The Master's University Magazine | Spring 2023

SPRING 2023

MANY MINISTRIES,

ONE MISSION TMU alumni serve the church in numerous ways. They do, however, share a focus — honoring Christ and loving others the way He calls them to.

PA G E 3 0

A Core Component

Bridging the Gulf

PA G E 3 8

PA G E 4 2

The local church remains an essential part of a student’s time at TMU.

TMU alum serves as president of the Arabian Peninsula’s first-ever evangelical seminary.

2

The Master’s University Magazine

P H OT O BY A N N I E V L A D O V S K A

A Night to Remember

T H E M A S T E R’S U N I V E R S I T Y S T U D E N T B O DY E N J OY E D A N I G H T O F P E R F O R M A N C E S, F O O D, A N D F E L LO W S H I P I N M A R C H AT T H E M O N T Y’S G A L A, T H I S Y E A R’S I T E R AT I O N O F T H E S C H O O L’S A N N U A L S P R I N G C A M P U S L I F E E V E N T. T H E 2 0 2 3 M O N T Y’S E V E N T T R A N S F O R M E D N O RT H C A M P U S I N T O A L AV I S H G A R D E N PA RT Y F O R T H E W H O L E C A M P U S T O E N J OY.

SPRING 2023

3

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

SPRING 2023

PUBLISHER

Dr. John Stead

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Dariu Dumitru

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Mason Nesbitt

S TA F F W R I T E R

Kaelyn Peay

S TA F F P H OT O G R A P H E R

30

Mark Finster

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING

Keylin Mogel

C R E AT I V E D I R E C T I O N & D E S I G N

WeKREATIVE Co.

DIRECTOR OF C O R P O R AT E PA R T N E R S H I P

Michael Chrzanowski

CONTRIBUTORS

Katie Seitz Anna Carroll Dave Caldwell Camden Specht Josephine Lee Adam Brewer Gabriela Ciurcu

Contents F E AT U R E S

30

C O N TA C T U S :

alumni@masters.edu | 661-362-2360 Mailbox #31 21726 Placerita Canyon Road Santa Clarita, CA 91321

Our graduates serve their local churches in many ways: as elders, deacons, nursery workers, and musicians.

They host small groups and teach Sunday school classes. In at least one case, they move halfway across the country to be involved in a church plant. In this edition’s cover story, we highlight some of these outstanding alums.

42

Bridging the Gulf Eric Zeller (’00) didn’t plan to stay at TMU beyond his first year. But a short-term missions trip helped change his mind. And ultimately, God used Zeller's time at TMU to lay a foundation for his current ministry as the president of the first-ever evangelical seminary on the Arabian Peninsula.

C O V E R I L L U S T R AT I O N BY A N N A C A R R O L L

SPECIAL THANKS TO

Dr. Abner Chou Dr. Mitch Hopewell Mike Crawford Craig Leener

Many Ministries, One Mission

38

Sending Students Off Campus & Into the Church At TMU, we don’t want students to wait until after they graduate to start serving the local church. And we’re fortunate to be surrounded by so many faithful churches that not only provide opportunities for our students to put what they’re learning into practice, but also care for them while they’re here.

D E PA R T M E N T S 08

TMU Today

28

Features

46

Connect

IN EVERY ISSUE

The Master’s University Magazine is published digitally four times per year by The Master’s University Alumni Association.

You can subscribe to the publication at masters.edu/magazine.

S U B S C R I B E T O D AY TMU’s official alumni magazine features stories of God’s faithfulness in the lives of alumni, faculty, staff, and students. This quarterly publication also includes the latest news from the University. You can sign up to receive the digital magazine at masters.edu/magazine-subscribe.

13

Calendar

52

Thinking Biblically with Dr. John MacArthur

54

Just Catching Up

FROM THE PRESIDENT

Alumni, Thank You for Your Faithfulness

M

y Dear Brothers and Sisters,

The battle for education is the battle for the soul of the church because it is the battle for the minds of those in the church.

Recent history illustrates that education is far from neutral. The issues that surround evangelicalism — from deconstruction to critical theory to LGBTQ+ — all have their roots in the academy. Paul warned us not to be taken captive by philosophy and empty deception (Col. 2:8). But in the present day, the church often has been captured by what proceeds from the classroom. Education is a battle for the mind and soul of the church, for what is taught in the ivory tower never stays in the ivory tower.

For Christian universities that desire to remain faithful, the battle to subject all things to Christ is intense. It requires personal vigilance and focus over one’s mind and actions. It requires extensive exertion to help students struggle against falsehood and to realign their mind with Christ and Scripture.

As Paul said, “My children, with whom I am again in labor until Christ is formed in you…” (Gal. 4:19).

Education is far from just a lecture on a stage; it is a fight for the truth to penetrate deep into one’s life and reign supreme over everything.

Our desire to be an encouragement to our students, however, does not end when they graduate.

We are so proud of the work you are doing in the career, church, and family that Christ has called you to. Your commitment to Christ and Scripture is shining as light to a dark and watching world. In this edition, you’ll meet fellow alumni who are tirelessly serving the Lord in a variety of ministries within the church. You’ll also find highlights of resources like the Center for Thinking Biblically and our chapel livestreams on YouTube.

We pray that these stories and resources will spur you on to even greater devotion to Christ.

At TMU, our mission is to equip the next generation of the church. We’re so thankful that our current students have you to look to as examples of faithfulness, and our aim is to support you as you “press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:14).

In His Grace,

Dr. Abner Chou

P R E S I D E N T, T H E M A S T E R’S U N I V E R S I T Y

SPRING 2023

5

a performance workshop for singers voice classes · individual voice instruction training in performance techniques for soloists acting improvisation · practical music theory ensemble performance

beginning camps ages 8-11 | cost $230 camp one

june 12-17 | mon – fri, 2-5pm | final concert saturday, june 17 | 7pm

camp two

june 19-24 | mon – fri, 9am-12pm | final concert saturday, june 24 | 2pm

camp three june 19-24 | mon – fri, 1:30-4:30pm | final concert saturday, june 24 | 7pm

advanced camp ages 12-18 | cost $315 june 12-16 | mon – fri, 9am-1pm | final concert friday, june 16 | 7pm

directed by TMU Music, Faculty, Staff and Alumni location The Master’s University School of Music Each student is required to choose one song upon registration that he or she must memorize to perform during the final concert. Song choice standards can be found online at masters.edu/songsofsummer.

to register, visit: masters.edu/songsofsummer

YEARBOOK

Pete Reese Field had a very different look in the spring of 1996. Over the years, it became increasingly difficult to keep the field — a focal point of campus — green year-round.

TMU ultimately replaced the natural grass with synthetic turf the S P in RIN G 2early 0 2 3 2000s.7

T

TMU Today

A group of students and staff members from TMU traveled to the Republic of Georgia during spring break this semester to serve alongside missionaries Brodie (TMS ’05) and Katie McClain. The team engaged in outreach, helped with music ministry, and prepared a three-day school camp. Here, the group gets ready for a game of “Keep Away.”

8

The Master’s University Magazine

P H OT O BY RYA N M I L L E R

SPRING 2023

Global Outreach

God is using TMU’s alumni and current students to make an impact in missions around the world.

5

The number of Global Outreach teams scheduled to go out from TMU this summer – to Cambodia, Albania, Alaska, Honduras, and Uganda.

20+

The number of years TMU has been sending short-term missions teams into the field to serve alongside missionaries and their families.

90 12

TMU Adds Criminal Justice Emphasis

16

The Center for Thinking Biblically Releases Season 2

24

Indoor Track and Field Athletes Win National Titles

The approximate number of TMU alumni currently serving as long-term missionaries.

40

The approximate number of countries where TMU alumni are serving as long-term missionaries.

SPRING 2023

9

TMU Today

ON CAMPUS

TMU Introduces Community Tutoring Program The new initiative positions TMU students to bless local families by tutoring 3rd–12th graders.

BY JOSEPHINE LEE

Dr. Abner Chou, president of The Master’s University, approached Prof. Esther Chua in 2021 about the possibility of expanding the University’s tutoring program.

Through this presidential initiative, the outward-facing “TMU Tutoring” program began operation in 2022, giving TMU students the opportunity to use their academic training to bless the surrounding community.

The new program has already served 26 families and partnered with nearly 10 schools and churches to offer discounted rates. And this is only the beginning.

10

students (third through 12th grade) are paired with qualified TMU tutors.

In one-on-one tutoring sessions, tutors help students not only in learning specific concepts in English, science, and math, but in learning how to learn.

Chua, who serves as the chair of TMU’s Department of Arts and Letters, has been overseeing the tutoring program at the University for almost a decade. For her, what makes the program distinct is its missional perspective. “For us, tutoring is undergirded by our theology,” she said. “The goal of tutoring is a type of discipleship.”

“The idea behind community tutoring,” Chua said, “is to build a program that not only helps benefit our church partners and communities with educational support, but as a symbiotic relationship providing flexible, well-paying jobs for students.”

Tutoring provides opportunities for students to build up one another, effectively countering the academic tendency to isolate. It encourages them to share something more valuable than accumulated knowledge: a love for learning.

Through the program, younger

In line with this goal, Chua says that

The Master’s University Magazine

tutors for the program are not purely selected on the basis of grades, but on a professor’s testimony regarding the tutor’s view of education.

Namely, that they see education as an opportunity for growth. Student tutors “have a heart to serve other people, to make their subject matter exciting,” Chua said.

Chua can trace the origins of the TMU Tutoring program back nine years, when she began with a single tutor. At that time, the program existed only as a service to TMU students from their peers. Since then, the peer tutoring program at TMU has grown exponentially. Chua is hopeful that TMU Tutoring will develop similarly in the coming years.

But though the tutoring program has changed in scope, the underlying philosophy remains the same: education not as competition, but as collaboration.

Learn more at tmututoring.org.

ON CAMPUS

TMU To Host Symposium for STEM Professionals Event will be a time of connection, encouragement, and professional development.

BY ADAM BREWER

On June 9-10, The Master’s University is hosting the 2023 Math3ma Symposium for like-minded Christians working in the sciences. Professionals from many specialized fields are invited for fellowship, to dialogue, and to meet new friends. The Symposium is a unique event focused on enriching and refreshing faithful Christians working in academia and industry as they approach their fields with a biblical worldview.

Over both days, attendees will hear from experts in molecular and cell biology, mathematics, space travel, and more. In addition to these talks, TMU President Abner Chou and TMU Chancellor John MacArthur will open and close the Symposium with words of encouragement from Scripture. Professionals in scientific fields can purchase tickets for in-person or online attendance at masters.edu/math3ma. Laypeople are also invited to join via livestream.

The Math3ma Symposium is being organized by Dr. Tai-Danae Bradley, a visiting research professor at TMU. P H OT O BY T R I N I T Y P E R A LTA

ON CAMPUS

Creation Summit Delves into the Aftermath of the Flood TMU professor and guest speakers explore scientific topics from a biblically faithful perspective.

