Bethel Magazine Winter/Spring 2013

Bethel-trained Pastors Minister at Sandy Hook p. 18 | Washington, D.C. Travel Tips p. 25

Winter/Spring 2013

On Top of the World Bethel students gain a global perspective through study abroad

p. 12

College of Arts & Sciences | College of Adult & Professional Studies | Graduate School | Bethel Seminary

From the President Winter/Spring 2013 Volume 4 Number 2

For Such a Time as This The phrase “for such a time as this” comes from the Old Testament book of Esther. In one of the great stories of courage and commitment, Esther puts her life on the line when prompted by Mordecai, an older cousin who had adopted her as his daughter. When the very survival of Esther’s people, the Jews, was at stake, Mordecai asked Esther to risk her life for them with the well-known question, “And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?”

Our world is filled with great debates, brokenness, and challenge. Whose heart was not broken by the senseless tragedy of Newtown, Connecticut? For such a time as this, Bethel Seminary-prepared pastors were called to minister in the midst of it. But who speaks to the issues behind the violence? If our mission calls us to prepare graduates to “renew minds, live out biblical truth, transform culture, and advance the gospel,” how do we educate mental health workers, medical professionals, school teachers, youth workers, family therapists, and others to help prevent such tragedies? What kind of education gives citizens the wisdom to sort through the issues at the heart of Second Amendment debates?

Bethel University exists for “such a time as this.”

In more ways than one, these are not easy times. In my recent report to our Board of Trustees, I reviewed the challenges facing seminary education and university education in North America. A recent report from Moody’s Investments suggested that universities with small endowments that rely on tuition income as their primary budget source will face very stiff headwinds for several more years. Yet we are hopeful. Why? God has blessed us with a great mission, a wise and committed board, a dedicated leadership team, talented faculty and staff, and families who are willing to sacrifice to provide an education “for such a time as this” in our culture. We will keep pulling together so that Bethel not only survives, but thrives, in these headwinds. We are thankful for your partnership with us!

Jay Barnes Sophomore Craig Henkel gains a truly global perspective from the top of the Roman ruins in Jerash, Jordan, during the interim abroad course Jordan and Israel-Palestine: Leaders for Change (photo by Olivia McCullum ’15).

Senior Vice President for Communications and Marketing Sherie J. Lindvall ’70

Editor Michelle Westlund ’83 Senior Consulting Editor

for Bethel Seminary Scott Wible S’02 Contributors

Barb Carlson Nicole Finsaas ’14 Erik Gruber ’06 Abigail Gundy ’15 Timothy Hammer ’08, S’12 Jared Johnson Kelsey Lundberg Suzanne McInroy Cindy Pfingsten Leah Sands ’13 Scott Streble Tricia Theurer Mark Van Dusseldorp ’14 Linnea White ’13 Suzanne Yonker GS’09

Design Darin Jones ’97

Staff Photographer Woody Dahlberg ’69

President James (Jay) H. Barnes III

Vice President for Constituent Relations Ralph Gustafson ’74, S’78

Editorial Offices 3900 Bethel Drive St. Paul, MN 55112-6999 651.638.6233 651.638.6003 (fax) bethel-magazine@bethel.edu

Address Corrections Office of Alumni and Parent Services 651.638.6462 alumni@bethel.edu Bethel Magazine is published three times a year by Bethel University, 3900 Bethel Drive, St. Paul, MN 55112-6999.

Postage paid at St. Paul, Minnesota, and additional mailing offices. Printed in the USA. Copyright © 2013 Bethel University. All Rights Reserved.

Bethel University is sponsored by the churches of Converge Worldwide, formerly known as the Baptist General Conference.

It is the policy of Bethel not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, gender, or disability in its educational programs, admissions, or employment policies as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and Title IX of the 1972 Education Amendments. Inquiries regarding compliance may be directed to: Compliance Officer, Bethel University, 3900 Bethel Drive, St. Paul, MN 55112-6999.

John Roberts adds FCS label here.

Happy Birthday, Edgren!

photo by Andrew Reynen

The Bethel community celebrated the birthday of Bethel University founder John Alexis Edgren on February 20.

The celebration was sponsored by the Royal Legacy committee, a group of students working to create awareness of Bethel history and traditions.

Departments Campus News

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Bethel names new provost, and new vice president and dean of Bethel Seminary; Black History Month events; summer camps

Bookmarked

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Recently published books by Bethel faculty members

Profile

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Alfonso Gilbert, Bethel Seminary San Diego, Master of Arts (Theological Studies) and D.Min. student

Alum News

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Features

12 Around the World in 30 Days

Bethel ranks #7 nationally in a new U.S. News & World Report survey on students abroad. See the sights with our most recent travelers, who spent January studying around the world.

18 For Such a Time as This

Five Bethel-trained pastors found themselves at the epicenter of tragedy as the Sandy Hook school shootings unfolded. See how they were used by God for such a time as this.

25 Bethel University Travel Guides: Washington, D.C.

Real experts—the alums, students, and staff who live and work in D.C.—share insiders’ tips on attractions, food, lodging, and worship.

See this icon?

Go online for more.

Bethel University

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Campus News

photo by Scott Streble

David K. Clark was officially installed as vice president and dean of Bethel Seminary on February 7 in an installation service at the seminary. Clark served Bethel University as executive vice president and provost since 2009, but added leadership of the seminary during

the last 18 months after the resignation of the seminary dean. He continued in both roles through December and began serving exclusively at the seminary on January 1. He will lead the 1,100-student seminary, which operates in St. Paul; San Diego; Auburn, Mass.; and Washington, D.C. “I’m excited about the opportunity to move into this leadership position at Bethel Seminary,” says Clark. “The seminary has amazing strengths. Working with the church, the seminary will build on its legacy of service to the kingdom and innovation in theological education.”

Clark began teaching at Bethel Seminary in 1988 and served as dean of the Center for Biblical and Theological Foundations from 1995 to 2003. In 2004 he became senior pastor of Faith Covenant Church in Burnsville, Minn. During his four years as pastor he continued as lead faculty for the seminary’s Master of Arts in Christian Thought program. In 2008 he returned to Bethel Seminary full time as professor 2

Winter/Spring 2013

of theology and in 2009 was named executive vice president and provost of Bethel University. Clark earned a bachelor’s degree in religion from Houghton College, Houghton, N.Y. He completed a master of arts at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Deerfield, Ill., and a doctorate in religious and theological studies from Northwestern University and Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, Evanston, Ill. He is widely recognized as a theologian through sole or co-authorship of 10 books and many articles or book chapters.

“The seminary is crucial both to Bethel’s identity and to the future of the church,” says Bethel University President Jay Barnes. “David has demonstrated skills in his years as provost that are critically needed at the seminary. His vision and passion for the seminary, and his ability to communicate Bethel’s mission, will serve him well.”

Clark used his installation address “With the Church. To the World. For the Lord.” to outline his vision for impact, strategy, and community at Bethel Seminary. “We are called to go to the world as catalysts of spiritual formation,” he explained, pointing to “partnership” as the seminary’s primary strategy. “We exist to serve God by preparing leaders for the church,” he noted. “Our strategy is developing leaders with and for our partners.” And while community at Bethel Seminary is about healthy relationships, job clarity, accountability, and mutual support, he observed, it is first and foremost about the students. “We want the student experience to be a ‘wow’ at every point,” he declared.

View video of the installation service: vimeo.com/59511981

Heard on Campus Well, two papers in one night was a good way to show me the dark side of procrastination.

But you know what made it better?

Our President Jay Barnes serving us cinnamon rolls in the DC. Students shouldn’t complain—we’re pretty blessed here :) —Carolyn Held tagged Jay on Facebook

photo by Scott Streble

David Clark Installed as Vice President and Dean of Bethel Seminary

Campus News

Multifaith Event Begins Black History Month Celebration by Linnea White ‘13

discussion about how their faith motivates them to service and why interfaith dialogue matters. Bethel Associate Professor of Philosophy Sara Shady and Bethel senior Chris Lund, who both attended the event, agree that multifaith dialogue is not easy. But they emphasize that discussion is important for building relationships and overcoming stereotypes.

According to Shady, at Bethel, “students don’t have any on-campus opportunity to experience firsthand building relationships with a person of a different faith tradition, so this opportunity provides us with ways to get students off-campus and help them meet people of different faiths.” Shady emphasizes that students must learn to work with people of other faiths because today’s world is religiously diverse. Lund, a communication studies and reconciliation

studies double major, is a student leader in Bethel’s initiative to dialogue intentionally with people of other faiths. He became interested in multifaith dialogue through a study abroad trip to Jerusalem. In the past, faculty members took the lead in organizing multifaith events. Now, he and other students are making a place for student leadership and initiative. To be an effective worker in God’s kingdom, he says, “you can’t only know yourself.”

