The Mustang Connection February 2022

February 2022 vol.

The

MUSTANG CONNECTION

2

no.

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A PUBLICATION of THE MASTER’S UNIVERSITY

AN INJURY KEPT STEPHANIE SOARES OFF THE COURT LAST SEASON. SHE’S RETURNED BETTER THAN EVER THIS YEAR.

WELCOME to THE MUSTANG CONNECTION. ATHLETICS AT THE MASTER’S UNIVERSITY EXISTS TO TRAIN STUDENTATHLETES TO GLORIFY GOD, SERVE AS AMBASSADORS FOR THE GOSPEL, AND LIVE LIVES OF ETERNAL INFLUENCE. That goal is spelled out in The Master’s Way, which is “to prepare and perform as an act of WORSHIP.” In this month’s magazine, you’ll read about one of the most dominant athletes in TMU history and how God used a season-ending injury to remind her of what it looks like to worship Him through basketball.

You’ll also find the latest installment in Dr. Abner Chou’s series on the importance of Christian higher education. In this article, Chou unpacks TMU’s absolute commitment to Christ and Scripture. Last but not least, we catch up with TMU alums Zack and Christine Harris, who are serving in our Israel Bible Extension program.

If you haven’t already, you can subscribe to the magazine at masters.edu/magazine.

C O V E R P H OT O BY M A R K F I N S T E R

CONTENTS

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Right Out of the Gate

M A S T E R’S I N M I N I S T RY:

Mike Yin O F F I C E H O U R S:

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An Absolute Commitment to Christ and Scripture

by D R. A B N E R C H O U

C O V E R S T O RY:

The Comeback

S TA F F F O C U S:

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26

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A Return to the Land of Israel

Just Catching Up

Alumni Job Board February

2022

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RIGHT OUT OF THE GATE

CAMPUS

HIGHLIGHTS 01

T M U ’ S “ E V E N I N G O F O P E R A” H A P P E N E D O N J A N . 2 8 , F E AT U R I N G E I G H T S C E N E S F R O M O P E R A S A N D M U S I C A L S .

02 On Feb. 18, Prof. David Crater delivered the first talk of this spring’s Math3ma Institute Public Lectures series. Aimed at a general audience, the series aims to offer engaging and accessible talks by TMU faculty and colleagues on a wide range of topics in mathematics, engineering, science and technology, all from a biblical perspective. Dr. Abner Chou, Dr. Tai-Danae Bradley and Dr. Monica Vroman are on the docket for March and April.

For the full series schedule, see masters.edu/lectures.

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The M U S T A N G C O N N E C T I O N

03 This spring semester, TMU’s communication department is launching a digital literary journal led by students. The idea originated with Prof.

David Rivera, who wanted to give students an outlet for publishing their original work.

Creative writing and publishing majors will be spearheading the project, but the platform will be open to students across the TMU community.

The Master’s University put on two showings of its “Evening of Opera” on Jan. 28. Prof. Sarah Dixon helped students prepare throughout the fall semester to learn their roles, study their characters and memorize their parts to present eight scenes from various operas and musicals. Scenes were accompanied by a string quintet, and The Master’s Chorale also made an appearance as the opera chorus in two of the scenes. Prof.

Grace Lim was the musical director, and numerous students and alumni were involved with production elements.

04 The School of Music recently released an album titled, "It Is Well." It includes timeless hymns reflecting enduring faith in an unchanging God, with performances by The Master's Chorale, The Master's University Orchestra, and The University Singers and Orchestra. The album is available for purchase through the School of Music’s office. The school also held its annual Invitational High School Choral Festival on Feb. 11.

Six high schools participated, with The Master's Chorale hosting and singing to close the program.

FA C U LT Y

UPDATES

UPCOMING

EVENTS FEBRUARY 25

This month, DRS. JOHN STREET and SHELBI CULLEN (biblical counseling) taught at the Heart to Heart Biblical Counseling Conference. The event, hosted at Anchor Bible Church in Redlands, California, focused on the topic of biblical reconciliation. Street led sessions on pride, leadership and sexual sin, while Cullen taught women’s sessions on bitterness, depression and abuse.

CHORALE CONCERT FEBRUARY 26

CREATION SUMMIT MARCH 24-25

DR. MONICA VROMAN (computer science) has received a research grant from the National Science Foundation through Rutgers University. She will use machine learning to predict early in the semester which students are struggling in introductory computer science classes and design early interventions to help them succeed.

DR. JOE FRANCIS (biology) recently saw the publication of his work, “A Cell Biology Lab Manual.” The manual lays out a course of lab experiments for students studying cells, from their structures and molecular biology to their functions and genetics.

The manual, produced through Kendall Hunt Publishing Company, can be found on the publisher’s website.

VIEW THE U MARCH 25-26 & APRIL 1-2

THEATRE ARTS PRODUCTION MARCH 30

CAREER FAIR APRIL 11

MONDAY AT MASTER’S DR. MITCH HOPEWELL (provost) has been invited to be the keynote speaker at the Global Connect conference in South Africa this spring. The conference is aimed at the country’s Christian K-12 schools, and this year’s theme will be “Forward in Faith.”

DR. PAUL PLEW (music) contributed to an upcoming book titled, “Joy in the Morning: 365 Days of Gratitude.” The book is being compiled by Phil Barfoot, CEO of Celebration Concert Tours International. Plew’s article is on Hebrews 12:1-2, and he is one of 304 musicians contributing to the book.

