Fall 2018 Ambassador Magazine

the

ambassador

the magazine of ozark christian college

It Takes a LEADER FALL 2018 LEADING LIKE JESUS OCC’s new Organizational Leadership program p. 6 THE MARSHMALLOW IRON Remembering Dr. Lynn Gardner p. 14 THANKS A MILLION! OCC receives a $1 million gift p. 23

CONTENTS TO INSPIRE President’s Perspective Matt Proctor “Houston, we have a problem.”

Featured Theme Amy Storms

A Christ-centered approach to leadership

Organizational Leadership at OCC

Introducing OCC’s newest academic program

Bible Words Jon Kehrer

An in-depth look at the language of Scripture

Ambassador Spotlight: Kevin Dooley Matt Proctor Some leaders are settlers, some are pioneers

4 6 8 9 10

TO INFORM Campus News

Recent happenings at OCC

The Big Picture

A snapshot of life around campus

Meet Your OCC Family

Introducing Ozark faculty member, Dr. Rick Cherok

Coming Soon

Upcoming events at OCC

12 16 19 20

TO CONNECT Here’s an Idea Damien Spikereit Five leadership lessons I’m learning

Your Partnership Sergio Rizo

Helpful tools for Christian stewardship

Alumni News

Updates from alumni around the world

One More Thing Amy Storms A final thought from our editor

22 24 26 32

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

Design: Lauren White Creative

Contributing Editors: Kathy Bowers, Jill English, Matt Proctor, Amy Storms

Contributing Photographers: Mark Neuenschwander, Lori Sisk ( Joplin Globe), creativecommons.org Contact: Ozark Christian College 1111 N. Main Joplin, MO 64801 hello@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. Ozark Christian College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE). OCC is also a Candidate for Accreditation with Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE Matt Proctor has served as president of Ozark Christian College since 2006.

IT TAKES A LEADER: WHY OZARK IS LAUNCHING AN ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP MAJOR

Matt Proctor

“Everything rises and falls on leadership.” 1 The movie Apollo 13 tells the true story of astronauts James Lovell, Fred Haise, and James Swaggart. On their way to the moon, an explosion in the oxygen tank leaves them in a crippled spacecraft 200,000 miles from Earth. They are running out of power, losing cabin heat, and low on drinkable water. Their flight trajectories are off.

“Houston, we have a problem.”

Suddenly, these three astronauts find themselves depending on a little community of NASA scientists to save them.

impossible tasks. At one point, the carbon dioxide levels in the Apollo 13 cabin are rising to dangerous levels, and the astronauts will soon lose consciousness. The only solution is to make a square filter fit into a round hole, and they have only the materials in the spacecraft to do it.

The engineers in Houston spread the parts on a table, trying one configuration after another. Nothing is working, but Kranz’s words keep pushing them: “Failure is not an option.” Finally they devise a makeshift filter, and NASA figures out what most of us now know: when nothing else works, try duct tape.

A Group of Unlikely Heroes

It Takes a Leader

These NASA guys are not your normal movie heroes. They do not have chiseled good looks, comedic wit, or superpowers. They are engineers—full-on nerds with glasses and pocket protectors and math degrees and limited social skills. Do you know how to spot an extroverted engineer? When he mumbles, he stares at your shoes instead of his own. The engineering school my nephew attended had a guy-to-girl ratio of 7-to-1, and the girls on campus had a saying: “The odds are good, but the goods are odd.”

Unlikely heroes indeed.

NASA engineers like their world in perfect order, every detail triple-checked, and now their tightly scripted moon mission has been thrown into chaos. Nothing is going according to plan.

They are grasping for solutions, arguing among themselves.

Things do not look good.

At that moment, in steps Flight Director Gene Kranz (played by actor Ed Harris), and Kranz takes control of the situation.

He overhears one of the engineers say to his superiors, “This will be the worst disaster in the history of NASA.” Kranz visibly straightens, squares his shoulders, and replies with a steel edge, “With all due respect, sir, I believe this will be our finest hour.”

Kranz focuses his team, challenging them to tackle seemingly

4

TO INSPIRE

1 2

Then the real test—no one is certain the space capsule will withstand the heat of re-entering the earth’s atmosphere. One writer describes watching the movie scene: The suspense is heightened when, during re-entry, the crew of the Apollo 13 is out of radio contact for four minutes.

Life and death are on the line. The silence lasts an eternity.

The whole world holds its breath: Will they make it home?

Finally, out of the silence, amid a rumbling of static, a voice is heard: “This is Apollo.” The men are safe. They are home.

People on-screen start jumping up and down. Engineers who wouldn’t know a feeling if it smacked them upside the head are dancing and embracing and pounding each other on the back. People in the theater watching the film are laughing and crying...

Then, in the midst of the pandemonium, the camera pans back to Gene Kranz in the control room at NASA. He is simply standing there, with emotion too deep for words. And you realize, watching, that his whole life—his work as a scientist, his dreams and labor, his every thought—have led up to this one shining moment. And you realize that though he may live many more years, grow to be an old man, and do many things, this is his finest hour. 2

John Maxwell, The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1998.

John Ortberg, Everybody’s Normal Till You Get to Know Them, Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2003.

NASA had lots of smart people, but without Gene Kranz, who knows if those astronauts would have made it home? It took a leader to focus the team of engineers. Every successful team needs a leader. A sports team needs a smart coaching staff.

A business will not succeed without excellent management.

An army is only as good as its commanding officers. When leadership is strong, an organization flourishes. When leadership is weak, an organization falters.

John Maxwell calls this the Law of the Lid: “Leadership ability is always the lid on organizational effectiveness.” 3 On a scale of 1-10, if your leadership rates a 9, your team can become a 9. But if your leadership is only at a 4, your team’s effectiveness will never be greater than a 4. A team will never rise higher than its leaders.

Everything rises and falls on leadership…which means the Church needs the best leaders it can find.

But in any given local church—without a Gene Kranz to step in, provide focus, and inspire people forward—the congregation can argue, grow distracted or even apathetic in its mission. If everything rises and falls on leadership, then in a very real sense, the fate of the world is tied to the efforts of a frighteningly small group of people called church leaders.

Wow. No pressure.

That’s why we at OCC are equipping students with ministry leadership skills. Leonard Ravenhill tells of a group of American tourists in Great Britain, overwhelmed by England’s rich history, the notable men born in the small towns dotting the countryside.

In one hamlet, an old man sat whittling, uninterested in the camera-toting Americans. One tourist asked in a patronizing tone, “Were any great men born in this village?”

“Nope,” replied the old man. “Only babies.”

Leaders are made, not born. While some are given leadership gifts (Rom 12:8), no one comes fully equipped for leadership The Most Strategic Organization in the World greatness. Leadership is a learned craft. So at Ozark, we prepare our students: Like those engineers, the Church is an unlikely group of heroes. “Few of you were wise in the world’s eyes or powerful or • By studying leadership examples in Scripture, whether wealthy when God called you,” writes Paul. 4 If you were looking Nehemiah or Esther or Timothy or Jesus for a group to save the world, you wouldn’t choose the ragtag • By requiring practical leadership classes, teaching bunch of sinners you find in most church buildings on Sunday everything from team-building and budget-building to morning. vision casting and strategic planning Yet like the men at Mission Control, the Church has been • By hiring practitioner faculty with actual leadership given a lifesaving task. Only the Church has been entrusted with experience, because “you teach what you know, but you the message of Jesus Christ. Only the Church has been entrusted reproduce who you are” with the power of the Holy Spirit. Only the Church has been • By bringing in guest lecturers, currently serving in entrusted with the Great Commission. In the battle of the ages, frontline kingdom leadership only the Church has been entrusted with the last, triumphant • By requiring internships for every major, letting students offensive against the powers of darkness—the climactic chapter learn in the trenches from seasoned ministry veterans of redemptive history.

• By offering leadership resources, like the annual The Church is, quite simply, the most strategic organization on Preaching-Teaching Convention and the Unite student the planet. ministry gatherings Someone said, “The local church is the hope of the world.”