In addition to the opportunity for multifaith service and dialogue, Bethel sponsored numerous February events to celebrate Black History Month. This year’s program focused on “Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future,” and included a coffeehouse featuring music, poetry, and dance; panel discussions on “Black History is American History” and “Possibilities of a Shalom Community,” and several film screenings. The Sounds of Blackness performed at the seminary, and the Mixed Blood Theatre performed

“Daughters of Africa” on the main campus. At the end of the month, the annual Moberg Reconciliation Conference explored “The Future of Reconciliation” with keynote speaker Korie Edwards, associate professor of sociology at Ohio State University.

San Diego Building Project Completed

photo by Greg Schneider

On January 20, the day before Martin Luther King Jr. Day, 15 Bethel students and three faculty members participated in a multifaith service project and dialogue with the Multifaith Alliance of Hamline University, St. Paul. Together, they set up for a Martin Luther King Jr. Day march and rally, then gathered for pizza and

The Bethel Seminary San Diego community gathered on February 9 to celebrate God’s goodness in the completion and dedication of their new building. The celebration included tours of new and renovated spaces, a reception, and a program featuring administrators, faculty, and student responses.

View more photos at bethel.edu/news/articles/2013/february/bssd-building-complete

Bethel University

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Campus News

Debra Harless Named Bethel University Provost

photo by Scott Streble

Bethel University President Jay Barnes has appointed Debra Harless as executive vice president and provost of the university. Harless has served as vice president and dean of the College of Arts & Sciences since 2009. Her appointment as provost was confirmed by the Board of Trustees in February and is subject to ratification by the Bethel University Corporation in October 2014. “I worked closely with Deb for eight years,” says Barnes.

“She is a proven leader, team builder, administrator, and advocate for Bethel’s mission. She is an example of what we

hope a Bethel graduate will be. Deb has the qualifications we need and the proven capacity to move Bethel forward.”

Harless graduated from Bethel in 1983 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and French. She then received her master’s and doctoral degrees in educational psychology from the University of Minnesota. “As a Bethel graduate, I am grateful for the profound impact that Bethel had in my life,” she says. “I was blessed by Bethel faculty members who encouraged me in my academic work and pushed me to consider graduate studies. My time at Bethel also required me to think about what I believed as a Christian and why. My faith development was nurtured within my academic studies and relationships with faculty, as well as through my broader Bethel experiences.”

Oh How Joyfully!

Harless returned to Bethel in 1989 to teach in the psychology department, and also served as the co-director of the Academic Enrichment & Support Center and as a counselor in Bethel’s Counseling Services. In 2001 she became dean of academic programs in the College of Arts & Sciences, a position she held until 2008 when she became acting provost for one year. “I never imagined that God would lead me back to Bethel to serve as part of the faculty and administration,” she says.

“I was drawn to return because of the way my life was transformed at Bethel.

I am excited for this new opportunity to work with all of our educational programs across the university as we seek to transform students’ lives in ways that matter for God’s kingdom.”

By the More than 6,000 guests enjoyed Bethel’s 56th Festival of Christmas, themed “Oh How Joyfully! An International Festival.”

More than 300 student musicians participated in this annual celebration of Christ’s birth, and many guests also enjoyed authentic Scandinavian food at the smörgåsbord served before and after several of the productions.

Numbers

288 123 71 94

students graduated from Bethel University in two services on December 14.

College of Arts & Sciences graduates

College of Adult & Professional Studies graduates Graduate School graduates

View the photo gallery: bethel.edu/news/articles/2012/december/foc-2012-56 4

Winter/Spring 2013

Campus News

Bookmarked Recently published books by Bethel University faculty Toward a Theology of Special Education: Shane Moe S’11 This two-volume Integrating Faith and Practice

by David W. Anderson, Professor of Education Emeritus (WestBow Press) Anderson’s book frames special education as a ministry, rooted in biblical concepts and practical theology, with significance in God’s ongoing kingdombuilding activity. It “tackles the tough issues,” says reviewer Steven Kaatz, associate professor, M.A. in Special Education program, Bethel University. “Issues like: how could a good and benevolent God permit disabled children? Are disabilities the result of sin? How does a Christian teacher of the disabled differ from secular counterparts?” While the book’s primary audience is Christians involved in special education as teachertrainers or direct service providers in the schools, others such as social workers, psychologists, counselors, ministry professionals, or families affected by disability will also find it helpful. The book may also serve as a model for educators in general as they seek to integrate faith with their particular discipline.

APA Handbook of Psychology, Religion, and Spirituality (APA Handbooks in Psychology) Edited by Kenneth I. Pargament (American Psychological Association) Chapter on “Conversion and Spiritual Transformation” by Steven Sandage, Professor of Marriage and Family Studies, Bethel Seminary St. Paul, and

handbook presents comprehensive coverage of the current state of the psychology of religion and spirituality, documenting how the psychology of religion and spirituality is building on its theoretical and empirical foundation to encompass practice. Chapters provide in-depth and varied perspectives of leading scholars and practitioners on the most vital questions in the field, and include an invited chapter on conversion and spiritual transformation by Bethel Seminary’s Steve Sandage and Shane Moe. The chapter reviewed research and interdisciplinary perspectives on those topics with implications for clinical practice, including studies of Bethel Seminary students.

French Women Authors: The Significance of the Spiritual (1400-2000) Edited by Kelsey L. Haskett and Holly Faith Nelson (University of Delaware Press) Chapter titled “Stars, Stones, Ships, and Suckling Children: Guyon’s Metaphorical Journeys Toward Union with God” by Deborah Sullivan Trainor, Associate Dean of General Education and Faculty Development This collection examines 11 authors

representing major literary periods from the medieval to the postmodern, with each author reviewed in the light of a Christian worldview. The book investigates the importance of the spiritual in the lives and works of each writer, highlighting the significance of spiritually informed writings in French literature in general, as well as the specific contributions made by women writers.

The Text of the New Testament in Contemporary Research: Essays on the Status Quaestionis Edited by Bart D. Ehrman and Michael W. Holmes, University Professor of Biblical Studies and Early Christianity (Brill Academic) Essay on “Modern Critical Editions and Apparatuses of the Greek New Testament”

by Juan Hernández Jr., Associate Professor of Biblical Studies These 24 essays, all written by internationally acknowledged experts in the field, cover every major aspect of New Testament textual criticism, discussing the advances that have been made since the mid-20th century.

Essential reading for anyone interested in moving beyond the standard handbooks to see where the discipline now stands, this discipline-defining volume will have significant impact on the entire field of textual criticism.

All books may be special ordered at the Campus Store.

Shop in person, by phone at 651.638.6202, or online at bookstore.bethel.edu

Bethel University

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Campus News

Seminary’s InMinistry Program Expands

Heard on Campus

I wish every week was finals week!

—unidentified student who played with therapy dogs provided by Paws for Learning to ease the stress of finals week 6

Winter/Spring 2013

(M.A.M.P.), both applied ministry degrees.

The M.Div. is 87 semester credits, the equivalent of three full years of study. A person studying a half-time load through the InMinistry system can finish the M.Div. in five years. The M.A.M.P. is 51 semester credits, which equals two full years of study. At a half-time load, a student can complete the M.A.M.P. in three years. The M.Div. is the traditional seminary degree for pastoral preparation. It covers the basic Bible and theology areas, invites students through a life-changing spiritual formation experience, and introduces the whole spectrum of ministry leadership practices like preaching, pastoral care, discipleship, evangelism, church management, and leadership. The M.A.M.P. is a brand new degree that provides a student with the essentials of Bible, theology, and formation, but leaves out biblical languages and the full range of pastoral functions.

A person in the M.A.M.P. would likely choose to concentrate in a more focused area of ministry work rather than studying the entire range of pastoral practices.

These degrees in the InMinistry format are offered in a cohort model, meaning that students join with others in a group that stays together through parts of their academic journey. These cohorts become learning communities as students are able to share with and learn from each other’s experience. Cohorts support each other as the inevitable life issues arise during seminary. And students form lifelong friendships with other ministering persons who face all the same issues in their work.

Designed into the InMinistry format is an important feature that offers a significant element of flexibility. For the first year of study, the InMinistry program allows students to count all courses toward either the M.Div. or the M.A.M.P. So during that first year, any student who starts in one program can switch painlessly into the other without

photo by Greg Schneider

Bethel Seminary will launch new programs in the InMinistry delivery format, its groundbreaking hybrid learning system, at Bethel Seminary San Diego in fall 2013 and at Bethel Seminary of the East in fall 2014. InMinistry provides the equivalent educational experience of an in-seat classroom experience but offers much more flexibility, so students can stay in their current ministries and locations. More than half of the courses for an InMinistry degree are entirely online, while the other courses feature an educationally powerful time of intensive, face-to-face learning. A student working through this system will visit a Bethel campus twice a year, for one week at a time, for these intensives.

