deeper in prayer, and deeper in relationship with the God who loves them. In addition to main sessions with OCC’s Dr. Mark Scott and Damien Spikereit, students will attend breakout sessions and worship with Frontline. occ.edu/deeperlife

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HERE’S AN IDEA Practical tips for your life and ministry

RESOURCES TO STIR YOUR HEART FOR GOD’S JUSTICE Dru Ashwell Dru Ashwell is Vice President of Alumni Relations and editor of The Ambassador.

God hears the cry of the brokenhearted. He always has. He always will. God loves the entire world but pays special attention to the brokenhearted.1 In the developing world, violence is an everyday threat for the poor. According to International Justice Mission, nearly 2 million children are exploited in the commercial sex trade, and 35 million people are held as modern-day slaves.2 God hears the cries of these victims. He hates injustice. He wants His church to be aware of what’s going on in the world and rise up in prayer and action.3 Ozark’s sister ministry, Christ In Youth (CIY), has produced several phenomenal, highquality videos that detail the unfortunate victims of injustice—especially those enslaved in sex trafficking and modern-day slavery.

These resources will hopefully help us live out the bold words and actions found in Proverbs 31:8: “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves: ensure justice for those being crushed” and Micah 6:8: “He has told you, O man, what is good and what the Lord requires of you…to do justice, to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”

Baht (2008) Spotlights the issue of sex trafficking around the world, especially in Thailand and Cambodia. Available for purchase on CIY’s website. store.ciy.com/ product/baht-dvd

Love Costs Everything (2011) A feature-length documentary that explores the persecuted church throughout the world, challenging us to help fight against persecution. Available for purchase on Amazon & CIY’s website. Trailer: vimeo.com/26161553

Tiharu (2013) This is a short film documentary that explores the issue of child slavery around the world, focusing specifically on the country of India. vimeo.com/66586071

Aullido4 (2015) This is a short film based on the true story of a boy in Guatemala who “spoke up against injustice.”

Trailer: vimeo.com/128621690

Shank, Harold. Listening to His Heartbeat: What the Bible Says About the Heart of God. College Press, 2009. ijm.org. CIY and IJM began a partnership in the fall of 2014.

3 In Psalm 10:17 we read, “You hear, O LORD, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry, defending the fatherless and the oppressed, in order that man, who is of the earth, may terrify no more.”

4 This film has already won a Justice Film Festival award and is an official selection for the Heartland Film Festival—one of the most well-respected film festivals in the U.S. 1 2

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2016 Preaching-Teaching Convention

FEB. 22-24

Rusty George

Dave Stone

Cam Huxford

Michael DeFazio

Jordan Rice

Shepherd of the Hills Worship Band

Danny Curry

Dudley Rutherford

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YOUR PARTNERSHIP Helpful tools for Christian stewardship

IN THE PERSPECTIVE OF TIME David Duncan David Duncan serves as OCC’s Planned Giving Specialist.

I was young, anxious, impatient, willing and in need of good advice.

Ray, a life-mentor, said, “Well David, in the perspective of time…”

I honestly don’t remember what came next, but I’ve never forgotten that phrase. In fact, regardless of what is happening—good or bad—I often remember Ray’s wise words.

TRIBUTE GIFTS JUNE 17-SEPTEMBER 22, 2015 In Loving Memory: Don Earl Boatman Carrie Briggs Leon & Carrie Briggs Ruth Bunton

One interesting thing that happens in the perspective of time is that dollars saved (or invested) grow into more and more dollars. Ray also says, “Money makes money and the money money makes makes money.”

If you’ve invested—and, over time, watched your money grow—perhaps it’s time to consider what you could do with those dollars in the Lord’s kingdom.

A scholarship fund? A building for a mission church? A Bible translation? A child sponsorship, a well project, and on and on go the possibilities.

If it’s time for you to bring some perspective to your charitable giving—and if you’d like some help—I’d love to do what I can. Feel free to call (417-4374774) or email (duncan.david@occ.edu) at any time.