APRIL 13

PASSION WEEK CONCERT APRIL 22

ADMITTED STUDENT DAY

COMMUNITY BEST OF

THE WEB VIDEO

Watch at masters.edu/tmu-media

MASTER’S IN MINISTRY

MIKE YIN MEN'S CROSS COUNTRY AT THE MASTER'S UNIVERSITY

PODCASTS

Listen at masters.edu/tmu-media

3 10 EP. 16: DR. TAI-DANAE BRADLEY ON A LINK BETWEEN LANGUAGE, MATH & ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

EP. 130: WHEN SEXUAL SIN HITS HOME

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EP. 22: AN INTERVIEW WITH TMU WOMEN’S BASKETBALL COACH LISA ZAMROZ

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NEWS ARTICLES

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Read the full stories at masters.edu/news

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Luke Riffle, TMU grad and current TMS student, was a new believer when he first arrived on campus. He says, “I needed a place where the truth is spoken and I can rely on what the professors say.”

The Master’s University inducted three new members into its Athletics Hall of Honor in January. Ryan Zamroz, Erin Perperoglou (Buescher), and Emily Pedersen (Bruton) were selected because of their athletic excellence and demonstrated commitment to Christ and Scripture.

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MIKE YIN (TMU, ’13)

TWO YEARS AFTER GRADUATING FROM

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Calvary Chapel Chinese Fellowship

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Kindred Community Church

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Grace Rancho

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Arcadia Bible Church

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San Gabriel Community Church

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Sovereign Grace Church of Santa Ana

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Village Bible Church of Garden Grove

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Community Bible Church

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Compass Bible Church - Huntington Beach

THE MASTER’S UNIVERSITY, I DECIDED TO SERVE AS A YOUTH PASTOR AT A SMALL CHURCH CALLED CALVARY CHAPEL CHINESE FELLOWSHIP WHILE PURSUING A MASTER OF DIVINITY AT THE MASTER’S SEMINARY. After graduating from TMS, by God’s grace, I became an assistant pastor

3945 Schaefer Ave, Chino, CA 91710 Mike Yin, Assistant Pastor

8712 E. Santa Ana Cyn Road, Anaheim, CA 92808 Philip De Courcy, Senior Pastor Jonathan Clubb, Student Ministries Jason Erselius, Children & Family Ministries

5719 Beryl Street, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91737 Eric Durso, Lead Pastor Michael Sciarra, Pastoral Assistant

4064 Live Oak Avenue, Arcadia, CA 91006 John Saddler, Pastor-Elder

117 N. Pine Street, San Gabriel, CA 91775 Steve Balentine, Senior Pastor

Martin R. Heninger Elementary School 417 W. Walnut Street, Santa Ana, CA 92701 Kyle Houlton, Senior Pastor

at Calvary Chapel Chinese Fellowship. The Lord has kept me at this church since 2015.

What drew me to CCCF are the pastors there

12671 Buaro Street, Garden Grove, CA 92840 Andrew Gilmore, Associate Pastor

who lead with humility, holiness, gentleness, vigor and without compromise to God’s Word.

They are surely great examples to follow. The

2930 W. Ball Road, Anaheim, CA 92804 Edward Caballero, Co-Pastor

community is growing in loving one another, and we are committed to studying God’s Word so that our lives may become a reflection of

5082 Argosy Avenue, Huntington Beach, CA 92649 Bobby Blakey, Pastor

Jesus Christ Himself. If you’re around Chino, do drop by! Pray for our community’s deeper Scriptural commitment, evangelical fire, and for

10 The Church on Melrose

652 N. Westmoreland Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90004 Damon Woods, Pastor

growth in discipleship.

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OFFICE HOURS

AN

ABSOLUTE

COMMITMENT TO

CHRIST AND SCRIPTURE

by DR. ABNER CHOU

We have discussed the absolute urgency of Christian higher education. Education is not neutral. It does not merely provide skills for a job but also instills an entire worldview that can be for better or for worse.

Education, then, is a matter of eternal consequence. The stakes are too high to take the issue lightly.

Likewise, we have discussed the absolute necessity of a Christian liberal arts education. While we are often consumed with getting a job, God has a higher standard. He not only cares about our life in vocation but about how one stands for Christ in family (Eph. 5:22-6:3), church (1 Tim. 3:14-16), government (1 Pet. 2:13-14), and society (Col. 4:4-5). Therefore, education should prepare us for all that He will hold us accountable to when we stand before Him (cf. 2 Cor. 5:10). And that kind of education happens when we learn how to discern all of life under the lordship of Christ.

That being said, all of this assumes a central reality: an absolute commitment to Christ and Scripture. After all, without Christ and Scripture, education will teach the 7

The M U S T A N G C O N N E C T I O N

wrong worldview. And without Christ and Scripture, education categorically cannot equip one to please Christ or make an eternal difference. Any erosion to Christ and Scripture causes education to fall dangerously short of its intended instruction and purpose.

All of this points out the simple reality that true education demands Christ and Scripture. That is what makes education be what it should be and do what it should do. Everything discussed above rises or falls on this conviction.

S O W H AT D O E S A N A B S O LU T E C O M M IT M E NT TO C H R I S T A N D S C R I P T U R E M E A N? The idea of absolute is important. The word denotes that which is fixed and immovable. Something that is absolute does not bend to anything; rather, everything bends to it. That which is absolute cannot be compromised, negotiated, made secondary, or altered. It determines everything and is subject to nothing.

Therefore, an absolute commitment to Christ and Scripture is more than just having a doctrinal statement.

It is more than appealing to one’s Christian heritage or tradition. It is more than having a denominational affiliation. It is certainly more than being Christian in name. And it is even more than having chapel multiple times a week or having Christians on campus. Those are all good things, but an absolute commitment is something far deeper and broader than that.

One way to think about an absolute commitment to Christ and Scripture is through the phrase “Christ in all things.” The language is derived from Ephesians 1:23, and each word (and even the word order) of this is critical.