• By launching a new Organizational Leadership major When the Church is fulfilling its mission, the gospel is preached, this fall, allowing interested students to focus more sin is confronted, souls are saved, marriages are mended, children specifically on honing their leadership gifts are taught, addictions are broken, the hungry are fed, the Of course, no student is a complete grieving are comforted, the lonely are leader when they get their diploma at age welcomed, the wounded are healed, 22. There is no substitute for experience, communities are transformed, and and when our graduates get into ministry, nations are reached with the good they will learn things in the school of hard The future of the world news of Jesus Christ. knocks they couldn’t have learned in the The stakes are higher than NASA lies with the church, and classroom. But we trust the seeds planted ever faced. If we falter, people will at OCC will blossom in the years ahead. the future of the church perish. But if we fulfill our mission, And someday, when a church finds itself lies with her leaders. we will bring people safely Home. facing a crisis, disorganized, uncertain of Failure is not an option. how to proceed, we trust that an OCC graduate will be able to step in, unite the Leaders Are Made, Not Born team, give direction, and by God’s grace, The future of the world lies with lead them forward in kingdom work. In the church, and the future of the church lies with her leaders. To that moment, we trust they will feel a holy satisfaction and hear be clear, Christ is sovereign, and the gates of hell will not prevail God’s whisper, “Well done.” against his universal Church. 5 It will be their finest hour.

3 4 5

Maxwell.

1 Corinthians 1:26, NLT. Matthew 16:18.

TO INSPIRE

5

FEATURED THEME

LEADING LIKE JESUS: A LOOK AT OCC’S NEW ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

Amy Storms

OCC student Maddie Beasley has big plans.

“I want to run my own nonprofit one day,” says the junior from Fort Smith, Arkansas, “and provide aftercare for women who are victims of the sex-trafficking industry. I need all the lessons I can get on how to do that.”

Maddie is a Biblical Justice major at OCC, and, this fall, she added a minor in Ozark’s newest academic offering, Organizational Leadership.

“Thanks to the Organizational Leadership program,” Maddie continues, “I’ll learn under men and women who have success in the field God is calling me to enter. I’m excited!”

Maddie isn’t alone.

Sophomore Star Gonzalez from The Rio Grande Valley, Texas, agrees. “I am really looking forward to all the practical experience this major has to offer,” Star says. “The degree is incredibly versatile. Studying Organizational Leadership will prepare me for leadership through Christ-centered training in all kinds of ministry roles—both in and out of the church.”

Christ-centered training is what Ozark has provided for 76 years—training built on a solid biblical foundation. That won’t change. As we prepare students to lead in today’s context and culture, Ozark will continue to be a focused Bible college, reaching the world for Christ one leader at a time. That longtime vision, we pray, will only expand with the Organizational Leadership program.

6

TO INSPIRE

Why Organizational Leadership: A Kingdom Perspective

The need for authentic, godly leadership in our churches, parachurch organizations, and in businesses at large is clear.

Now more than ever, we need leaders who have been shaped by a kingdom perspective. OCC’s Organizational Leadership program—a rigorous academic approach with practical, experiential learning modalities—will prepare our students to lead at any level.

“As a ‘Jesus School,’ says Academic Dean Doug Aldridge, “we have as our example the best leader this world has ever seen.

Using the Word of God to guide our training of leaders for kingdom work fits perfectly within the scope of our purpose as an institution: to train men and women for Christian service.”

OCC Trustee Mark Christian agrees. “With ministry in the local church reaching new and expansive expressions of service and training, the need for spirit-led leaders who can live out their theology in skilled ways is proving to be so very important. For those serving as ministers on staff or servants within the body of believers, these skills and principles can be used shrewdly for the advancement of the kingdom.”

OCC Professor Wade Landers directs the Organizational Leadership program. “This degree will employ a servant leadership model, with Jesus as the example of how to lead,” he says. “Where are you going to lead? This applies. This isn’t how to lead a Fortune 500 company. It’s not how to lead a megachurch, or how to lead a nonprofit. It’s how to lead like Jesus—the best leadership, regardless of your position. Each one of us has a sphere of influence, and Ozark students are uniquely positioned to lead from a Christ-centered worldview and from a posture of ‘not to be served, but to serve.’”

How It Works: A Christ-Centered Approach

As with Ozark’s other majors in the Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministry degree, Organizational Leadership students take 50+ credit hours of core Bible courses, as well as additional classes in their major. Organizational Leadership students will be uniquely prepared with leadership skills like team dynamics, project management, financial planning, human resources, and leading through change and conflict. This program equips students to engage in any level of leadership within an organization. Students will learn leadership principles and practices from leaders in churches, businesses, nonprofits, and more. This degree uniquely positions a student to lead in any context from a servant-based, Christo-centric approach to leading.

Students completing the Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministry with an Organizational Leadership major will be able to: • Articulate both biblical and philosophical concepts that underpin organizational leadership structures in churches and organizations.

•

Apply a theological foundation for organizational leadership in various contexts.

•

Describe major strategies and issues for engaging in effective organizational leadership.

•

Employ organizational leadership principles to manage conflict, navigate organizational changes, and build effective teams from a servant leadership approach.

•

Integrate standard business practices (financial, human resources, reporting procedures, data-driven decisionmaking, etc.) in a ministry context.

•

Demonstrate a field-based understanding of organizational leadership.

OCC Vice President of Development and Community Relations Sergio Rizo co-directs the program with Landers.

“Ministry is hard,” Rizo says, “but it’s not hard because our alumni don’t know how to exegete a passage. It’s hard because they’re dealing with people. Organizational Leadership will give students the tools they need to lead a staff, to lead through change, to build a team, and to manage a budget.”

“The program also works great with Ozark’s dual degree program with Missouri Southern State University,” Landers continues. “Students can earn a degree in their chosen field at Southern, and combine it with a biblically based leadership degree from a ‘Jesus school.’”

In addition to leadership coaching and an internship with a mentor, OCC’s Organizational Leadership courses include: • Foundations for Organizational Leadership •

Strategies for Organizational Leadership

•

Dynamics of Change and Organizational Conflict

•

Pastoral Counseling

•

Practical Issues in Organizational Leadership

•

Project Management

•

Building Teams, Leading Groups

•

Entrepreneurship and Vocation

•

Ethical and Legal Issues for Ministries

•

Strategic Planning

•

Global Leadership Styles

“Ultimately,” Landers says, “the Organizational Leadership major only enhances what we’ve always done. We produce graduates who can think for themselves, who communicate truth, and who choose to lead as servants.”

“Around Ozark, we often quote founding Academic Dean Seth Wilson, who said, ‘Who we teach you to love is more important than what we teach you to know.’ He meant that, first and foremost, we want students to fall in love with Jesus.

If I could borrow from Seth Wilson’s sentiment, with regard to Organizational Leadership, I’d add this: ‘How we teach you to lead is more important than what position you’ll actually have.’ Our aim with this program is to produce leaders of churches, leaders of nonprofits, leaders of the workforce, and leaders of homes who have a Christ-centered approach: not to be served, but to serve.”

Learn more about OCC’s Organizational Leadership program at occ.edu/orgleadership.

Major, Minor, or MSSU

The Organizational Leadership program works well as a major or a minor. “Some students should major in this,” Landers notes, “but others ought to minor in it. As a major, it’s especially geared toward students called to nonprofits or to administrative ministries within the local church. As a minor, it would be a great fit for a children’s ministry major who will also learn skills in team management. If you’re graduating with a preaching degree…I don’t know a preacher out there who wouldn’t have liked to have gotten this when they were in school.”

The Organizational Leadership major only enhances what we’ve always done.

We produce graduates who can think for themselves, who communicate truth, and who choose to lead as servants.

TO INSPIRE

7

ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP Introducing OCC’s new major in organizational leadership, equipping students from a Christ-centered, biblically-based approach to leadership.

ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP STUDENTS ARE PREPARED TO: • • •

serve in any level of leadership within an organization. employ a biblical foundation for leadership in various contexts. lead a ministry with organizational leadership principles.