And oh yes. I’m sure that if we need his help, Ray is willing, too. Hope to talk to you soon!

For more information about charitable giving options, go to occ.edu/plannedgiving.

Tribute Gift Form In Loving Memory Of…

PLEASE PRINT

In Honor Of… Name

Given By:

Enclosed is my gift of:

Name Address

Jayne Ellen Chrouser Marita Deis Harold (Buddy) Francis Charles Greer Eileen Johnson Kent Johnson Judy Lanham Pete Lanyon Reva McMillan Connie Mieir Ben Moore Don Moore H. Dean Price Keith Shrum Betty St. Clair Calvin & Betty St. Clair Sam & Louise Tate Betty Jo Tudenham Jean Weece Kathy Weece Leonard & Mae Weece Linda Weece Roy Weece Daniel Wilson

City/State/Zip

Please send acknowledgement to: Name Address City/State/Zip Use separate paper for additional names.

Seth Wilson

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M/M Gene Weece Janice Cornwall M/M Kenneth Parten M/M Floyd M. Smith M/M Ken M. Ansley Barbara Barger Mary Brinkmeyer Coworkers of Adam Bunton M/M Donald Burns M/M Oliver Campbell M/M James Cook, Jr. M/M Tom Crockett Phyllis Greer M/M Richard Hoevet Irwin Community Church (Irwin, MO) Diana L. Jones M/M Kelly Lawson Ruth Otterbach Jeff Peterson M/M Max Proctor M/M Carter Pugh M/M Caleb Robertson Betty Schiltz Ron Schiltz Auto Sales, LLC M/M Lee Storm M/M James Taylor Margaret Wattenbarger M/M Joseph E. Wetzel Bruce B. Chrouser M/M Gene Weece M/M Larry Catron M/M Gene Weece Dr. Patrick H. Johnson Maxine Keely Dr. Patrick H. Johnson David M. Lanham M/M Gene Weece M/M James Ringer William H. Mieir M/M Donald R. Moore M/M Gene Weece Barbara W. Price M/M James Taylor M/M Gene Weece M/M James Taylor M/M Gene Weece M/M Gene Weece M/M Jack Hubbard Lighthouse Class M/M Gene Weece M/M Gene Weece M/M Gene Weece M/M Gene Weece M/M Gene Weece Jane Adkisson M/M James Allman, Jeff Allman, & Tracy Allman M/M Bobby Bennett The Gary Roberts family M/M Jim Strait M/M Phillip J. Walton M/M Randy L. Wilson Donna M. Wilson M/M Roger H. Woodrome M/M Gene Weece

ALUMNI NEWS Updates from alumni around the world

TRIBUTE GIFTS continued Charles & Dorothy Wittenborn Shirley Lyttle

Louise York

In Honor Of:

Connor & Natalia Farris Doug Miller Matt Proctor Woody & Rose Wilkinson

Meredith & Heather Williams

M/M David Wittenborn Chris Casper family M/M Larry Catron M/M Larry D. Cooper Julia K. Greer Margaret J. Harney Steve Harney family Cale W. Hudson M/M Russell D. Janney William H. Mieir, Sr. Robin Schultz family M/M James Taylor M/M Richard M. Webster, Jr. M/M Carroll G. Wheat M/M Roy S. Wheeler M/M Forrest A. Young M/M Max D. York

M/M Lawrence N. Bratcher M/M Charles J. Smith Vera Mushrush M/M Randall Gilby Myrtle Owings Virginia Taylor M/M Gene Weece M/M Rick Jett, Sr. M/M Michael D. Lee

MARK YOUR CALENDARS! 2016 ALUMNI SPECIAL EVENTS AT OCC Class Reunions Tuesday, February 23 – 8:45 pm We will celebrate the graduating classes of 1956, 1966, 1976, 1986, 1996 and 2006.

Alumni Banquet Wednesday, February 24 – 4:00 pm

OCC Ministry Center Director Bob Witte shares with the 80+ people who attended the Joplin OCConnect luncheon on September 14.