The InMinistry launches will offer two degrees: the Master of Divinity (M.Div.) and Master of Arts in Ministry Practice

penalty. Another area of flexibility is in selection of special areas of study.

In addition to core areas of study in Bible, theology, spiritual growth, and leadership—which a student takes with his or her cohort—a student can select several different electives and concentrations for personal interest.

When it was originally designed nearly two decades ago, Bethel’s InMinistry program was the first ATS accredited, fully distance seminary program in the world. Now Bethel Seminary is building on this expertise in distance education to add new degree options, scheduling enhancements, and educational features in this new InMinistry rollout.

For more information on the new M.A. in Ministry Practice, go to: seminary.bethel.edu/academics/san-diego-programs/ministry-practice

Campus News

News from the Department of Biblical and Theological Studies

by Mark Van Dusseldorp ’14

An extensive revision of the youth ministry major by the Department of Biblical and Theological Studies (BTS) in the College of Arts & Sciences has resulted in a new missional ministries major beginning in fall 2013. Missional ministries retains the strengths of the youth ministry major, including solid biblical and theological foundations as well as internships, but deepens and broadens students’ ministry preparation.

While still based on biblical and theological foundations, the new major is more interdisciplinary, supplementing BTS credits with courses in business, communication, and reconciliation studies.

Barrett Fisher, associate dean of Arts and Humanities, says, “It has become clear that those preparing to work with youth need to broaden their range of knowledge, skills, and experience in order to meet the needs of the current generation, as well as fulfill the expectations or requirements of the churches they are working with.”

Fisher says that students will benefit from this broadened curriculum by being better equipped to take on more effective roles in traditional church settings, but will also be prepared to work in other fields such as outreach ministries and non-profit organizations. Graduates will be flexible and prepared for a wider range of possible career paths. “The Leadership and Organization component of the major helps to prepare graduates for administrative aspects of ministry,” Fisher explains, “while the Life Development and Faith Formation component could lead into a counseling direction.” Current youth ministry students will be able to complete that program, or they may switch to the new missional ministries major.

Professor’s Research Gains International Recognition Juan Hernández, associate professor of biblical studies, has been passionate about the Bible since age 10, when discussions with an uncle inspired him to study scripture. Hernández’s journey led him to studies at Valley Forge Christian College, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and Emory University, where he earned a Ph.D. in New Testament. He arrived at Bethel in 2006 and has made significant contributions to scholarly research since then, with most of his work revolving around the text of the Apocalypse. “I find the way the book was handled by Christians during the early centuries of Christianity to be an endlessly fascinating topic,” he says.

In 2012, Hernández wrote four published articles in four separate volumes, all reflecting his abiding interest in the textual history of the New Testament. Two more essays are forthcoming, and he is currently researching the Apocalypse’s seventhcentury corrections in Codex Sinaiticus.

“The manuscript itself was copied and corrected in the fourth century,” he explains. “However, in the seventh century, it was corrected once again, this time rather extensively. These corrections offer a glimpse into the state of the circulating copies of the Apocalypse, as well as of the copying standards of a later historical period.” Hernández’s preliminary findings indicate that some crucial errors were made by textual critics regarding the dating of the manuscript’s corrections. “If my discovery holds,” he says, “it will change the way scholars understand the Apocalypse’s transmission history and impact future studies of the

book’s textual history.” Last fall, his first report on the seventh-century corrections of Codex Sinaiticus was well-received at the Society of Biblical Literature meeting in Chicago, leading to an invitation to present his findings in greater detail this fall at the Kirchliche Hochschule Wuppertal/Bethel in Germany.

photo by Scott Streble

New Missional Ministries Major

Hernández serves on a number of respected scholarly committees, and in 2012 his work on Andrew of Caesarea was hailed as part of today’s “new wave” in New Testament text-criticism. He credits Bethel faculty for their support, and his students for their eagerness to learn. “I thoroughly enjoy being at a liberal arts institution where the Bible remains a central part of the curriculum,” he says. “There is nothing like teaching the Bible in a setting where a wide array of disciplines and interests are also part of the community learning experience to keep a scholar honest!”

Bethel University

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Campus News

These students are excited to learn at Bethel and are grateful for your support. Because of your gifts, they, and so many others, have the opportunity to experience the activities and opportunities that shape the whole person and make a Bethel education such a lifechanging experience. Thanks for your partnership and support of the mission of Bethel University. Visit bethel.edu/giving to learn more about how your gifts make a difference to Bethel students.

Polar Explorer Treks to Bethel Bethel University’s Creation Restoration club held a public forum in December with polar explorer Will Steger. More than 60 people attended to hear Steger, a world renowned environmentalist, present a firsthand account of climate change documented during his expeditions. Along with Steger, J. Drake Hamilton, science policy director at Fresh Energy, spoke about effective clean energy and clean air solutions that benefit the economy. Other speakers included Dale Gentry, professor at Northwestern College, who offered reflections on the connection between Christianity and environmental stewardship, and Bethel student Bethany Campbell, who explained why creation care is an important concern for students. The student-led Creation Restoration’s goal is to educate Bethel faculty, students, and staff on how to become more sustainable and better stewards of God’s creation. Last spring, the group developed a partnership with the organization Restoring Eden when they invited founder and executive director Peter Illyn to speak at a Bethel chapel. The two groups collaborated again to host this forum with Steger.

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Winter/Spring 2013

University Invests in Athletics Following a careful study of the significance of athletics for Bethel University, a renewed commitment to excellence in athletics—including changes to coaching positions and an increased budget—has emerged as an institutional priority. Eight administrators met monthly for 18 months to develop a vision for the future of athletics at Bethel and to move the department from “good to great.” In the next five years, Bethel athletics will focus on increasing the overall number of athletes by about 22%, improving facilities, and setting ambitious athletics fundraising goals. “A strong and successful athletics program sustains a positive student culture of leadership and character development, infusing life into Bethel’s entire community,” says Edee Schulze, vice president for student life.

“We invite all Bethel alumni, parents, and friends who are interested in supporting Royal athletics to invest in Bethel student athletes through their support of the Royal Athletic Fund,” says Athletic Director Bob Bjorklund, adding that the support of Royal fans will help ensure that athletics program goals and priorities are met. Above all, Bethel athletics will continue its mission: to strive for competitive excellence and to mark student athletes with gratefulness of heart, authenticity of relationships, and a love of discipline required for a lifetime of service to Jesus Christ and His kingdom.

photo by Carl Schmuland

THANKS FOR INVESTING IN US!

Bethe l U ni vers it y

Summer Camps Sports Camps

For more than 30 years, Bethel sports camps have taught young players the high-level skills and playing styles used at the collegiate level. With personal instruction by Bethel University coaches and varsity athletes, campers are taught the necessary skills, hard work, and competitive attitude necessary to improve, while learning how faith can be integrated into athletics.

All-American Running Camp

Boys Soccer

Tennis

Volleyball

Running skills are developed through small group activities led by a NCAA Division III champion.

June 23-27 | Grades 9-12 $305 overnight / $200 commuter

Designed for players who want to develop highly competitive soccer skills.

July 28-31 | Grades 7-12 $305

Focused tennis instruction for those relatively new to the sport.

June 24-27 | Ages 7-11 $159

Fundamental play and drills focusing on passing, setting, hitting, and serving.

July 29-30 | Grades 5-8 $130

Girls Basketball

Intermediate

8-9th Grade Overnight Camp

Tennis core skills are developed for passionate players.

July 8-11 | Ages 11-15 $159

Designed for female athletes with at least one year of competitive volleyball experience.

July 19-20 | Grades 8-9 $215

Overnight Camp

Baseball Day Camp Bethel head coach and former major leaguer Brian Raabe will focus on developing fielding and hitting skills. Campers will participate in fun miniscrimmages throughout the week.

June 10-13 | Ages 10-12 $197

Boys Basketball Day Camp

This half-day camp helps young players develop basketball fundamentals and positive self-image.

June 10-13 | Grades 3-9 $110

Day Camp

This half-day camp provides opportunities for girls to grow athletically and spiritually.

June 10-13 | Grades 3-9 $110

Overnight Camp Designed to focus on all skill levels, the camp promotes talent development and spiritual growth.

June 24-27 | Grades 5-12 $350

Girls Soccer Day Camp

Overnight Camps Fun week of fundamental basketball development, competition, team play concepts, and spiritual growth.

July 8-11 | Grades 5-10 July 15-18 | Grades 7-12 $350

Fundamentals

Advanced Drill and match play for young tennis players.

July 22-25 | Ages 9-18 $349

“Bethel volleyball camp taught me to play for an ‘audience of One’ and give God all the glory no matter what.”