BY CAMDEN SPECHT

This year’s Creation Summit, hosted in February in the Music Recital Hall, dealt with the Genesis Flood and its aftermath. Dr. Matthew McLain, associate professor of biology and geology at TMU, gave a lecture titled, “How Did Armadillos Get to Texas from an Ark in the Middle East?”

He was joined by Dr. Steven Gollmer, a meteorologist from Cedarville University, and Dr. Andrew Snelling, a geologist from Answers in Genesis. Both men have completed in-depth studies on topics relating to the Flood and the post-Flood world, and they took the stage to answer questions concerning rocks, fossils, and the Ice Age. Dr. Andrew Snelling, a geologist from Answers in Genesis, was one of two guest SPRING 2023 11 speakers at this year’s Creation Summit.

P H OT O BY E M I LY W I D D E R S

TMU Today

ACADEMICS

TMU Adds Criminal Justice Emphasis to Political Studies Major Program opens a new path for students interested in law enforcement or criminal law.

In response to a long history of requests, The Master’s University is adding a criminal justice emphasis to its political studies major.

12

BY KAELYN PEAY

When the opportunity to build one arose, he was “happy to step up.”

Courses include Intro to Criminal Justice, Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure and Evidence, and The Judicial Process. TMU is hoping to offer additional electives such as Criminal Investigation, Probation and Parole, and Police Organization and Administration as interest grows.

“I think this program will be particularly good for those interested in law enforcement,” Forgerson said.

“My understanding is that they don’t want to hire an 18-year-old fresh out of high school into the police academy.

So it can be very helpful to get your degree first and learn things that will make you a better, more useful police officer.”

Dr. Michael Forgerson, a professor of business administration in TMU’s School of Business & Communication and a practicing attorney, says that TMU has often received inquiries about a criminal justice program.

But this isn’t the only career path for students in the emphasis, according to Forgerson. He also named the FBI and the Secret Service as possibilities. In addition, the emphasis serves as a new option for pre-law students who are

The Master’s University Magazine

interested in criminal law.

“I’m excited about teaching in this program,” Forgerson said. “And it’s great to have this opportunity to prepare students for these careers.

It’s such a wonderful thing to have Christians in law enforcement, because it’s a tough area. If you’re a non-Christian in law enforcement, having someone there who can share Christ with you is going to be a huge blessing.”

The criminal justice emphasis will be open to new students in fall 2023. Learn more at masters.edu/ criminaljustice.

Calendar

April

June

26-29

22

7-9

A NIGHT OF FILM This event — with showings at 2 and 7:30 p.m. — will feature TMU’s orchestra playing alongside Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast.” Get tickets for the matinee or evening showing at masters.edu.edu/musicevents.

This year’s Care of Souls Conference is titled “The Vanishing Conscience” and will feature Dr. Abner Chou, Dr. John Street, Dr. Greg Gifford, and several others as plenary speakers. Learn more at careofsoulsconference.org.

This is the first of four TMU baseball camps scheduled for boys and girls ages 6 to 14 this summer. For more info and to register, see gomustangs.com/camps.

24

9-10

GOLF TOURNAMENT TMU’s 30th annual golf tournament will take place at Valencia Country Club. This event is the University’s biggest fundraiser of the year, and proceeds are used to support student scholarships. Learn more at masters.edu/golf.

M AT H 3 M A S Y M P O S I U M The Math3ma Institute is hosting a professional conference at TMU for believers who work in or teach the sciences. Register to attend in person or online at masters.edu/math3ma.

25 FA R E W E L L C O N C E R T F O R D R . R U TA B L O O M F I E L D

Dr. Ruta Bloomfield and her harpsichord will be featured in this farewell concert celebrating Bloomfield’s faithful service to TMU. Find details at masters.edu/music-events.

CARE OF SOULS CONFERENCE

12-15 BASKETBALL CAMP This is the first of seven basketball camps for boys and girls ages 6 to 14 scheduled at TMU this summer. For more info and to register, see gomustangs.com/camps.

12-15

ELITE SOCCER CAMP This is the first of two elite soccer camps for boys and girls ages 12-17 who are looking to play at the collegiate level and/or beyond. For more info and to register, see gomustangs.com/camps.

13-15 ELITE BOYS VOLLEYBALL CAMP Boys ages 14 to 18 are invited to TMU’s elite boys volleyball camp. For more info and to register, see gomustangs.com/camps.

17-20

20-22 Girls ages 14 to 17 are invited to TMU’s high school girls volleyball camp. For more info and to register, see gomustangs.com/camps.

SPRING CONCERT TMU’s annual spring concert serves as the grand finale of the School of Music’s concert schedule each academic year. Get tickets for this year’s performance at masters.edu/music-events.

24-25 SOCCER CAMP This is the first of three soccer camps for boys and girls ages 6 to 14 this summer at TMU For more info and to register, see gomustangs.com/camps.

12-16 SONGS OF SUMMER A D VA N C E D C A M P TMU’s School of Music is hosting an advanced music camp for singers ages 12 to 18. Get details at masters.edu/songsofsummer.

COMMENCEMENT

3, 5-7

HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS VOLLEYBALL CAMP

4

TMU’s 96th annual commencement ceremony will be held at the University’s campus. More details are available at masters.edu/commencement-day.

Alumni can reserve tickets and purchase parking beginning April 17 at masters.edu/commencementalumni.

July

TRACK & FIELD CAMP This is the first of two track and field camps for boys and girls ages 6 to 14. For more info and to register, see gomustangs.com/camps.

May

5

BASEBALL CAMP

BEACH VOLLEYBALL CAMP Girls ages 9 to 17 are invited to this two-day camp at TMU’s beach volleyball complex. For more info and to register, see gomustangs.com/camps.

28-29 YOUTH GIRLS VOLLEYBALL CAMP Girls ages 9 to 13 are invited to TMU’s youth girls volleyball camp.For more info and to register, see gomustangs.com/camps.

12-17 SONGS OF SUMMER BEGINNING CAMP #1 This is the first of three beginner camps hosted by TMU’s School of Music this summer. The camp is for singers ages 8 to 11. Get details at masters.edu/ songsofsummer.

SPRING 2023

13

TMU Today

In addition to teaching music courses, Dr. Ruta Bloomfield also performs regularly on the harpsichord. She’s photographed here during the Bach Legacy Concert held in fall 2022.

P H OT O BY A N N I E V L A D O V S K A

FA C U LT Y

Three Beloved Faculty Members Set To Retire Drs. Bloomfield, Anderson, and Francis are concluding fruitful careers at the University this semester.

BY KAELYN PEAY

Three beloved educators are retiring from the faculty of The Master’s University after this semester. Dr. Ruta Bloomfield, Dr. Ross Anderson, and Dr. Joe Francis have each made a lasting impact at the University through their ministry to students, fellow professors, and the institution as a whole.

“These faculty members have served generation after generation of students, and we want to honor them in that,” said Dr. Mitch Hopewell, provost and chief academic officer at TMU. “And we also want to hold that up as an example to professors who are early in their careers, to say, ‘This is a model of a faithful TMU faculty member.’”

Hopewell mentioned three distinguishing marks of faithful teaching exhibited by these departing professors: “They love their students. They’re excellent at their crafts. And they encourage and strengthen their fellow faculty members. There’s a sense in which their service exists in 360 degrees. It’s service to the students, to their peers, to the institution, and ultimately to the Lord.”

Dr. Ruta Bloomfield Bloomfield — who holds a doctorate from Claremont Graduate University in historical performance practices — joined TMU’s faculty in 1989. As an associate professor of music, she has taught students of all majors in Essentials of Music and Art. She’s also taught music history, world music, and aural skills courses.

TMU’s resident harpsichordist, Bloomfield has offered harpsichord 14

The Master’s University Magazine

lessons and performed frequently, both on and off campus. Her repertoire includes famously difficult harpsichord pieces such as the 75,730note Goldberg Variations by Bach. She is also the president of the Historical Keyboard Society of North America.

In all of that, she is best known on campus for her inexhaustible enthusiasm.

“The level of energy and passion she has for the field of music is off the charts,” Hopewell said.

“And it’s real — it’s not manufactured. She’s just so passionate. And when it comes to her Essentials of Music and Art course, she takes a subject that many students think is dry and brings it to life.”

Dr. Ross Anderson P H OT O BY C A S E Y S C H L A G E L

A SHORT READING LIST ON

Leadership The Bible Proverbs 9:10 says, “The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” Christ-honoring leadership can only be found in knowledge of, and submission to, the Creator.

The Power of Integrity: Building a Life Without Compromise Dr. John MacArthur This concise, powerful text provides a biblical framework for a life of integrity, illustrated primarily in the life of the Apostle Paul.

On Becoming a Leader Warren Bennis First published in 1989, Bennis’ work has stood the test of time in a field fraught with fads and flashy gimmicks. He argues that leaders can be forged through disciplined study and careful self-reflection.

Dr. Ross Anderson has taught a wide range of lecture and lab courses during his time at TMU. He’s pictured here leading a class session in January 2022.

Anderson earned his Ph.D. from Baylor College of Medicine, where he also taught biochemistry and directed research projects. He also served as a postdoctoral researcher at the Houston Neurosensory Center and as a faculty member at Lamar University before coming to TMU in 1998.

Here, he has served as a professor of biochemistry, teaching a range of biology courses, as well as courses like Genetics & Genomics and Origins.

His particular area of interest is the structure and function of DNA and RNA polymerizing enzymes, and he is a member of the American Chemical Society and Sigma Xi. Over the years, he has contributed to several journal publications.

C O N T I N U E D O N N E X T PA G E

Boundary Spanning Leadership: Six Practices for Solving Problems, Driving Innovation, and Transforming Organizations Chris Ernst and Donna Chrobot-Mason This is an excellent book that confronts the age-old issue of “silos” in organizations.

The authors argue that, while silos isolate, healthy boundaries are beneficial.

Leaders Eat Last: Why Some Teams Pull Together and Others Don’t Simon Sinek This book includes a bit of psychology, but for the discerning believer, the examples and ideas are helpful illustrations of how to be a servant leader.

C O M P O S E D BY

DR. MITCH HOPEWELL

Provost & Chief Academic Officer Dean of Online Learning SPRING 2023

15

TMU Today T H R E E B E LO V E D FA C U LT Y M E M B E R S S E T T O R E T I R E

Hopewell attributes the high medical school acceptance rate among TMU graduates (95%) in no small way to Anderson’s influence.

“He places a high level of expectation on his students and demands a kind of excellence that drives our medical school acceptance rates,” Hopewell said. “People ask, ‘How can it possibly be that high?’ It’s because our faculty have such high standards, and that is of tremendous benefit to our students. “(Dr. Anderson) is also very discipleship-oriented. He’s accessible to students. Doing both of those things to such a high level is rare.”

Francis earned his Ph.D. from Wayne State University and worked at the University of Michigan Medical School for five years — first as a postdoctoral fellow and then as a research scientist. He also taught at Cedarville University for a decade before coming to TMU in 2002.

Since then, he has served as professor of biological science, chair of the Department of Biological & Physical Sciences, and dean of the School of Science, Mathematics, Technology, & Health. He has taught everything from physical science to the history of science, though his particular expertise is in cellular immunology and microbiology.