GOT NEWS? We’d love to hear it! If you’ve taken a new job, changed addresses or ministry positions, had a wedding or a baby—or anything else—we want to know! Contact the Alumni Office online (occ.edu – Alumni Services page), via email (alumni@OCC.edu), or over the phone (417.626.1234 ext. 2100). We even like snail mail! (1111 N Main, Joplin, MO 64801) We look forward to hearing from you!

ALUMNI PROJECT GOAL: OVER HALFWAY THERE! Let’s finish strong and complete all of the needed classroom upgrades this year. Will you please consider a generous, monthly gift? You can set up recurring donations at occ.edu/donate. After filling out your contact information, under Category & Funds, select Alumni Fund – Classroom Upgrades, and under Donation Frequency, select Recurring Donation. Thank you for your generous support of this worthy investment!

OCC faculty, staff and alumni served students at the Welcome Back Barbecue on August 15.

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ALUMNI NEWS: CONGRATULATIONS

Caleb (10) and Sally Heard (attended) Lyles on the birth of Luke Monroe on August 14 in Springfield, MO.

Joel (06) and Amanda Stetler on the birth of Drake Gaston on July 22 in Denver, CO.

Jordan and Karin Klein (attended) Adkins on the official adoption of Sadie Grace on October 1. Sadie has lived with her new family since she was a newborn over two-and-a-half years ago.

Nathan (06) and Tessa Pemberton (07) Lawson on the birth of twin boys Boaz Basil and Moses Gregory on September 23 in Greenville, NC.

Trey (attended) and Beth Harrison (15) Benke on the birth of Riley Grace on October 2 in Anacortes, WA, where Trey serves in the U.S. military.

J.D. (13) and Heather Gilbertson (11) Miller on the adoption of Seberina “Skye” on June 22 in Kimberling City, MO.

Justin (14) and Andrea Rees (attended) Braker on the arrival of Davis Lee on September 15 in Newton, KS.

Dale and Christy Wiyrick (attended) Nyhus on the birth of Tyler Kenneth on August 18 in Little Rock, AR.

Justin (04) and Amanda Brodie on the birth of Hope Leah on July 5 in Canton, OK.

Clay (11) and Mica O’Dell on the birth of Everett Mitchell on September 21 in Fayetteville, AR.

Jude (98) and Celesta Wilson (95) Champagne on the arrival of Joanna Jynae on October 1 in Joplin.

Cody (attended) and Jessie Trujillo (12) Papinchock on the birth of Jonah Oliver Grey in Omaha, NE.

James (attended) and Elly Moreno (11) Daniel on the birth of Carlos James on September 12 in Joplin.

Rick (02) and Ann Water (03) Randleman on the arrival of Lex Marcus on April 15 in St. Joseph, MO.

Chase (15) and Ariel Dennis (14) Dilworth on the arrival of Annistyn Nicole on September 3 in Bloomington, IL.

Corey (02) and Leah Benson (02) Scott on the birth of Caleb Micah on July 22 in Springfield, MO.

Jason (09) and Caitlin Donato on the birth of Adler Middleton on August 10, 2014 in Normal, IL. Jason is residence director of the men’s dormitory at Lincoln Christian University in Lincoln, IL. Micah (14) and Tosha Lowry (14) Funderburgh on the birth of Penny LeAnn on September 10 in Joplin.

Tim (06) and Shauna Thomure (04/former staff) Casey on the birth of Truett Hope on April 2 in Webb City, MO.

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Dallas (05) and Alpha Brown (05) Henry on the birth of Ezra Lewis on August 15 in Wilmington, IL. Bryce (12) and Kelsey Green (12) Hotchkiss on the arrival of Chandler Dean on October 5 in Pittsburg, KS.

Jason (14) and Taylor Robinson (attended) St. Clair on the arrival of Peyton Elayne on October 2 in Joplin.

Mike (07) and Kathryn Schrage (06) Tucker on the birth of Ethan James on September 14 in Farmington, AR. Corey (07) and Trisha Smith (04) Williams on the birth of Olivia Jane on June 30 in Valencia, CA. Adam and Jill Davis (06) Winkler on the birth of Logan Davis on March 6 in Joplin.