First is the word “Christ.” It is significant that the specific term “Christ” is used. This is a recognition that, in Scripture, the Lord Jesus Christ is God and is central.

He is the One who is in the first promise of redemptive history (Gen. 3:15), the One who drives redemptive history (Ex. 3:2; Zech. 12-14; Matt. 27-28), and the One who receives all honor at the climax of redemptive history (Rev. 4-5).

So the term “Christ” stands as a reminder of intensive doctrinal fidelity in both knowledge and practice. And such doctrinal fidelity is supremely authoritative.

The word “Christ” is the first word of the phrase “Christ in all things” for a reason. It is first and foremost, authoritative, and defining of everything else. “Christ” in all things demands the highest view of Scripture, the highest theological definition, and the highest view of Christ, His honor, and His authority. That is what drives an absolute commitment to Christ and Scripture.

Such theological conviction about Christ must play out in a very particular way. As the phrase says, He is “in” all things. Although a small preposition, the word “in” matters.

Sometimes, schools will teach about Christ as one subject of many. Bible and theology are taught alongside of math, history, politics, music, science, and economics.

However, that is not Christ “in” all things; that is Christ “and” all things. At that point, Christ and Scripture is just one idea among many, and one’s commitment to Christ and Scripture is no different than his commitment to everything else. That is not an absolute commitment to Christ and Scripture.

The use of the word “Christ” is no accident. It is a deliberate reflection on the totality of Scripture. It presumes the highest view of Scripture — one cannot claim to love Christ yet deny His Word (John 14:23).

It also demands a careful hermeneutic, one that studies and surrenders (2 Tim. 2:15) to every word of Scripture (2 Tim. 3:16). It also requires a comprehensive theology.

After all, Scripture directly reveals not only the person and character of Christ but also theological realities, promises, history, prophecies, and wisdom that revolve around Him. All of this must be understood for His glory. Hence, the word “Christ” reflects a mentality that desires to be theologically exhaustive. And to truly know and uphold Christ is to maintain, pursue, and go deeper into this total theology.

In other cases, schools will say that every subject provides insight into Christ. That initially sounds well and good.

But what people mean by this is that whatever someone observes in a discipline dictates who Christ is and what He is about. That approach creates Christ in one’s own likeness or desire. Whatever one thinks, from science to Shakespeare, becomes the definition of Christ. With that mentality, Christ and Scripture are not defining people’s disciplines, but people’s disciplines are defining Christ and Scripture. While this idea may sound noble at first, it is far from an absolute commitment to Christ and Scripture. In fact, it is an absolute commitment to everything over Christ and Scripture.

However, if Christ is so central, then He must not only be central in belief but also in one’s life. If He is the center of God’s plan and receives all glory, honor, and power, then He must be that over our lives (Col. 3:17).

There is a reason that the phrase is not “Christ and all things,” or even “all things in Christ.” Instead, “Christ in all things” emphasizes that Christ is not only lord over some things but everything. And within that, it emphasizes that every single assertion within any given subject or discipline must be taken captive to

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“ TRUTH IS NOT HERE ONE DAY AND GONE TOMORROW; TRUTH H AS BEEN AND WILL BE FOREVER. IT DEFINES ALL THINGS, OUTL ASTS ALL THINGS, OVERCOMES ALL THINGS, AND IS THE ULTIM ATE STANDARD FOR ALL THINGS.

” the lordship of Christ (cf. 2 Cor. 10:3-5). Though the preposition “in” is small, it is vital. It conveys the absoluteness of an absolute commitment to Christ and Scripture, that Christ’s lordship defines every area of life and everything within those areas.

That is why the final part of the phrase “Christ in all things” is “all things.” What does this mean for an institution of Christian higher education? What must Christ and Scripture dictate at such an institution?

Fundamentally, the concept would include every person. Faculty, staff, and students all must possess this conviction as they genuinely affirm an extensive doctrinal statement. Consistently, that demands a very careful hiring and enrollment process. In fact, enrollment must not only discern the right kind of entrant for the school, but also must declare the glories of Christ in recruiting students.

Along that line, “all things” must include not only people,

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but all that they do. Professors in what they teach, how they teach it, how they shepherd and disciple students, the standards they have, how they view the educational enterprise, and what and how they research are all directed by and for the lordship of Christ. Similarly, dorm life, student life, and co-curricular activities like athletics and theater must be rigorously conformed to Christ in every component. The way one counsels and the principles that drive campus life must be determined

by Christ and Scripture.

On top of this, the way operations occur, from accounting to IT to financial aid to events, must all be done according to Christ. In these matters, Christ dictates the standard of what takes place, the reasons for existing policies, how one interacts with students, how one serves the campus community, and the way one relates with those both internal and external to the institution.

In addition to all of this, Christ certainly must be in the leadership. What they emphasize is centered on Him, what they hold people accountable to is based upon Him and His Word, who they point people to is Him, the manner of their leadership is patterned after Him, and their entire forward strategy solely strives to preserve faithfulness to Him. Christ in “all things” demands that one takes everything on a Christian university campus, puts it under the microscope, and sees how Scripture determines every single thing be defined and done as an act of worship to Christ (cf. 1 Cor. 10:31). That is what an absolute commitment to Christ and Scripture requires.

There is a reason that the symbol of The Master’s University is a shield. Truth matters. It is not an opinion or feeling but the way things really are (Prov. 8:22-31).

Truth is not here one day and gone tomorrow; truth has been and will be forever. It defines all things, outlasts all things, overcomes all things, and is the ultimate standard for all things. It gives the only right answers to life’s most important questions and so makes the difference between life and death, heaven and hell, knowing God or being enslaved to idolatry and sin, and eternal life or

eternal condemnation. It alone is what sets people free (John 8:32). Nothing is more vital than the truth.