Francis is also a member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and has published many scientific articles throughout his career.

Dr. Joe Francis

Francis’s thorough commitment to his field is one thing that stands out to Hopewell.

“Joe Francis is truly a scholar and a scientist,” Hopewell said. “And he’s a dogged defender of subjecting science to biblical truth. He passionately defends the authority of Scripture, not in the face of science, but as the key to truly understanding science.”

P H OT O BY T R I N I T Y P E R A LTA

Dr. Joe Francis is a specialist in microbiology and cellular immunology.

Here he’s leading one of his classes in September 2022.

RESOURCES

Center for Thinking Biblically Releases Season Two Newest content addresses topics like math, miracles, and habits.

BY CAMDEN SPECHT

The Center for Thinking Biblically recently released its newest wave of videos in which TMU professors address compelling topics through a biblical lens. This season includes 11 new series, covering subjects like habits, business, media, mathematics, and how science should be done by creationists in light of God’s Word.

16

The Master’s University Magazine

Featured speakers include TMU President Dr. Abner Chou (theology) and professors Dr. Matthew McLain (Earth history), Dr. Tom Halstead (miracles), and Dr. Tai-Danae Bradley (math), among others. The new content bolsters CTB’s library of resources, which began with the release of 10 video series last year. Each series is also available in podcast form wherever you listen to podcasts. Just search, “The Center for Thinking Biblically.”

Learn more at thinkbiblically.org.

Dr. Matthew McLain, associate professor of biological science and geoscience at TMU, contributed a paper to the most recent edition of the Math3ma Journal on the discovery of pterodactyls that appeared to have feathers.

P H OT O BY E M I LY W I D D E R S

ACADEMICS

The Math3ma Institute Releases Spring Journal This edition features articles

by TMU faculty on pterodactyls and immunology.

BY JOSEPHINE LEE

Two faculty members from The Master’s University published work in the spring 2023 issue of The Journal of the Math3ma Institute, released this month in digital and print formats.

Dr. Matthew McLain, associate professor of biological science and geoscience at TMU, wrote on the discovery of pterodactyls that appeared to have feathers — and the biblical implications of this finding.

And Dr. Joe Francis, dean of the School of Science, Mathematics, Technology & Health, addressed questions such as, “Did we have an immune system before the fall? If so, what purpose did it serve?” In the article, he presents original

contributions from his work in immunology.

The journal is published annually by the Math3ma Institute, a hub for science research conducted by faculty and advanced undergraduate students at The Master’s University, as well as external colleagues.

For instance, this edition of the journal also featured work from Dr. Miles Stoudenmire, research scientist at the Flatiron Institute. In his article, Stoudenmire investigates the principled framework that allows scientists to organize the concepts of rotations and symmetry on their most complex levels.

One goal of the Math3ma Journal is to challenge traditional ideas of the

academic “journal,” which is typically written by experts, for experts. “There’s a lot of technical jargon in traditional academic outlets,” said Dr. Tai-Danae Bradley, executive director of the Math3ma Institute and a visiting research professor at TMU. “It’s not very accessible to laypeople.”

In comparison, Bradley describes the journal’s audience as “the ambitious layperson — someone who wants to be challenged a little bit and who wants to learn a new topic in STEM.” The journal’s motivation for engaging new audiences is explicitly theological. While secular academia focuses its spotlight on human scientists and authors, Bradley and her colleagues

are using their discoveries to point to the One who truly deserves the glory.

“We want to strip away all of that lofty jargon and unclear, muddled writing that typically serves as a barrier for people to see the brilliance of God’s creation,” Bradley said, “to share what it is that resonates so deeply with us so that we can participate with a mutual joy and adoration of the God we serve.”

The print edition of the Math3ma Journal is available for purchase through TMU’s online bookstore, and the digital version is available for free at math3ma.institute/ journal.

SPRING 2023

17

TMU Today P H OT O BY N AT E B O N S E L L

OUTSIDE THE CANYON

MacArthur, Chou Speak at 2023 Shepherds Conference TMU chancellor and president among keynote speakers at Grace Community Church event.

BY KAELYN PEAY

Dr. John MacArthur closed out Shepherds Conference 2023 with a message from Zechariah 12-14.

During March’s Shepherds Conference, with well over 4,000 pastors and church leaders in attendance, TMU President Abner Chou and Chancellor John MacArthur both led general sessions in Grace Community Church’s sanctuary.

Chou delivered a message on God’s preservation of His remnant throughout history. And MacArthur spoke on viewing the doctrine of the second coming of Christ as a foundational issue, rather than a peripheral topic. In connection with that message, those in attendance received copies of The MacArthur Old Testament Commentary on Zechariah. MacArthur also sat for a Q&A during the conference. Sermon notes from each general session are available on The Master’s Seminary Blog.

AN UNLIKELY ENCOUNTER

W H AT ’ S I N Y O U R O F F I C E ?

I got this autograph from Dizzy Gillespie when I was a bellman at the Hollywood Palm Hotel in 1991. I carried his bags to his room, and he said, “Do you want an autograph?” So I just gave him a piece of paper. And then he asked me if I played any instruments, so I handed him my harmonica, and he started playing on it. I still have that harmonica.

With Dr. Bob Dickson CHAIR, COMMUNICATION DEPARTMENT A TECHNOLOGICAL RELIC

This is an actual Apple computer from the 1980s.

The first computer I ever owned was this model.

You can see the whole thing with the joystick, floppy drive, an original manual, and you can turn it on to play games. Some of these games I programmed myself; believe it or not, I used to program games.

A GIFT FROM A FRIEND

Will Clark played baseball for the San Francisco Giants when I was just starting to get interested in baseball. And he is the reason I’m a baseball fan. This signed ball was given to me by a friend who shares the same love for Will.

18

The Master’s University Magazine

A FATHER’S HAND-ME-DOWN

This desk belonged to my dad, who got it when he was a young guy.

It’s this old banker’s desk with all kinds of crazy hidden drawers and weird things going on. Growing up, I saw my dad working at this desk. I learned a lot by seeing his work ethic played out there.

P H OT O BY T R I N I T Y P E R A LTA

OUTSIDE THE CANYON

TMU Italy Expands Its Offerings Popular study abroad program adds second cohort of students, more course options.

BY CAMDEN SPECHT

During the past several semesters, Dr. Abner Chou has set aside time to meet with students — such as this meeting at Oaks Pavillion in April 2022.

ON CAMPUS

TMU Students ‘Chat with Chou’ Q&A sessions give students the opportunity to pick the brain of TMU’s president.

BY ADAM BREWER

This summer, another wave of students will be studying abroad for six weeks through TMU Italy. And this time around, the program has been expanded to add a second cohort of students. Both cohorts will offer a selection of general education courses and upper division tutorials, with additional options now available in the areas of business and communication. The first group will depart in early May, while the second will follow in late June.

During the program, TMU Italy students live in a private villa outside of Florence while visiting Rome, Venice, museums, palaces, classical-era ruins, gardens, libraries, and the Mediterranean coastline. Those who participate in the program earn nine undergraduate credits in the process. Early applications are now being accepted for TMU Italy Summer 2024. More information about the program can be found at masters.edu/italy.

Since late 2021, TMU President Dr. Abner Chou has regularly met with students for

FA C U LT Y

informal Q&A sessions. The first spring “Chat with Chou” happened on Feb. 17, and more such events are planned for the future. These sessions are designed to be student-driven, as those in attendance lead the conversation with a wide range of questions.

During the February meeting, students asked about revival and artificial intelligence, spurred by recent news headlines. Students also expressed curiosity about TMU’s process for hiring faculty. Chou encouraged them to ask about the state of the school and to express any concerns they may have, explaining that their feedback is invaluable for the University’s administration.

Longtime TMU Music Professor Publishes Booklet Dr. Ken Mays shares an autobiographical testimony of God’s faithfulness.

BY CAMDEN SPECHT

Ken Mays and his wife, Nita, are shown here in an undated file photo.

Dr. Ken Mays, recently retired professor of piano at The Master’s University, published a booklet in January titled, “But God: Man Makes His Plans But God Orders His Steps.” This publication reveals the lessons God taught Mays and his late wife, Nita, about how they should lean on Him in times of struggle and heartache.

Mays served at TMU for more than 30 years, beginning in 1986, and this new booklet provides excellent insight into this beloved professor and how the Lord has been with him throughout his life. Copies are available through Amazon in both print and Kindle versions.

SPRING 2023

19

TMU Today

STUDENT FOCUS

TMU Student Serves as Intern for U.S. Congressman

alumni — we're here for you. utilize our cover letter and resume guides and scan an exclusive job board, with listings like these:

01 02 03 04 05

Chief Financial Officer Villa Dolce Artisan Desserts

Junior Project Accountant Elite Earthworks and Engineering

Humanities Teacher Trinity Classical Academy

Customer Support Advocate Accountable2You

Billing Specialist Mead & Hunt

get started at alumni.masters.edu/jobs

20 or alumni.masters.edu/resources.

The Master’s University Magazine

Senior political studies major is working in Mike Garcia’s district office in Santa Clarita.

BY GABRIEL A CIURCU

Rachel Culver, a TMU senior graduating in December, hopes to work as a legal or legislative assistant before attending law school.

Rachel Culver, a student at The Master’s University, worked this semester as an intern for United States Representative Mike Garcia.

Congressman Garcia is in his second term as a House Representative and currently serves on the subcommittees of Defense, Justice, Energy, and Water Development. Working in Garcia’s district office in Santa Clarita, Culver supports the staff through policy reports, project management, meetings with local officials, and administrative tasks.

“I have the opportunity to exemplify Christ as I answer phones and speak with constituents,” said Culver, a senior political studies major. “My eyes have also been opened to the daily lives of Americans in real-time. I get to be a small piece of their story, as

they look for answers.”

The internship isn’t Culver’s first opportunity to work in a political environment.

During the fall 2022 semester, she worked on Suzette Valadares’ campaign for California State Assembly. Culver impressed the team with her work ethic, something that helped her land an internship with Garcia.

Another factor was the assistance she received from TMU’s Office of Career Services. (Culver received guidance on her resume, cover letter, and interview skills.) Her professors have also come alongside and helped prepare her for the opportunity. “I have been shaped by countless mentors the Lord has placed in my life at strategic

P H OT O BY A N N I E V L A D O V S K A

Career Tips to Propel You SPONSORED BY ENVIRO SAFETY

SOLVE PROBLEMS moments,” she said.

internship with Mike Garcia.”

Culver views a biblical worldview as a necessary foundation for a career in law. In fact, that was one of the deciding factors in her decision to study at TMU.

As a senior graduating in December, Culver hopes to work as a legal or legislative assistant before attending law school. After that, she has several dreams and goals in mind.

“At TMU, we are equipped with the knowledge and the skills to be effective ambassadors and ministers of reconciliation to a broken and dying world,” Culver said.

“A few of those include clerking for a federal judge, working for the Department of Justice, and supporting Alliance Defending Freedom as an appellate litigator,” Culver said.