ALUMNI NEWS: OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY Julia Armstrong (attended) passed away in Wichita, KS, on July 10.

Remember her family as they mourn her passing.

David Ray Carnes (attended) passed away on August 7 at his home in Manning, SC. Please remember his wife and family as they adjust to life without David.

Jayne Hardee Chrouser (78) passed away on February 19 in Lee’s Summit, MO. Please remember her husband and their children as they mourn her passing.

Pray for the family of Jennifer Clonts (attended), who passed away on July 29 in Sullivan, MO, as they adjust to losing her at only 38 years of age.

Phil Cook (73-M) passed away on September 11 in Oklahoma City, OK. Continue to remember his wife Carlene Segroves (74-M) and their family in your prayers at this difficult time.

Following an extended illness, Shirley Lyttle (attended/former staff ), passed away on September 4 in Joplin. Keep her husband Bob (55/former staff and trustee) and her family in your prayers as they adjust to life without Shirley.

Pray for the family of Ardis Curd, widow of Jim Curd (former faculty), on her passing in Joplin on September 30 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Ronnie Fagras (74) passed away in Whiteland, IN, on May 20. Please continue to remember his family in your prayers as they mourn his passing.

Bill Irwin (52/58) passed away on September 2 in Quincy, IL. Remember Bill’s family as they mourn his passing after an illness.

Keep the family of Roy “Sonny” Taylor (attended), who passed away on September 4 in Pittsburg, KS, in your prayers as they mourn his passing.

W. Dennis Watson (attended) passed away on September 17 in Nashville, MO, following a battle with dementia.

Remember his sons and extended family in your prayers as they mourn his passing.

ALUMNI NEWS: CLASS NOTES

1960s Gary (72/former staff ) and Randa Corbin (71/former staff ) Reed have rejoined the staff of First CC in Miami, OK, where Gary will serve as minister of visitation and discipleship. The Reeds live in Joplin.

Best wishes to Lloyd Hamilton (76) who retired from a 23-year ministry with the White Oak CC in Cincinnati, OH, on August 23.

Congratulations to Dr. John (67/74) and Jan Stenzinger (attended) Caldwell who celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on August 15. The Caldwells live in Plainfield, IN.

1970s John Catrett (71/72-M) serves at OHNL Hospice as a bereavement care coordinator and chaplain on a full-time basis. He is also a chaplain with Millennium Hospice in Tulsa, OK, where he lives.

Dr. Don Ott (76) has recently served on teaching ministry teams in Cuba, the Philippines and Australia. He continues to have his counseling practice in Russellville, AR. Blaine (78) and Boyd (78) Cornwell enjoyed their profession as caddies on the pro-golf tour from 1987-2008, and they currently enjoy serving in Christian leadership ministry. One of their services has been with Team Focus, an organization that mentors young men ages 10-18 without fathers in their homes. The Cornwells have provided music for summer camps in Ohio and Kentucky, incorporating Scripture with music from the 60s and even providing some “twin magic” for the kids. Blaine and Boyd share their talents in many churches and wherever they can share the good news of Jesus Christ.

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ALUMNI NEWS: CLASS NOTES

1980s Dr. Max High (80) is working as a licensed Christian marriage and family therapist with the Groveland Family Counseling Center in Clermont, FL. Stephen Welch (87) is serving as pastor of the Coldenham Reformed Presbyterian Church in Walden, NY, leaving a ministry in Nova Scotia, Canada.

1990s Jeff Jordan (90) is serving as preaching/ pastoral minister with the Forsyth CC in Forsyth, MO, leaving an eight-year ministry in Linn Creek, MO. His wife Phyllis Heltzel (attended) is working as a para-legal in Springfield, MO. Dan Raymond (91) is serving as preaching minister with the Son-Rise CC in Marshfield, MO, leaving an associate ministry in Grove, MO. Chaplain Derrick Horne (92) is currently deployed in Europe with his troops, Marine Logistics Battalion 6, based in Camp Lejeune, NC.