—Jillian Krier, former camper, incoming Bethel volleyball player, fall 2013

Players are divided into groups to focus on fundamentals and advanced tactics.

June 17-20 | Ages 3-12 $59

Day Camp

High School Overnight Camp Designed for female athletes with at least three years of competitive volleyball experience.

July 22-25 | Grades 9-12 $375 overnight / $325 commuter

For more information or to register for sports camps, visit bethelroyals.com

Overnight Camp Emphasis is placed on soccer technical development, faith, and leadership.

June 23-26 | Grades 9-12 $305

“Bethel basketball camp encouraged me to be a leader on and off the court. We were challenged to have a sound body and soul and a Christ-like mind. That’s what made the Bethel camp unique.”

—Cameron Wold, former camper, incoming Bethel men’s basketball player, fall 2013

Academic Camp #MyMediaCamp Students learn to tell their stories and report the news with today’s social media tools. Camp includes visits with Twin Cities journalists.

June 7-9 | Grades 9-12 $147 includes food, lodging, and supplies bethel.edu/events/journalism-camp

Bethel University

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Sports News

From the Locker Room Meet standout Bethel winter athletes Men’s Basketball Taylor Hall • Sr., Blaine, Minn.

Hall was named the 2012-13 MIAC Joe Hutton Most Valuable Player, finishing the season as conference leader in points, rebounds, and blocks. His double-double average helped carry the Royals to their second consecutive postseason, while earning him MIAC Player of the Week three times. He was also named twice to the five-member D3hoops.com Division III Team of the Week.

Women’s Basketball

Kelly Swenson • Sr., Dawson, Minn.

One of five players in the conference chosen for the 2011-12 MIAC All-Defensive Team, Swenson is a returning captain for the Royals squad that advanced to the playoffs one year ago. Her work ethic extends beyond the hardwood, as she has also been named MIAC All-Academic for the past three years.

Men’s Ice Hockey Jack Paul • Sr., Minnetonka, Minn.

Paul and defensive teammate Jon Crouse are the only two Bethel men’s hockey players to ever receive MIAC AllConference selection all four years. Paul finished his career with 103 points (53 goals, 50 assists) in 99 games played, ranking him 18th all-time in Bethel’s record book.

Women’s Ice Hockey Biz Huss • Sr., Beaver Bay, Minn.

A three-time All-MIAC skater, Huss has been a four-year contributor to the women’s hockey program. Following the 2012-13 season, she ranks third among Bethel’s all-time leading scorers with 88 points—on 44 goals and 44 assists—and finished second on the team in scoring.

Huss helped the Royals advance to their fifth conference postseason appearance in six years.

Men’s Indoor Track and Field

Bucky Dixon • Sr., Hayward, Wis. Dixon, a 2011 MIAC Track and Field Athlete of the Week, holds Bethel’s all-time record in the discus throw with a heave of 50.22 meters. He received MIAC All-Conference honors in 2011 and 2012—both in the discus throw—and is working toward a third straight award in his senior year.

Women’s Indoor Track and Field Krista McCright • Sr., Cedar Rapids, Iowa McCright was part of a dynamic relay team in 2012, as she and three teammates finished with All-Conference honors in the 4x100 event with a time of 47.78 seconds. The same unit received All-Conference Honorable Mention in the 4x400, and McCright received All-Conference Honorable Mention in the 100-meter dash. The foursome has broken two indoor relay records and three outdoor marks, while also advancing to the NCAA Division III national outdoor meet last year.

Follow the Royals: 10

Winter/Spring 2013

Extra Points USA Hockey Trainer. Bethel Assistant Athletic Trainer Jamie Dolieslager served as the head trainer for USA Hockey in fall 2012, facilitating all training needs for their pre-camp in White Plains, N.Y.

Be a Fan! On October 15, 2012, Bethel University launched bethelroyals.com, an interactive, user-friendly experience for website visitors that also serves as one of the main media outlets for all athletic events.

Take Your Best Shot. At the end of the season, freshman Rachel Parupsky ranked second among all NCAA Division III women’s basketball players in blocked shots, with 4.65 per game. She also received All-MIAC, MIAC All-Defensive Team, and MIAC All-First-Year Team honors.

bethelroyals.com | youtube.com/user/bethelroyals | facebook.com/bethelroyals | twitter.com/bethelroyals

Sports News

CoachQuote

Royal Profile

photo by Scott Streble

Name: Jess Newstrom Hometown: Cambridge, Minn.

Year: Senior Major: Physical Education Sport: Women’s Ice Hockey, Softball

“The primary goal of Bethel men’s basketball is to develop strong leaders who are men of godly character. We are committed to creating an atmosphere of high expectation for integrity, character development, and competitiveness.

We teach hard work, commitment, and discipline, and we hold each other accountable to these ideals. Our players are tested and challenged often, but seeing their character refined in this process never gets old. Many former players have expressed how much playing competitive basketball prepared them for life—both the joys and the challenges.”

—Jeff Westlund men’s basketball, seventh season Westlund marked the 100th win of his Bethel career on January 26.

Read the full interview with Coach Westlund at bethelroyals.com

As a participant in both women’s ice hockey and softball, how do you stay motivated and in shape throughout the entire year?

I stay in shape by eating healthy and working out every day, even if that’s going for a walk on my off days. It’s important to stay active. Jumping from one season to another works out nicely because I begin the softball season already in shape.

The two sports go hand-inhand for me because being active in my sports motivates me to stay on top of my school work. It’s a good balance.

As a senior leader for both sports, what is the legacy you hope to leave after graduating?

A legacy I hope to leave would be the idea of being known as an impact player and good teammate. I hope to be remembered as a team leader and a person a teammate could rely on as a player and as a friend.

What principles have you learned at Bethel in regard to faith, learning, and working in a team environment?

Bethel has taught me to push through the struggles of life. The way I handle struggles is a reflection of my character and my integrity. Working on a team has taught me to put others’ needs before mine and to play for one another and not for myself. But above all I’ve learned to make Christ the foundation and rely on my faith in Him. After graduating from Bethel, what’s your next step?

I’m looking forward to new experiences beyond Bethel and I’m excited to see what the future has in store for me. I want to take some time to travel and see the world a little bit. But coaching has been a passion of mine, so ideally it would be great to get a coaching job in hockey, softball, or both.

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Around the World

by Cindy Pfingsten

in Days

Many colleges and universities encourage their students to become global citizens, but at Bethel we believe in the transformative power of firsthand experience. Seventy-five percent of our 2011 graduating seniors participated in a study abroad program, ranking Bethel University #7 nationally on the “U.S. News Short List” of colleges where the most students study abroad (U.S. News & World Report, February 2013).

For years, Bethel has offered unique study abroad opportunities during January’s interim term. The month-long courses allow for intense, focused study of specialized topics in diverse locales worldwide. This January, 13 interim study abroad opportunities—all led by Bethel faculty—allowed 261 College of Arts & Sciences students to engage the world faceto-face. “Reflecting Bethel’s core values that we are world-changers and reconcilers, these interim study abroad programs are an essential part of preparing our students to lead and serve in a diverse world,” says Bethel University Provost Deb Harless. After 30 days of oncein-a-lifetime experiences, students returned with priceless memories—and photos. See the world through their eyes as they share favorite images of their interim study abroad.

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Sarah Elliott ’15

Physics (B.A.)/Chemistry (B.S.) major Interim Course: Travel Writing Photo Location: Japan “An Enduring Beacon: Of only two buildings that survived the atomic bomb of August 6, 1945, this memorial in Hiroshima is a reminder of the anguish of the Second World War and a monument for peace.”

Neil Vance ’13

Biblical and Theological Studies/Youth Ministry major Interim Course: Israel Study Tour Photo Location: Sea of Galilee, Israel “A fishing pole on a stand provides a silhouette with the sun setting over the Sea of Galilee. This is meaningful because of the significance of the Sea of Galilee and fishing (albeit in a different form) in the biblical narrative and represented a trip theme of visiting places of great significance to the Christian faith.”

Tera Hereid ’14

Biokinetics major Interim Course: Integrative Medicine in a Cross-Cultural Setting Photo Location: San Ignacio, Belize “This is an Annatto Lipstick Tree (Bixa Orellana) on the medicine trail at Chaa Creek.

It is harvested for its seeds, commonly used for dyeing food products and making body paint, especially for the lips. The trail showcased many plants that provide natural healing remedies, evidence of God’s creative ways of healing.”

Joy Hachfeld ’13

Psychology major Interim Course: European Pioneers in Psychology Photo Location: London “The red telephone booths of London characterize the city well, as you see them everywhere.

These two are in front of Big Ben.”