For Culver, studying at TMU has been a time of ongoing academic and character growth. “The Lord has deepened my love for truth and strengthened my passion for honoring Him in what I do,” she said. “My experience in the classroom, working for Student Accounts, and political involvement prepared me for this

Having applied for several internships this summer, Culver continues to trust that the Lord will provide clarity for her career path. “My greatest prayer is that the Lord would use my gifts and talents for His glory,” she said.

Nothing is perfect, everything is a work in progress, so buckle up for the ride. But know this: The people who solve the biggest problems come out the biggest winners.

Anyone can gripe about problems and expect others to solve them. But be the one to actually solve problems and deliver improvements, and you are more likely to win big.

SPRING 2023

21

TMU Today P H OT O BY D O M E N I C G H I O R S O

SPRING 2023

Snapshots of the Semester 1. RUNNING FOR A GREAT CAUSE

1

Freshman Rebekah Niednagel sorts through donations at “Run the Beast and Feed the Hungry,” a food drive hosted by The Master’s University cross country and track and field teams and Children’s Hunger Fund (CHF). All donations went to CHF, a Christian non-profit that packages boxes of non-perishable food to deliver to children in need.

2. FEATURE FILM Junior Josiah Patton operates a camera during the filming of “FIN,” a suspense film set in the five-month period in Revelation 9:1-11. Patton and other TMU students helped capture the project over winter session.

The goal is to finish what will be the second full-length feature film for TMU’s Cinema & Digital Arts program by the end of June.

2

3. CHAPEL SPOTLIGHT In March, H.B. Charles Jr. spoke in chapel from Ephesians 3:20-21 on “The God Who Answers Prayer.” Charles is the pastor-teacher at the Shiloh Metropolitan Baptist Church of Jacksonville and Orange Park, Florida. He was also a keynote speaker at Shepherds Conference 2023.

3

P H OT O BY M I C H A E L R O U R K E

4. THE CHORALE In February, The Master’s University Chorale held its annual on-campus concert under the leadership of Dr. Paul Plew. At the end of the event, more than 35 alumni joined in the Chorale’s benediction piece, “You Are the Light.” In May, The Chorale is scheduled to tour in Israel and Italy for three weeks.

4

5. FACULTY HIGHLIGHT Dr. Michael Button, chair of TMU’s mathematics department, delves into boolean matrices during his Discrete Math course this semester.

5

P H OT O BY E M I LY W I D D E R S

6. A NIGHT ON BROADWAY Sophomore Erin McNutt sang the role of Liesl in the duet “Sixteen Going on Seventeen” in a scene that TMU Opera performed from “The Sound of Music” during the program’s “Night on Broadway” concert.

Sophomore Ian Pence performed the role of Rolf.

7. CHAMBER MUSIC CONCERT Three student conductors — Sebastian Salazar Perez, center, Katelyn Williams, and Sarah Frias — conducted works at TMU’s Spring Chamber Music Concert, which also included Mozart’s flute and harp concerto in C major performed by Lauren Hoffman and Emily Fowler.

6 22

The Master’s University Magazine

7

P H OT O BY E M I LY W I D D E R S

FA C U LT Y U P D A T E S

This spring, Professor Cindy Hallman (education) has partnered with the Santa Clarita Valley Induction Consortium, a new teacher program for all four local elementary public school districts, to offer a series of professional development workshops for teachers. The topics of her workshops focused on the effective teaching of reading, a key concern for elementary teachers.

Dr. William Varner’s “Handbook for Praying

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

Scripture” was gifted in January to each TMU student by a local foundation. Two more book projects from Varner were scheduled to appear in March: a study of Ecclesiastes and Song of Solomon, as well as an introduction and translation of the Apostolic Fathers. Another highlight for Varner (biblical studies) was celebrating Purim with one of TMU’s men’s dorms on Feb. 7.

In January, Dr. Greg Gifford (biblical counseling) began a new podcast series through Gospel Partners Media called “Transformed.” With new episodes released every Saturday, the podcast tackles common questions and issues of life, exploring what the Bible has to say about them. Episodes published so far have discussed topics like communication, habits, and sanctification. You can find the show wherever you listen to podcasts.

Professor Matt Green (Cinema & Digital Arts) is P H OT O BY E M I LY W I D D E R S

leading the creation of TMU’s second full-length feature film, “FIN,” which is currently in post-production. The project — which has received creative contributions from more than 50 TMU students — is a suspense film set during the events of Revelation 9:1-11. Green hopes to complete the project by the end of June.

Dr. Dwight Ham (business) was interviewed on the

Pinnacle Forum’s podcast “Stewarding Your Influence” to talk about working with a purpose. In the episode, Ham talks about his own experience of continuing to embrace new opportunities to serve the Lord. The episode serves to encourage all Christians to find joy in purposeful work and to witness what God can do with their lives.

Dr. Shelbi Cullen (biblical counseling) and her cohost

on the Women’s Hope Podcast, Kimberly Cummings, recently interviewed Dale Johnson (executive director of the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors) to talk about the importance of friendship in the church. They discussed how believers are called not only to offer instruction to each other, but to be involved in each other’s lives.

P H OT O BY A N N I E V L A D O V S K A

SPRING 2023

23

TMU Today

AT H L E T I C S

Indoor Track and Field Athletes Win Two National Titles Athletics Roundup: Pole vaulter, relay team finish first at NAIA championships.

BY DAVE CALDWELL

P H OT O BY A R I A N N A B O G G E S S

(Counterclockwise, starting back left) Zach Garey, Anthony Ghiorso, Davis Boggess, and Sam Jean pose with their medals after winning an NAIA indoor track and field national championship in the distance medley relay in March.

24

The Master’s University Magazine

The Master’s University men’s indoor track and field team earned two national titles in March during its first-ever trip to the NAIA championships in Brookings, South Dakota.

Sophomore Caleb Pouliot won the pole vault, becoming just the sixth individual in TMU history (in any sport) to win an NAIA national title. And the men’s distance medley relay team of Zach Garey, Sam Jean, Anthony Ghiorso, and Davis Boggess set a new school record (9 minutes, 59.47 seconds) to earn a national championship of their own.

Pouliot cleared 5.10 meters in the finals to match his season high. “I have such great support from so many people,” Pouliot said. “I couldn't have done anything without the Lord and His favor.”

Boggess (mile) and Hunter Romine (5,000 meters) were All-Americans, as were Hannah Fredericks (1,000) and Ellen Palmgren (600) on the women’s side. The Mustangs also earned All-American honors in the women’s distance medley relay (Fredericks, Palmgren, Micaiah Scott, Rebekah Niednagel) and the 4x800 relay (Palmgren, Fredericks, Suzie Johnson, Emma Nelson).

Soares Picked 4th Overall in WNBA Draft TMU graduate Stephanie Soares (’22) was selected fourth overall in the 2023 WNBA Draft. Soares was a two-time NAIA Player of the Year at The Master’s before playing her final season at Iowa State. The Washington Mystics picked her on April 10 before trading her to the Dallas Wings. Soares is expected to miss the 2023 season, according to ESPN, due to an injury.

TMU’s Nolan Flexen, a 6-foot-10-inch outside hitter, led the NAIA in kills per set (5.14) and hitting percentage (.447) as of April 12.

P H OT O BY DARCY BROWN

Soares poses for a photo with the first Mustang drafted into the WNBA, Erin Perperoglou (Buescher), who went 23rd overall in 2001. The two standouts hung out last year when Perperoglou was inducted into TMU’s Hall of Honor.

P H OT O BY DARCY BROWN

TMU freshman Kylee Sears earned four All-American honors at the NAIA Women’s Swimming & Diving National Championship in Columbus, Georgia, in March.

P H OT O BY J O E LY G U T I E R R E Z

Monte Brooks entered the year as the 13th winningest baseball coach on the NAIA’s active list.

P H OT O BY D A R C Y B R O W N

Monte Brooks Earns Win Number 800 Earlier this spring, Monte Brooks earned his 800th victory as head coach of TMU Baseball. Brooks, who entered the year as the 13th winningest coach on the NAIA’s active list, is in his 27th season at the University. “Monte is exactly the coach we want to have here at TMU,” said Athletic Director Chris Beck. “His love for the Lord comes out in all he does.”

Swim Wraps Successful Season TMU’s women’s swim and dive team finished in ninth place overall, while

the men’s team tied for 11th at the NAIA national championships in Columbus, Georgia, in March. Both finishes were the best in program history. Freshman Kylee Sears was a three-time All-American in individual events (500-yard freestyle, 200 free, 1,650 free), finishing as national runner-up in the 500. Sears was also part of a 400 medley relay that earned All-American honors, along with Jasmine Biederman, Emma McMurray, and Trudy Patterson. Patterson was also an All-American in the 200 backstroke. On the men’s side, TMU’s 800 free and 400 medley relay teams — both consisting of Andrew Crabtree, Nilton Dos Santos de Oliveira, JT Sears, and Freddie Cole — earned AllAmerican honors.

Mustang Freshman Named National Player of the Year Freshman Nolan Flexen was named the American Volleyball Coaches Association NAIA Player of the Year in April after helping TMU earn its first No. 1 national ranking. The Mustangs’ season culminated in the NAIA tournament in Des Moines, Iowa, after this publication’s deadline. See gomustangs.com for updated results.

DAVE CALDWELL COVERS ALL 18 OF TMU’S ATHLE TIC TEAMS AS SPORTS INFORM ATION DIRECTOR. FOR THE L ATEST STATS, STORIES, AND SCORES, VISIT GOMUSTANGS.COM.

SPRING 2023

25

TMU Today

The TMU community enjoyed hearing from guest speaker Alistair Begg, senior pastor of Cleveland’s Parkside Church, at Truth & Life 2023.

ON CAMPUS

Alistair Begg Speaks at TMU on the Topic of Salvation Visiting pastor points students to the power of the gospel.

BY CAMDEN SPECHT P H OT O BY A N N I E V L A D O V S K A

Alistair Begg, senior pastor of Cleveland’s Parkside Church and voice of the teaching ministry “Truth For Life,” spoke at The Master’s University’s annual Truth & Life Conference this semester. Begg detailed why his listeners should be encouraged by and not ashamed of the gospel, using Romans 1, 2 Timothy 1, and other passages of Scripture to give insight into the power of Christ’s work.

26

Referencing Martin Luther, Begg began to explain how the German reformer echoed the Apostle Paul.

“Luther says, by and large, ‘My Christian life is outside of me.’ It’s outside of me. What does he mean by that?”

The answer, Begg said, lies in the most basic truths of the gospel.

“One of the things that we have the privilege of doing — living as exiles, pilgrims, and strangers — is bringing to bear upon our culture this amazing story (the gospel),” Begg said.

“We’re not saved by what we do or as a result of what we’re able to do.

We’re not even saved as a result of what God has done in us. We are saved as a result of what God has done for us.”

“You see, we need the Bible to (make us) wise for salvation, and the Bible gives us the gospel, which Paul says is the power of God for salvation.”

The sole possibility of men’s escape from eternal repayment is — as Paul, Luther, and Begg said — in the power of a perfect God incarnated as a man.

The Master’s University Magazine

Begg summed up his message in this way: “Every person that God rescues, He will rescue through the gospel.

