the magazine of ozark christian college SPRING 2015 A JESUS SCHOOL Ozark’s commitment to keep Christ at the center p. 4 JESUS IN 3D Michael DeFazio asks the question, “Who is Jesus?” p. 6 JUST ONE A tribute to Woody Wilkinson’s lifelong ministry p. 10
THE CENTRALITY OF CHRIST
READY TO ADVANCE YOUR MINISTRY? At Ozark Christian College, our students prepare to make a difference for the kingdom.
WE ARE. Classes start June 1, 2015
Apply by May 15
But not everyone fits the traditional student mold. Now the quality biblical education and ministry training you expect from Ozark is available online.
If you’re ready to advance your ministry, we’re ready for you.
Apply today! Contact Dena Hurley at hurley.dena@occ.edu or 417.626.1277
A quality, affordable online degree in Biblical Studies Visit us online at:
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1111 North Main Street Joplin, MO 64801 417-626-1234 www.occ.edu
CONTENTS TO INSPIRE President’s Perspective Matt Proctor
The person and mission of Jesus—always front and center
Featured Theme Michael DeFazio
Discovering Christ’s identity at the cross
Jesus the Only Way Dr. Terry Bowland
Four steps to proclaiming the exclusive truth of Christ
New Testament Words Kenny Boles
An in-depth look at the language of Scripture
Just One: Woody Wilkinson Matt Proctor
From preaching to chickens to equipping world changers
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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 staff member, Dawn Lahm
Coming Soon
Upcoming events at OCC
12 16 19 20
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 statue, Christ Teaching, has stood at the entrance of the Seth Wilson Library since 2006.
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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: Chase Marcus, Gavin Lang, 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
A JESUS SCHOOL: KEEPING CHRIST AT THE CENTER Matt Proctor
Pictured here with wife Katie, Matt Proctor has served as president of Ozark Christian College since 2006.
The first church I served had John 12:21 inscribed on the pulpit, “Sir, we would see Jesus.” Every time I stood to preach, those words reminded me to keep Christ at the center.
The Center of Our Sermons We need such reminders. Leonard Sweet writes, “I believe the major disease of today’s church is JDD: Jesus Deficit Disorder. The person of Jesus...is being replaced by the language of ‘justice,’ ‘morality,’ ‘values,’ and ‘leadership principles.’” Too often preachers get distracted from the main thing, so when I teach preaching class, I challenge my guys with reminders from: • The apostle Paul, “We preach Christ crucified....I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified” (1 Cor 1:23; 2:2). • Charles Spurgeon, “I take my text and make a beeline to the cross.” • F. W. Robertson, “The task of every preacher is to point to Jesus and get out of the way.” I tell my students about the Sunday School teacher who asked her first grade class, “What is gray, has a bushy tail, climbs trees and eats nuts?” After a long silence, one boy finally raised his hand and said, “Teacher, I know the answer is supposed to be Jesus... but it sure sounds like a squirrel to me!”
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That’s an old preacher joke, but I like that boy for two reasons. Number one, he’s got enough common sense to recognize a squirrel! Number two? The little boy knew what we sometimes forget—the church is the place where we always talk about Jesus.
“We want the person and mission of Jesus to be always before our students...”
When my Homiletics students stand to preach, I want them to remember: keep Christ at the center.
The Center of Our Campus Because we’re preparing leaders for the church, Ozark Christian College is a place
see the inscription with Christ’s words, “Not to be served, but to serve” (Matt 20:28). We want the person and mission of Jesus to be always before our students, and even the physical features of our campus remind us: keep Christ at the center.
The Center of Our Curriculum A long-held motto at Ozark Christian College is “Teaching the Word of Christ in the Spirit of Christ,” and as a classic Bible college, we have kept Christ’s Word at the center of our curriculum. (This issue of The Ambassador lets you “eavesdrop” on teaching from two of our Bible professors, Michael DeFazio and Dr. Terry Bowland.)
where we always talk about Jesus, too. Academic Dean Doug Aldridge likes to say that Ozark Christian College is “a Jesus school.” He’s right. On the front porch of the Seth Wilson Library stands an eight-foot-tall statue of Jesus. The title of the statue is Christ Teaching, and on the wall behind the image are the words of Jesus, “Come...learn from me” (Matt 11:28-29). Across the north end of our campus runs Turkey Creek, and on the hill above the creek stand three crosses. Students love to study there, and beneath those crosses, they
Along with over 100 other Bible colleges, we are nationally accredited by the Association for Biblical Higher Education. ABHE requires each school to include 30 hours of Bible classes, but at Ozark, every bachelor’s degree requires a full 50 Bible hours. That includes 8 hours specifically in Gospels studies, but of course, every biblical class ends up at Jesus. Remember when the resurrected Christ is on the Emmaus road? The unwitting Cleopas and friend reveal their biblical ignorance, so Jesus gives them a crash course in hermeneutics. “Beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to
TO INSPIRE
“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For everything was created by Him, in heaven and on earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and by Him all things hold together.”
- Colossians 1:15-17
them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself ” (Luke 24:27). Wow! Imagine the bulletin for that preaching service: • Today’s Preacher: Jesus • Today’s Text: The Whole Bible • Today’s Topic: Himself I wish I could have been there as Jesus made clear that “these are the Scriptures that testify about me” (John 5:39). All the Bible bears witness to Christ, and our Scripture-saturated curriculum reminds us: keep Christ at the center.
The Center of Our Soul Our founding Academic Dean Seth Wilson used to say, “Who we teach you to
love is more important than what we teach you to know.” If a graduate of Ozark can parse a Greek verb and balance a church budget and write a funeral sermon and counsel a troubled teenager but doesn’t love Jesus, then we have failed.
pray and listen and sing and lift our hands toward heaven, we remember deep in our soul: we are a Jesus school. Keep Christ at the center.
Our deepest desire for our students is that they will grow a deeper love for Christ. That’s why every week we gather as a college family to worship together. Right in the middle of our morning class schedule, we move from the classroom to the chapel, from instruction to devotion, from study to praise. Why? Because we don’t ever want to forget Who it’s all for. As we
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FEATURED THEME
JESUS THE SAVIOR: DISCOVERING HIS IDENTITY AT THE CROSS Michael DeFazio
(1) as a sacrificial lamb saving his people from their sins, (2) as a victorious king liberating his people from their enemy and (3) as a trailblazer clearing the pathway of salvation.
Sacrificial Lamb Michael DeFazio is an OCC Professor of New Testament and Hermeneutics. He and his wife, Beth, have two children, Claire and Carson.