Read the U.S. News & World Report study abroad “Short List”: bethel.edu/news/articles/2013/march/usnews-study-abroad

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Rebecca Ruegsegger ’15

Biblical and Theological Studies major Interim Course: Jordan and IsraelPalestine: Leaders for Change Photo Location: The Wall, Israel/West Bank “During our time in the Middle East, we learned about the complexities and hardships of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Our hearts broke and our eyes were opened when we saw how many lives were affected by this situation.”

Bethel Interim 2013 Courses

– Band of Brothers: A Study of Uncommon Leaders (Europe) – Cultural Diversity in Healthcare (Uganda) – Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands: Natural History and Future Prospects – Eurekas and Euphorias: History of Science in Europe – Europe: Introduction to International Business – European Pioneers in Psychology – Integrative Medicine in a Cross-Cultural Setting (Belize) – Israel Study Tour – Issues and Praxis in Christian Social Justice (Cambodia) – Jordan and Israel-Palestine: Leaders for Change – Travel Writing (Japan) – World War I (Europe) – The Urban Church (Amsterdam) Learn more about Bethel’s study abroad opportunities: cas.bethel.edu/academics/study-abroad 14

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CORY LUNDEEN ’13

Biology (Pre-Med) major Interim Course: Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands: Natural History and Future Prospects Photo Location: Mountains surrounding Quito, Ecuador “This photo was taken on the mountainous area around the Pichincha Volcano, which overlooks the city of Quito, on our last day in Ecuador. It was a beautiful way to end such an amazing trip.”

SYDNEY LIESCH ’13

Nursing major Interim Course: Cultural Diversity in Healthcare Photo Location: Island on Lake Victoria, Uganda “The children in Uganda find joy in the little things in life and taught us all how to see the world through different eyes. Because of the language barrier, we were unable to speak with our patients at the pediatric hospital, but we were able to use our body language and nursing skills to give them the best care possible.”

Becca Mannstedt ’14

History/Political Science major Interim Course: World War I Photo Location: France “Over interim, we learned how countries remember the men who fought and died during World War I. This photo of Somme American Cemetery and Memorial captures the beauty and essence of how America commemorates those who gave their lives.”

PATTY LIN ’13

Biology/Education major Interim Course: Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands: Natural History and Future Prospects Photo Location: Floreana Island of the Galápagos Islands “The Galápagos sea lion was a common sight—so much so that we had to be careful not to trip over one napping on a walking path! This sea lion was wide awake and allowed me to snap a close-up.”

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Kasey Leisinger ’16

Reconciliation Studies/Biblical and Theological Studies major Course Title: The Urban Church Photo Location: Amsterdam “The absolute beauty of Amsterdam...plus some bikes, of course.”

Hayden Hanson ’13

Accounting and Finance major Interim Course: Travel Writing Photo Location: Fujinomiya, Japan “This picture of Mount Fuji and the setting sun captures the idea that all things must come to an end (my trip to Japan and the end of the day), and as this is my final semester at Bethel, I must look forward to a new chapter in my life just as I look forward to a new day.”

Emily Harding ’13

Sacred Music/Biblical and Theological Studies major Interim Course: Issues and Praxis in Christian Social Justice Photo Location: Phnom Penh, Cambodia “Cambodia is a colorful country with fabulous architecture, especially in the capital. The garden within the National Museum’s courtyard provided a peaceful resting area to contemplate Cambodia’s history and enjoy its natural beauty.”

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Travel Writing in Japan:

In Her Own Words

by Nicole Finsaas ’14

For the past three weeks I have lived out of a suitcase. I have traveled 12,000 miles by train; eaten horse, quail eggs, and cow tongue; seen 10 ancient shrines; climbed inside one giant Buddha; ridden over 150 mph on the Shinkansen (the Bullet Train); and made friends I expect will last a lifetime.

How, exactly, do you fit so much learning and fun into just three weeks? Only with a Bethel interim study abroad experience.

The beauty of these trips is not only in the famous sites that you see, but also in the community that is built, what you learn about yourself, and the spiritual growth that takes place. Experiencing life outside your comfort zone—mentally, physically, and emotionally—challenges even the most confident traveler.

As part of my Travel Writing course in Japan, we explored Tokyo for one week, Kyoto for another, and then went back to Tokyo for our final week. Two professors and 19 students took Japan by storm with our loud English, giant shoes, and light-colored hair, making us more conspicuous than any of us would have liked. We were quite the spectacle, to say the least.

I expected Japan to be an adventure. I expected to be moved by the sights and surprised by the culture. I expected to be homesick some of the time and exhausted from traveling and tired of wearing the same six shirts over and over

again. But once I got off the plane in Japan, my world shifted.

I was now a foreigner who spoke a different language, looked completely different, and had no sense of direction or time.

Yes, I felt lost and out of place, but at the same time, I felt invigorated.

I loved Japan. I loved the sweet people, the busyness of life there, the raw fish (okay, maybe not), and the unspoken understanding I felt because we are all humans. Though the language barrier and culture shock were more significant than I had imagined, the depth of sameness I felt with the Japanese people was the most prevalent and important part of my journey.

Bethel was awarded a $58,500 grant from the Japan Foundation for the interim 2013 Travel Writing course in Japan thanks to the work of Paul Reasoner, professor of philosophy, who submitted the grant; Marion Larson, professor of English, who co-led the course with Reasoner; and Vincent Peters, associate dean of off-campus programs, who made Bethel aware of the grant opportunity. The Japan Foundation Grant is designed to cover partial expenses for implementing intellectual activities and cultural projects in order to further promote international collaboration and enhance understanding toward Japan.

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For Such a Time as This

by Michelle Westlund ’83

Friday, December 14, 2012. Newtown, Connecticut.

Five Bethel-trained pastors—Craig Mowrey, Brian Mowrey, Adam DePasquale, Scott Shockley, and Tim Huber—serve at Walnut Hill Community Church near Newtown. This is their story.

6:30 a.m. Craig Mowrey: “I arrived at a small diner near Newtown for breakfast and prayer with a group of men from church. There was really only one thing different about that morning—one of the guys came in uniform.

Having switched shifts with one of his fellow Newtown police officers, Will, who is a mountain of a man, was a bit more intimidating than normal that day.”

9:30 a.m. Brian Mowrey: “I attended my daughter’s winter concert at her elementary school just a few miles from Sandy Hook Elementary School. The concert was precious, innocent, and beautiful, and the children closed by singing a song entitled ‘Peace.’ How is it that at one school a song of peace was being sung, while at another all hell was breaking in?”

9:30 a.m. 911 dispatcher: “Sandy Hook school. Caller is indicating she thinks someone is shooting in the building.”

2 p.m. Adam DePasquale: “We gathered in the Sandy Hook firehouse with families who were waiting to hear news. I will never forget the moment when it was clear that there were no more survivors. The sound of pain erupted as fathers, mothers, grandparents, and friends realized that their children were gone.”

Craig: “I will never forget the sounds and images of emotion that issued forth from that room. I hope I will never have to experience anything like it again—it was desperate grief, shock, and horror.”

Adam: “We prayed with people, put our hands on them as they cried, and quietly interceded for families, officers, and counselors.”

Craig: “We did what we could to offer compassion and support, but I believe there was another reason God called me to that place. As I looked across the room, I saw a young woman I recognized as a childhood friend. She sat with her husband, and as I approached them, the looks on their faces told the story: they had lost someone they loved. I suddenly found myself embracing a young mother whose daughter had just been murdered in an act of pure evil.

There was very little that could be said or done, but the fact that we had gone to school together—from the time we were kids until high school graduation—simply opened something up. It was an unexpected gift of love, support, and friendship, and it really mattered…for all of us.

But I wasn’t the only one who made a connection with that dear couple that day. Unbeknownst to any of us, my friend Will was one of the first four officers on the scene, and he had held their little girl in his arms and told her that Jesus loved her only moments before she went to be with her Lord.”

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T

he facts are now painfully familiar. On December 14, 2012, the peaceful existence of Newtown, Conn., was unalterably shattered when Adam Lanza, 20, allegedly killed his mother at home, then headed to Sandy Hook Elementary School wearing black fatigues and a military vest and carrying three guns, including an assault rifle. Twenty students, ages six and seven, and six adults were killed at the school, and police say the gunman then took his own life.

But there’s more to the story. Just 10 minutes away from Newtown rests the main campus of Walnut Hill Community Church, a network of five evangelical churches serving more than 3,500 people in western Connecticut. Five Bethelconnected pastors minister there: Brian Mowrey ’01, S’09 and Craig Mowrey S’06 serve on the leadership team, along with Adam DePasquale and Scott Shockley, who are both students in Bethel Seminary’s Master of Arts in Transformational Leadership (M.A.T.L.) program. Tim Huber, also a Bethel M.A.T.L. student, is Walnut Hill’s pastor of worship and the arts.