“Churches and businesses alike need Christlike leaders. Come learn to employ organizational leadership principles to manage conflict, navigate organizational changes, and build effective teams from a servant leadership approach.”

Wade Landers

COURSES IN THIS MAJOR: Global Leadership Styles Building Teams, Leading Groups Entrepreneurship and Vocation Foundations for Organizational Leadership

Dynamics of Change and Organizational Conflict Organizational Leadership Internship Coaching/Mentoring in Organizational Leadership …plus over 50 credit hours in Bible

occ.edu/orgleadership

BIBLE WORDS

BIBLE WORDS

QÛM Jon Kehrer

Leadership is full of tough choices, but it often begins with a simple decision.

In Judges 4, when Deborah urged Barak on behalf of God to go and conquer Sisera’s army, timid Barak would only go if Deborah accompanied him. Even then, Deborah had to exhort him: “Get up, because this is the day Yahweh has given Sisera into your hand! Did not the Lord already go out before you?” ( Judg 4:14).

The message is clear: “get up, because God is on the move!”

God frequently admonishes his people throughout the Scriptures to “get up” using this Hebrew command, qûm (koom). He uses it to motivate Abram (Gen 13:17), Jacob (Gen 31:13, 35:1), Moses (Deut 2:13, 24), Joshua ( Josh 1:2, 7:13, 8:1), Samuel (1 Sam 16:12), Elijah (1 Ki 19:5, 7), Jeremiah ( Jer 13:4, 18:2), Ezekiel (Ez 3:22), and even Jonah ( Jon 1:2, 3:2). God

often uses the word when someone knows what he or she should do but needs some encouragement to actually do it. Yet when God says qûm, he has already laid the groundwork necessary for the task ahead.

He just waits for his people to say yes.

Isaiah speaks to the battered people of God with these words: “Get up!” (51:17), “Shake yourself from the dust and get up!”

(52:2), “get up, shine, for your light has come and the glory of Yahweh has shone on you” (60:1). Despite their history, God’s mission is bigger than their shame, and he waits to use their lives for his glory.

Perhaps this can encourage us as well.

Today, God asks us to be the light of the world, but this leadership starts with a simple decision: will we get up?

Download previous “New Testament Words” by Kenny Boles at occ.edu/ntwords.

Jon Kehrer teaches Hebrew, Old Testament, and hermeneutics at OCC.

TO INSPIRE

9

AMBASSADOR SPOTLIGHT: KEVIN AND KIM DOOLEY

NO TIME TO SHRINK BACK: THE PIONEERING LEADERSHIP OF KEVIN AND KIM DOOLEY

Matt Proctor

Some leaders are settlers, some are pioneers.

God’s kingdom has always needed leaders like Timothy, who ministered in Ephesus thirty years—shepherds who stay with their flock, faithful laborers building something in one place over time. But every generation also needs apostle Pauls—spiritual entrepreneurs who see new opportunities, tackle new challenges, and start new ventures.

That would be Kevin Dooley.

A 1985 Ozark alum, Kevin describes his ministry conviction with an oft-overlooked verse, “Revelation 21:8 mentions those who will be thrown into the lake of fire: the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral. But the first ones on the list are ‘the cowardly’—those who shrink back! We need to lean in to difficult places and not shrink back in cowardice.”

A Courageous Leader: From Counseling Convicts to Crossing Civil Wars

Kevin has always leaned in to hard places. Brought to Christ as an Indianapolis teenager, Kevin jumped into the church’s youth calling program with both feet—knocking on doors cold, fervently evangelizing friends, “sharing Christ with as many as possible.”

During his student days at Ozark, Kevin targeted Joplin’s impoverished East Town—starting a Big Brother program, going door to door like the Pied Piper inviting kids to a Bible club in the park, staging Friday night movies in the OCC chapel with unruly street kids galloping around the balcony.

He had a student ministry at Cookson Hills Children’s Home—an Oklahoma ranch—and though he was a city kid, Kevin hunted with the kids, milked the cows, branded and castrated the bulls. (No Bible college class on that!)

After graduation, Kevin and his wife Kim moved to Jefferson City, Missouri, to do prison ministry among the 2,000 inmates at the maximum security facility, counseling, mentoring, teaching.

Kevin’s never been one to shrink from a challenge, so when Billy Loft came knocking on his door, it was no surprise Kevin let him in. A longtime missionary in Latin America, Billy saw in Kevin the raw material for a pioneering missionary. He recruited

10

TO INSPIRE

the Dooleys to work in Panama. They loaded up their Suzuki Samurai and drove straight through Nicaragua—crossing right in the thick of a civil war—to get to language school.

A Multiplying Leader: From Latino Church Planters to U.S. Missionaries

For the next ten years, the Dooleys labored in David, Panama.

Their focus? A leadership training institute.

Jack Welch, the legendary CEO of GE, spent 30% of his time mentoring younger leaders. The famous preacher Dwight L. Moody once said, “It is better to set ten men to work than to do the work of ten men.” Jesus himself spent a significant amount of his three-year ministry training twelve men to carry on his mission after he was gone.

Kevin and Kim Dooley recognized the strategic value of a leadership training institute. Over a year-long intensive residency, they would train evangelists from throughout Latin America to plant and lead churches. Their efforts would then be multiplied.

Indeed, the institute trained some fifty Latino evangelists who went on to plant eighty churches and baptize over eight thousand people into Christ. But the multiplying work wasn’t limited to Latinos. Over the years, scores of North Americans came to Panama on short-term mission trips, often with Christ In Youth. Young people caught a vision for cross-cultural evangelism, and some even committed to a life of mission work.

OCC graduate Roger Twitchell came down to live with the Dooleys at the institute for a year, watching and learning. Then, with Latino and North American teammates, Roger and his wife Elaine planted what would become a thriving church in the capital city of Tegucigalpa, Honduras and then moved on to build Christ’s church in Costa Rica.

A Mobilizing Leader: From Medical Missions to Marketplace Ministry

Bestselling author Jim Collins tells business leaders, “The leaders of companies that go from good to great start by getting the right people on the bus, the wrong people off the bus, and

the right people in the right seats.” Getting people into the right seat on the bus: a good leader helps people find the sweet spot where their greatest gifts can make the greatest impact. For years, that’s been Kevin Dooley’s passion—specifically, helping “lay Christians” use their marketplace skills for the kingdom.

“We need to engage the whole church in the whole task,” says Kevin, “While we’ve been a movement that’s championed the priesthood of all believers, we’ve hung a lot of the Great Commission work on paid staff. We’ve overlooked the doctors, realtors, bankers. It’s fine to ask them to serve in the nursery at church, but how can we engage people in using their professional skill sets for kingdom purposes?”

Kevin did this as the executive director of FAME. After leaving Panama, Kevin and Kim moved to Indianapolis to work with Fellowship of Associates of Medical Evangelism. There they mobilized doctors, nurses, dentists, and other medical professionals for short-term mission trips to provide health care and the gospel in underserved countries.

But eventually, God called Kevin and Kim back to the mission field—this time in a Muslim country in northern Africa. There they started a business, building relationships with people who might otherwise have never met a Christian. Perhaps more important, they mobilized Christian businessmen—from Georgia to California—to explore business opportunities in northern Africa. While traditional entry points were closed, marketplace doors were open, and Christian business owners used their professional skills to build credibility with Muslim business owners and let the fruit of the Spirit spill over into their lives.

Getting people in the “right seat on the bus” paid off. “These guys got so excited,” says Kevin. “We weren’t just asking them to give their money. They were giving their skills, knowledge, and livelihoods for kingdom work.”

A Resourcing Leader: From India to ICOM

When the government in northern Africa banned them from re-entry for political reasons, the Dooleys returned to Indianapolis. Though discouraged at first, Kevin soon saw

opportunity for Muslim evangelism even in the Bible Belt.

“The diaspora is all around us, and God has brought these people here,” says Kevin. “These Muslim background people in the States respond in higher rates and are more open to the gospel than those back in their home countries.”