Search for “Jesus” online, and in one-tenth of a second you’ll discover nearly 200,000 options to explore. The images alone will make your head spin in confusion—not just because of the amount, but also because of the variety. You’ll see laughing Jesus, crying Jesus, serious Jesus, smiling Jesus, black Jesus, white Jesus, warrior Jesus, hippie Jesus, biker Jesus, business Jesus, Native American Jesus, Middle Eastern Jesus, iconic Jesus, cartoon Jesus, even—and perhaps most tellingly—Play-Doh Jesus. There seem to be as many profiles of Jesus as there are people talking about him. Do you want a soul-saving Jesus or world-changing Jesus, Jesus who rides a donkey or one who prefers an elephant, a Mr. Universe Jesus or a Gandhi look-alike Jesus? How do we discern the truth of who Jesus was and is? Who is Jesus? I can’t think of a more important question, and I know of no better way to position ourselves for a faithful answer than by standing at the foot of Calvary. Looking at the cross, we would answer that question in three ways. Jesus died
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Think back to Jesus’ death. When in Gethsemane, Jesus asked God to find another way—he prayed that God would take this cup from him (Mark 14:36). Israel’s prophets often talked about the cup of God’s wrath. (See Isaiah 51:17; Jeremiah 25:15-17; Lamentations 4:21-22; Ezekiel 23:28-34; Habakkuk 2:16-17.) Jesus knew what was coming: He would draw upon himself the cup of God’s wrath so that his people might go free. Jesus knew he would be forsaken by God so they could be reconciled. He would become the mother hen who sacrifices her body to the scorching flames of a barnyard fire so her chicks will be saved (Matthew 23:37-38). Those who mocked Jesus with the words, “He saved others but he can’t save himself” got it exactly backwards: only by refusing to save himself could he save us (Mark 15:31). Speaking of us, the great news is that his death offers salvation to you and me. We desperately need such news, for we have failed in our original vocation to reflect the image of God. We have engaged in selfjustifying hypocrisy. We fall short of God’s concern for the least and lost. We make idols of ourselves as if the universe spins on the axis of me and mine. We have hidden God’s light under a bushel of our own selfishness, pride, greed, lust, anger and the like. Thus we stand under God’s coming judgment. In wrath, God releases us to the
fallout of our sin, and he will ultimately compensate us according to our deeds (Romans 1:18-32; 2:6). In his death, however, Jesus has already taken upon himself God’s judgment for sin. We in turn accept his sacrificial gift through faith and so are saved from judgment, forgiven of our sins, and reconciled to the God who loves us. (See 2 Corinthians 5:18-21; Romans 8:1-4; 1 John 4:10; 1 Peter 3:18; Hebrews 10:1-18.) “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world!” (John 1:29)
Victorious King Not only was Jesus a sacrificial lamb saving his people from their sins; on the cross, he also was a victorious king, liberating his people from their enemy. The Bible consistently points to the death of Jesus as the moment when Jesus defeated Satan (Colossians 2:15; Hebrews 2:14-15; Revelation 12:10-11). Just after Jesus entered Jerusalem, he said of his impending death: “Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out” (John 12:3133; 14:30-31; 16:11). How does that work? After all, in the events leading up to and including his death, Jesus proves to be without a doubt the oddest king history
“We become walking witnesses to the victorious King.” has even seen. He strolls into Jerusalem in kingly fashion, but on a donkey. He wears a crown, but of thorns. Like a king he is anointed, but for burial. He claims to possess power superior to the Roman
TO INSPIRE
Emperor’s, but moments later that very Emperor hands him over to be crucified. The whole story is a coronation, but the throne is a cross and the “King of the Jews” gets himself killed. How is this a victory? To begin with, Jesus’ sacrifice for sins shut Satan up because it removed the ground of his accusation against us (Colossians 2:14-15; Revelation 12:1011). If our sins are taken up into Jesus and washed away, Satan has nothing left to say against us. We are free from condemnation. The Accuser—which is precisely what “satan” means—has no case. But that’s just the beginning. Jesus ultimately defeated Satan by immobilizing Satan’s secret and greatest weapon: death. Death was Satan’s go-to move. But if your greatest weapon is fired and your opponent still isn’t defeated, the battle is over and you’ve lost. Jesus’ death is not the end of his story, but rather a prelude to the resurrection! By dying and coming out the other side, Jesus displays God’s supreme power over every rival— whether religious, political or straight-up demonic. Neither Satan nor Rome nor anyone else can rival the power unleashed in Jesus’ death and resurrection, so we don’t need to fear any longer. What’s the worst thing that can happen to us? Death? As undesirable as death remains, we no longer
need to ward it off at any cost (Hebrews 2:14-15; Revelation 12:10-11). Now we are free to risk obedience to God. Because we ultimately fear no evil, we are liberated to live and love without restraint. We are set free to love in all the difficult and potentially dangerous ways Jesus calls us to, because in Christ our identity is ultimately and eternally secure. We become walking witnesses to the victorious King.
Trailblazer of Salvation
Jesus’ death saves us by showing us the way out of bondage to the deceitful and destructive patterns of this world—lies we too often believe and ways of life we choose that lead only to more heartache and despair. We are literally lost without Jesus, standing in the middle of a thick forest in need of someone to clear a course back to life and civilization. Jesus blazes this trail and his Spirit enables us to walk the path of liberation from sin—the way of salvation. (See 1 Peter 2:20-25; 1 John 3:16; 4:9-12.)
Finally, the cross points to Jesus as our trailblazer, showing us the way of salvation. In his death, Jesus modeled the vision of life in God’s kingdom he had called others to live. He took up his cross, laid down his life for his friends, humbled himself, served others sacrificially, loved and forgave his enemies, turned the other cheek, went the second mile, saved his life by losing it, and endured persecution for the sake of righteousness. Jesus thus offered his generation salvation by inviting them to walk in obedience to these same ways.
So the death of Jesus reveals him to be sacrificial lamb, victorious king, and salvation trailblazer. When you peer into the passion of the Christ, I pray that you’ll remember how Jesus’ death answers your deep cries for forgiveness from guilt and shame, victory over evil and death, and guidance to lead a life of genuine liberation.
In fact, Jesus invited all people to become his people, and to walk this freshly-blazed trail of radical and sacrificial love. If faithfulness to God were a maze, Jesus walked it from start to finish and then invited us to follow in his steps. If it were a race, Jesus ran it before us and now stands at the finish line beckoning us onward (Hebrews 12:1-3).
*Excerpted from Michael’s book, Jesus in 3D.
Who is Jesus? He is—in every sense—Savior.
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FEATURED THEME
JESUS THE ONLY WAY: TELLING THE TRUTH IN A CULTURE OF TOLERANCE Dr. Terry Bowland But the new view of tolerance is radically different. In today’s world, a truly “tolerant” person must accept that there is no “right” and “wrong” position. Today’s tolerance treats all perspectives as equally right. A tolerant person must hold all positions as true, and claiming a position as the truth is the ultimate intolerance. Dr. Terry Bowland has taught New Testament and Ministry at OCC since 1993.
The Christian life begins and ends with the exclusive claims of Christ. Just as Peter stood before the Sanhedrin, so today’s Christian stands before culture and says, “There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). Yet here, at the heart of the Christian message, culture cries, “Foul!” How dare we suggest that Jesus is the only way to salvation? How intolerant to say, “Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life” (1 John 5:12). How can we proclaim the exclusive truth of Christ in a culture of tolerance? Here are four steps:
1. Recognize the Shifting Definition Today, Christians are often marginalized as the intolerant minority. Our first instinct might be to defend ourselves—to assert that we are, in fact, tolerant. After all, tolerance used to mean the willingness to allow ideas with which we disagree. Tolerance meant that all views—even wrong ones—had the right to be heard, because Christians believed that in the free exchange of ideas, truth would ultimately win out. Christians could believe and share Christ’s exclusivity, and still be tolerant.
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Since we as Christians, however, believe that biblical revelation is the final arbiter of
“The lordship of Christ is not ‘a truth’ among countless other ‘truths’ which all have equal validity.” right and wrong, “tolerance” as defined by culture is not a label we want to wear.
2. Know What You Believe Ironically, true tolerance is only possible when you know what you believe. B.B. Warfield wrote, “True tolerance comes into play only when we are confronted with what we recognize as error…There can be no real tolerance in a mind which has no strong convictions and no firm grasp on truth.” Unless a person knows their beliefs, there is no such thing as tolerance—just confusion. What, then, do we as Christians believe about Christ? Simply put, Jesus is Lord! (Rom 10:9) The lordship of Christ is not “a truth” among countless other “truths” which all have equal validity. The gospel joyfully announces that God’s rescue plan is intimately and uniquely tied to the person and work of Jesus Christ. We bear witness to what Jesus claimed about himself, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).