The oracles of God have been entrusted to His people in the past (Rom. 3:2), and presently the church is the pillar and grounds of the truth (1 Tim. 3:15). And at this university, we believe our role is to shield this sacred trust by ensuring that the truth is not distorted but upheld as the authoritative definer of all things (cf. Gal. 2:5; 2 Cor. 10:3-5).

A SHORT READING LIST

on FOSSILS AND DINOSAURS Fossils and the Flood PAUL GARNER In this excellent new book, Paul Garner explains the fossil record, including dinosaurs, from a Biblical perspective in a very engaging style. Abundant artwork accompanies the text, highlighting many fossil animals that often don’t get the recognition they deserve.

Have we been perfect in our endeavor for an absolute commitment to Christ and Scripture? No. But we do know and pursue the standard we must hold ourselves to.

The Amazing, True History of Life on Earth

We know we cannot just teach a variety of subjects with Christ on the side. The standard is not Christ and all things.

CHRISTIAN RYAN This short booklet is a brief, yet insightful summary of Earth history from a young-Earth creationist perspective. Christian Ryan clearly articulates both the secular and creationist models in an easy-toread style. Pick up this booklet if you need a good introduction to how creationists think about Earth history and fossils.

We know we cannot just have certain things look Christian on our campus. The standard is not Christ in some things.

How Many Animals Were on the Ark? EDITED BY

We know we cannot use human observations and thoughts to define Christ and Scripture. The standard is not all things in Christ.

Rather, the standard is Christ in all things and nothing less than that. This is what makes for a true education, one that gives not just facts but the whole truth, one that gives true wisdom, one that prepares for all of life, one that makes an eternal difference, one that pleases the God who ordained it (Prov. 8:22; Col. 1:9-11; 2:8). That has been our commitment for the past 95 years, and we pray that by God’s good grace, it will be our resolve for many more.

CRAIG FROMAN

This is possibly the best introduction to created kinds for children and families out there on the market. The artwork in the book is amazing, featuring dinosaurs and other fascinating extinct creatures, all from a creationist perspective.

Earth’s Catastrophic Past Volumes I & II ANDREW SNELLING Creationist paleontologists and geologists believe that dinosaur fossils come from dinosaurs buried by Noah’s Flood. Andrew Snelling’s two-volume work is an excellent treatise on the scriptural and geological evidence for the Flood. This book is on the more technical side, but it is worth the read.

COMING SOON

An Introduction to Dinosaurs and the Creation Model MATTHEW MCLAIN I wrote this creationist book on dinosaurs for general audiences.

If you ever had questions about how dinosaurs fit into the creation model, how many created kinds of dinosaurs there were, or whether any dinosaurs had feathers, then this is the book for you. Expected publication is early 2022.

DR. ABNER CHOU President John F. MacArthur Endowed Fellow

composed by DR. MATTHEW MCLAIN Associate Professor, Biology and Geology

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COVER STORY

AFTER A SEASON-ENDING INJURY IN 2020, GOD REMINDED S T E P H A N I E S O A R E S W H AT I T M E A N S T O P L AY B A S K E T B A L L A S A N A C T O F W O R S H I P. S I N C E T H E N , SHE’S RAISED HER GAME ON AND O F F T H E C O U R T.

by M A S O N N E S B I T T

One day, someone will stand behind a podium at a fancy ceremony and try to put Stephanie Soares’ remarkable career at The Master’s University into perspective.

The speaker will highlight Soares’ otherworldly physical gifts. Her 6-foot-6 frame. Her long arms. Her enviable hand-eye coordination.

They’ll talk about how she could have played basketball at UCLA, UConn or Texas. They’ll remark that she broke a TMU record with 10 blocks in her first game.

They’ll do their best to describe what it was like watching Soares record 35 points and 22 rebounds in a conference tournament championship game.

Still, such a speech would miss the mark. Absent would be one of the most important moments of Soares’ time at TMU, one that took place in an empty gymnasium on an otherwise forgettable September night in 2020. That night, Soares sat on a cold gym floor, sobbing and telling anyone who’d listen that she was sorry. So, so terribly sorry.

That night, Soares tore two ligaments in her left knee, injuries that sidelined her for an entire season. In His infinite wisdom, God used that time to rehab more than her body.

He reminded her of what it means to play basketball as an act of worship. And He reminded her that He, not Soares, controls the future.

SOARES SPENT THE 2020-21 SEASON IN STREET CLOTHES DUE TO A KNEE INJURY.

siblings, Tim and Jessica, had already joined the Mustang basketball teams.

More than anything, Stephanie’s decision came down to fit. She wanted to grow in her walk with Christ, and at TMU she’d be trained to play basketball for the glory of God alongside teammates who wanted the same thing.

But somewhere along the line, Soares’ focus began to blur. Maybe it happened while she was playing travel ball in Texas, drawing attention from dozens of universities across the country. Maybe it was the first time someone mentioned the WNBA as an attainable goal. Maybe it was shortly before she arrived at TMU when she played for Brazil’s senior national team in a pre-Olympic qualifier.

***

Why Master's ?

That’s usually the first thing people want to know when they hear that a hyper-skilled, 6-foot-6 woman plays basketball at The Master’s University.

In context, the choice makes sense. Soares hails from Brazil, where her parents, Rogerio and Susan, have served for more than 20 years as missionaries with Athletes in Action.