No one anywhere, or at any time, has ever been brought into a relationship with God, having been rescued from their own sinful propensities, by any other way than by the gospel. All the Old Testament looks forward to when it would come, and we look back to what it is. That is the basis of salvation.”

Past messages and future chapel livestreams are available through TMU’s YouTube channel.

At Greyhaw k, We resol ve to provide the best client experience the insurance industr y can offer.

We believe in being forward-thinking with technology, and old-school with relationships.

We believe equipping our clients with comprehensi ve resources will make them more successful.

We believe in being the most honest, ethical, and

transparent insurance agency in the marketplace—with these values extending to both clients and employees alike.

We believe this is what makes us stand out among the rest.

GREYHAWK PREMIER INSURANCE SOLUTIONS

SPRING 2023

info@greyhawkinsurance.com | careers@greyhawkinsurance.com

27

F

Features

Adam Sanchez, left, and Kenneth Piester are two of the alumni featured in this edition’s cover story about the many ways graduates are faithfully serving their local churches.

28

The Master’s University Magazine

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

30

Many Ministries, One Mission

38

Sending Students Off Campus and Into the Church

42

Bridging the Gulf SPRING 2023

29

Features

I L L U S T R AT I O N BY ANNA CARROLL

30

The Master’s University Magazine

ONE MANY MINISTRIES, BY

M ASON NESBIT T AND

KAELYN PEAY

MISSION In a sense, The Master’s University’s mission can be boiled down to a simple statement: We exist to equip the next generation of the church.

That’s why it’s so encouraging to hear story after story of faithful service by alumni in local bodies of believers across the country and the world.

Many graduates of TMU are teaching pastors and missionaries — roles we often highlight in the magazine

TMU alumni serve the church in numerous ways. They do, however, share a focus — honoring Christ and loving others the way He calls them to.

(see the sidebar on page 38). Many alumni are also nursery workers, Sunday school teachers, and small group leaders. They serve on counseling, worship, and elder teams.

For this edition’s cover story, we’ve highlighted some of these remarkable alums who serve primarily outside the pulpit and the mission field. We hope they will be an encouragement to you as you continue to serve Christ in the context where He’s placed you.

SPRING 2023

31

Features

Tim (’09) & Brooke (’09) Woodward (Lengyel)

Katy, Texas Two main reasons led Tim and Brooke Woodward to move last year from Florida to Texas, where they helped plant Cornerstone Bible Church in Katy, west of Houston.

For one, they loved and trusted the plant’s pastor, Daron Roberts.

“Daron happens to be our brother-in-law,” Tim says, “but in the time we served under him in Florida, we grew to love his teaching and his leadership. So with all the question marks of making a big move, that was one aspect we didn’t question.”

The Woodwards were also motivated by a desire to impact young couples.

“People had been so faithful to pour into us as we came to Florida — newly married, needing a lot of help. And the Lord had put that on our heart, that if He could use us to serve others in the same way, we’d be open to it.”

At Cornerstone, they get to do that by hosting a parenting study in their home. Tim and Brooke — who have four young children of their own — also lead the third-through-sixth-grade Sunday school class.

Tim and Brooke Woodward, and their four young children, moved from Jupiter, Florida, to Katy, Texas, last year to be part of a church plant.

C O U RT E S Y P H OT O

Yorba Linda, California Beth De Courcy has long had a heart for people with special needs.

Six years ago, she turned that passion into a ministry at Kindred Community Church in Anaheim Hills. Since then, “Indispensable” — a name that comes from 1 Corinthians 12 — has served more than 70 families. The ministry includes participants of all ages and a wide range of physical and cognitive abilities.

“We’re not a drop-off or a daycare,” says De Courcy, Indispensable’s director.

“We’re a ministry. And that looks like making the gospel accessible to them and their families within the local church.

We love them, and we learn with and from them.”

“We’ve seen people have such a gratitude and hunger for the Word,” Brooke says. “That’s been really sweet.”

Beth De Courcy (’15)

Children with mild-to-moderate special needs are integrated into the church’s general classes and assigned a one-onone buddy, who assists them as they participate in teaching, worship, and free play. When possible, teens are integrated into Kindred’s youth group. Otherwise, they join Indispensable’s adult Bible fellowship.

The benefits of the ministry go both ways.

“Our Indispensables have abilities and character traits that teach us, enrich us, and benefit our growth at Kindred,” De Courcy says. “They show us what it means to love with no reservation, live with complete endurance, have a simple faith, and remain steadfast in suffering.”

Beth De Courcy is director of Indispensable, a ministry at Kindred Community Church that serves people with special needs.

C O U RT E S Y P H OT O

Adam Sanchez, left, and Kenneth Piester were roommates in Hotchkiss Hall. Now they serve together as elders at Oak Hill Bible Church.

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

Adam Sanchez (’11) & Kenneth Piester (’12) Santa Clarita, California

Adam Sanchez and Kenneth Piester have served together at Oak Hill Bible Church in Santa Clarita since they were TMU students.

But their friendship goes back even further.

C O N T I N U E S O N N E X T PA G E

SPRING 2023

33

Features

ADAM SANCHEZ & KENNETH PIESTER

They first met at a church in Pismo Beach, California, 22 years ago. Eventually, they roomed together in TMU’s Hotchkiss Hall.

And in 2009, they began attending Oak Hill.

Since then, they’ve been involved in a number of ministries together, including things like set-up and youth, young adult, and men’s ministries.

Currently, they’re both elders and serve on the biblical counseling team, which Sanchez leads. Sanchez’s wife, Jesse (’11), also serves at Oak Hill — in counseling, discipleship, and on the women’s counsel.

Piester and Sanchez believe their friendship has enhanced their ministry.

“You build friends while doing ministry, and it’s really sweet,” Sanchez says. “But when you have pre-existing friendships, there’s a special grace there because you’ve faced challenges together.

You can overcome hard things because you know the character of the other person.

They also know how to best encourage you to grow. Faithful are the wounds of a friend and a brother.”

34

The Master’s University Magazine

Pat and Christina Hamblin have attended Placerita Bible Church together since 2004. They currently lead a home group within walking distance of TMU. P H OT O BY M A R K F I N S T E R

Pat (’97) & Christina (’01) Hamblin (Reimer) Santa Clarita, California Pat first started attending Placerita Bible Church with his then-girlfriend, Christina, in 2004. And in those days, his young career in law enforcement had him working day shifts Saturday through Monday.

For a six-month stretch, worshiping with the church on Sundays was impossible. So, the couple began attending a midweek home Bible study together.

Two decades later, the Hamblins are still involved with the small group ministry at PBC — now as leaders of their own group. Pat teaches, having been an elder at the church since 2013, while Christina manages many of the logistics and leads the women’s prayer time.

Pat still works odd hours as a police officer and helicopter pilot with the Glendale Police Department, but the group meets at different times to accommodate his schedule. And because the group meets a short walk away from TMU’s campus, students flock to it.

“There are so many people who are here for just a short period of time — whether it’s a college student here for four years or a young family that isn’t planning on staying in California,” Pat says. “Being able to help equip them through the life-on-life ministry of a small group — so that they’re ready to serve wherever they go — is a really lovely opportunity.”

Features

Derric (’15) & Natalie (’13) Nimmers (Thompson) McKinney, Texas Derric Nimmers didn’t hesitate when asked how he and his wife, Natalie, manage a schedule that includes homeschooling five young children, serving in youth group and an adult Bible study at Christ Redeemer Church, and Derric’s career as a firefighter.

“I have an amazing wife,” Derric says. “She makes raising five kids seem like raising only one.”

That allows Derric to spend time preparing to lead the small group Bible study that he and Natalie host in their home three times each month. Derric thinks through the questions their church provides ahead of time; then he facilitates discussion about the previous week’s sermon. The deep relationships formed at the study have been especially rewarding for Derric and Natalie.

Derric also leads the church’s youth group. Right now, he’s teaching on the creation account in Genesis.

“I’m very optimistic about the things well-prepared youth can do for the body of Christ,” Derric says. “Many amazing things we’ve seen done by Christians in history were done by young people that God used. I’m glad I get the chance to meet with them every week and get them deeply settled in Christian convictions that will serve them well in life.”

36

The Master’s University Magazine

Raising five children and serving at Christ Redeemer Church keeps Derric and Natalie Nimmers plenty busy.

C O U RT E S Y P H OT O

Sheridan, Wyoming

Kevin Rizer (’97)

When Kevin Rizer left his job as a teacher at Sheridan High School to become an associate pastor at First Baptist Church in 2021, it was the culmination of a longtime desire.

Ever since college, Rizer had wanted to be in full-time ministry. He just wasn’t sure that was what the Lord had for him.

Two years ago, he finally “made the jump.”

“I kept saying, ‘No.’ But I feel like God was answering, ‘Not so fast,’” Rizer says of a call to ministry.

Over the years, Rizer served as an interim youth pastor and on elder boards, while continuing to teach high school. A few years ago, he was encouraged to apply for a full-time ministry position in Montana. Through the process, others affirmed Rizer’s gifting, and though it didn’t immediately lead to a job, it was a turning point. Ultimately, he accepted a position at the church where he was already serving — First Baptist.

Rizer, who still coaches high school football and soccer,

Kevin Rizer with his wife, Jennifer (Walder), and their daughter, Katelynn. Jennifer, also a TMU alum, serves on the worship team and in women’s ministry at First Baptist.

C O U RT E S Y P H OT O

functions like an executive pastor — overseeing the church office, filling the pulpit at times, and teaching adult Sunday school.

“Transitioning into full-time ministry has been awesome,” he says. “But I think it’s important to remember that God calls us to faithful service in everything — whether that’s full-time ministry, as a high school teacher, or as a layperson serving in the church.”

Alyssa Eidsen (Delahunt) (’14) St. Paul, Minnesota Dr. Paul Plew, former dean of TMU’s School of Music, has a way of making a lasting impression on people. And Alyssa Eidsen says that one Plew class in particular continues to impact the way she approaches serving on the worship team at The North Church.

The class highlighted the necessity of excellence in music ministry.

“The last thing we want to do is distract the congregation because of things we could have fixed ahead of time in rehearsals,” says Eidsen, who

majored in music at TMU. “We want to get out of the way and simply help people worship the Lord.”

Eidsen still takes rehearsals seriously.

She also sees them as a time for informal discipleship. “I love talking to young singers who join our team about what worship looks like when you're helping lead a congregation.”

Eidsen’s service at The North Church holds special meaning for her. She grew up in the congregation, helping with the worship team from the time she was a preteen. Now, she attends with her husband, Mark (who serves as a first-grade Sunday school teacher), and their infant son, Eddy.

Janie Walker began attending Grace Baptist when she was a college student. Back then, the church met on what is now TMU’s North Campus.

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

Alyssa Eidsen serves at The North Church with her husband, Mark, and infant son, Eddy.

C O U RT E S Y P H OT O

Santa Clarita, California For the past 25 years, Janie Walker has enjoyed the work that comes with serving as nursery director at Grace Baptist Church in Santa Clarita. The training of staff members.

The scheduling. The equipment purchasing.