3. Speak the Truth as an Act of Love With the newer view of tolerance so firmly entrenched in our culture, Christians are often tempted to make a fatal substitution. Instead of boldly bearing witness to the gospel, we begin to feel it is more important to show compassion. While well-intentioned, we sometimes lose the simple truth: “There is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). But proclaiming this truth isn’t bigoted. It’s true compassion. A doctor who prescribes the only medicine to cure a disease isn’t intolerant. He lovingly points his patients to the only course of action for recovery. Likewise, Christians who proclaim Christ as the only way to salvation aren’t intolerant. They simply speak the truth, and speaking truth is an act of love.
4. Treat Others with Gentleness and Respect True tolerance as originally defined is the virtue of a person with convictions who doesn’t coerce others into agreement. Athanasius wrote, “For the truth is not preached with swords or darts, nor by means of soldiers, but by persuasion and counsel.” “It is not right,” wrote John Chrysostom, “for Christians to eradicate error by constraint and force, but to save humanity by persuasion and reasonableness and gentleness.” “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you…” wrote Peter. “But do this with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15). We speak the truth in love. In so doing, people are more likely to hear the good news of Jesus—and Jesus alone— as “the way, and the truth, and the life” (John 14:6).
NEW TESTAMENT WORDS
BLOOM Kenny Boles
TO INSPIRE
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Kenny Boles has taught Greek and New Testament for more than 40 years. Find more New Testament Words at www.occ.edu/words.
“Bloom and grow” is a lovely thought for the flowers of springtime, whether the alpine edelweiss of Austria or the dandelions in my front yard. The ancient Greek word for “bloom and grow” was thallo (THAH low). They used it to describe the way trees bud out, bloom, and bear fruit when the winter season is past. The young shoots were a symbol of new life and fertility, and were often used to weave a wreath to wear as a crown. In wider usage the word was used when dew was “copious,” when a feast was “sumptuous,” when meat was “rich” with fat. It was usually a positive, happy word, that meant to “be abundant,” to “thrive and flourish.” Now let’s look at the word in two places in Scripture. In the Greek version of Ezekiel 17:24, thallo is used as the LORD says, “All the trees of the forest will know that I the LORD . . . dry up the green tree and make the dry tree flourish.” Then in the New Testament Paul used the word with a prefix on the front, making it mean, “bloom again” (Philippians 4:10). His supporters in Philippi had gone a while without sending him anything, and now after some time, they had “renewed” their concern for him. Perhaps we have all gone through cold, dry periods of life when we intended to support a ministry, but for some reason did not. What a good thing when the concern blooms into fruit again! And then, just so we can end on a sad note, consider this: By the 2nd century A.D. the word had also come to mean “a small gift given as an after-thought,” “a small tip,” or “a once-a-year gift.” When our own hearts are “renewed” in concern for God’s work, may our fruitfulness be more!
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JUST ONE: WOODY WILKINSON
ALWAYS A PREACHER: THE LASTING LEGACY OF ONE MAN’S LIFE Matt Proctor “Teaching the Word of Christ in the Spirit of Christ.” Those words have echoed around Ozark for 72 years, but they’re more than a motto. They’re a mindset. A heartbeat. A heartbeat that remains strong.
Married on a Friday night, Rose was at Woody’s side as he preached Sunday morning. True love! Of course, Rose came from a family of preachers—including brothers Roy, Leon and Gene Weece—and she understood the ministry life. “Rose has always been a tremendous support to my ministry,” says Woody. They’ve been blessed with five children: (in birth order) daughter Kelly, sons Kent, Kyle, and Kit, and daughter Kimbra. The Lord has also blessed them with 14 grandchildren.
Refreshed by the Lord’s People
No one embodies these words better than longtime professor Woody Wilkinson. He has always been a preacher. His early years in East Moline, Illinois, included his family being very active in church. His dad was an elder. As a four-year-old, Woody would go outside and preach to the chickens to try to get them to repent. As a teenager, Woody decided to attend Ozark Bible College when Professor Don DeWelt came to preach at his home church, and as an Ozark student, he became DeWelt’s grader. Traveling with Brother DeWelt on preaching trips, Woody’s passion to proclaim God’s Word was fanned into flame. At Ozark, Woody met Rose Weece, and the two were married July 16, 1965. Preaching even played a part in their honeymoon.
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So off to preach went Woody and Rose—for 25 years in churches in Eldon, Springfield and St. Ann, Missouri. For six years, Woody preached every weekday, live on the radio. He has proclaimed Christ in Mexico, Scotland, England, Russia, Africa, Taiwan, Jamaica and the Philippines. For many years, he led a weekly Bible study in a federal prison, and for the last 20 years, Woody and Rose have taught 1st-3rd graders on Wednesday nights at their church in Carl Junction, Missouri.
one has traveled more often for the school than Woody, preaching to congregations of God’s people. It is a rare weekend that he has taken away from this practice, and he often says it refreshes him to be in the church with the Lord’s people.
A Voracious Reader Like every good preacher, Woody loves to learn. After graduating from Ozark, he earned his Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees. He’s a voracious reader, often reading over 100 books a year. When he consults with students, he meets them in an adjacent classroom, because his office is stacked floor to ceiling with books!
“Since coming to teach at Ozark, no one has traveled more often for the school than Woody.” God’s Word burns like a fire in his bones that he cannot keep inside (Jeremiah 20:9). Since coming to teach at Ozark in 1993, no
Even as a professor, Woody is still a preacher at heart. His students will testify: his classes are never dry! In Old Testament History class, you’ll catch him hiding behind desks,
TO INSPIRE
leaping, shrieking, and employing varied voices as he makes Bible stories come to life. Woody lectures like he preaches—fast, fervent, funny and full of great teaching. (“It’s like drinking from a fire hydrant,” said one student.) But most students will also tell you that Woody’s life has been the most powerful sermon. They would tell you that it’s almost impossible to get Woody to go through a door ahead of them, because he “considers others better than himself ” (Phil 2:3). The three-piece suit he often wears tells of his reverence for teaching God’s Word. His smile and greeting for every student on campus tells of his love for them. Woody is up every morning before 5:00, praying for them by name.
“Saved and Sanctified!” When asked how he’s doing, Woody’s standard response, “Saved and sanctified!” tells of his gratitude for Christ’s salvation. When he battled cancer, his steadiness told of his deep faith in God. Every day, through his actions as well as his words, Woody “teaches the Word of Christ in the Spirit of Christ.” “Ozark Christian College is a very special place,” Woody says. “It was here that I received my early training, and with that experience (plus years of ministry), God has granted me the privilege of pouring my life into the lives of many wonderful students.” This May, Woody will retire from teaching full-time at Ozark Christian College. His classroom hours will end, but his legacy will continue. The impact of his life will carry on in the ministries of his students—students Woody inspired just as Don DeWelt once inspired him.
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CAMPUS NEWS ABHE Approves Online Degree
Staff Transitions
In February, the Association for Biblical Higher Education granted official approval for OCC to offer its first fully online degree, a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies. Location is no longer a hindrance for those who want to invest in their calling with Bible and ministry training from Ozark. Former students who have yet to earn their degree as well as adults experiencing a midlife calling may now pursue the education which thus far has only been offered to students on campus. For more information about this exciting program, call Dena Hurley at 417.626.1277 or visit occ.edu/online.