Coincidence? Huber doesn’t think so. “I believe that we have been called by God to be His church for such a time as this,” he says. “As a church we spent 2012 studying the book of Luke, focusing on knowing Jesus better. Months ago, the decision was made to spend 2013 in the book of Acts, studying what it means to be the church. God has placed us as a church here in New England, for this time, and called us to be His people and to carry His light into the darkness of the Sandy Hook shooting.”

That vision of light extends to Brian Mowrey’s experience as well. “In early December I was wrapping my Christmas tree in

lights,” he explains, “and the Lord told me that I would need to be prepared to deliver this word to our congregation when the time was right: that He was going to wrap us in light. I had the task of preaching the Sunday after the shooting, and I knew that the word the Lord gave me earlier was for right now.”

A message of light that can penetrate even the darkest night of the soul. But how to convey that vision to a community gripped by anguish, outrage, fear, and grief? “I stayed up all night Saturday changing my Sunday message,” says Brian. “We lived in a different world now. The Lord gave me a vision of a spark. When there is a spark in daylight you will miss it, but when there is a spark in darkness everyone will see it. I want the Lord to come into the darkness, to overcome it, and to spark a great revival among us.”

The Hands and Feet of Jesus

The light can be powerfully conveyed by words, but may be more often understood in acts of love and compassion that represent the heart of God Himself. “We are very aware that everything for our community has changed,” says DePasquale.

“We pray that God will give us strength and the ability to be His hands, feet, and voice.”

Opportunities to be the hands and feet of Jesus came quickly.

The Walnut Hill pastors’ presence in the Sandy Hook firehouse was only the beginning. They soon learned that five families connected to Walnut Hill had lost children. That night, 500 people from the church gathered to pray. A state representative attended, saying he just “needed to come.” The next morning the church mobilized a host of trained professionals to offer Bethel University

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counseling to anyone who needed to talk. They established a Sandy Hook relief fund, headed by senior pastor Clive Calver, a former president of World Relief. “His experience and wisdom in employing funds for immediate needs and long-term rebuilding is amazing,” says DePasquale. “We will be personally involved with helping to meet community, counseling, and school needs, and due to his professional relationships, churches from around the world have been contacting us to ask how they can pray and help.”

In addition, Walnut Hill sponsored two community gatherings to discuss healing in the midst of tragedy.

Author Philip Yancey, who was involved in helping local communities in the aftermath of the shootings at Columbine and Virginia Tech, addressed the question raised by the title of his bestseller Where Is God When It Hurts? “Many in the community came to hear about the Comforter and Healer,” says DePasquale, “as well as to ask their hard questions.”

The church was also the site of a memorial service for Dylan Hockley, one of the children killed at Sandy Hook.

His parents opened the service to the public to honor their son’s life, and more than 900 people people packed the worship center. Following the service, Dylan’s eight-yearold brother Jake released 26 balloons into the air—with one specifically representing Dylan—while bagpipes played “Amazing Grace.” Says DePasquale: “As we watched the balloons disappear into the sky, we could feel God’s peace in a very real way.” Afterwards, many people in the community commented on how helpful the service was to them. “As people hurting from a distance,” explains DePasquale, “they

had been invited to grieve and support a family most had never met before. It provided a sense of closure.”

A Community’s Grief—and Healing

The Newtown community is small. “Almost every person knows someone who was either directly or indirectly impacted by this tragedy,” says DePasquale. “As a result, everyone is grieving.”

And the grief is as different as each hurting person. “People are beginning to recognize their own personal injuries or losses,” he continues. “Some have lost a feeling of safety and are now experiencing fear. Others are reminded of previous painful times in their lives and are now reliving those moments. Others recognize that their community has changed and are angry, disappointed, or lost. There is a very real feeling that the ‘enemy’ is still present.

While the gunman took his own life, a threat still exists. The source of this threatening feeling is different for people, but very present.”

Brian Mowrey has spent time with parents who lost children, first responders, teachers, children who lost friends, Newtown residents, John 1:5 (TNIV) and parents from neighboring towns. He, too, notes the varying responses to grief. But he also sees a commonality of resolve. “There is an overwhelming feeling that God is able to turn this around,” he explains. “The evil one may have had a few minutes in the spotlight, but God can and will bring light into this darkness. We

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

Walnut Hill Resources Walnut Hill has created a website dedicated to providing prayer and ministry updates as well as resources. Their hope is that others will continue to pray and join them in their community’s healing and rebuilding journey. Go to www. walnuthillfellowship.org • Watch “A Message of Healing,” Brian Mowrey’s Sunday, December 16, sermon: walnuthillcc.org/home/news/0000/00-00/a-messageof-healing-from-teaching-pastor-brian-mowrey • View Philip Yancey’s “Where Is God When It Hurts?” presentation at Walnut Hill: walnuthillcc.org/home/news/0000/00-00/missed-philipyancey

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(L to r) Tim Huber, Adam DePasquale, Scott Shockley, Craig Mowrey, Brian Mowrey

What Do We Tell the Kids?

Talking with Children about Violence

by Jolene Pearson, Director, Bethel University Child Development Centers • Consider the age of the child. Children develop in stages, and very young children understand the world in concrete ways. It is wise to shield them from media coverage and images of violent events, and to monitor your own conversations in their presence. Schoolaged children, however, will know about shootings and other violence, and if you don’t speak about these tragedies it can send a message to the child that they are unspeakable – or that you are not aware.

• Children imitate their parents. Children take their cues on how to react from watching their parents. While adults may feel strong emotions about what happened at places like Sandy Hook, we as Christians know that God still reigns. As a Christian parent this means demonstrating reactions that reflect our faith, as well as our human emotions of sadness, anger, or shock. have seen people take major steps in their walk with Jesus. We have seen an openness to pray. The Sandy Hook liquor store had a sign out front that read, ‘Say a Prayer.’ It’s amazing to see people turn to the Lord in the midst of great tragedy. Now we pray that they will turn to Him and never turn back.”

DePasquale sees it too. “On a day-to-day basis,” he notes, “there are too many coincidences taking place not to see God in the details. From meeting people in the most unlikely places to receiving help in the most unlikely ways, God is present. There have been moments when I simply step back and smile. God is with us.”

And God is already healing. “Here’s what God does,” exclaims Craig Mowrey, “even when the enemy wins a battle—and the enemy of our souls did win a battle that day. First, God reminds us that He has won the war, and second, He wastes no time getting on with the work of healing, especially for those who seek Him.”

Feeding the Shepherds

The Walnut Hill pastors have responded selflessly to the overwhelming needs of a hurting community. And sometimes that comes at a cost. “We are all becoming physically and emotionally tired,” admits DePasquale. So how to continue to serve the needs of others, process their own emotions, and maintain emotional equilibrium? “This is a challenging line to

• Talk to children to learn their thinking. You may be surprised to hear their misconceptions, and you should gently provide accurate, age-appropriate information.

• Make home a safe haven for your family. Provide children with comfort and security. Reassure them that you will do all you can to protect them, and so will their teachers and caregivers. Pray with children for their educators and caregivers, as well as community helpers who keep us safe.

• Routines are important for all of us. Keep routines in place and plan something enjoyable to do together, like having a picnic, going on a walk, or reading books. Being present is important.

• Take action to show children there is a way to help. This may be praying for the families affected, making a donation, sending a card, or attending a meeting to address policies that support the safety of all. Children who see this learn that we are not helpless. walk,” says Doug Fombelle, dean and executive officer at Bethel Seminary of the East, who served as a senior pastor for 21 years and has mentored numerous associate pastors. “The biggest challenge to a pastor in tragedies like Sandy Hook is to be able to have enough composure so that as a caregiver they can assist others in their grief, and at the same time process the grief in their own heart. …This is clearly a time when the pastor must deeply rely on the work of the Holy Spirit to give the words and be the Comforter. No human is up to the task in themselves to grieve and to comfort others at the same time.”

Just as the pastors have supported others, they have found support for Esther 4:14 (TNIV) their own efforts in many places. “As I have had conversations with people from around the world,” says DePasquale, “I have quickly recognized that God has been at work prompting His people to pray, encourage, and help in practical ways. This is a great encouragement to us, and like a gift from heaven, is providing us with the comfort, love, strength, and peace needed to continue.”

“And who knows but that you have come to... [this] position for such a time as this?”

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Their Bethel connections have been a source of support as well. “Having clearly learned the importance of partnership and teamwork at Bethel,” says DePasquale, “we not only looked out for each other, but reached out to our friends in ministry around the world for prayer support. Among the first people I reached out to were my professor and members of my M.A.T.L. cohort.”

Huber agrees. “My cohort is probably tired of hearing me say this, but the significance of community has been a contact theme for me during my seminary studies. This has been a tremendous gift.”