So their family welcomed international students from the local university into their home. Ever the entrepreneur, Kevin started a taxi business in Indy, leasing taxis mainly to immigrant and refugee taxi drivers, many of them Muslim.

But God had still another mission in mind for the Dooleys.

“Ajai Lall asked me to consider helping raise funds for Central India Christian Mission,” says Kevin, “and since he had 10,000 people in his network fasting and praying for us, of course we said yes.” CICM has touched hundreds of thousands of lives in India with the good news of Jesus—through leadership training, church planting, children’s ministry, medical ministry—but that requires a river of financial resources flowing in.

Someone has said that nothing tests a leader’s mettle more than “the resource challenge,” but as Chief Development Officer for CICM, Kevin has helped raise millions of dollars to make a Christ-centered difference in India.

This fall, Kevin’s been given another opportunity to resource God’s kingdom. As president of the 2018 International Conference on Missions (ICOM), he and his team have put together an event—November 15-18 in Cincinnati—that will equip the church for more effective global evangelism.

Still a pioneering leader at heart, Kevin chose “Unhindered” as his ICOM theme. “I want to encourage the church with the unhindered nature of the gospel. Just like in Acts, we have everything we need—the power and the fruit of the Spirit—to reach the hardest places.”

“Now is not the time to shrink back.”

TO INSPIRE

11

CAMPUS NEWS

New Associate Director of Development Hired

In August, OCC was pleased to welcome Alex Follett as OCC’s Associate Director of Development.

Alex serves with Sergio Rizo, building relationships with our supporters and encouraging them to partner financially in our mission. A 2018 graduate of Ozark, Alex grew up in Traders Point Christian Church in Indianapolis, Indiana, where he was mentored by OCC grad Aaron Brockett. Alex and his wife, Lauren, both have spent significant time cross-culturally and have a strong heart for missions. In five years, they plan to transition to a ministry with Pioneer Bible Translators.

“As an excellent student, a fine preacher, and a cross-cultural missions recruit, Alex represents exactly why people give to OCC,” said President Proctor. “We’re excited to welcome him aboard.”

We know Alex will serve well as he shares the work of Ozark.

EVERY THOUGHT CAPTIVE PODCAST

Join the conversation between Michael DeFazio, Chad Ragsdale, and Doug Welch on their podcast, Every Thought Captive. Each week, the three professors discuss theology, culture, and the intersection of the two.

Available now!

Subscribe on iTunes, Soundcloud, or Stitcher

12

TO INFORM

CAMPUS NEWS

Million Dollar Gift and Dorm Renovation

We’re excited to announce that on August 1, OCC received a gift of $1 million from longtime friend of the college Rick Bronson. We’re grateful to Rick, his wife Kat, and his son Chad (OCC ’11) for their generosity and partnership in Ozark’s mission to train men and women for Christian service.

We’re also excited that this gift will allow us to renovate Alumni Hall. The oldest dorm on campus, Alumni has been closed for the 2018-19 school year as we make renovations. Read more about the gift and renovation on page 23, and watch President Proctor talk about the project at occ.edu/alumnihall.

TO INFORM

13

CAMPUS NEWS

Seth Wilson Library Renovation

Over the summer, OCC made significant changes inside the Seth Wilson Library. Under the leadership of Library Director Derek Moser, the library received new paint, a new home for the Academic Resource Commons—upstairs in the library, next to the reference section—and new carpet. Ozark received a generous grant from a local foundation that allowed us to replace the 20-year-old carpet.

REMEMBERING DR. LYNN GARDNER Matt Proctor Our hearts were saddened at the passing of Dr. Lynn Gardner on August 23, 2018. An Ozark graduate, Dr. Gardner taught 34 years at OCC, including 17 years as academic dean.

Current Academic Dean Doug Aldridge said, “Dr. Lynn Gardner left an indelible mark on OCC, with his steadfast leadership and keen mind. I am forever grateful for his investment in my life and the life of the college.”

Dr. Lynn Gardner was my apologetics professor. He was an incisive thinker, author of ten books, a genuine scholar. As former Academic Dean Mark Scott said, “Lynn Gardner was the epitome of the ideal Bible college professor. His work in evidential apologetics was intellectually refreshing in a world of mushy truth claims.”

He was a tough teacher. I had another professor—gruff on the outside, soft on the inside—that we called the “iron marshmallow.” Dr. Gardner was kind, but academically unbudging—we called him “the marshmallow iron.” He drilled into my head the arguments for the truth of Christianity.

I learned apologetics, but the greatest lesson I learned from Dr. Gardner was how to endure suffering. Like Job, Lynn and his wife Barbara experienced more than their fair share of trials—their 34-year-old son Mark’s death in a car accident, a granddaughter born with physical challenges, Lynn’s terminal lung disease, Barbara’s cancer, Lynn’s double lung transplant.

Through those gut-wrenching years, I heard him say things like, “I found out I did believe with all my heart in the gospel.” He was honest about the pain, but Lynn Gardner kept trusting God. “It’s not a time to lose your faith, but to use your faith.” When his bones softened and body failed, his soul remained strong.

He really was the “marshmallow iron.”

Join us in praying for Barbara and family and in thanking God for Dr. Gardner’s legacy of faith.

HEARD IN CHAPEL Each week, our college family is challenged by outstanding messages in our chapel services. Watch the messages at occ.edu/chapel or on Ozark’s YouTube channel. Here’s a taste of what we’ve heard so far this semester.

You should assume that you don’t know Jesus as well as you think. And when I say ‘you,’ I mean ‘we.’

Michael DeFazio

Let’s Start with Jesus | 8.19.18

We think calling is about going and doing. It’s about coming and seeing.

Doug Welch

Let’s Start with Jesus: He Calls You | 8.28.18

He wants to give us good gifts… but in his way, and in his timing.

Jesse Furst

Let’s Start with Jesus: He Supplies Your Needs | 9.4.18

TO INFORM

15

COMMUNITY THAT LASTS.

In August, students enjoyed our annual “blOCC Party” and cookout to start the semester. Staff and area alumni helped serve the meal, bringing together generations of ambassadors.

in cooperation with STAINED GLASS THEATRE

The Musical

based on the story by Charles Dickens Music by Alan Menken

Lyrics by Book by Lynn Ahrens Mike Ockrent & Lynn Ahrens

Original choreography by Susan Stroman Originally directed by Mike Ockrent Originally presented by Radio City Entertainment at the theater at Madison Square Garden

in the OCC Chapel Nov 29 & 30: 7 pm Dec 1 & 2: 2 pm and 7 pm Tickets: Phone: 417-626-1221 Online: occ.edu/tickets Ticket Desk: M-F 9 am-4 pm OCC Chapel Lobby Adults: $10 Groups of 10+: $8 Children: $5 A CHRISTMAS CAROL is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. MTIShows.com

MEET YOUR OCC FAMILY Celtic Christian Mission (CCM) is a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to replanting the seeds of faith in the Celtic nations of Europe. celticchristianmission.org

Dr. Cherok is the author of Debating for God: Alexander Campbell’s Challenge to Skepticism in Antebellum America.

The book explores Campbell’s significant role as a Christian apologist.

Rick enjoys photography, traveling, reading, watching movies, scuba diving, and playing frisbee with his nine-year-old border collie, Aidan.

DR. RICK CHEROK:

PROFESSOR, MINISTER, AND MISSIONARY This fall, we’re excited to welcome Dr. Rick Cherok to the Ozark faculty. Dr. Cherok comes to OCC from Cincinnati Christian University, where he served for 20 years as professor of Church History and 13 years as residence director of a men’s dormitory.

This semester, he teaches Church History and U.S. History at OCC. Rick holds bachelor’s degrees from Kentucky Christian University, a Master of Arts in History from The University of Akron, and a Ph.D. in History from Kent State University. Rick has also ministered at churches in Arkansas and Ohio, most recently with the New Burlington Church of Christ.