Rogerio played basketball at Master’s, and Susan, a hooper at the University of Texas, later coached at TMU. By the time Stephanie came to Santa Clarita, her older

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The when is less important than the what: Soares became fixated on a future in professional basketball. The goal was admirable. But instead of continuing to work hard and entrusting the future to the Lord, Soares functioned as if everything depended on her. She trained to the point of exhaustion, yet still worried about whether she was running enough, shooting enough, lifting enough. She feared falling short of the lofty expectations she perceived others as holding for her and that she held for herself.

“I wanted to be the best, not in a prideful way, but I felt I had to do all these things to get to where I wanted to go,” she says. “I had a go-go-go mentality.”

That mindset limited her joy and the depth of her

relationships. Friends always knew where to find Soares but couldn’t be sure she’d have time for them when they did.

“If you ever needed Steph, she was in the gym, in class, in the cafeteria or in bed,” her sister, Jessica, says. “Basically, there were only four places you needed to look.”

The work made a dominant player even more formidable.

Soares scored 29 points in her fourth collegiate game. She blocked 173 shots in her first season, just 20 shy of the program’s all-time career record. And she became only the second freshman in 30 years to be named Golden State Athletic Conference Player of the Year in women’s basketball.

Her sophomore season was one of the best in school history. She averaged 20.7 points, a TMU single-season record, and led the country in blocks and rebounds. The Mustangs won a program-record 29 games and earned their first-ever NAIA No. 1 ranking. Soares became the first woman in TMU history to be named an NAIA Player of the Year.

That’s what brought her to the MacArthur Center on that fateful night in September 2020. The Mustangs had practiced and lifted weights early that morning. Soares had completed an individual workout in the afternoon. Even so, she insisted on returning to the gym one more time.

During a game of one-on-one, she juked her defender and tried a layup. On the way down, her left knee buckled.

She tried to stand up, but her knee faltered again.

When then-head coach Dan Waldeck arrived on the scene, Soares, who rarely cries, burst into tears. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry,” she said.

“Sorry for what?” Waldeck asked. “You don’t need to apologize for working on your game.” Soares felt she’d let everyone down. “My knee’s all messed up,” she told her parents over the phone.

Doctors confirmed Soares had torn both the MCL and ACL, ligaments that stabilize the knee. Soares found the news difficult to accept. After surgery, she was looking at a nine-to-12-month recovery.

Still, Soares felt hungrier than ever to improve.

SOARES IS HARD TO STOP WHEN SHE’S CLOSE TO THE BASKET. BUT SHE’S ALSO MORE THAN CAPABLE OF KNOCKING DOWN THREE-POINTERS.

The journey wouldn’t be easy. Rehab from ACL reconstruction surgery, which Soares underwent in December 2020 (her MCL healed on its own), is broken down into phases. Patients are barred from advancing to the next stage until they’ve successfully completed goals related to range of motion, balance and strength. The finish line is reached in a halting manner – two steps forward, one step back.

At first, Soares kept to herself as she processed a new normal.

She’d gone from blocking shots to spending her afternoons on a trainer’s table. Her itinerary included relearning how to walk properly. Wall slides and quarter squats replaced ballhandling drills.

At times, discouragement washed over her. She felt like her life was on hold. On picture day, Soares dressed in the team’s navy uniform and used crutches to hobble in front of a backdrop. She smiled for a headshot. Then she began to cry.

This was not how Soares envisioned her junior season.

But what she saw as a holding pattern, God intended as an opportunity for growth.

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SOARES AND TEAMMATE KATELYN SAULOG ILLUSTRATE THEIR 13-INCH HEIGHT DIFFERENCE ON PICTURE DAY IN 2020.

6'6"

5'5"

*** Time. Soares had plenty of it after surgery. Outside of rehab and class, her daily schedule featured holes she could no longer fill with extra deadlifts and jump shots.

A fan of productivity, Soares refused to watch an endless string of TV shows and movies. Instead, she opened her Bible. She resolved to read it cover-to-cover over the ensuing year, sometimes in the waiting area before doctor’s appointments, mostly in her room.

Early on, she encountered the Old Testament story of Job. “He loses everything,” she says, “but he still worshipped the Lord. I only got injured.”

As Soares continued to read, she was confronted by God’s grace. He reminded her that everything she had was a gift: her relationship with Christ, her hope of eternal life, her abilities on the basketball court. In response, she was called to be thankful and to do all things for His glory.

The pages of Scripture also illustrate God’s sovereignty.

Stephanie’s injury hadn’t caught Him by surprise. Her future, with or without basketball, was secure in Him, too.

Gradually, Soares saw that God was using the injury to put basketball into its proper place. She had been right to work hard and pursue excellence. But her motivation needed realignment, and she needed to find her identity in Christ. “The injury taught me about not putting so much into the things the Earth offers,” she says. “It’s about focusing on eternal things.”

One of those things? Relationships. During that year, God provided Soares with plenty of examples of what it looks like to love people well. Her parents checked in regularly over FaceTime, sympathizing with her struggles and encouraging her to keep her eyes on Christ.

Jessica showed kindness but refused to let her younger sister pity herself. Coach Waldeck and TMU’s athletic trainers treated Stephanie like family. Her teammates shuttled her from class to the dorms to the cafeteria.

As time went on, Soares returned the investment. During practice, she’d ride a stationary bike in the corner of the

gym and pepper her teammates with encouragement, urging them to leave nothing in the tank. On gameday, Soares, generally quiet, transformed into the team’s most energetic cheerleader.

“She was hyped,” says Jessica, a senior at the time. “She was the first one off the bench, high-fiving people and yelling. She used her voice, which was great. We got to hear more of Stephanie.”

In TMU’s athletic training room, Soares displayed consistent joy through “a painful and painstaking process,” says Dave Larsen, TMU’s head athletic trainer.