After five years on staff at Ozark, Judy Welch retired in March. Whitney Morgan will step into her role as bookkeeper. Whitney lives in Carl Junction, MO, with her husband, Darren, and two daughters.
Welcome, Randy and Julie Gariss Beginning in July, Randy and Julie Gariss will serve as directors of a Life and Ministry Preparation Center at OCC. Randy and Julie—both OCC alumni—have spent the last 30+ years serving at College Heights Christian Church in Joplin. Their wisdom, experience and model of a healthy Christian marriage will be a blessing to our students. In this role, Randy and Julie will disciple and mentor students in one-on-one, small group and seminar contexts. They will work to equip our students with greater personal wholeness and relational health for a lifetime of effective ministry.
Additionally, last March David Duncan concluded his service as OCC Vice President of Development, and transitioned into a new role with Co:Mission Foundation, a ministry that provides Kingdom-minded individuals with ways to give to their favorite charities. Travis Hurley has been named Interim Vice President of Development. (Read more about David’s transition on page 23.)
Men’s Basketball Finishes Strong The 2014-15 Ozark Christian College men’s basketball team finished with an overall record of 16-19 and a 6-3 conference record, earning third place in the ACCA. They were also honored by winning the Conference Sportsmanship Award. Individual honors went to Zac Hill—1st Team All-Conference, 1st Team All-Region and an ACCA All-American. Evan Stubblefield was named 2nd Team All-Conference, 2nd Team All-Region and 2nd Team ACCA All-American. Kendall Wingert received Honorable Mention All-Conference. “This team competed very well against everyone they played, but they couldn’t seem to catch any breaks in a lot of close games,” wrote Coach Chris Lahm. “Their attitude on the court was recognized by others as top-notch and was reflected in the voting for the Conference Sportsmanship Award. Our seniors, Zac Hill and Kendall Wingert, will do very well in the ministries they choose as they go on from here.” Coach Chris Lahm was assisted again this year by Skip Walker, Kyle Wicklund and John Bennett.
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CAMPUS NEWS
Women’s Basketball Takes Third
TO INFORM
Fantastic Week at Fight On!
The Lady Ambassadors finished the season strong after a slow start. Going 1-8 during the first semester, they came back to end the regular season at 12-13. The ladies placed second in the conference, third in the region, and third in the ACCA National Tournament. “This season, we lost some games that we should have won,” writes Coach Tab Hall. “While that is disappointing, we plan to learn from the experience and strive for excellence next year to win some of those that got away from us this year. We certainly had our ups and downs with injuries and illness, but we pressed on. This was a wonderful group of women to work with.” The women’s team also earned the opportunity to participate in the NCCAA National Tournament, and placed eighth there. The team’s leading scorers were Chelsea Matlack, who averaged 16 points a game, and Baylee Hilton, who averaged 14.8 points. The Lady Ambassadors were led by Coach Tab Hall and Assistant Coach Deb Hafer.
For the more than 1,000 people who attended, the 2015 Preaching-Teaching Convention was a great success. Attendees were challenged to respect our heritage as we also pass the baton on to the next generation. “It was a great week,” writes OCC Vice President of College Relations Jim Dalrymple. “Our prayer is that the week encouraged and equipped those in the many roles of Kingdom leadership to lead better longer.” Preaching-Teaching also included the annual Alumni Banquet and a well-attended class reception where grads enjoyed food and fellowship. “Fight On!” session recordings are available for purchase at www.CATapes.com.
Not to Be Served In January, Executive Vice President Damien Spikereit joined with the Ministry Center to create MLK Day of Service, a day for OCC staff and faculty and their families to serve together off campus in the Joplin community. More than 20 OCC staff members and their families served at ten area ministries, including Spring River Christian Village, Joplin’s Ronald McDonald House and more. The day followed the Mark 10:45 heartbeat of OCC, “...not to be served, but to serve.”
Pictured at the reception are 1955 grads Ray Downen and Howard Mountcastle (top), and Mark Palmer and Nonato and Tanya Silva from the class of 1990 (bottom).
Ozark staff and families at Joplin’s Life Choices on MLK Day of Service (left).
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CAMPUS NEWS ASL in Kansas and Ohio
Classes Coast to Coast
In February, Deaf Communications Professor Mary Alice Gardner led students to Olathe, KS, to tour the Kansas School for the Deaf with teacher and alum Amanda Harris. They also visited the Deaf Cultural Center and led youth programming at the International Deaf Community Church.
This semester, students traveled across the country as part of three courses in church planting. Thirteen students visited NYC for two sections of “Exegeting the City.” Students also traveled to San Francisco for “Foundations of Church Planting” and to Chicago for “Dynamics of the City.” OCC has partnered with Orchard Group in church planting courses since 2007.
In March, deaf ministry students traveled again to Cincinnati, OH, for the All About Deaf Kids Fair hosted by Cincinnati Christian University. They observed classes at St. Rita School for the Deaf and attended church at Christ Church of the Deaf.
Students Travel for Week of “E” Group Attends National Preaching Summit
OCC Vice President of Alumni Dru Ashwell and students Skyler Davis, Landon Justice, Conor Le Blanc and Shane Robison participated in the 2015 National Preaching Summit at Indian Creek CC in Indianapolis, IN, March 8-10. The event is sponsored by College Press Publishing, and Dru has served as the director of the event for the past eleven years. Dr. Robert Smith, Jr., Dr. David Roadcup, Chris Goldman and Victor Knowles were the speakers at this year’s Summit.
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OCC turns spring break into a Week of Evangelism—a chance for students to serve around the world. This year, Ozark served from Bosnia to Las Vegas. They cleaned, painted, assisted with construction projects, taught children and fed the hungry. President Matt Proctor preached at Iglesia de Cristo in Saltillo, Mexico, where OCC grad Antonio Escobedo (08) ministers with his wife, Berenice (07).
HEARD IN CHAPEL Our college family continues to be challenged by outstanding messages in Chapel each Tuesday. Listen to the messages at www.OCC.edu/media, or watch the messages on Ozark’s YouTube channel. Here’s a taste of what we’ve heard recently.
“I love it when my students stop me to talk about their impossible witnessing challenge. Authentic courage grows as we pray to the God of the impossible…God uses our authenticity through evangelism to melt impossible hearts of stone like wax. Well done, and keep it up!” Bob Witte, 1.13.15 Well Done: We Love Your Passion for Authenticity www.OCC.edu/media
“We have three sons. Debbie and I remind each other that our sons belong to God. They always have. But the needs are so many [around the world, so even though they’re far away on the mission field, we rejoice because] here’s the plain and simple, yet difficult truth: the mission of God is greater than my comfort.” Kevin Greer, 1.27.15 Well Done: We Love Your Willingness to GO www.OCC.edu/media
“We have to remember those two prevalent words in the Bible: ‘God gave.’ God is a giving God. Esther could have kept everything to herself, but she gave. God gave. If we can embed those words in us, we will always know what we need to do.” Danon Gale, 2.17.15 God’s Love…Protects the Threatened (Esther) www.OCC.edu/media
“BREAK” TIME
Will Porter, Ian Johnson, Seth Johnson and Marley Butler enjoy a game of pool in OCC’s Mabee Student Center—the perfect place for students to relax, watch TV or have a cup of coffee as a break from their studies.