Outside the classroom, Rick serves as founder and executive director of Celtic Christian Mission, an organization that raises funds to support missionaries in Ireland and to send short-term groups to work in Ireland.

TO INFORM

19

COMING SOON

NOVEMBER 15-18:

ICOM

Join us in Cincinnati, Ohio, for the International Conference on Missions!

“Unhindered” will be led by OCC grad and conference president Kevin Dooley. Visit OCC at Booth 463, and join us for our OCC Alumni & Friends Reception on Friday, November 16, in the Duke Energy Center Grand Ballroom A from 8:30-10:00 PM. occ.edu/icom

NOVEMBER 29-DECEMBER 2:

A CHRISTMAS CAROL

This Christmas, together with Stained Glass Theatre, OCC will present A Christmas Carol, a musical based on the novel by Charles Dickens. Join us at one of six performances. Details and ticket information at occ.edu/tickets.

2019 JANUARY 18-19:

AMBASSADORS WEEKEND

We’re excited to offer a special “Ozark” weekend on campus for high school students! Held in January, Ambassadors Weekend will welcome Michael DeFazio (main speaker) and OCC’s Frontline (worship). occ.edu/teenevents

APRIL 5-6:

WOMEN’S CONFERENCE

Ladies, save the date and join us this spring at OCC. We’ll hear from speaker April Kehrer and worship with Sara Wood. occ.edu/wc

20

TO INFORM

CAMPUS NEWS

FEBRUARY 18-20:

PREACHING-TEACHING CONVENTION NO MATTER WHAT: HOLY LIVING IN A HOSTILE LAND

Caleb Kaltenbach

Shan Moyers

Daryl Reed

Brad Tate

Jeff Walling

A study in 1 Peter. Register today! occ.edu/pt TO INFORM

21

HERE’S AN IDEA

FIVE LEADERSHIP LESSONS I’M LEARNING Executive Vice President Damien Spikereit

“LEADERS AREN’T BORN. LEADERS ARE MADE.” Leaders—even those most

naturally gifted—must learn how to lead. Here are five leadership lessons I’m learning.

3

IT’S NOT A WEAKNESS TO LET OTHERS USE THEIR STRENGTHS

When I invite others to operate

in my areas of weakness, I’m free to operate in my strengths. This

isn’t an excuse to avoid the things I don’t want to do. For long-term

effectiveness in ministry, invest in

people who excel where you struggle.

22

TO CONNECT

1

MENTORING COMES IN MANY FORMS

The traditional model of

dedicated, face-to-face time between mentor and mentee is of great value, but mentoring can also happen

from a distance through authors,

church leaders, and historic figures, or in specific areas like parenting,

financial planning, or ministry skills.

4

TRUE LEADERS SERVE

“Not to be served, but to serve”

is more than a motto. Shifting my

perspective from leading to serving

changes how I handle confrontation, how I preach and teach, how I

mentor those around me, how I manage my time, and more.

2

SPIRITUAL HEALTH REQUIRES CONSTANT CARE

My humility—or lack thereof—

affects my leadership, and humility is born out of time spent in the

Word and prayer. A leader who doesn’t create space for God

to work within hinders their

leadership without—their capacity, effectiveness, and longevity.

5

CHALLENGES AREN’T ALWAYS WHAT THEY SEEM

Identify the core issue so you can

tackle it. If you build a sandcastle too close to the shoreline, you’ll spend hours piling sand and

propping up a failing structure. The

real problem? Water erodes the base each time the waves roll in. Move

the castle beyond the water’s reach.

OCC RECEIVES MILLION DOLLAR GIFT Matt Proctor

Scripture says, “Rejoice with those who rejoice,” so we want to share good news: on August 1, OCC received a $1 million gift from the Rick Bronson family.

desire to see men and women trained for Christian service.

Five Loaves and Two Fish

Also on August 1, Ozark announced the gift would be used to renovate Alumni Hall.

One of the initiatives in OCC’s 2018-2023 Strategic Plan is to “modernize campus facilities,” including the renovation of all six dorms. Our dorms are 40-60 years old, and while structurally sound, they need a serious facelift—carpet, paint, windows, doors, and room fixtures (beds, desks, closets, dressers)—along with infrastructure improvements to things like plumbing, wiring and the HVAC system.

The estimated cost will be $1-1.5 million per dorm, and in future years, we’ll launch a fundraising campaign to renovate our other five dorms. As the oldest dorm on campus, Alumni Hall seemed a good place to begin, and there was just enough room to accommodate our Alumni ladies in Dennis and Goodman Halls.

So Alumni Hall is closed for renovation during the 2018-19 school year, and work began August 28.

Please join us in thanking God for this generous gift, and in asking God to watch over the renovation process.

A sheriff ’s deputy and EMT, Rick attended Ozark as a non-traditional student for one semester in the early 1990s. (He and I had Apologetics class together with Dr. Lynn Gardner.)

“I stayed long enough to realize not everyone is cut out for Bible college,” he says with a smile. “But I stayed long enough to catch the vision.”

The work of Ozark has remained close to Rick’s heart. Rick and his wife Vicki’s son Chad graduated from Ozark in 2011, now serving as a youth pastor in Grove, Oklahoma. After Vicki passed away from cancer, Rick set up an OCC scholarship in her memory.

Now remarried, Rick and his wife Kat, along with Chad, believe deeply in Ozark’s mission and trust that God will use their gift to inspire others to give. “This is just our five loaves and two fishes,” said Rick. “Like that little boy with his lunch, we’re putting it in God’s hands to multiply it.”

We are grateful for the Bronsons—for their faith, their generosity, and their

A Much-Needed Dorm Renovation

“Thanks a million,” joked President Proctor after receiving a $1 million check from the Bronson family. The Bronsons’ gift is OCC’s single largest donation from living contributors.

For want of a nail, a shoe was lost.

For want of a shoe, a horse was lost.

For want of a horse, a rider was lost.

For want of a rider, a message was lost.

For want of a message, a battle was lost.

For want of a battle, a kingdom was lost, And all for the want of a nail.

Small things can have great significance. In Scripture, God grows large trees from small mustard seeds, feeds multitudes from sack lunches, builds a global church from a group of twelve, and starts a cosmic kingdom from a baby in a manger.

Zechariah 4:10 reminds us, “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.”

We are grateful for large gifts, but perhaps you wonder: does my modest check matter? Do small gifts make any real difference?

The answer is yes! Last year alone, people dropping spare change in the Ronald McDonald House Donation Boxes in McDonald’s restaurants raised $54 million. Nickels and dimes make dollars, and together those dollars helped sick kids worldwide.

At OCC, your gifts of $10 and $100 and $1,000 add up, allowing us to equip hundreds of students to teach thousands of believers to reach millions of people. Your support— whatever the amount—can help change the world.

TO CONNECT

23

YOUR PARTNERSHIP

Sergio Rizo serves as vice president of development at OCC.

LEADERSHIP IS ABOUT PEOPLE…LIKE YOU Sergio Rizo

“Leadership” is a buzzword from Wall Street to Main Street, from the Fortune 500 company to First Christian Church.

Seemingly everyone is talking about leadership lately—which is good, because, after all, leadership is about people!

Longtime General Electric CEO Jack Welch said, “Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself.

When you become a leader, success is all about growing others.” The apostle Paul said it better: “In humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others” (Phil 2:3-4). Jesus set the best example: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mk 10:45).

Leadership is about people, and so, of the many leadership models available, at Ozark we believe the best form is servant leadership. OCC students have Christ’s words demonstrated for them and ingrained within them: “…not to be served, but to serve.” They know that the power of the Sunday morning pulpit is preceded by daily acts of basin-and-towel service.

We do all we can to impress the truth of Mark 10:45 upon our students. That’s why we’re offering a new major to prepare them to deal with the complexities of leading people—because preparing students to deal with conflict, build effective teams, and even address financial dynamics is a good work that will help them flourish in ministry.