Each day, Soares also brought considerable intensity.

“She’s a competitor and she saw this as a challenge, not taking ‘no’ for an answer or feeling limited,” Larsen says.

“She progressed incredibly well and worked hard for three hours every day to get back to being not just the athlete she was before, but a better version of herself.”

Like with any extended trial, Stephanie had to ask the Lord daily for patience and strength. She confessed when she fell short. She started again.

By the start of the 2021-22 season, Soares was cleared to return to the court. But it was fair to ask: After the storm had passed, would her new mindset remain?

WATCH TMU’S NEW ATHLETICS PROMO VIDEOS AT GOMUSTANGS.COM/THEMASTERSWAY.

*** As this season has progressed, Soares has looked increasingly like the generational talent fans have grown accustomed to watching.

At the beginning of February, she was averaging a career-high 21.4 points per game. The Mustangs had compiled an overall record of 23-2. They ranked No. 3 in the NAIA’s national poll.

As a team captain, Soares still demands the best effort of herself and her teammates. Now, though, she isn’t driven by a fear of not reaching her goals. She plans to play professional basketball, but she holds it with an open hand.

“My mind is calmer and more settled in the Lord now,” says Soares, who will have one year of college eligibility left after this season. “You still have to work hard and do what you need to do. But God has a plan and He’s in control. You don’t have to worry about it.”

Soares is also spending meaningful time with her teammates outside of basketball. She wakes up early to complete extra workouts so she’s free to hang out at night. She’s a magnet for the team’s freshmen, who find Soares’ self-deprecating humor disarming. They often drop by her room seeking advice. “She makes time for us no matter what,” says freshman Jayla Julmist. Soares also offers to drive younger teammates off-campus for groceries. “I like it because they don’t have any distractions and I can talk to them about life,” Soares says.

Sometimes those conversations trace their way back to a year that Soares will never forget and an injury she says she’s glad to have suffered. She says the perspective she gained was well worth it.

SOARES POSES FOR A PHOTO WITH TMU WOMEN’S BASKETBALL LEGEND ERIN PERPEROGLOU (BUESCHER) AFTER TMU’S HALL OF HONOR GAMES IN JANUARY.

MASON NESBITT is the director of communications at The Master’s University.

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The Master’s University inducted three new members into its Athletics Hall of Honor in January.

The honorees were selected because of athletic excellence and a demonstrated commitment to Christ and Scripture.

FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF TMU’S HALL OF HONOR MEMBERS, VISIT GOMUSTANGS.COM/HALL-OF-HONOR.

This year’s inductees from left to right: Erin Perperoglou (Buescher), Emily Pedersen (Bruton), and Ryan Zamroz.

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The M U S T A N G C O N N E C T I O N

During the ceremony, Campus Pastor Harry Walls and Chancellor John MacArthur discussed the history of TMU Athletics and what it means to play sports as an act of worship.

In her one season with TMU women’s basketball (200001), Erin Perperoglou (Buescher) became the first NAIA First Team All-American in program history. She went on to play eight seasons in the WNBA, winning a championship in 2005. Erin and her family now live in Kansas City, where her husband, Stratos, is studying at The Expositors Seminary. Erin’s heart is at home during this stage of life, recognizing the important ministry of raising and home-schooling their three children.

Emily Pedersen (Bruton) was a two-time NAIA All-American with TMU women’s soccer. She was the 2010 Golden State Athletic Conference Player of the Year. After graduation, she spent time serving as a missionary in Brazil. She now lives in Ukiah, California, with her husband, Mark. Emily works as a physical therapist. She has served in children’s ministry and Awana, and Mark leads worship in their local church.

Ryan Zamroz was a two-time NAIA All-American, earning second-team honors in 2008. He went on to play six professional seasons overseas. Ryan and his wife, Stacy, are committed members at Grace Community Church, where they host a weekly Bible study. Ryan is the director of development at Master’s and spends his professional life giving testimony of how the Lord is at work at the University.

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THE MASTER’S WAY MISSION STATEMENT: Athletics at The Master’s University exists to train God glorifiers (Is. 43:7; 1 Cor. 10:31), gospel ambassadors (Mt. 28:18-20; 1 Cor. 9:23; 2

Therefore, in recognition of this mission, we call each athlete and coach to model The Master’s Way: To prepare and perform as an act of WORSHIP (Rom. 12:1).

Cor. 5:14-21) and kingdom influencers (Mt. 25:14-30) For Christ & Scripture.

This means that intercollegiate athletics at The

Demanding the best effort of yourself and each other – Col. 3:23; Mal. 1.

Master’s University endeavors to train studentathletes that, as an expression of love toward God, they are to glorify God through their preparation, practice and performance. This is accomplished by competing for God so people see Him and not

Dealing with difficulty with confidence, perseverance and wisdom – Js. 1:1-8.

them, by competing to God as an act of worship, by competing through God in dependence on Him, and by competing with a view to the imperishable reward coming from God.

Owning your role and owning it when you fail – Mt. 25:14-30; Gal. 6:4-5; Ro. 14:12.

Further, this means that The Master’s University endeavors

to

train

student-athletes

to

be

ambassadors of the gospel by prioritizing and promoting the gospel of Jesus Christ on each team and by displaying exemplary speech and conduct.

Finally, this means that TMU trains student-athletes

Serving and sacrificing out of love to make your team and teammates better, even at your expense Phil. 2:5-8; Lk. 10:30-37; 1 Jn. 3:16; 2 Cor. 12:15.

to become leaders and influencers who love God by impacting the world in which they live, work and minister so that the kingdom of God is advanced, Jesus Christ is honored, the church is benefited and people are blessed.