MEET YOUR OCC FAMILY
TO INFORM
Getting to know the people of Ozark Christian College
DAWN LAHM, THE ‘LIFE’ OF STUDENT LIFE When Dawn Lahm was two years old, her father sold his business in Cherokee, Iowa, and moved her family to Norfolk, Nebraska, to study at Nebraska Christian College. A preacher’s daughter, Dawn was raised in the Midwest. She attended Nebraska Christian College before marrying OCC athletic director and men’s basketball coach, Chris Lahm.
Woman of the Word: “Galatians 6:4-5 MSG is one of my favorite scriptures,” Dawn says. “Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don’t be impressed with yourself. Don’t compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life.”
Hospitality in Action: Entertaining guests and cooking for family and friends are two of Dawn’s greatest talents. She also likes trying new foods, growing herbs and collecting chef statues.
The Lahms raised four kids—Derek, Mallory, Christiana and Tesia—primarily in Nebraska. Over the years, Dawn has worked a variety of jobs, including veterinarian’s assistant, CNA, physical therapy technician, apartment complex leasing agent, licensed daycare provider, track coach, and bookstore manager. Currently, she serves as administrative assistant in OCC’s Student Life department. Dawn’s newest role is that of grandma. She and Chris have three grandchildren, Emily, Brody and Myla, all born since August of 2014.
On the Go: “I love meeting friends for coffee and lunch, traveling in and out of the States, serving in my community and church, exercising and doing outdoor activities— boating, jet skiing, water skiing, tubing, fishing— and doing it all, of course, with family and friends.”
‘Forever Royal’: Dawn enjoys watching sports—which she does frequently, as an athletic director’s wife. As fans of the Kansas City Royals, Dawn and Chris attended Game 6 of the 2014 World Series.
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COMING SOON Upcoming events at OCC
May 15-16: Graduation Weekend Ozark’s graduation weekend is May 15-16, and this spring OCC will celebrate nearly 140 graduates. Dr. Mark Scott will speak at Friday evening’s Baccalaureate service. Honored grads for the class of 2015 are Shelby Fleming, valedictorian; Chase Dilworth, co-salutatorian; Jessica Bird, co-salutatorian; and Landon Justice, class orator.
Dr. Mark Scott
Shelby Fleming
Chase Dilworth
Jessica Bird
Landon Justice
Summer Sports Camps June and July bring hundreds of junior and senior high students to OCC’s annual basketball and volleyball camps. Five separate sessions are available for kids ages third grade through high school. Space is limited, so register soon. Find out more at www.occ.edu/athletics.
Volleyball:
Jr. High Girls 1 (entering grades 7-9): June 29-July 1 Jr. High Girls 2 (entering grades 7-9): July 6-8
Basketball:
Jr. High Girls (entering grades 7-9): June 7-10 Middle School Girls (entering grades 5-6): June 10-12 Jr. High Boys (entering grades 6-8): June 14-17 Sr. High Boys (entering grades 9-12): June 21-25 Boys and Girls Day Camp (entering grades 3-5): June 29-July 1
June 1-4/8-11: Refreshed by His Spirit Attention, adults 55+…don’t miss the 18th annual Senior Adult Conference, held in Branson each June at the Clarion Hotel and Conference Center. “Refreshed by His Spirit” will feature main speaker Woody Wilkinson and worship leader Phil Mehrens, as well as Bible study leaders Kenny Boles (week 1) and Gerald Griffin (week 2). Conferences begin Monday evening and conclude Thursday morning, June 1-4 and 8-11. Visit www.occ.edu/sac for more information.
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COMING SOON
TO INFORM
Upcoming events at OCC
Frontline Summer Tour
Frontline’s 2015 summer tour is scheduled for May 31-July 25. In addition to leading worship at five weeks of camps, the team will lead Sunday morning worship each weekend at various churches and tour three weeks in July. The group has a concert program that includes worship and teaching in song and visual media. If you would like to host Frontline this summer or during the 2015-2016 school year, contact frontline@occ.edu. May 31-June 5: Cyokamo (Alba, MO) Junior High Week June 7-12: Camp Sooner (Tecumseh, OK) Senior High Week June 14-19: Sunset Bible Camp (Mannford, OK) Senior High Week June 21-26: Camp Como (Como, CO) Senior High Week June 28-July 3: Camp Como (Como, CO) Senior High and Middle School Week
June 12-28: This I Believe
This summer, 62 high school students will travel with OCC’s select performance group, Highest Praise. Thirteen instrumentalists and 49 vocalists will rehearse for a week at OCC before touring and performing at churches in Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Kansas. The teens will present the message, “This I Believe,” through music and drama. The final concert will be held on Sunday, June 28, at 7:00 p.m. in the OCC chapel.
June 23-26: See You in Cincinnati! The 2015 North American Christian Convention, “We Speak,” is coming to Cincinnati, OH, June 23-26. “We Speak” will offer top-notch speakers, worship leaders, workshops, Bible studies and networking events. The week also includes a full teen convention, children’s convention and exhibit hall. Visit Ozark at Booth #515, and join us for the OCC Alumni and Friends Reception in the Duke Energy Convention Center (Ballroom A) on Wednesday, June 24, at 8:30 p.m.
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HERE’S AN IDEA
Practical tips for your life and ministry
RECOMMENDED RESOURCES TO STAY CENTERED Q: Can a book really change your life? A: Absolutely! There’s something special about a book you can’t put down—or better yet, a book you’ll never forget. The power of the written word is astonishing. Books can sway the thoughts, trends and direction of an entire culture. Henry David Thoreau wrote, “How many a man has dated a new era in his life from the reading of a book!” The greatest subject ever written about is the person and life of Jesus. Here are three resources to help you stay centered on Christ. Dru Ashwell is Vice President of Alumni Relations and editor of The Ambassador.
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Mere Christianity - C.S. Lewis (1952)
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The Jesus I Never Knew - Philip Yancey (1995)
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Who Is This Man? - John Ortberg (2012)
I first read this life-changing classic in Dr. Lynn Gardner’s Apologetics class my senior year at Ozark. Lewis’s writings have sold millions and unquestionably impacted tens of thousands. One example is Chuck Colson, who was imprisoned for his part in the Watergate scandal. Colson has written that reading Mere Christianity was an important step in his conversion. Well over a half-century since Lewis wrote these words, this is still a book to reach for when a friend wonders what Christianity is all about. That is its enduring influence.
In his unassuming manner, Yancey challenges some false notions of Jesus that have put down deep roots in our churches and leads readers along a path of rediscovery. —“Hey, look at the Jesus I found!” According to Yancey, “No one who meets Jesus ever stays the same.” I will never be the same after reading this book, which was given to me on Christmas Day in 1997. Three days later, I had finished the 275 pages, many of them filled with yellow highlighter and underlined passages. I refer back to its contents often, and it’s one I hope our OCC alumni will enjoy.
Inspiringly written, Ortberg overwhelms the reader with the dominating role that Jesus has played in creating our history and culture, listing many of the fascinating ways He has changed the world forever. He brings Christ’s humanity to light in a way that makes us better able to ponder His divinity. Ortberg’s simple, flowing style, along with his many stories, keep me buying his books the day they’re released. I’m confident you’ll agree that this one doesn’t disappoint.
“I am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really foolish thing that people often say about Him: ‘I’m ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don’t accept His claim to be God.’ That is the one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic—on a level with the man who says he is a poached egg—or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God, or else a madman or something worse. You can shut Him up for a fool, you can spit at Him and kill Him as a demon, or you can fall at His feet and call Him Lord and God. But let us not come with any patronizing nonsense about his being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to.” -C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity
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YOUR PARTNERSHIP
TO CONNECT
Helpful tools for Christian stewardship
THIS STUFF IS AMAZINGLY FUN!