TRIBUTE GIFTS MARCH 22-AUGUST 31, 2018 MEMORIAL GIFTS: Rosemary Almy Mrs. Mary Kahre Leola Andrews M/M E.J. Lavelle Bud Betts M/M Gene Proctor Ronald Briggs Mrs. Lenora Briggs Gale Butler Paula Richardson Dr. Paul & Gale Butler M/M Larry Catron M/M Chuck Hayes M/M Richard M. Webster, Jr. Vera Cole M/M Lyle L. Welch Edgar Combs Mrs. Maxine Keely Charles Francis Copeland Mrs. Patricia Roane Darrell Davis M/M David Davis Carlos & Jeanne Elmore M/M Richard Steckler Veronica Enabnit

24 Gail Box TO CONNECT

M/M Roy W. Gay M/M Feller Green Bayne Gregory Leroy W. Sparks M/M Dennis Vardy Mrs. Gladys Vardy M/M James R. Wharton Marlene Wilczek Jack Gabbert M/M Ron Culp M/M Eddy L. Gabbert Dr. Lynn Gardner Mrs. Sandra Abernathy M/M Dale F. Bebee Dr. & Mrs. Wayne B. Bigelow Patricia Crane M/M Edward M. Hahn, Jr. M/M Steve F. Jennings M/M Ben C. Killion M/M Victor Knowles Mrs. Sonya M. Marcum M/M Doug Miller M/M Robert Phillips Mr. Fred A. Pitts M/M Jim Randall M/M Roger A. Storms M/M Clifford E. Wert M/M James N. White Connie Graham M/M Troy E. Buss

M/M Lynn K. Clements M/M Donald D. Forssberg M/M Duane Huiting M/M David J. Jansonius M/M Phil Jansonius Evelyn Mankhey Prairie View Reformed Church (Prairie View, KS) M/M Aaron M. Rust M/M Kenneth Lee Schemper Mr. Scott J. Tien M/M Jeff Vanderplas M/M Tim VanLaeys M/M Donald J. Vanroekel M/M Kenny L. Wilkison M/M Ronald B. Williams Mr. Arthur Woodcock Judy Lanham Mr. David Lanham Don & Sheila Lehman M/M Woody Wilkinson Bobby Lyttle Anonymous Martha Burkhart M/M Michael L. Buster M/M Larry Catron M/M Larry Cooper Jo Ann Draper M/M Kirk Lawson Mr. Bob Lyttle Shirley Norris Rebecca Parker M/M Warren D. Pendleton Paula S. Richardson M/M William G. Roark

Your gifts to Ozark’s The Difference fund are doing the good work of servant leadership. Your gifts make it possible for OCC students to go into the world and lead people by serving them—“not to be served, but to serve”—and to tell them about the Christ who gave “his life as a ransom for many.” This year’s Difference need is $2.2 million. Thank you for giving to OCC—for partnering with us and hundreds of churches and individuals as servant leaders. You’re making an eternal difference!

James Marcum Mrs. Sonya M. Marcum

Dale Storms M/M T. Andrew Storms

Connie Mieir M/M William H. Mieir, Sr.

Howard Sturgeon Mrs. Jean Sturgeon

Larry Morecraft Mrs. Kathryn Morecraft

Lloyd Thomas Mrs. Betty Thomas

Margaret Oakes M/M Doug Oakes

Fran Watson Peggy Oldham Mrs. Betty Thomas

Max Proctor M/M Donald V. Altheide M/M James Cook, Jr. Jo Ella Cossel Mr. Darrell Downing M/M Gary V. Horn Mrs. Diana L. Jones Mr. Richard Long M/M James C. Martin M/M Gene Proctor Mrs. Kay Proctor M/M Lloyd G. Riley M/M Mike Townsend M/M Paul M. Wells George Roane Mrs. Patricia Roane Tom Ross Mrs. Connie Ross Bryan & Amber Rowoth M/M Paul A. Rowoth Elva Steen M/M Donald Steen M/M Woody Wilkinson M/M Craig Woolsey

Herbert & Stella Wilkinson M/M Woody Wilkinson Seth Wilson M/M Gordon Souder Charles & Dorothy Wittenborn M/M David Wittenborn Dick Youkey Eunice Youkey Kim Youkey Eunice Youkey HONOR GIFTS: Jill English M/M Mike Nauman Dick Williams M/M David Boyer

ALUMNI NEWS

WHAT ALUMNI LEADING SMALL CHURCHES TAUGHT ME For the past five months, I’ve facilitated an online discussion group with six alumni who lead small congregations. Their churches in Montana, South Dakota, Kentucky, Iowa, and Missouri range in weekly attendance from 35 to 150. These leaders of small churches have taught me three things: 1. The kingdom of God is present in small churches. Though weekly attendance may not bring them public acclaim, their growth in health and effectiveness is worthy of attention. They find ways to disciple, evangelize, engage in global missions, and minister in ways that are unique to the small-town context.

2. God calls gifted leaders to serve in small churches, too. These leaders are gifted, and could serve at a “large” church, but they each believe God has called them to serve the small church. With their calling, they bring a passion that’s contagious to their communities.

3. Small does not equal easy. While most of their communities have a population under 5,000, their social issues rival those faced by urban churches.

• Since 1980, the share of county residents who live in poverty has risen by 45%, and median household income adjusted for inflation has fallen by 7%.1 • From 1990-2014, the death rate for white women in rural areas rose by more than 40%, due to drug and alcohol abuse.2 • Divorce rates in rural areas are triple the U.S. average.3 These leaders have taught me that it’s a privilege and blessing to lead a small church.

I’m proud of these ambassadors and grateful for their partnership in the gospel. Let’s pray for the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest field—into churches both large and small.

1 2 3

Adamy, Janet and Paul Overberg. “Rural America is the New Inner City.” Wall Street Journal. 26 May 2017.

Ibid.

Ibid.

Troy Nelson serves as alumni relations director at OCC.

Contact Troy at nelson.troy@occ.edu or 417.626.1234 ext. 2106.

TO CONNECT

25

ALUMNI NEWS

CONGRATULATIONS Jacob (05) and Annette Berry (04) Breedlove on the arrival of Titus James on April 14 in Medora, IN. Matt (05) and Tiffany Evans (05) Carmichael on the birth of Eliana Natalia Lee in Springfield, MO, on July 17. The Carmichaels serve as missionaries in Mexico.

Andrew (attended) and Kristen Chaney on the arrival of Adelyn Grace on July 20 in Cedar Park, TX.

Jesse (00) and Kelly Berg (00) Crawford on the birth of Elsie Marie on June 29. Jesse is lead pastor with a church plant in Blanchard, OK. Nick and Christian Lum (16) Cox on the arrival of Felix Elway on September 5 in Tipton, IN.

Tim (10) and Jamie Gibson (08) Hayward on the arrival of Eden Estelle on July 16. Tim is worship pastor with Grace Fellowship Church in Demotte, IN. Matthew (13) and Kristie Blackburn (14) Herlihy on the birth of Hannah Lynn on July 16 in Kansas City, MO.

Matt (15) and Haylee Resor (15) James on the birth of Asa Matthew in Springfield, MO, on May 10. The James family now lives in Hillsboro, OH, where he serves as program director for Butler Springs Christian Camp.

Mac (18) and Olivia Squires (18) Johnson welcomed Heidi Mae on August 28. The Johnsons are preparing for overseas ministry.

Elijah (14) and Macy Pendleton (13) Dally welcomed Dawson on July 23 in Joplin. Elijah serves as worship minister with Christ’s Church of Oronogo, MO.

After three long years, Eric (08) and Sarah Smelser (09) Dwyer completed the adoption of Kadance Diane (4) on January 3 in Mountain Home, AR. Eric is associate minister with Memorial CC in Mountain Home.

Ben (09) and Katelyn Blain (attended) Ford on the birth of Oakley Kate on July 18. The Fords minister with Generations CC in Trinity, FL. Lee and Chelsea Bowling (attended) Hale on the birth of Kingsley Eleanor on August 15 in Bowling Green, KY.