But one of the tasks she loves most is quite simple.

“I love it when I get to go hold one of the babies,” she says. “Somebody comes by and says, ‘We need another set of arms,’ and I'm like, ‘Okay!’”

Walker and her husband, Gregory, have three children of their own and eight grandchildren.

Their kids are all grown up now, but Walker is still responsible for up to 80 little ones — from birth to 3 years old — on Sundays. She oversees a team of roughly 75 workers, a group she regularly plans events for in order to show appreciation. “They do so much for the families at Grace. I want to care for them well.”

Janie Walker (Wyatt) (’79)

Says Walker, “I'm a doer and a planner. All of the things that I've ever done in my life up until this point, the Lord took them and made them part of one job. It’s been cool to see how He’s orchestrated everything.”

The Master’s in Ministry In each edition of the magazine, we highlight alumni who are serving as pastors and missionaries. We call it “The Master’s in Ministry” (see page 53).

HERE ARE A FEW PAST HIGHLIGHTS.

PASTORS Cliff McManis (’89) Creekside Bible Church Cupertino, California

Features

Sending Students Off Campus & Into the Church

Kirk Welch (’94) Cornerstone Bible Church Westfield, Indiana

Scot Chadwick (’96)

The local church remains an essential part of the student experience at TMU.

BY KAELYN PEAY

Liberty Bible Church Crittenden, Kentucky

MISSIONARIES Jeff (’15) & Kristen Miller Berlin, Germany

Bora Chheang (’12) & Bunry Thav Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Mark (’09) & Jess (’10) Stucky Sapiranga, Brazil

38

The Master’s University Magazine

Here’s a question that students sometimes ponder on the Sunday before finals:

that standard by becoming serving members of nearby churches while they’re here?

Why does The Master’s University require students to participate in two church functions every week?

If you ask Campus Pastor Harry Walls, it’s because faithfulness in the local church lies at the heart of the school’s goal for students, who are encouraged to become members and active servants in a local body while they’re here. This gives them opportunities to bless fellow believers, be blessed in return, and practice the foundational elements of Christian obedience that they’ll pursue the rest of their lives.

And here’s another one: Why do so many TMU students press beyond

“As Christians, we can’t accomplish our mission without being involved in a local church,” Walls says. “And we want students to develop that

I L L U S T R AT I O N BY A N N A C A R R O L L

habit now. We don’t want them treating chapel or dorm Bible studies as substitutes. We want them in a church.”

And as Walls and others at TMU often repeat, TMU does not count as a church.

“We are a ministry to the church, composed of the church, but we are not the church,” Walls says.

authority,” Walls says. “They have elders. The local church has authority and responsibility to shepherd in a way that I don’t as TMU’s campus pastor. The church also provides body life — that includes the ordinances, accountability, and covenant commitment. The richest level of body life is only available through the local church. And then there’s the integration of older and younger generations that happens in local churches.”

other church members of all ages — but particularly those in their late 20s and early 30s, those who are one step ahead of them generationally — to engage in discipleship relationships with those older than them,” Noe says.

“Overall, we want students to commit to church membership while they’re in school, to learn what it means to be deeply engaged in a healthy church family during their school years.”

So, what happens in the local church that can’t be replaced by the rich biblical education and discipleship students experience at TMU? Walls offers this list.

Jeff Noe, teaching pastor at Oak Hill Bible Church, says that intergenerational discipleship is one of his church’s priorities with students.

And here’s another thing: A student who isn’t attending a local church can’t serve in a local church. And faithful service is one of the essential aspects of Christian life that TMU spurs its students toward.

“First of all, churches have biblical

“We want TMU students to mix with

“We want students to be involved. We SPRING 2023

39

Features

HOME AWAY FROM HOME Current TMU students answer, “How have you been blessed by your church here?”

Tirsa Godinez Junior | Business Grace Community Church

“I’ve been blessed by the teaching, relationships, and opportunities to serve within the church. Even though there are so many people, you feel like you are going to meet with your family on Sundays, and you feel at home.”

Joshua DeWitt Senior | Biblical Studies Oak Hill Bible Church

“Getting to know believers older than me, learning from their experiences and their walk with the Lord, gaining the wisdom and guidance they offer, and being able to fellowship have been such a blessing.”

Rylie Friesen

Sophomore | Communication Santa Clarita Baptist Church “I have been blessed by the community.

Getting to know believers and feeling welcomed helped me to settle in and feel comfortable here.”

Cora McClain

Sophomore | Cinema & Digital Arts Placerita Bible Church

“Going to Bible study, eating, talking about life, and having fellowship with believers has really been an encouragement.”

want them to be faithful and active in a church, both in receiving and giving,” Walls says.

Walls points out that “we have an unusually rich community of faithful, Bible-teaching churches” in and around Santa Clarita. In order to help students plug in, TMU works to build relationships with these churches and provide opportunities for students to connect with them.

For example, every year the University has a week focused on promoting local church involvement, culminating in a church fair. At this event, students are able to meet and talk with representatives of many of the churches in the area.

Additionally, certain Student Life events — such as “Life on Life,” where female students meet in the homes of women with connections to TMU for fellowship — have been reconfigured to emphasize the local church.

In all of this, one of the greatest blessings is that TMU students are willing and eager to commit to churches while they’re here.

Local pastors say TMU students are involved in everything from street evangelism to setting up chairs.

Students sing on the stage on Sunday mornings, care for babies in the nursery, and help plan church events.

Examples abound of TMU students serving faithfully, but here’s just one.

Naomi Stephenson, a junior studying teacher education, is a member at Placerita Bible Church. On a given Sunday morning, you might find her singing on the worship team, serving coffee in the foyer, or watching kids in the third-through-sixth-grade classroom.

When asked why she sets time aside to serve in the midst of a busy college schedule, Stephenson says: “It’s not something, as Christians, that we ‘make time for.’ Service at PBC is something that everything else in my schedule fits around. Because even though I’m a full-time student and I have jobs, there’s no excuse to not serve Christ. Church service is always a given. It’s a form of worship, and if I see worship as a hassle, then it’s not my schedule’s problem; it’s my heart’s problem.”

This enthusiasm for service is characteristic of TMU students, according to David Hegg (’77), senior pastor of Grace Baptist Church.

“Church service is always a given.

It’s a form of worship, and if I see worship as a hassle, then it’s not my schedule’s problem; it’s my heart’s problem.”

“They bring great energy!” Hegg says.

“It’s great for us older folks to see a younger generation honoring Christ, honoring us, and champing at the bit to not ‘go to church’ but to actually ‘be the church.’”

Mark Spansel (’93), discipleship pastor at Crossroads Community

Church, has seen the same thing from students.

“Crossroads loves our TMU students,” Spansel says. “They bring a joy and commitment to serving in the local church that is refreshing and contagious.”

Some churches even have specific ministries aimed at TMU students, above and beyond their college groups. For example, Placerita Bible Church runs an “Adopt a Student” ministry, where families are matched with TMU students in order to open up their homes for meals and fellowship — or even as a place to do laundry. Crossroads has sponsored a number of international students through its “Touch Eternity Now” ministry, bringing them out to live with families from the church and study at TMU. Jay Lennington, associate pastor of children’s and junior high ministry at Grace Community Church, has seen the mutual relationship between students and the church play out over the past decade.

“We trust in the biblical education they’re receiving at TMU and want to provide the right opportunity for them to put it into practice,” says Lenington. “It’s a tremendous blessing to see them grow in their usefulness to the Lord as they become the young men and women that Christ intends them to be.”

In other words, TMU students and numerous churches close to the school are faithfully serving each other. And in the process, the University’s students progress in their journey, as Walls puts it, of becoming “independent, convincedthe-Bible-says-so followers of Christ.”

Class Is Back in Session.

The professors who made your time at TMU so meaningful are now available to you anytime, anywhere. The Center for Thinking Biblically is a hub of video and audio resources examining topics like politics, journalism, and dinosaurs from a biblical perspective.

YOU’LL ALSO FIND:

Dr. Chou on Theology Dr. Horner on Culture Dr. Morton on Education Dr. Frazer on Politics S T A R T V I E W I N G F O R F R E E T O D AY A T T H I N K B I B L I C A L LY. O R G .

SPRING 2023

41

Features

bridging th Dr. Eric Zeller (’00) speaks at a graduation ceremony for Gulf Theological Seminary in Dubai.

In 2016, Zeller helped launch the institution, and since 2020, he has served as president.

42

The Master’s University Magazine

he gulf BY

Camden Specht

TMU ALUM ERIC ZELLER IS SERVING CHRIST AS PRESIDENT O F T H E F I R S T- E V E R EVANGELICAL SEMINARY ON THE ARABIAN PENINSULA.

When Dr. Eric Zeller came to what was then The Master’s College in 1997, his plans included little more than completing the school’s institute program. He expected to take a host of Bible classes and leave after one academic year.

That’s because Zeller loved computers.

He’d learned to write HTML as the internet was beginning to boom and had already been hired as a teenager by a large software company. He intended to climb the ranks, but as a new Christian, he also wanted to deepen his faith.

Hence his pitstop at TMC. God had other plans, though. Zeller ultimately stayed at TMC, fell in love with missions, attended The Master’s Seminary, and went on to become president of the first-ever evangelical seminary on the Arabian Peninsula.

“The Lord was pulling me in the direction of being in some kind of full-time ministry,” says Zeller, who has served as president of Gulf Theological Seminary in Dubai since 2020. “I didn’t know what that looked like, but I wanted to stay at TMC and explore what that meant.”

Classes and dorm life during Zeller’s first year at TMC impacted him tremendously, he says. For the first time in his life, he was surrounded by people serious about their faith and “doing something” with that faith. One conversation in particular that year

SPRING 2023

43

Features

In this photo taken near Dubai Creek, Eric smiles for the camera with his wife, Heather (’01), and their five children (left to right) Randall, Caroline, Moses, Makaria, and Emmett.

changed the trajectory of Zeller’s future.

A friend, Matt Gilbert, mentioned that he was leading a short-term missions trip to Italy in the summer, and he needed more men to go.

Gilbert, who now serves as a board member at the University, urged Zeller, saying, “Today is the last day to sign up.

I need you to go to King Hall right now to fill out the paperwork.” Zeller had no summer plans, so he agreed. “Why not?” he thought. “That sounds fun.”

In reality, the trip was much more than that. Zeller’s mindset shifted dramatically as he worked with church planters in a small Italian village. “Seeing these normal people give their lives to spread the gospel opened my eyes to see, ‘Maybe this is something I should think about doing,’” Zeller says.

In the end, Zeller decided to stay at TMC and enroll in the biblical languages program. He also attended the school’s Israel Bible Extension Program (IBEX), where he met a young woman, Heather Nall, who shared his newfound desire for missions. They fell in love, got

44

The Master’s University Magazine

married shortly after graduation, and now have five children — Caroline, the oldest, is studying business at TMU. After Eric graduated from TMC in 2000 and The Master’s Seminary in 2003, the Zellers moved to Texas, where Eric served as an associate pastor at a newly planted church. In the long term, however, Eric and Heather (’01) wanted to be involved in theological education overseas, training pastors and church planters to preach the gospel in their native context.