And while no training could really prepare a pastor to face such unfathomable tragedy, Shockley says that his Bethel leadership training has provided the confidence to minister through the promises of Scripture. “God is good in His provision,” he says,

“and Bethel Seminary has been a big part of what He has provided to equip me and the others.” DePasquale elaborates: “Bethel has done a great job of focusing on the importance of building a strong relationship with the Lord and developing character, emotional maturity, godly perseverance, and teamwork. …When the tragedy hit and the community’s emotions went wild, I knew it was vitally important for our leadership team to maintain a peaceful, calm, and very present leadership style. While we ourselves were hurting, we were continually available to listen, pray, and care. We spoke very clearly to the congregation and community via many forms of media and provided practical resources on many different levels. We did not shy away or retreat, but stood tall in the Lord’s strength.”

A Theologian Reflects on Sandy Hook

by Glen Scorgie, Professor of Theology, Bethel Seminary San Diego Since Sandy Hook, no one feels safe anywhere. We would like to believe that God’s providence firewalls our loved ones, and especially the vulnerable little ones among us, from such things. The tragedy at Sandy Hook is doubly chilling, because it signals that such guaranteed immunity does not exist in the real world.

There is real evil in this fallen world, and sometimes it can, and does, get to us and those we care about most.

At moments like this the whole moral order seems to have fallen apart. We search, desperately, to make sense of it. And the easiest way to restore reasonableness is to find a single scapegoat—some person, some solitary cause, upon whom or which we can dump all the blame and assign all the guilt.

We can blame loose gun laws, or inadequate school security, or dysfunctional families, or media violence, or something else. But the reality is that the root problem cannot be reduced to one thing. The problem is systemic—bigger, and more interconnected, than any one variable. We live and move in webs of interaction that fall short of God’s will and good intentions for human life together.

It is natural to ask why God, given His unlimited power and infinite goodness, did not step in to prevent this mass killing of innocents. The question is sufficiently haunting that it can lead some to loss of faith in the existence of such a God, or, allowing for His reality, a deepened bitterness and distrust of Him. But this is not where genuine Christian faith eventually ends up. Slowly, painfully, the reality dawns on us that we are living

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in a sphere of existence in which we—the people—are free and responsible for the dynamics of the society, and the values of the culture, that we ourselves build and sustain together.

Everything is not being callously micro-managed from on high. God is not signing off in implicit approval of instances of child abuse, rape, and the mass murders of innocent school children. He has guaranteed the final victory of good, but the intervening road to that Celestial City remains hazardous.

Meanwhile, we in the larger community are not helpless victims of fate. We have the God-given abilities, and should pray for the necessary courage and resolve, to change the ways we do life together here in America, so that events like this may become increasingly rare. If this tragedy prompts us to take such action, something may still be salvaged from this unspeakable evil to honor those who died.

Philosopher Nicholas Wolterstorff knew what it was to experience the loss of a child. In his Lament for a Son, he describes his pain and cry for answers. Through that incalculable trauma and test of faith, he was able eventually to see that “God is not only the God of sufferers but the God who suffers. Through the prism of my tears I have seen a suffering God. Though I confessed that the man bleeding on the cross was the redeeming God, I never saw God himself on the cross, blood from sword and thorn and nail dripping healing into the world’s wounds.”

Likewise, Frederick Buechner has written: “A six-pointed star, a crescent moon, a lotus—the symbols of other religions suggest beauty and light. The symbol of Christianity is an instrument of death. It suggests, at the very least, hope.”

A Long Journey—Toward Hope

Grief is a process, and much of that journey still lies ahead.

“While we are offering counseling and all kinds of help to the community right now,” says DePasquale, “we are preparing and committed for what we sense will be years of healing and rebuilding.”

Fombelle says that kind of long-term involvement requires the wisdom and comfort that can only come from God. “Great pastoral wisdom is required at the beginning point of ministering to families in grief,” he says, “and then being authentically present for all the rest that comes with a tragedy like this, as the pain unfolds over time. Can God actually bring comfort? It was for this chaos and pain that God sent His Son into the world. And pastors are called to speak from the perspective of the gospel for such a time as this.”

In the midst of the chaos and pain that enveloped Newtown, five pastors have found God’s presence, comfort—and hope.

In the words of Craig Mowrey: “Now, in the weeks following Friday, December 14, I’ve learned a few things. To borrow an idea from a well-known sermon by Tony Campolo, Friday was a dark, dark day in and around Newtown. But Sunday was coming. For some, Sunday has come, and for others, it won’t come for some time, but it’s clear that the church—not just Walnut Hill Community Church and certainly not a physical church building—but the Church, God’s people, have an opportunity right now in our little corner of the world. As a region that is only 4% evangelical, we’ve always needed God, but perhaps now we need Him even more. For us, located so close to the killing, the hurt is deep and the impact is ongoing. Whether we want to be or not, God has put us in a strategic location to be a part of the healing for many years to come. May we be worthy of the call. Please pray for us.” BU

A Philosopher Reflects on Sandy Hook

by Bernard Walker, Associate Professor of Philosophy, College of Adult & Professional Studies/Graduate School, Bethel University In a godless universe, I could easily imagine Sandy Hook occurring, and many worse events, without being surprised or conflicted. But it’s hard to imagine the massacre occurring in a universe governed by a loving God, particularly days away from Christmas. My Christian worldview was shaken on the fringes. The imagery of that evil is crippling.

I believe that we can understand evil clearly for what it is— something that ought not ever exist—when we experience it through the loss of a loved one. From this perspective, evil is no mere abstract concept. It is in our face. I have discussed the nature of evil and suffering in my philosophy classes and fully understand that there is no formal or implicit contradiction between the existence of an omnibenevolent, omnipotent God, and the existence of moral evil. The only assertion contradictory with the assertion “evil exists” is the assertion “evil does not exist,” and the only assertion contradictory with the assertion “an omnibenevolent, omnipotent God exists” is the assertion “an omnibenevolent, omnipotent God does not exist.” And this logical compatibility brings me comfort in that the deductive, or logical, problem of evil is no problem at all.

However, the evidential, or experiential, problem of evil— the in-your-face, apparently gratuitous, seemingly meaningless evil—makes God’s existence seem like a silly belief to embrace from an existential, emotional perspective. For the Christian,

silence seems the most rational response as opposed to trying to explain why a God so loving and powerful would allow evil of that magnitude.

Those committed to agnosticism or atheism see evil purely from a factual perspective, and they claim that matters could have been different if people were better. But for those committed to theism, the normative perspective is that God has some mysterious reason for allowing the evil. For me, mystery is not sufficient comfort. Something more dutiful is expected from God. I find solace in the thought that this life and this world are radically different from the postmortem ones spoken of in Scripture. That postmortem existence has got to be so “other” than this world in both a quantitative and qualitative way, that we would be compelled to lessen the significance we attach to the painful reality we experience in this life. Taking this eternal perspective is no mere thought experiment. Revelation 21:4 tells us to expect this much. John prophetically declares: “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away” (TNIV).

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ProFile– Alfonso Gilbert

by Erik Gruber ’06

Alfonso Gilbert never thought he’d go to college. He certainly didn’t imagine earning a master’s degree, let alone two – the second a nearly completed Master of Arts (Theological Studies) at Bethel Seminary San Diego.

Incredibly, he’s also pursuing a Doctor of Ministry degree at Bethel Seminary San Diego, all while serving at one of the largest churches in America.

Born into a world of drugs and crime in South San Diego, Gilbert was drawn into gang life at a young age, associating with the city’s biggest drug dealers. He was kicked out of high school for his gang affiliation, and saw friends and family get murdered and overdose on heroin. It wasn’t until his arrest in the late ’80s that he realized he needed to make a change or end up spending his life in prison. Acting on the advice of his father and the recommendation of his probation officer, Gilbert took a two-week crash course to get his high school diploma and enlisted in the Marine Corps.

But the Marines didn’t change him like he expected. After a year, he’d been in numerous fights and had threatened to kill the platoon sergeant. His colonel considered throwing him in the brig, but Gilbert said he’d take his own life. After three psychologists determined that he had homicidal and suicidal tendencies, Gilbert was dishonorably discharged.

Not sure where to turn, he went back to San Diego and started selling drugs again. Then a fellow gang member died. When Gilbert went to offer his condolences to the family, the friend’s sister, Erica, invited him to church. He went because he “thought she was really cute,” he laughs. “But by the end of the service, I found myself at the altar broken, changed, and weeping because the Lord came into my life.”

He ended up marrying Erica and moving to North San Diego to escape gang life.

The couple joined a church and developed a passion for service and ministry.

Their pastor, recognizing the power of Gilbert’s testimony, asked him to share his story. After Gilbert spoke, a man in the congregation, Paul Barefoot, told Gilbert that he had a gift for ministry and offered to pay for Bible college.

“He didn’t want me to miss my calling in life,” Gilbert explains.