Rick Randleman (02) writes that he is starting his eighth year serving the Central CC in Saint Joseph, MO. He is also the part-time campus minister with Christian Campus Fellowship at Missouri Western State University.

Matthew (05) and Tiffany Evans (05) Carmichael have joined the staff of Ninos de Mexico in Mexico City, as house parents at one of the ministry orphanages.

Mark McCoy (05) is serving as discipleship pastor with the Antioch CC in Marion, IA, leaving a fifteen-year ministry in Colony, KS. Jonathan Mitchell (06) recently became the executive pastor at The Bridge in Maryville, MO, leaving a ministry in DeMotte, IN. Braden (08) and Lindsey Dean (07) Etcheson are living in Roachdale, IN, where he serves as senior minister with Roachdale CC and she is the children’s and family minister.

Jason Evans (93) left a ministry in East Prairie, MO, to become youth pastor with the Cornerstone CC in Fredonia, KS. After closing out his years of teaching English in China, Sonny Essert (96) is working as a Native American recruiter for Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant, OK, and serving as an adjunct instructor with the Native American Institute at SOSU. Jed Mullenix (99) is serving as lead pastor of the First CC in Council Bluffs, IA, leaving a ministry in Lowell, MA.

2000s Congratulations to Jerad Joslin (00), who recently celebrated ten years as youth minister with the First CC in Miami, OK.

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Paul Burhart (07) is serving as worship and youth minister with the Olathe CC in Olathe, KS, leaving a ministry in Adrian, MO.

ALUMNI NEWS: CLASS NOTES

Jenny Finch (07) is working as a counselor with the Children’s Advocacy Center in Benton County, AR, where she counsels children who have been abused physically, sexually, or in some other manner. Jenny lives in Lowell, AR, and is actively involved as a volunteer with the Fellowship Bible Church in Rogers.

Jordan Andler (14) and Janie Weece (current student) were married in Joplin on October 3.

Ryan Shoemake (07) and Courtney Moore were married on July 31 in Rogers, AR. They are making their home in Joplin, where he is a pharmacist with Walgreens and she teaches at Webb City High School.

Jacob Williams (08) is serving as an area staff member with Youth Dynamics in Anacortes, WA, where his emphasis will be working with skateboarders in the community. His wife, Jennifer Ackerman (08), is teaching 4th-5th graders online with Washington Virtual Christian Academy.

Tracy Fanning (09) is working as a massage therapist in Chicago, IL, while volunteering at La Villita Community Church. She plays sax in the praise team, oversees the Sunday School program, and volunteers in various community events.

Elizabeth Amigo (10) and Jim Rogers were united in marriage on September 26 in Rogers, AR. Aaron Pier (10) is serving as youth minister with the First CC in Washington, MO, leaving a ministry in Whiting, IA. Cassa Maxwell (11) and Brock O’Cull were married in Joplin on September 6.

Andrew Snell (current student) and Becca Maslikowski (14) were married in Joplin on September 20.

Dane Voorhees (14) and Shelby Cox (14) were married on August 9 and are making their home in Longmont, CO. Justin Ebert (15) is serving as youth pastor with the Central Community Church in Wichita, KS. Shane Wyly (11) and Samantha Rhan were married on October 10. He serves as student pastor with Manchester CC in Manchester, NH.

Jordan Hull (13) is serving as associate minister with the Olathe CC in Olathe, KS, leaving a ministry in Iola, KS. Caleb Hutchcraft (13) is serving as high school youth minister with the Southeast CC-Indiana campus in Jeffersonville, IN. Daniel Bayes (14) and Katie Huey (15) were married in Joplin on July 25. They will continue to live in Joplin while Katie finishes nursing school and he works locally.

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ALUMNI NEWS: CLASS NOTES

ATTENDED

BOOKS

Eddie Penner and April Brubaker were married on June 13. They are making their home in Topeka, KS, where she is an elementary teacher.