That opportunity came first in 2013 in Delhi, India — where Zeller helped establish a seminary program — and then in Dubai, the largest city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), two years later.

Zeller says the UAE is uniquely positioned for gospel fruitfulness, in part, because the country largely consists of temporary expats. In other words, many men in the UAE could be trained in the Scriptures before they return to their homes across the world to faithfully teach God’s Word.

To that end, in connection with Redeemer Church of Dubai, Zeller helped launch what was originally called “Gulf Training Center” in 2016. He taught courses on exegesis, hermeneutics, and the New Testament and led the growing ministry team. As news of the fledgling training center spread, the number of students quickly increased. “It basically doubled every year for the first four or five years,” Zeller says. “We’re up around 150 now.”

In 2020 the training center took on a new name: Gulf Theological Seminary, and the board of directors asked Zeller to serve as the first president.

The seminary’s mission, however, remained the same: “to equip pastors, church planters, and lay leaders to multiply faithful churches in the Middle East, South Asia, East Asia, and Africa.” So far, the school has trained men — many of whom were brand new Christians — from the Philippines, Kenya, Nigeria, Pakistan, Iran, Lebanon, Egypt, Palestine, the Netherlands, Croatia, and Canada, among other countries. “As we see the hunger that students have for the Word, and the

incredible variety of countries they’re going back to, we really feel like God is doing something here,” Zeller says.

The going hasn’t always been smooth.

“There are a lot of challenges in running an organization like this,” Zeller says. “I think the challenge really is living with perseverance and encouragement, being hopeful and trusting that God is doing something through days that don’t feel productive. I have to remind myself to look back at these last 10 years and the ways the Lord has worked.”

Ultimately, Zeller believes this is just the beginning.

“I think the next decade is going to be 20 times more fruitful than the last decade,” Zeller says. “We can’t wait to see what the Lord is going to do.”

don’t miss a message.

DID YOU KNOW CHAPEL AT TMU IS LIVESTREAMED EACH WEEK ON YOUTUBE? The University’s YouTube channel also serves as an archive of past sermons from speakers like John MacArthur Voddie Baucham Paul Washer and many more Zeller teaching a class at Gulf Theological Seminary in Dubai.

youtube.com/TheMastersUniversity

C For many students, Prof. Jeff Jensen’s World History class is a highlight of their academic career at TMU.

46

The Master’s University Magazine

P H OT O BY E Z R A M O O R E

Connect

48

In Memoriam: Dr. Peter Kobe

54

Just Catching Up: The Prices and The Kiras

55

Ask an Alum: Trent Jackson Talks Productivity SPRING 2023

47

Connect

IN MEMORIAM

Reflecting on Dr. Peter Kobe Kobe faithfully led LABC’s music department from 1968 to 1976 and went to be with the Lord this March.

BY KAELYN PEAY

Dr. Peter Kobe, who led the music department for nearly a decade at what was then Los Angeles Baptist College, passed away at the age of 80 on March 14.

and choral tours over the country did a great job of advertising and popularizing the school, leading to increased student procurement.

In 1968, Kobe joined LABC’s faculty as head of the school’s music department. One of the notable accomplishments during his tenure was forming “The Reflections,” a traveling student music team that helped put LABC on the map.

“While his personal musical talent was recognized, his greatest ministry lay in the spiritual influence on the lives of his students and on the spiritual tone of the entire school. The testimony of Christ displayed in the programs presented by this department has helped project the best of LABC to the constituency.”

In his written history of the institution, Dr. Carl Sweazy — one-time president of LABC — records the following: “(Kobe’s) outstanding work included building musical groups of various sizes and specialties. Under his direction, concerts 48

The Master’s University Magazine

David Hegg (’77), senior pastor of Grace Baptist Church in Santa Clarita, experienced Kobe’s spiritual influence firsthand. Both Hegg and his wife, Cherylyn, sang in Reflections for two years, and they stayed in touch with Kobe and

his wife Carol long after graduation.

“Peter Kobe was more than just a great musician and professor. He was a great man and a wonderful friend,” Hegg said. “For the past 48 years we have held them in the highest esteem, have partnered with them in hours of wonderful, Godhonoring conversations, and just generally had our lives filled with laughter, wisdom, love, and the kind of admonition that every pastor craves and needs from those who have walked the path before us.

“Our world has lost, but heaven has gained, and we look forward to having Pete introduce us around when we’re promoted to glory.”

Kobe served at LABC until 1976, when he returned to

his home state of Indiana to serve at Blackhawk Baptist Church in Fort Wayne. “He was very active on this campus, and very well respected,” said Dr. John Stead, who joined LABC’s faculty in 1970 and now serves as TMU’s executive vice president.

“Peter was much loved. He really wanted the best for students.”

According to Stead, the music program at LABC “took a major step forward” under Kobe’s leadership, creating momentum that Dr. Paul Plew continued when he came to LABC in 1979.

Kobe is survived by his wife Carol, three children, and 13 grandchildren.

RESOURCES

A Multifaceted Approach to Living with Integrity Accountable2You’s new guide emphasizes fleeing from sin, coming to Christ, and sharing with others.

BY KAELYN PEAY

Accountable2You, an accountability software company co-founded by Ben and Alissa Lawrence, recently released a free online guide outlining a biblical approach to “living with integrity in a pornographic age.”

This is the latest publication reflecting the company’s longstanding philosophy that simply using accountability tools will not change anyone — tools must be accompanied by genuine relationships and a wholehearted pursuit of Christ.

“Accountability software makes transparency very easy,” Ben says.

“And as a company, we wanted to enable transparency. But we’ve never wanted to promote our software as the answer to sin. Transparency is one part of accountability, but it isn’t the whole thing.”

The guide is organized around three steps that Ben and Alissa say are all indispensable in the fight against sexual sin: fleeing from sin, coming to Christ, and sharing with others.

“You see incomplete approaches to fighting pornography everywhere, even at conferences where we’re promoting accountability,” Ben says.

“People will come by and say, ‘All I need is the Holy Spirit,’ and others will say, ‘All I need is my buddies,’ and others will say, ‘All I need is this tool.’ But it’s hard to make it work without all three.”

The Lawrences felt a burden to publish this resource because they perceived a general trend of bad advice in many of the books and sermons aimed at Christians battling sexual sin. Many well-meaning Christian teachers imply that “all you need is Jesus,” so believers can fight SPRING 2023

49

Your smartphone…

Is it a distraction and temptation to sin or a powerful tool in service to Christ?

Make better choices with accountability.

Accountable2You.com/TMU

LETTERS

pornography alone. Many also assume that this is a fight that can’t be decisively won.

“The leading thinking is that if you struggle with this, it will be a lifelong struggle,” Ben says. “But Scripture says that sexual sin ‘should not even be named among you’ — that this is something that can and must be overcome.”

Accountable2You’s online guide is an attempt to correct these ideas, arguing from key passages such as 2 Timothy 2:22, Ephesians 5:3, and Proverbs 18:1. The goal throughout is to make a biblical case that believers can be victorious over sexual sin when they fight it wholeheartedly, for the sake of Christ, in company with mature Christians who can lovingly hold them accountable.

Harry Walls, campus pastor and vice president of student life at The Master’s University, echoes Accountable2You’s sentiment.

He says that accountability is the friend of integrity — not a substitute for it. “You can beat any system,” Walls says.

“Integrity is first and foremost an issue of the heart.”

The key, Walls says, is meditation on God’s Word.

“It begins with saying ‘yes’ to the Word of God before you have to say ‘no’ to your flesh,” Walls says, pointing to Proverbs 7. “What Solomon is saying is, if you will keep God’s Word in your heart —

In the winter edition’s cover story, we highlighted 10 examples of lasting friendships formed at TMU. Here are two more sent in by readers.

if you apply it and treasure it — the words that you’ve built a relationship with will keep you from the adulterous woman.”

Those who are satisfied in the Lord and His Word, Walls said, won’t look elsewhere for satisfaction. As Proverbs 27:7 says, “A satisfied soul tramples the honeycomb, but to a hungry soul any bitter thing is sweet” (LSB).

“Hungry people eat,” Walls says. “I don’t care what kind of accountability you have, you’re not going to starve yourself. But if you’re saturating yourself in God’s Word, accountability is a strengthener.”

The Lawrences have the same perspective. They know that software tools can go a long way in facilitating accountability relationships (Accountable2You reports on device activity, analyzes screen time, and offers instant alerts for questionable content). But they are convinced that simply developing software is not enough.

“It’s not a software that will set you free,” Ben says. “It’s following what the Lord has laid out in His Word.”

Accountable2You is a corporate partner of TMU. The company’s illustrated guide on living with integrity is available for free at accountable2you.com.

Left to right: Becka Burke (Redmond) (’04), Sarah Jane Brock (Honett) (’05), Sam Neylan (’99), Sarah Dyer (’04), Holly Worsham (’02), Sarah Steffens (’05).

Sarah Steffens ’05 Our Sweazy dorm staff from 2003-04 has gotten together for an annual reunion every year for the past 20 years. What started as a (resident assistant) night out to watch “Elf” and get coffee to review the semester turned into a yearly gathering near the holidays where we each share about our years, including how God is working in our lives, about our families, careers, health, and things we are looking forward to. It’s truly a highlight for all of us to be in the same room together and catch up. It feels like home. We used to meet just for a few hours in the evening, but now we make it a weekend because as our lives and families have expanded, we need more time to talk!

Led by Sam Neylan (our resident director) with RA’s Sarah Dyer, Sarah Jane Brock (Honett), me, and ASB leader Becka Burke (Redmond), and Sweazy alumna Holly Worsham, we are still connected, with many more years to come!

Nathan Zide, left, with Matt Brightup at Zide’s wedding in 2019.

Nathan Zide ’12 Reading the different stories of TMU grads remaining friends for years, even decades, was encouraging. A couple friends I have stayed in touch with over the years are Matt Brightup and Bora Chheang. Matt and I have both lived in the Santa Clarita area since graduating, and we were even roommates for part of that time. We have enjoyed many meals together at Chick-fil-A, and I was blessed to have him as a groomsman in my wedding.

Bora, on the other hand, lives in Cambodia, but through technology we are able to keep in contact. Whenever he comes to visit the Santa Clarita area, we have been able to catch up and reminisce on the time we spent together in Bible classes at TMU and serving in Placerita Bible Church’s youth ministry. I am very thankful that even though it has been over 10 years since I graduated, I still remain friends with Matt and Bora.

We Want To Hear From You! Did reading the magazine bring to mind a favorite college memory? Is there an alum serving faithfully in his or her local church that you’d like to highlight? Email us at mnesbitt@masters.edu.

Connect

W H AT I T M E A N S T O B E B L E S S E D

Jesus is concerned with your real, lasting happiness.

Sadly, not everyone understands that.

Not everyone believes that. In fact, not even every Christian has enjoyed the full reality of Christ’s provision of happiness. But Jesus is committed to providing true happiness. And this fact is put on full display at the beginning of His most famous message, the Sermon on the Mount, when He lists those who are “blessed,” starting with the poor in spirit.