THIS IS HOW WE DEFINE WINNING AT MASTER’S. THIS IS OUR GOAL AND THE MEASURE OF OUR

Competing and behaving so people see Him and others, not you – 1 Cor. 4:7; Dan. 4:28-37; Mt. 18:1-4; Ps. 131:1-2.

Being honorable in and out of competition and on and off campus – 1 Th. 2:10.

SUCCESS. THE REAL SCOREBOARD WILL BE DEFINED BY THIS, AND WHAT WE APPLAUD AND REWARD WILL REFLECT IT. To learn more, visit gomustangs.com.

Competing all in, all on and all out 1 Cor. 9:24; Col. 3:23; Mt. 12:30.

A RETURN TO THE LAND OF

by K A E LY N P E A Y

ZACK AND CHRISTINE HARRIS WANT TO HELP GIVE A NEW G E N E R AT I O N O F S T U D E N T S THE SAME LIFE-CHANGING E X P E R I E N C E T H E Y H A D AT I B E X .

After returning from the three-month program, Zack relished studying a passage of Scripture and remembering standing in the spot where those events took place. “It just helps you to wrap your mind around the text and the truth behind the text,” he says.

Christine (maiden name Hartung) loved her experience that semester just as much.

Last November, a group of students from The Master’s University climbed on a plane in Tel Aviv, Israel.

They had reached the end of their semester in the University’s Israel Bible Extension program (IBEX), and they were on their way home.

But Zack and Christine Harris, and their three kids, stayed in Yad Hashmona. For the born-and-raised Californians, this was their first unrushed opportunity to absorb their new normal: life in Israel.

After participating in IBEX as students in 2015, Zack and Christine had longed to return to the land of the Bible and be involved with the program again. But they never guessed that they would return in 2021, with Zack hired to serve as associate director and student activities coordinator. Though the transition was a hectic process, they are now in a position to help give TMU students the experience they themselves enjoyed so much. * * * Both Zack and Christine came to TMU as biblical studies majors. And because there is no better place to study Scripture than in the land of Israel, they both went to IBEX. The experience, Zack says, was “awesome.”

“Every day was just a new opportunity to be amazed,” she says. “I had grown up in a solid church, and I was saved at a young age, but there was nothing like being in the land and seeing it for myself. It just provided that further validation of how God has preserved this land and His people. It’s incredible.”

Certainly, part of Zack and Christine’s fond memories of their semester at IBEX relate to being there together. They were already dating when they flew out for the program. They got married in May 2016, about a year after getting back. They graduated from TMU and started a family, and Zack began studying at The Master’s Seminary.

Life moved on from their time in Israel. But their hearts did not.

In 2020, five years after their semester in the land, they went on what they now call their “famous IBEX walk.”

“We were talking about the things we’d like to do in the future, after I finished seminary,” Zack says. “And eventually we were like, ‘Man, we would love to be back in Israel. We miss the land. We miss IBEX.’” Zack finished seminary in the spring of 2021. And around that time, he received an invitation to meet with Dr. Mitch Hopewell, TMU’s provost. They met at Hopewell’s home and sat together in the backyard.

Zack remembers that Hopewell began the conversation

“I think there are so many supposed cliches when it comes to IBEX,” he says. “People say, ‘The Bible is going to come alive,’ and, ‘You’re going to walk where Jesus walked.’ And those cliches are true.”

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ZACK AND CHRISTINE AS IBEX STUDENTS.

by saying, “You know, Zack, sometimes the hardest decisions you make in life are the best.”

And then Hopewell said one word: “IBEX.” “And I remember thinking, ‘No way. There’s no way,’” Zack says. “It was almost like in the movies, when the main character hears something crazy and his mind just switches to white noise. It was such an incredible thing to comprehend.”

Hopewell had invited Zack over to encourage him to apply for a new IBEX position: associate director and student activities coordinator.

From that moment on, for both Zack and Christine, there was no question of whether or not to pursue the opportunity; it was simply a question of how to make it happen.

“We knew that there were going to be a lot of obstacles to clear if we were going to get there in the fall,” Zack says. “We had to get passports and visas for everybody.

I think I immediately downloaded a modern Hebrew app on my phone to start practicing. I didn’t even know if I would get the job yet, but we just hit the ground running.”

From a logistical perspective, one complication loomed over the others: Christine was pregnant. If 23

The M U S T A N G C O N N E C T I O N

they were really going to be in Israel in the fall, they would be traveling with a 10-week-old baby – a baby who would need a passport and a visa, just like their older two daughters, who were 3 and 1 at the time.

“That was just another aspect we were praying through and having to trust the Lord in,” Christine says.

At the same time, they were giving away most of their possessions, storing the rest, and wrapping up their apartment lease. And the whole time, they were doing it with the knowledge that the whole plan might fall through at any moment.

Zack says, “There were so many times in the process where it seemed like it just wasn’t possible that we would get over there. It seemed like the obstacles were too big.

But each time that happened, the next day a door would open up, and we would decide to keep pushing.”

As they waited to receive their newborn Riley’s birth

“THEY’VE JUST PICKED UP THEIR LIFE AND LEFT TO GO ON THIS CRAZY ADVENTURE TO SERVE STUDENTS AND B U I L D U P T H I S P R O G R A M .”

certificate – a necessary step before Riley could get a passport or visa – they had to keep pushing their visa appointment back until, eventually, it was scheduled for the day before their flight.

“Up until that appointment, they were saying, ‘We cannot let you into Israel,’” Christine says. “But Zack and I both had such peace about it. I remember that at one point over the summer, we were like, ‘Well, if this doesn’t happen, we have no things and no car. But we’ll be OK.’ We were just going to push forward until the door completely closed.”