David B. Adams Thomas Aylott Avanelle Durham Carlos & Joanne Elmore Gregory Gardiner Wayne Gardiner Charles Greer Robert Halteman Maurice & Ruby Hinds
In the years since, hundreds of families have let me assist them in answering the question, “What is God’s plan of stewardship for our estate and planned giving?” And man, this aspect of ministry is amazingly fun!
Joanne Lawrence Carolyn Lawson Opal McLaughlin
Along with my transition, Travis Hurley has been named Interim Vice President of Development. Travis has been the Associate Director of Development for three years. He assumes this new role at a crucial time in the life of the college. Prior to working at Ozark, Travis and his family ministered in the Washington D.C. area. Travis’ wife, Dena, serves as Ozark’s Online Enrollment Services Coordinator. The Hurleys have four children, Andrea, Nathan, Rebecca and Caleb. Travis will do a fantastic job leading the Development Team in the annual fund-raising program, The Difference, and all capital fund-raising efforts. Contact him at 417.626.1217 or hurley.travis@occ.edu. And thank you for the chance to serve…because this stuff is amazingly fun!
Tribute Gift Form
PLEASE PRINT
In Honor Of… Name
Given By:
DECEMBER 17, 2014 - MARCH 31, 2015 In Loving Memory:
Twenty-two years ago, I was fortunate to attend training led by Ray Lyne of Lifestyle Giving, Inc. Ray fanned a spark of interest into a flame of passion for biblical stewardship, charitable gift planning and estate planning from a Christian perspective.
Now in 2015, my official role with Ozark Christian College has changed. With President Proctor’s blessing, I’m focusing my work for the college entirely on planned giving services, under the banner of my new role at Co:Mission Foundation. I’d love to help you create or review an estate plan, learn how to combine your desire for more income with a gift to your ministries, and much more. There are many excellent strategies and tools available, and I’d be thrilled to share them with you. Please contact me at 417.437.4774 or dduncan@comissionfoundation.org.
In Loving Memory Of…
TRIBUTE GIFTS
Pansy Miller Ben Moore Nora Parrish H. Dean Price Nancy Puckett Adam Ransom David & Jewell Shelton W. Keith Shrum
Clifford Stock Jack Sublett Roger Tribble Roy Weece Charles & Dorothy Wittenborn Henry Wood Ray Volentine, Sr.
In Honor Of:
Kenny & Linda Boles Ruth Bunton Julie Dowden Mike & Miriam Johnson Doug Miller Mike & Mary Nauman Robert and Cecil Scott
Enclosed is my gift of:
Woody & Rose Wilkinson
Name Address City/State/Zip
Please send acknowledgement to: Name Address
Woody Wilkinson
City/State/Zip
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Use separate paper for additional names.
Emily Adams-Massey Pat Aylott John W. Spurgeon M/M Richard H. Steckler Nancy H. Gardiner Nancy H. Gardiner M/M R.M. Haden Bessie L. Halteman Gina M. Hinds Marshall Hinds Lorna F. Lang Holly Milliken R.D. Lawrence Mildred Wood M/M Thomas M. Lassaux M/M Larry D. Shouse M/M Owen R. Wallis M/M Donald R. Moore Karen Bostick Rose E. Gaither M/M Charles Gash Barbara W. Price M/M Dallas W. Puckett M/M James B. Ransom Deborah Stock Joyce Stock M/M David F. Aspinwall M/M Orville Brill M/M Earl V. Burris Bridget A. Corbett Eastmorland School, Joplin, MO M/M Robert F. Ellerman Phyllis A. Han Lisa E. Morris M/M Maynard Ridge M/M Sam E. Stone Deborah Stock Joyce Stock The Jack Sublett family M/M Ben C. Killion M/M Kevin D. Perdew M/M David Wittenborn Mildred Wood M/M Charles Gash Dr. and Mrs. Paul T. Butler Dr. and Mrs. Woody Wilkinson Bunton kids and grandkids M/M Duane R. Wilson M/M Mervyn E. Moberly Dr. and Mrs. Paul T. Butler Myrtle Owings Gina M. Hinds Marshall Hinds Lorna F. Lang Holly Milliken Coraillee Bell Ruth Circle First Christian Church, Dodge City, KS Ethelmae Humphreys M/M J.D. Kirby Charlene M. Lantz M/M Larry L. Morecraft M/M George Roane M/M Dallas Vernon, Jr. M/M Donald E Kimsey
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ALUMNI NEWS
2015 SETH WILSON OUTSTANDING ALUMNUS AWARDS Don Hinkle Born October 26, 1941 in Poplar Bluff, MO, Don Hinkle graduated from Will Rogers High School in Tulsa in May of 1959. That fall, he started studying for the ministry at Midwest Christian College in Oklahoma City. Don graduated with the five-year BTh degree in May 1964. After brief youth ministries in Coyle, OK, and Boise City, OK, in 1967 Don moved to Southern California. Forty-eight years later, he’s still a Californian. During his early years in California, Don and several youth ministers would annually load up in a rented motor home and drive out to CIY’s National Youth Leader’s Convention. In 1972 he became the youth minister at North Fresno CC, and in 1976 became the youth minister at Central CC in San Jose. While at Central, he began teaching part-time at San Jose Christian College. He taught 14 years part-time and moved to full-time in 1990. Don started the youth ministry program at San Jose. In 1993, Don became the senior minister of Yucaipa CC. Under his leadership, Yucaipa’s average weekly attendance grew from 400 to 1,200. Don says the highlight of his 20-year ministry with YCC was, “The Toilet Church.” YCC built a two-story building in the Muthare Valley, in Nairobi, Kenya, where the lower level was filled with restrooms and the upper floor was a church. Don serves as a trustee of William Jessup University. Les Christie wrote: “A better choice could not have been made. You were a pioneer in the true sense of the word in the field of youth ministry.” OCC President Matt Proctor congratulates: “Don spent decades leading young people to Christ. In more recent years, he was still just doing youth ministry for big people, and God blessed it. Thank you, Don, for your faithful kingdom leadership and for raising up the next generation of kingdom leaders.”
Congratulations, Don!
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Seth Wilson Outstanding Alumnus Award Presented to Don Hinkle in recognition for work in youth ministry and preaching ministry for over fifty years. Your love and care for the Church and your service in His Kingdom are highly commended. The Ozark Christian College Alumni Association Joplin, Missouri February 25, 2015
ALUMNI NEWS
Nancy Bacus Born February 24, 1941 in Holyoke, CO, Nancy Shafer came to OBC in August of 1960. The summer of 1961 was an eventful one. She traveled to Jamaica and met a missionary named Harvey Bacus. Married May 12, 1962, they returned to Jamaica to serve together that fall. Harvey and Nancy served ten full years together, working primarily with the Penwood Road Church of Christ in Kingston. (OCC graduates Vincent Graham and Carmen Bolt are two of the Timothys of this congregation.) Harvey and Nancy established a school, developed a correspondence course, hosted a weekly radio program, participated in summer camps and youth retreats, and raised up leaders in the church. In 1972, Harvey and Nancy served as Ozark’s “Missionaries on Campus,” and God led them to stay through their retirement in 2003, after 63 semesters. During the many years they lived in Joplin, Nancy worked with the children at Central City Christian Church, earned her degree in 1986, taught part-time and served full-time as the Music Department secretary. The Bacuses retired from Ozark in June 2003, when Harvey was 66 and Nancy was 62. Working with Institute for Christian Resources Director Willard Black, they established a library in Amman, Jordan. Books and More began in 2007 and remains the only public library in the country of Jordan. Harvey and Nancy are co-directors, but ironically in a male-dominated society, Nancy oversees and Harvey assists. Harvey commented, “She’s the brains, and I’m just trying to be the helpful hands.”