Returning Well: Your Guide to Thriving Back “Home” After Serving Cross-Culturally by Melissa Mitchell (03) Chaplin. returningwell.com

FACULTY/STAFF Congratulations to Clifford Wert (trustee) of Webb City, MO, who was recently selected by the Joplin Business Journal as one of the Regional Men of Distinction for 2015.

ARTICLES Christian Standard August “Family: Our Sacred Cow” by Randy Gariss (77/current faculty) “An Educational Experiment in Excellence” by Dr. Mark Moore (86/former faculty) September “How Millennials View Work” by Dr. Gary Zustiak (current faculty) October “Chasing After Integrity” by Randy Gariss (77/current faculty) “Overcoming the Dark Side of Leadership” by Matt Proctor (93/president) “Our Reading Group” by Chad Ragsdale (current faculty) The Lookout August 9 “Essentials of the Restoration Movement” by Dr. H. Lynn Gardner (61/former faculty) “Disputable Matters” by Victor Knowles (former faculty) September 13 “Effective Listening” by Dr. H. Lynn Gardner (61/former faculty)

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TO CONNECT

Dedicated: Training Your Children to Trust and Follow Jesus by Jason Houser, Bobby Harrington and Chad Harrington (09). Published by Zondervan.

The End of Me: Where Real Life in the Upside-Down Ways of Jesus Begins by Kyle Idleman (98). Published by David C. Cook.

Messy Grace: How a Pastor with Gay Parents Learned to Love Others Without Sacrificing Conviction by Caleb Kaltenbach (00). Published by WaterBrook Press. messygracebook.com

WANT TO BE THE

DIFFERENCE? BECOME A MONTHLY PARTNER LIKE DAN AND KAREN AT OCC.EDU/DONATE.

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That so many individuals and churches partner with Ozark to invest in these students truly demonstrates a shared

commitment to train the next generation of Christian servant leaders in the Word of God. During the four years our daughter was a student, we grew to appreciate OCC even more. The caliber of professors and the obvious care they demonstrate for their students is outstanding.

And we love that a missions mindset is instilled in every student.

We look forward to a continued partnership with Ozark Christian College, and we encourage others to help BE THE DIFFERENCE.” -DAN AND KAREN STASSIN OCC.EDU/THEDIFFERENCE

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ONE MORE THING A final thought from our assistant editor

OLD JEANS WON’T FIT Amy Storms

Does perception equal reality? Not always!

Case in point: when I pull on a pair of old jeans. My self-perception says, “These will fit! I’m the same size I was 20 years ago!”

But reality replies, “Uh, no offense…but who do you think you’re kidding?”

My God-perception is sometimes wrong, too. I have thoughts and feelings about the Lord that simply aren’t the truth.

align with Scripture…those old jeans won’t fit. They aren’t the truth.

blessings you don’t deserve and forgiveness you can’t earn.”

When Moses encountered the Lord on Mount Sinai, he got a dose of reality. Moses learned what God is really like. He couldn’t handle the whole picture—it would’ve been too much for him—so God hid Moses, and walked by, and proclaimed His name:

“I am also completely just,” He continued.

“My justice is better than what you call ‘fair.’

It shines as brightly as the sun at noon.”2

“God is apathetic—He doesn’t care! He won’t step in to set things right.”

“The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet He does not leave the guilty unpunished; He punishes the children and their children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation.”1

But if my perceptions about God—even my deeply held beliefs about Him—don’t

“Moses, let me tell you who I AM,” God said. “I am completely merciful. I give you

“God is disappointed in me! I’ve outsinned His mercy this time.”

1 2

Exodus 34:6-7 Psalm 37:6

Amy Storms is a wife, mother, Strong Hall dorm mom, and Coordinator of Community Relations at OCC.

And speaking of shining…Moses left that mountaintop beaming with God’s glory.

His face was so bright that Israel was afraid to come near, because the truth of God’s character surpasses what we believe Him to be. His dose of reality is better than our best perception.

Old jeans won’t fit, but an encounter with the Lord—with His mercy and with His justice, in His truth and in His presence— leaves us radiant with reality.