Less than 24 hours before their flight, they finally received the go-ahead to enter Israel. They flew out and arrived only a few days before the students. And once the students landed, it was go-time for Zack.

“I oversaw everything from weekly chapels and Bible studies to activities like game nights, Jewish folk dancing and scavenger hunts in Jerusalem,” Zack says.

“My job is primarily focused on discipleship, managing administrative tasks, and helping John Black, who is the on-the-ground IBEX director.”

Kate Gentry, a junior biology major who was one of the 17 IBEX students last semester, emphasized how valuable Zack’s extracurricular activities were in the midst of an academically rigorous program.

“Things like that got our minds off how tired we were

and gave us the opportunity to have fun together and build that family bond,” Gentry says.

Zack and Christine’s ministry of discipleship was also invaluable.

“They were really, really intentional about investing in relationships with each student,” Gentry says. “I had a lot of times where I was struggling, being tired and far from home, and they were just really awesome in coming alongside us. Because they understand it. They’ve just picked up their life and left to go on this crazy adventure to serve students and build up this program.”

These relationships, forged over the span of three months, made the closing of the semester especially bittersweet. “It was hard saying goodbye to Zack and Christine, knowing that they weren’t coming back home with us,” Gentry says. “But they’re doing a great work over there. I know that every single group that comes is going to love their family.”

The parting was hard for Zack and Christine, too; Christine recalls that they spent a few days “just moping around” after the students left. “It was so hard to see them leave,” she says. “We bonded with them so much.” But the fall semester also left Zack and Christine all the more grateful for the program and excited to welcome this spring’s group of IBEX students.

Zack says, “It has made me way more thankful for the program and the people behind it, from the people today to the people like Todd Bolen, who have invested so much in this program in the past so that there would be a foundation to build on in the future.”

From IBEX’s first group in 1995, to Zack and Christine’s semester in 2015, to fall 2021, the investments made by those behind the program have paid great dividends in the lives of students.

In Gentry’s words, “Honestly, it was the best experience of my life.”

ZACK AND CHRISTINE IN ISRAEL.

KAELYN PEAY is a marketing writer at The Master’s University.

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MASTER’S CONNECT This is where you’ll find a monthly alumni newsletter, a church directory, a job board, and the opportunity to network with other members of the TMU family.

All in one place. stay connected at masters.edu/alumni

JUST CATCHING UP

mark & emilie dubei tmu connection Emilie (maiden name Martin) graduated in 2017 with a degree in liberal studies (emphasis in teacher education). Mark graduated in 2018 with a degree in biology (emphasis in pre-med).

where they're at Santa Clarita, California

on the job Emilie works as an admissions counselor at TMU. Mark works as an emergency department medical scribe at Palmdale Regional Medical Center.

mark & kari mcelroy

favorite memory of tmu

tmu connection

Some of Emilie’s favorite memories come from her involvement in Chorale. She enjoyed creating beautiful music under the direction of Dr. Plew and using it to minister to others while traveling the world. Mark loved living in Slight with five of his best friends as roommates, forming friendships that continue to thrive.

Kari (maiden name Woodward) graduated in 2005 with a degree in business administration (emphasis in public relations). Mark graduated in 2006 with a degree in business administration (emphasis in management and finance).

how can the tmu community pray for you?

Emilie asks for prayer as her family adjusts to life after losing three family members. Mark asks for prayer that he might continue to stand strong in the faith in his working environment.

children Kelsey - 13 Caiden - 10 Kinley - 8 Connor - 6

where they’re at Murrieta, California

on the job Mark works as an imaging and resection sales manager for Empire Medical (local distributor) / Arthrex (manufacturer).

Kari serves the family's four children at home.

how can the tmu community pray for you?

Mark and Kari ask for prayer that they would remain diligent and faithful in parenting, ministry and work.

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COMMUNITY

ALUMNI

JOB BOARD Sales Executive A P P LY N O W

DevOps A P P LY N O W

Dean of the School of Music A P P LY N O W

Director of Family Worldview Formation A P P LY N O W

CPA/Tax/Accounting Office Staff A P P LY N O W

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The M U S T A N G C O N N E C T I O N

S T U D E NT C AR EER C ENT ER Businesses, churches, and ministry organizations in Southern California and across the country are seeking to hire current TMU students and alumni, and we would love to help you in your career search.

OFFICE O F S TU DENT EMPLOYMENT

O F F IC E O F C A R EER S ERV IC ES

Student Human Resources & Payroll

Professional Development

ADP Support

Career Advising

Work Study

Workshops

Professional Development

Mock Interviews

Job Board

Networking Internships

CONNECT WITH US! MASTERS.EDU/STUDENT-CAREER-CENTER

SCHOLARSHIP HIGHLIGHT

Joseph Barnes, a former standout player on TMU’s men’s soccer team, passed away in June 2021. In recognition of his life and passions, the Joseph Barnes Memorial Men’s Soccer Scholarship provides aid to a new generation of faithful Christian men who serve the Lord by caring for people and pursuing their Godgiven passions with excellence. The scholarship honors the legacy of Joe Barnes by the funding of a men’s soccer scholarship given to deserving student-athletes who exhibit the character traits found in Joe. To give, visit gomustangs.com/joebarnes.

Dr. Shelbi Cullen and Kimberly Cummings provide biblical and practical wisdom by coming alongside women with the teaching and resources necessary to grow in the grace and knowledge of their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

LISTEN AT MASTERS.EDU/WOMENSHOPE

Dr. Bob Dickson interviews professors from across The Master’s University on topics related to current events and higher education, all from a biblical worldview.

LISTEN AT MASTERS.EDU/THEARTOFDISCERNMENT

M U S I C & LY R I C S B Y

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