Greg and Debi Epperson (94) Jones are pleased to finally announce the official adoption of Carolina Joye, born May 10, 2016, brought home May 15, 2016, and adopted into her forever home on August 14. The Jones family lives in Nashville, TN.

Landon (15) and Bethany Curran (15) Justice on the arrival of Emytt Wade on April 3 in Wheaton, IL. The Justice family lives in Olathe, KS, where Landon is serving as a resident with Restore Church and Bethany is enrolled in nursing school.

Jon (06/current faculty) and April Ake (06) Kehrer welcomed Nathanael Stephen on July 19 in Joplin.

Jared (17) and Anna Moreland (07) Kouba on the birth of twin sons, Peter and Paul, on June 15. The Kouba family lives in El Dorado Springs, MO, where he ministers with Dederick CC. Luke (17) and Brooklyn Park (18) Logsdon on the arrival of Lennon Reese on June 22. Luke serves as associate worship pastor with LowCountry Community Church in Bluffton, SC.

Jose (16) and Samantha Ewton (16) Heredia on the birth of Everleigh Mae on August 13 in Tulsa, OK. The Heredia family recently moved to the San Francisco area to serve with a new church plant.

26

TO CONNECT

Jared (07) and Ivana Aruda de Silva (07) Lang on the birth of Rafael Aruda on April 11 in Grinnell, IA.

ALUMNI NEWS Jake (07) and Riva McFadden on the birth of Caleb Daniel on July 14. The McFaddens minister in Southeast Asia.

James (06) and Heidi Davison (07) Morrill welcomed Lydia Grace on April 5. The Morrills serve as missionaries in Mbale, Uganda.

Michael (attended) and Jenna Hilderbrand (16) Munoz on the birth of Amelia Leann on April 28 in Springfield, OH.

Brian (05) and Rachel Neugebauer on the birth of Audrey Kate on September 1 in Joplin. Brian is an assistant professor in the Teacher Education Department at MSSU.

Wayne (12) and Jessica Martinez (current) Pease are pleased to announce the adoption of Ashlee (18) on June 14 in Joplin. Wayne serves in the Physical Plant Department at OCC.

Micheal and Megan Bowers (attended) Phillips on the arrival of Isabella Ruth on August 1 in Joplin.

Zach (13) and Rachel Crockett (15) Pittman on the birth of Lucas Emmet on May 31. The Pittmans serve with Hillsboro CC in Hillsboro, MO, where he is associate minister.

Kyle and Hope Miller (10) Rogers welcomed Attalie Hope on June 20 in Joplin.

Matt (08) and Emily Hatfield (08) Stieger on the birth of Margaret (Maggie) Robin on August 25 in Columbia, MO. Please keep the Stieger family in your prayers as Emily has been diagnosed with APL Leukemia and began treatment in late August. Matt is the lead minister with the Crossroads CC in Macon.

Jim and Courtney Blount (05) Moudy on the birth of Emilee Catherine on July 10 in Lubbock, TX.

Michael (14) and Ayla Sartoris (15) Thomas on the birth of Noelle Jayne on April 16. The Thomas family ministers with AMOR Ministries in Mexico.

BJ (12) and Amanda Wall on the birth of Benson Cole on June 19. BJ serves as youth minister with the Thayer CC in Thayer, KS.

Joel (13) and Erin Hupp (15) Wickenkamp on the arrival of Amelia Bethany on July 13.The Wickenkamps both serve on the staff of Christ Church of the Valley (Anthem campus) in Phoenix, AZ. Kyle (attended/current faculty) and Katrina Wicklund on the birth of Naomi Lenore in Joplin on August 14.

Christian (15/current staff ) and Sammi Therwhanger (15) Shultz on the birth of Milo Francis on September 4 in Joplin. Sammi serves on the children’s ministry staff with Carterville CC and Christian serves as assistant director of marketing at OCC.

Kurt (15) and Jennifer Bauer (10) Witten on the birth of Titus Jeffrey on June 8. Kurt serves as lead pastor with Redwood CC in Grants Pass, OR.

Nathan (08) and Kalissa Klein (08) Stang on the birth of Finley and Penelope on June 14.

Nathan serves as children’s minister at First Church in Owasso, OK.

Kyle (11) and Sonja Ferkel (10) Tapper on the birth of Wallace Gene on May 21 in Joplin. The Tappers both serve with Christ In Youth.

TO CONNECT

27

ALUMNI NEWS

OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY Please lift up in prayer the families of the following alumni who have passed away in recent weeks.

Vicki Renken (attended) Banks passed away suddenly in Springfield, MO, on June 27.

Bill Beard (attended) passed away on September 1 in Oklahoma City, OK. Lushington Bogle (70) passed away on May 20 in Jamaica.

Gale Butler (former staff ) passed away in Joplin on June 9 following several months of declining health.

Henry Cook (65-M) passed away in Edmond, OK, on August 25 following an extended battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Dr. Lynn Gardner (61/former faculty) passed away on August 23 in Joplin.

(See tribute on page 14.)

Connie (attended) Graham passed away on June 18 in Prairie View, KS.

Rick Hizey (attended/former staff ) passed away on April 9 from injuries sustained in a car accident near Baxter Springs, KS. Chris King (attended) passed away from complications of diabetes on August 2 in Joplin.

Travis Long (07) died unexpectedly on July 16 from complications of diabetes.

John Powers (56-M) passed away in Owasso, OK, on July 31.

Following several years of declining health, Dennis Sheffield (59) passed away on June 1 in Madison, MS.

Cynthia Wood (attended) Weece passed away in Miami, OK, on August 13 following a four-year battle with cancer.

Mike Whorlow (86) passed away on September 4 in Diamond, MO, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Don Woodstock (60-M) passed away on May 4 in Montrose, CO.

After several months of declining health, Phyllis Chaffin (attended) Scott passed away on August 31 in Hemet, CA.

CLASS NOTES: 1950s

1960s

Congratulations to Ethel Brown Richardson (50) who celebrated her 99th birthday on August 18 in Mt. Vernon, MO.

Bob Scott (62) retired from Church Development Fund on July 31, after serving with them for 12 years.

Harvey (58) and Nancy Shaffer (85) Bacus have announced plans to retire from their ministry with Books and More in Amman, Jordan, this fall. They plan to reside in Joplin.

Kent (59) and Betty (attended) Mechem celebrated their 60th anniversary on August 24. They live in Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada.

Ziden (59) and Helen Forkner (58) Nutt celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on May 30. They were honored with a reception hosted by their family in Carthage, MO, and capped the day off with a hot air balloon ride over the hills of southwest Missouri.

28

TO CONNECT

Best wishes to Gerald (65) and Shirley Zuck who celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on May 24 in Cherryvale, KS.

Congratulations to Ron (68/former staff ) and Pam Storms (attended) Carter who celebrated 50 years of marriage on July 12. The Carters live in Henderson, NV.

1970s David (73) and Thelma Cleveland (73) McClary celebrated 48 years of ministry on April 7, including 24 years with the First CC in Huber Heights, OH.

The First CC in Lamar, MO, recently honored Mike (78) and Jacque Fish (78) Gage for 30 years of ministry with the congregation.

ALUMNI NEWS

1980s

2010s

Marshall Hinds (80) began serving as associate minister of music and administration with the Park Plaza CC in Joplin on August 1. Marshall had previously volunteered with this congregation and also worked as a physical therapist assistant.

Seth Hart (14) earned his Master of Arts in Theological Studies from Regent University in Vancouver, British Columbia. He is now attending graduate school at the University of Oxford, England.

Johnie Adkins (85) left his ministry with Central City CC to become a hospice chaplain with Hospice Compassus in Joplin.

Congratulations to David Weaver (89) and the Koinonia Campus Ministry at MSSU for the completion of two residence facilities for students near the Joplin campus.

1990s Mike (91) and Diana Greeley (91) Knight have relocated to Phoenix, AZ, where he will serve as lead pastor of the Desert Christian Fellowship. Mike left a position as executive director of the church planting ministry of Christian Evangelistic Mission in the state of Iowa.