TO CONNECT
Seth Wilson Outstanding Alumnus Award Presented to Nancy Bacus in recognition for your passion to share the Word with adults and children through teaching and books. Your love and compassion for the people of Jamaica and Jordan and your selfless life of service in His Kingdom are highly commended. The Ozark Christian College Alumni Association Joplin, Missouri February 25, 2015
OCC President Matt Proctor writes: “Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me.’ But Nancy took it a step further and went herself to the children of Jordan. Thank you, Nancy, for your work at the library planting gospel seeds in children’s hearts and for a lifetime of advancing the kingdom one kid at a time.”
Congratulations, Nancy!
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ALUMNI CONNECTIONS
CONGRATULATIONS TO:
Jorge and Anna Chapuis (03) Carranco on the birth of Elijah Jorge on August 20, and the adoption of Brianna Nichole (9) in December 2014. The Carranco family lives in Goodman, MO. Jenka and Emily Bearden (05) Korman on the birth of Benjamin Evgenyevich on December 18. The Kormans live in Joplin. Jay (07) and Caitlin Vallely (07) Greer on the adoption of Makoto (Mac) Jay, who was born in Osaka, Japan, on January 4.
B.J. (12) and Amanda Wall on the birth of Ruthy Mae on January 14. The Walls live in Jay, OK, and he serves as youth and worship minister with First CC in Langley, OK. Keaton and Brenda Lawson (attended) Taylor on the birth of Wyatt Jeemes on March 16 in Joplin.
Dan (02) and Delicia Jones (02) Bare on the birth of Josiah Harold on March 10 in Joplin.
Scott (97) and Kim Kirby (attended) Bryant on the arrival of Jordan Journey on January 23 in Springfield, OR. Scott serves as senior pastor with Thurston CC in Springfield.
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Paul (10) and Mallory McCracken (attended) Vandeveer on the birth of Elisha Gregory on January 26. Paul serves on the ministry staff of Norton CC in Norton, KS.
T.J. (07) and Julia Mannschreck (05) Lawson on the birth of Megan Macrina Joy on March 12 in Wichita, KS. T.J. ministers with the Westside CC in Wichita. Sam (13) and Rachel Martin on the birth of Rosalie Grace in Joplin on January 15.
Patrick (09) and Lauren Balu (10) Wheeler on the arrival of Lyla Grace on March 11 in New Port Richey, FL. Patrick is middle school minister/small team leader with Cornerstone CC.
Kurt (15) and Jen Bauer (06) Witten on the birth of Amelie Joy on November 26 in Miami, OK.
Brian and Lindsey Miller (05) McClanathan on the birth of Avery Lois on March 17 in Rockford, IL. Glen (01) and Kathryn Miller on the arrival of Seth James on November 18 in Waco, TX, where Glen works with Antioch Ministries International, assisting team members in Asia and the U.S.
Beau (04) and Michelle (Harmon) Hamlin on the arrival of Shepherd Grey on December 23 in Indianapolis, IN. Beau ministers with Kingsway CC in Avon, IN. Allen (02) and Kameesha Christensen (03) Williams on the arrival of Evangeline Elaine on February 6 in Joplin. Allen ministers with the Rogers CC in Rogers, AR. Nipon and Amanda Bryan (attended) Wongnirattisai on the birth of Rose Elizabeth on October 12 in Chiangmai, Thailand, where they serve as missionaries in Pai.
ALUMNI CONNECTIONS
TO CONNECT
CONGRATULATIONS TO: GRADS RECEIVE HONORED SERVANT AWARDS OCC alum Bill Platt (85) served as the president of the 2015 Missouri Christian Convention. The MCC honored three servants this year, and all three are Ozark graduates. Receiving the Honored Servant Awards are: Jerry Kilson (61), alongside his wife, Jan (attended), Ed Holt (70), with his wife Sara (69) and John Watson (66), alongside his wife, Fran (attended).
OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY: Ken Henes (former faculty-M) died of a heart attack on January 31 at his home in Cottage Grove, WI. Please pray for his family as they suffer through this sudden loss. Eileen Puckett Johnson (attended-M) passed away on March 25 in McAllen, TX, following a long battle with Alzheimer’s. Her son, Kent Johnson (attended-M), passed away on March 21 in San Antonio, TX, following an illness. Please keep the Johnson family in your prayers as they mourn the loss of mother and son. Betty St. Clair (attended/ former staff ) passed away on March 17 in Joplin, following a courageous battle with cancer. Please remember her children and extended family in their time of loss.
Kay Magner Henry (attended) lost her battle with lung cancer on March 18 in Joplin. Keep her husband, Jerry (attended), and extended family in your prayers as they work through their grief.
Known by many as “The Cowboy Preacher,” Johnny Joslin (59-M) passed away in Norman, OK, on February 25. Please keep his widow, June, and her family in your prayers as they mourn their loss.
After a battle with pancreatic cancer, Mervin Hockenberry (attended) passed away in Mesa, AZ, on September 22. Keep his family in your prayers. W. Keith Shrum (58) passed away on January 27 in Hutchinson, KS, following several years of declining health. Keith had been in the preaching ministry for over 60 years. Please keep his wife, Bonna Fields (attended), and her family in your prayers as they adjust to life without Keith.
Ron Nelson (former staff ) passed away in Joplin on April 20, after battling cancer. Please pray for the Nelson family as they grieve his loss.
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ALUMNI CONNECTIONS
CLASS NOTES: Class of ’54: Revival Fires Ministries, located in Branson, MO, and led by Cecil Todd, is involved in raising funds to provide 100,000 Bibles to be distributed in Cuba. This effort is in cooperation with the American Bible Society.
Class of ’81:
Kevin (current trustee) and Cindy Betts (attended) Moyers began their 29th year of ministry with Community CC in Fort Scott, KS, this spring.
Class of ’60:
H. Dean LaVelle (M) and his wife, Phyllis, retired from a 44-year ministry with the Bible CC in Arkansas City, KS, on September 7.
Class of ’72:
Ed Hahn celebrated 20 years as a chaplain with Mercy Hospital in Joplin this past December.
Class of ’84:
Eddie Bazin, missionary to his home country of Haiti, is making plans to run for president of Haiti in the fall of 2015. Please keep him in your prayers as these plans develop.
Class of ’90:
After 25 years as evangelists with Igreja de Cristo Church in Araguaina, Brazil, Nonato and Tanya Davis (96) Silva are taking an extended six-month furlough in the U.S., living in Joplin.
Class of ’91: Class of ’79:
Lowell “Larry” Fry writes that he graduated in December from Cincinnati Christian University with an MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Larry lives with his wife, Cindy Howrey (attended), in Cincinnati. Mark Miller is serving as preaching minister of the First CC in Staunton, IN, leaving a 33-year ministry with the Greencastle CC in Greencastle, IN.
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Greg Strickland is working full-time with Rock Solid Ministries, a ten-year-old revival ministry based in Corinth, MS. They provide revival services—preaching and music—free of charge to churches. No offering or remuneration is requested or expected. He has scheduled 17 revivals across the U.S. and Canada in 2015. More details at www.rocksolidministries.org.