But what does it mean to be blessed?

In Matthew 5:3-14, the Greek word makarios is used nine times. This word, often translated as “blessed,” can also be translated as “happy” or “blissful.”

Both Homer and Hesiod spoke of the Greek gods as being “blessed in themselves,” enjoying a state of happiness unaffected by the world of men with its poverty, weakness, and death. So the ancient Greek concept of makarios is a kind of inner happiness

52

The Master’s University Magazine

that is unaffected by circumstance.

world by lust. (2 Peter 1:4)

This, too, is the basic New Testament meaning of “blessed.” It means an inner peace, an inner bliss, an inner happiness, an inward joy that is not produced nor affected by circumstance.

This state of unshakeable well-being is how God desires His children to live.

We are partakers of the divine nature.

And because of this, we can know the same bliss, the same inner state of contentment, the same happiness deep down within us that is known by God. What a marvelous thing that is to realize!

Furthermore, “blessed” is also a word that indicates character. And the reason I say that is because the word is used to describe God. We find this throughout Scripture (e.g. Psalm 68:35, 1 Timothy 1:11).

The Sermon on the Mount, then, has nothing to offer someone who hasn’t placed their faith in Jesus Christ. But for those of us who know and love Christ, for those of us who by faith in Christ have become partakers of the divine nature, the same sense of blessedness that is known by God and Christ can be known by us.

In other words, whatever this state is — whatever it means to be blessed — it is true of God. And if this is true, then the only people who will ever experience it are those who partake of God and of Christ. Look at what Peter says: For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the

It is an absolutely mind-boggling thought. But it is true. And this is exactly the kind of contentment God wants for us.

This article is based on Dr. MacArthur’s sermon, “The Only Way to Happiness,” originally preached in 1998. Find more posts from Thinking Biblically at masters.edu/thinking-biblically.

CONNECT

The Master’s in Ministry In every edition, we highlight alumni serving the Lord in vocational ministry.

Steve Crawford started at TMC in 2004 with the goal of graduating with a degree in political studies and then attending law school to become an attorney.

Steve & Anna Crawford Steve (TMC, ’08; TMS, ’17) | Anna (TMC, ’11; MABC - in progress) Elijah (8) | Abigail (6) | Josiah (3) | Caleb (21 months) | Benjamin (not pictured - born in March)

But taking Methods of Biblical Change in the spring of 2005 with Dr. Stuart Scott caused him to start praying about full-time vocational ministry instead.

After participating in IBEX in the fall of 2007, Crawford was confident that seminary, not law school, was the path the Lord had for him.

While at TMC, Crawford met Anna, and they soon began serving together in Grace Community Church’s junior high ministry. They both realized they had a shared passion for ministering to youth, and when Crawford graduated from The Master’s Seminary in 2017, the Lord led them to Grace Bible Church of Hutchinson, Kansas, where Crawford has served as

the youth pastor for the past six years, preaching twice a week and discipling junior high and high school students.

Crawford reflects back on all his experiences at TMC, both as a student (2004-2008) and a staff member (2008-2015), and sees how the Lord has used TMC to train and equip him for ministry. Everything from learning how to articulate one’s convictions in Dr. Gregg Frazer’s government and philosophy classes, to giving daily campus tours as part of the admissions office staff, to planning events as a member of ASB, to learning personally from godly professors such as Dr. Bob Somerville, Dr. Brian Morley, Prof. Jim Owen, Dr. John

Street, and Dr. Abner Chou — all of it has helped immensely in pastoral ministry.

Prayer Request

The Crawfords ask that you would pray for them as they seek to faithfully serve at Grace Bible Church, which has become such a precious home church for them. Prayerfully, Steve will be transitioning out of youth ministry to an associate pastor role at the same church in the next few months. They also ask that you would pray for them as they get adjusted to life with their fifth baby, Benjamin, who was born in early March of this year.

SPRING 2023

53

J U S T C AT C H I N G U P

Jared + Sarah Kira TMU CONNECTION

Jared graduated in 1999 with a degree in business administration, and he completed the MABC program in 2012.

CHILDREN

Elliotte - 14 | Shiloh - 12 Toben - 10 | Raegan - 9 | Asher - 7

Parker + Zoë Price

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Torrance, California TMU CONNECTION ON THE JOB

Jared has been a partner at Deo Volente Industries, Inc. (which provides custom imprinted products to churches, schools, and businesses) for over 20 years. He has also been a real estate agent at Premier Agent Network for five years.

Parker graduated in 2011 with a degree in liberal studies, and Zoë earned her kinesiology degree in 2014 with an emphasis in teaching/coaching.

CHILDREN

FA V O R I T E M E M O R Y O F T M U

“My favorite memory is the patience shown to me.

Professors, coaches, and roommates displayed so much patience and grace to me. I was learning and growing at a snail's pace, but their patient love challenged me, encouraged my faith, and spurred me on to love others.”

H O W C A N T H E T M U C O M M U N I T Y P R AY F O R Y O U ?

“We are going through a lot of transition and change in our family and ministry. We would appreciate prayer for wisdom as we navigate these changes. I would also love prayer for how I love and serve my wife and family. I need to grow in loving and serving my wife and kids out of a humble heart.”

Riggins - 3 | Rhett - 1 WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Hobe Sound, Florida ON THE JOB

Parker is the general manager for the West Palm Beach branch of Entrusted, a water restoration company. Zoë is a stay-at-home mom.

FA V O R I T E M E M O R Y O F T M U

Parker’s favorite memory is what he learned from baseball coach Monte Brooks in how to work in such a way that is intentional, God-honoring, and spiritually impactful to those around you. Zoë’s favorite memory is being a part of the women’s basketball program and the Christ-centered, lifelong friendships she made.

H O W C A N T H E T M U C O M M U N I T Y P R AY F O R Y O U ?

“We would love prayer from the TMU community to raise our children in a God-honoring way, and to continue to grow our marriage relationship.”

54

The Master’s University Magazine

ASK AN ALUM

Trent Jackson (’09) is the founder and CEO of Tango Packaging, an L.A.-based company that serves consumer brands by providing premium and sustainable packaging.

Recently, we asked Trent for advice on how to be most productive in our work and day-to-day lives.

“The resource that has helped shape my thinking and practices toward productivity the most is the book ‘Redeeming Your Time,’ by Jordan Raynor. Here are tips culled from that and other publications on the topic: S TA RT W I T H T H E C R E AT O R O F T I M E To use your time wisely, you must start with God. Know Him, His purpose for His people, and what He has called us to do with the time He has given us. Hudson Taylor stressed this when he said, ‘Do not have your concert first, and then tune your instrument afterwards. Begin the day with the Word of God and prayer, and get first of all into harmony with Him.’ If you haven’t already, commit to starting each day by studying God’s Word.

L E AV E T H E ‘K I N G D O M O F N O I S E’ You cannot submit to the tyranny of the urgent, letting other people’s priorities rule your life. To be highly productive and complete meaningful work, you must seek out solitude. Our world today has more noise and more distractions than ever before. C.S. Lewis calls this environment ‘the Kingdom of Noise’ in his book, ‘The Screwtape Letters.’ This noise blocks us from being silent, reflective, present, and productive. Practice working in 1.5-2 hour blocks and focus on establishing a state of deep work; don’t let external influences distract you.

EMBRACE PRODUCTIVE REST It may seem counterintuitive, but resting more will enable you to do more. Three practices will increase your productivity: 1) Take bi-hourly breaks; 15-30 minutes is all you need to recharge. 2) Sleep eight hours every night.

Routinely sleeping less than six or seven hours will have a devastating impact on your energy and immune system.

3) Take a weekly sabbath rest. You will accomplish much more in the week if you take a full day to recharge away from routine work."

Learn more about Tango Packaging at tangopackaging.com. S P R I N G 2 0 2 3

55

Stories of God’s Faithfulness SENT STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX

Four times each year, The Master’s University Magazine highlights ways that Christ is working in the lives of alumni, faculty, staff, and students.

56

The Master’s University Magazine

SUBSCRIBE TO THIS D I G I TA L P U B L I C AT I O N T O D AY AT

MASTERS.EDU/MAGAZINE-SUBSCRIBE

Masters.edu/Apply A D M I S S I O N S D E PA R T M E N T | 6 6 1 . 3 6 2 . 2 3 6 3

Masters.edu/Visit V I E W W E E K E N D | M O N D AY S AT M A S T E R ’ S | P E R S O N A L I Z E D V I S I T S 2 1 7 2 6 P L A C E R I TA C A N Y O N R O A D, S A N TA C L A R I TA , C A 9 1 3 2 1

SPRING 2023

57

YEARBOOK

Some things never change. Here’s Dr. MacArthur preaching the Word in during the 1988-89 school year.

58 chapel The Master’s University Magazine

SCHOLARSHIP HIGHLIGHTS

Just Thinking Scholarship A M O U N T : $40,000 awarded as $10,000/year for up to 4 years.

D E A D L I N E : APRIL 30, 2023

The Master’s University is partnered with Just Thinking to help recognize and develop students who have the ability to tackle some of the most pressing and significant issues of our culture today. Apply for this scholarship by submitting an essay addressing the question, “Why is biblical anthropology vital to how the Church responds on issues involving race and culture?”

Students must first apply and be admitted to TMU before submitting an application for the Just Thinking Scholarship.

LEARN MORE AND APPLY AT MASTERS.EDU/JUST-THINKING.

The Master’s Fellowship Church Partner Scholarships A M O U N T : $14,000 awarded as $3,500/year for up to 4 years.

This scholarship is available to students who are members or regular attendees of TMF member churches, and who provide the pastor’s recommendation from the TMF church in their application for traditional undergraduate admissions. A student must have a high school GPA of 3.0 or above to be eligible.

A transfer student must have a transfer GPA of 3.0 or above.

Scholarships are limited to 10 total. This scholarship is currently on a waitlist for the 2023-24 year.

LEARN MORE AND APPLY AT MASTERS.EDU/CHURCH-SCHOLARSHIPS.

Pastor and Missionary Dependent Scholarship A M O U N T : $16,000 awarded as $4,000/year for up to 4 years.

Awarded to full-time students demonstrating need, who are dependents of full-time pastors or missionaries who provide their family’s primary support, and whose ministries are consistent with the mission of TMU. LEARN MORE AND APPLY AT MASTERS.EDU/CHURCH-SCHOLARSHIPS.

The Master’s Global Scholarship A M O U N T : VARIES.

This is a need-based scholarship applied for and awarded on a year-by-year basis. To be eligible, a student must either be an international student with a proven affiliation to TMU, a student originating from a church with a long-standing relationship with TMU, or a child of a TMU alum.

LEARN MORE AND APPLY AT MASTERS.EDU/CHURCH-SCHOLARSHIPS.

SPRING 2023

59

M

21726 Placerita Canyon Rd. Newhall, California 91321

The Master’s University Magazine

First-year student Rylie Friesen played the role of Kay Banks, and sophomore Alex Hilton was Buckley Dunstan in TMU Theatre Arts’ spring production, “Father of the Bride.”

P H OT O BY E M I LY W I D D E R S