Jon (93) and Kris Tyner (attended) McClarnon have moved to Camden, GA, where Jon will be part of the ministry team at Christ’s Church Camden. They are leaving a 19-year ministry in Raleigh, NC. Jeff (95) and Heather Christensen (95) Randleman are leaving a ministry in Cabool, MO, to relocate to Sedalia where he will be lead pastor with Parkview CC. Best wishes to Jayson French (97) who has been selected to serve as the next president of Christ In Youth in Joplin. This new position will become effective September 1, 2019.

Beginning October 1, James Bacus (98) will become executive director of Books and More in Amman, Jordan, a public Christian library for residents of the city.

Art (99) and Jenny Kenny (97) Matheny have moved to Manhattan, KS, where he is serving as pastor of discipleship with Westview Community Church and Jenny serves as associate professor of theology at Manhattan Christian College.

2000s Rory (01) and April (01) Christensen have closed their ministry in Illinois to move to Kissimmee, FL, where Rory will serve as professor of congregational ministry at Johnson University-Florida.

Adam (01) and Heidi Russell (99) Graunke have relocated to Oelwein, IA, to lead in a new church plant with Christian Evangelistic Mission of Iowa.

Greg Fish (03) is excited to announce that his film “Steadfast” won Best of Fest Documentary at the 19th Bare Bones International Film and Music Festival in April. Greg continues to serve at Good News Productions, International in Joplin.

Josh Huckabay (09) earned his Master of Arts in Ministry from Portland Seminary at George Fox University in Portland, OR, this past May. Josh serves as worship minister with College Heights CC in Joplin.

Matthew Frech (16) and Madison Hunter were married on July 15 and are making their home in Coffeyville, KS, where he is associate minister with Westside CC.

Morgan Ratliff Bailey (15) graduated from John Brown University in Siloam Springs, AR, in May with a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy and Clinical Mental Health with a Certificate of Play Therapy. Morgan has been accepted to Regent University’s Ph.D. program for Counselor Education and Supervision.

Zach King (17) and Ashley Crisler (18/ current staff ) King were married on May 5 and are making their home in Joplin.

Zach is a second grade teacher at Soaring Heights School in Joplin, and Ashley is an admissions counselor at OCC. Paul Menefee (17) and Mariah Tachick (17) were married on May 26 and are making their home in Omaha, NE. Sara Nurnberger (17) and Jimmy Cockburn (current) were married on May 5. They are living in Joplin and Sara serves as children’s minister with Carl Junction CC.

Joe Szklarski (17) and Hope Joyner were married on March 2 and are making their home in Johnson City, TN, where he is youth/young adult minister with Harrison CC.

Nate Wesley (17/current staff ) and Makenzie Paden were married on August 4 in Joplin. Nate serves as assistant soccer coach at Ozark and also works part-time in the student life department at MSSU. Gage Addington (18) will be the children’s and youth minister at First CC of Nevada, MO.

TO CONNECT

29

ALUMNI NEWS Micah Balu (18) is serving as children’s/student minister with Cornerstone CC in O’Fallon, IL.

Josiah Javier (18) is the youth director of Dream City Church in Glendale, AZ.

Gabrielle Brotzman is serving as worship arts director with Highland Park CC in Tulsa, OK.

Kaytlin Miller (18) is serving as the director of children’s and family ministry at Osage Hills CC in Tulsa, OK.

Miranda Brouk (18) and Ryan McDonald (current) were married on June 23 and are making their home in Joplin.

Peyton Butler (18) has been hired to coordinate events and conferences in the OCC College Relations Department.

Madison Mitchell Christian (18) is working as the ministry coordinator at Schuber Mitchell Homes, Webb City, MO. Brandon Crosser (18) is the associate youth minister at Greentree CC in Rolla, MO.

Ty Curry (18) continues to lead Axis CC, a new church plant in Poteau, OK, and serve his community through his handyman business.

Alex Follett (18) married Lauren Berryhill on May 20 and is serving as associate development director with OCC in Joplin.

Michael Hinnen (18) is serving as the associate minister at Berlin CC in Berlin, IL, while attending Lincoln Christian Seminary seeking a Master of Divinity in Old Testament.

Austin Marple (18) is full-time minister at Arcola CC in Arcola, MO.

Carryn Osborn (18) continues to work in the Worship and Creative Arts Department at OCC.

Blake Pesetsky (18) is serving as campus pastor at Central CC in Fort Smith, AR. Aaron Schroeder (18) continues as a student minister at Indian Creek CC in Indianapolis, IN.

Lauro Soto (18) has been hired as the worship and creative arts director for Nona Church in Orlando, FL. Evan Todd (18) and Grace Bacus (attended) were married in Joplin on May 19. Evan continues to travel with the band, Guys On A Bus.

Nick Vacca (18) is serving a year-long residency at Blue Springs CC in Blue Springs, MO.

Attended Paul Burton and Amber Goin were married on April 7 in Morgantown, IN. Paul serves on the staff of Camp Allendale in Trafalgar.

Aric Marshall is serving as worship and arts professor with St. Louis Christian College in Florissant, MO. Nathan Morris has been called to serve as associate high school minister with College Heights CC in Joplin.

Please keep the Guthrie CC in Guthrie, OK, in your prayers as they rebuild their worship facilities after it was destroyed

by fire on August 14. Don Riepe is the preaching minister of this congregation.

Dr. Missy Shabazz is working as a math lecturer at the University of Florida in Gainesville.

Dylan Voorhees and Kristin Buster (18) were married on May 18 and have moved to Knoxville, TN, where he serves as technical/lead audio engineer at Johnson University.

Sam Parker (current) and Annie White were married on June 24 and are making their home in Joplin.

PUBLICATIONS Christian Standard MAY

“The State of Our Christian Churches Today” by Ken Idleman (former president)

BOOKS A Tale of Souls by Karen Davis Rees (attended)

Former Faculty/Staff Congratulations to Ken (former president) and Kaylene Conover (attended/former staff ) Idleman on the celebration of their 50th wedding anniversary on August 17. The Idlemans live in Louisville, KY.

30

TO CONNECT

Send us your Alumni News at occ.edu/alumni.

AD

1111 N Main St Joplin, MO 64801 Change service requested

Non-Profit Organization U. S. Postage PA I D Joplin, MO 64801 Permit No. 62

ONE MORE THING

A final thought from our editor Amy Storms is a wife, mother, Strong Hall dorm mom, and director of marketing and communications at OCC.

TENDING ROSES Amy Storms

I’m not good with plants. Really, the only plant I can keep alive is a philodendron that lets me ignore it. I’ve even been known to purchase new houseplants just before company comes, but inevitably, the leaves turn brown before the guests go home.

In spite of my black thumb, I love plant metaphors in Scripture—trees planted by streams of water, seed sown in good soil, vine branches bearing much fruit for his glory. I’m drawn to the idea of a garden—its pace, its beauty, its constant care, and of course its application to spiritual health.

Frances Hodgson Burnett’s The Secret Garden says it best: “Where you tend a rose, my lad, a thistle cannot grow.”

It’s not that I want to grow thistles. It’s not that I set out to plant weeds. I don’t bring home a houseplant and think, “Can’t wait to watch it wilt!” But there’s a big difference between intending to grow things and tending to the things I grow.

I intend to memorize Scripture, but more urgent tasks press

in, so I don’t tend my mind with truth. I intend to pray—to make prayer more than a routine task. But a healthy prayer life requires a slowed pace and a quiet spirit. It means tending to my heart.

I intend to care for other people—to build friendships and help carry their burdens. But relationships take time, and if I’m not willing to sow the seeds of community, I can’t be surprised to not share in its fruit.

The question isn’t, “What should I do?” but “What am I growing?” I know I should water my houseplants…most of us know what we should do to lead our ministries and homes well.

The problem is, our list of shoulds is long, and shoulds turn to shame.

Instead, what am I growing? What—who—am I nurturing?

What regular practices in my life result in the constant care a healthy garden requires? When it comes to my leadership— and my life—am I tending roses, or growing thistles?