Class of ’96:
Jacques and Kimberly (attended) Beaudin are living in Helena, MT, where they both work at Shodair Children’s Hospital in the area of mental health, caring for emotionally troubled children. Jacques also serves as associate minister of the Crossing CC in Helena.
ALUMNI CONNECTIONS
Class of ’03:
Vance Russell has accepted a position with Boise Bible College in Boise, ID, to serve as professor of Greek and New Testament beginning in the fall of 2015.
Class of ’05:
Kyle Duncan is serving as equipping pastor with the Westside CC in Wichita, KS, leaving a ministry in Florida.
Class of ’06:
Adam Hogan and Audrey Wheeler were married on March 14 in Joplin. They are both teachers in the Joplin area. Jessica Bromley Rodenbaugh recently became the parttime family ministry team lead with The Avenue Church in Louisville, KY, where her husband, Josh, serves as an elder and also serves with Team Expansion.
Class of ’07:
Corey Williams was recently awarded a Ph.D. in Religious Studies from the University of Edinburgh, and has taken up a tenure-track appointment as Assistant Professor of Christianity in the Modern World at Leiden University, the Netherlands. Nathan Winstead continues to serve on the staff of Everyday CC in NYC, working in the area of worship arts with this four-year-old congregation.
Class of ’09:
Jacob Donato is now serving as worship/young adult minister with the Capital West CC in Jefferson City, MO.
TO CONNECT
Class of ’10:
Tim Hayward is serving as worship pastor with Grace Fellowship Church in Demotte, IN, leaving a ministry in the St. Louis area.
Caitlyn Lippitt and Lance Spencer were married in Albuquerque, NM, on March 8.
Class of ’11:
Jon Hembree is serving as senior minister of the Community CC in Great Bend, KS, leaving a ministry in Demotte, IN. Amy Inskeep and Daniel Keeton were married in Bentonville, AR, on March 28. Juliet Rose writes that Guiding Light Ministries has relocated their thrift store to Zora and Range Line Road in Joplin. They also continue to maintain the Joplin ministry house for women in need.
Class of ’13:
Marko Mircetic and Eliysha Spangler (current student) were married on September 28 in Joplin.
Class of ’14:
David Paez (15) and Abbie Berryann were married on February 7 in Joplin.
Class of ’15:
Zach Davies and Chelsea Polastri (current student) were married on March 13 and are making their home in Joplin.
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ALUMNI CONNECTIONS
CLASS NOTES: Attended:
Articles:
Spencer Aggus shares that he has been a realtor in Joplin since October of 2001 and is the president-elect of the Ozark Gateway Association of Realtors.
Christian Standard “Paradise Lost, Maybe” by Jay Engelbrecht (current faculty)
Randy and Sherri Park (93) Allsbury are living in Edmond, OK, and serve as directors for Family Vision Ministries. www.Family-id.com
“The Struggles of Henri” by Dr. J.K. Jones (former faculty)
Michael and Rita Nichols Byfield live in Bartlesville, OK, where Michael is retired and she is a nursing professor at Rogers State University in Claremore.
March
Cliff Hazard completed 40 years of full-time ministry in 2014. Cliff is senior minister of the Milford CC in Milford, MO. Ethan Humphrey and Jessica Nisbet were married on January 9. Erin Shead plans to move to Ecuador this spring for a 10-month commitment to work with a Christian school and mission training center. She has been living in Downey, CA.
“Propel” (Previewing the 2015 NACC) by Caleb Kaltenbach (02) “A Time to Reset” by Dr. Robert Wetzel (56-M) “Balm in Gilead” by Jay Engelbrecht (current faculty) April “Forgiving God” by Chad Ragsdale (current faculty) “Enough Is Enough” by Jay Engelbrecht (current faculty) The Lookout January 11 “No Room in the Inn (for Boys)” by Brian Jennings (98) January 18
Sawyer Smith has been hired to serve as student minister with the Town and Country CC in Topeka, KS.
“What People Facing Unplanned Pregnancies Really Need from
Austin Spencer and Kayla Hoff (current student) were married on January 2 in Westminster, CO.
February 15
Faculty/Staff: Ann Wolfe (former staff ), who is serving as children’s ministry associate at College Heights CC in Joplin, and Brian Sitton (CHCC children’s minister) have released “Minion Factory VBS,” a creative and biblically solid VBS curriculum, including environmental projection options. It can be purchased through Crowd Control Games. www.crowdcontrolgames.com
We want to keep in touch with you! Please help us update your alumni file.
Send your information to: alumni@OCC.edu.
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February
Us” by Lindsay Poznich Bell (06) “Navigating Life as a Christian Single Male” by Brian Jennings (98)
Books:
Brother Boatman: A Man of Conviction Who Led by Serving by Dr. H. Lynn Gardner (61/former faculty). Published by Lighthouse Books. (Books may be ordered from the Ozark Christian College Bookstore at occbookstore@OCC.edu.)
President Matt Proctor presents Mrs. Gail Boatman a copy of Dr. Gardner’s book during the 2015 Alumni Banquet.
WANT TO BE THE
DIFFERENCE? GO TO OCC.EDU/DONATE AND BECOME A MONTHLY PARTNER LIKE BOB AND LISA.
“We have many fond memories from our time at Ozark. We remember those first exciting days on campus, our favorite classes, the many inspiring chapel services. One thing we cannot recall, however, are the names of those who faithfully gave in support of the college. Without the scholarship funds we received, our tuition could have been much higher. We don't know their names, but we are truly thankful for those dedicated servants who gave—and many of whom continue to give. Now it is our turn. What a privilege it is to give back to a place that has given us so much. If our gifts can help propel even just one student's passion for ministry, then it is completely worth it. This is why we continue to support Ozark.”
-BOB AND LISA WITTE
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ONE MORE THING
A final thought from our assistant editor
WHEN THE LION SAYS, “WELL DONE!”
Amy Storms is a wife, mom, writer and dorm mom in Strong Hall.
When my son was in kindergarten, he and my husband read all seven of The Chronicles of Narnia books each night at bedtime. Andy read aloud to Nathan about Aslan, C.S. Lewis’ masterfully written Christlike character, a lion who sacrificed himself and resurrected to defeat the White Witch. In the first book, The Magician’s Nephew, they read about Digory. Aslan instructed Digory to bring him an apple from the center of a garden, but the witch tempted Digory to eat it, and to steal it instead for his sick mother. Digory held fast and obeyed Aslan. He walked up to Aslan, handed him the apple and said: “I’ve brought you the apple you wanted, sir.”
“Well done,” said Aslan in a voice that made the earth shake. Andy paused his reading at these words. “Remember,” he told Nathan, “that’s what Jesus will say to us someday!” Nathan’s five-year-old heart understood. He sat straight up in bed, looked at Andy with big brown eyes and whispered simply, “Daddy, I love God!” Andy had to dry his eyes before continuing. …he was in no danger of feeling conceited for he didn’t think about it at all now that he was face to face with Aslan. This time he found he could look straight into the Lion’s eyes. He had forgotten his troubles and felt absolutely content.
“Well done, son of Adam,” said the Lion again. That’s what it’s all about—the hard work of service, the late nights of ministry, the struggles and heartaches and sacrifices of faithfulness. Someday, all of it will melt away into joy, when we’re face to face with the very King of kings. Will we sit straight up from our earthly slumber, or fall to our knees when we tell Him we love Him? And, oh! The forgotten troubles and absolute contentment of hearing Jesus say in a voice that makes the earth shake, “Child, I see your obedience, and I’m honored by it. Well done, good and faithful servant!” That’s enough. That’s everything.