Gilbert went, earning an associate of arts degree in biblical studies, a bachelor’s degree in theology, and a master of divinity degree. When he learned of the opportunity to pursue both a second master’s degree and a doctorate at Bethel Seminary San Diego, working with world-renowned biblical scholar Mark Strauss, he knew God was calling him to do it. “Dr. Strauss is a premier scholar,” says Gilbert. “Learning under him has been extremely valuable and rewarding.”

At Bethel, Gilbert is pursuing his passions for education, leadership, and ministry. He’s using these gifts to guide the groundbreaking new Spanish-oriented service at Second Baptist Church in Houston, Texas, all while continuing his studies and raising his four kids: Breana, Ashley, James, and Jonathan. It’s a pretty impressive feat for a guy who didn’t expect to graduate from high school. “I’m a living testimony,” he says, “that if you trust God, you can make it if you stick with it.”

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Washington, D.C.

by Suzanne Yonker GS’09 illustrated by Leah Sands ’13

First in a series of insiders’ guides to great attractions, lodging, and food in four Bethel-connected cities nationwide, written by real experts—the alumni, students, and staff who live and work there.

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Home to a Bethel Seminary of the East teaching center, Washington, D.C., offers everything a tourist could want—from a storied history to a cache of inspiring monuments. There are national and local treasures in just about every neighborhood, including must-see traditional historical and government sites and plenty of new places to explore. Read on for insiders’ tips from alums, students, and staff who live and work in our nation’s capital.

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Marge Peterson ’70 Has lived in Washington, D.C., since 1984 SEE Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens. “Everyone knows about the museums in Washington, but not everyone knows about the mansions. Formerly owned by Marjorie Merriweather Post of General Foods, the Hillwood is known for its extensive collection of Russian imperial and large French decorative art, including a collection of Fabergé eggs.”

EAT “Chef Geoff’s offers good American food. My husband and I often go there for Sunday brunch. They’ve got a couple of egg dishes that use fresh vegetables and fresh fruit—local farmer’s market stuff.”

DO “I recommend George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate, Museum & Gardens; the new U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, which is really nice; and the Library of Congress, where the building itself is a piece of art. They have great exhibitions there; they recently hosted the Saint John’s Bible exhibition that was very well done. And the Newseum for media and news is extremely worthwhile, and easy to get to on the National Mall.”

STAY “Downtown hotels are very expensive. I suggest staying in the Crystal City neighborhood, Arlington, Va. The Metro goes to Crystal City, and many hotels are easy walking distance to the train station.”

Doug Fombelle S’77 Dean and Executive Officer, Bethel Seminary of the East SEE “Within 90 minutes of Washington, D.C., are a number of Civil War sites, including Antietam National Battlefield, Manassas National Battlefield Park, and Fredericksburg Battlefield in Virginia. My wife and I like all that history. And fewer than 40 miles from D.C. is Baltimore, where the War of 1812 was fought and where Francis Scott Key was inspired to write ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ at Fort McHenry.”

WORSHIP “First Baptist Church of Glenarden hosts Bethel Seminary’s Metro D.C. site. Bethel also has a partnership with National Community Church, a multisite congregation that meets in movie theatres and other sites across the city. We have a strong Converge Worldwide presence in the city and surrounding areas.”

Christopher LaTondresse ’05 Advisor at U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Center for Faith-based and Community Initiatives. USAID is the primary relief and development agency of the U.S. government.

DO “Visit Eastern Market for an authentic D.C. neighborhood experience away from all the tourists and for the most unique souvenirs you’ll find anywhere in the city. Catch a concert on U Street’s historic jazz corridor, which boasts more than a dozen jazz venues within a four-block radius.”

EAT “Go to Ben’s Chili Bowl for their famous half-smoke (D.C.’s signature spicy hotdog) and chili cheese fries—and bring cash.

Only President Obama and Bill Cosby eat free!”

Pam Kovacs ’07 Lived in D.C. from 2009-2012 while attending law school EAT “Founding Farmers D.C. restaurant is close to the White House. It has an extensive menu, with food from farmers from across the U.S. Some of my favorites are deep-fried shrimp and fried chicken and waffles. They also have daily popcorn flavors, like ranch or cinnamon brown sugar.”

SEE “Tour the monuments at night. They’re still open to the public and lit up, and there are usually fewer people around.”

DO “D.C. has Capital Bikeshare, a bike rental system like Minneapolis, where you can get a day pass and bike all around the city streets or on trails outside the city. You can also take boat tours daytime or nighttime and see many of the monuments from the river. And of course, all the Smithsonian museums are free. The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is especially impactful.

Also, Georgetown is very beautiful and has lots of good shopping and restaurants.”

EAT “My favorite local restaurant is Regi’s American Bistro. I also like the crabcakes at G & M Restaurant & Lounge.”

STAY “The Hilton Garden Inn is my favorite place to stay. It is close to Union Station and the mall, is not too expensive, and is within walking distance of the D.C. Metro stop.”

Tara Clark ’87 Lived in Washington, D.C., while interning for a U.S. Senator SEE “Madame Tussauds is so much fun—all the presidents and celebrities, and a chance to make your own wax hands! The United States National Arboretum is gorgeous and houses the original columns from the Capitol building. The Washington National Cathedral is the burial place of Helen Keller, and home to a stained glass window that contains a lunar rock. And the 9/11 memorial at the Pentagon is breathtaking at night.”

EAT “Old Ebbitt Grill is a wonderful old restaurant with lots of character just a block from the White House.”

DO “The Shakespeare Theatre Company has great student discounts!”

Trish Barrett S’96 Bethel Seminary of the East, Washington, D.C., Teaching Center Director SEE “One of my favorite places in D.C. is the unique National Museum of Women in the Arts.

Go in the morning and then have lunch at its lovely restaurant before hitting the gift shop.”

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Dawn Carter ’13 Bethel Seminary of the East Master of Arts (Theological Studies) student. Lifelong resident of D.C. DO “I enjoy taking friends to Chinatown, visiting the W Hotel, walking the historic National Mall, and touring surrounding statues.”

Veronica Buggs ’16 Bethel Seminary of the East Master of Arts (Theological Studies) student.

Inga Green ’16 Bethel Seminary of the East Master of Arts (Theological Studies) student. Has lived in D.C. since 2008.

EAT “At Shake Shack, I love the caramel or black and white shakes. FroZenYo has an amazing red velvet yogurt. And TruOrleans Restaurant & Gallery has great gumbo.”

DO “The movie theatres in Gallery Place Chinatown.”

Dale Eng ’00, GS ’10

Heather Jelen ’09 SEE “Theodore Roosevelt Island!”

Bethel Seminary of the East Bethel Seminary of the East provides theological education to the Northeast corridor of the U.S. through local churchbased sites: the New England Teaching Center in Auburn, Mass., and the Washington, D.C., Teaching Center in Landover, Md. Students are enrolled in programs near their ministry settings, building practical skills that can be applied in religious employment or to enhance personal spiritual formation. Programs include: • Master of Divinity • Master of Arts (Theological Studies) • Certificate in Men’s Ministry Leadership (New England only) • Certificate in Theological Studies • Certificate in Transformational Leadership • Doctor of Ministry, Leading from the Inside Out (distance program through Bethel Seminary St. Paul) For more information about Bethel Seminary of the East, visit seminary.bethel.edu

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EAT “Georgia Brown’s Low Country Cuisine for Sunday brunch. 11 a.m. is the best time to go because live jazz starts, and the atmosphere is enhanced with the ambiance of the music, the restaurant, and the ‘low country cuisine.’ The food is delicious! You will be amazed at what you get for the price. It’s an experience anyone visiting D.C. should not miss.”

EAT “Georgetown Cupcake is pretty awesome. Expect to stand in a long line to get in, but they’re worth the wait!”

Tracy Anne-Hartley Weidner Bethel parent DO “Seasonal ice skating at the National Gallery of Art or shopping in Georgetown.”

Allyson Manns ’10 SEE “The Washington Youth Garden!”

Jason Cutshall ’00, S’10 DO “For hiking, you can’t beat the Old Rag Mountain about 1.5 hours from D.C. in the Shenandoah National Forest. Amazingly beautiful. Also, the D.C. Blues Festival is a must-see in the summertime.”

Trip Notes

Check out these websites for more information about many of the places mentioned in this guide.

See

Eat

Fort McHenry—nps.gov/fomc

Ben’s Chili Bowl—www.benschilibowl.com

George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate, Museum & Gardens— www.mountvernon.org

Chef Geoff’s—www.chefgeoff.com

Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens—www.hillwoodmuseum.org

FroZenYo—www.frozenyo.com

Library of Congress—www.loc.gov

G & M Restaurant & Lounge—www.gandmcrabcakes.com

Madame Tussauds—www.madametussauds.com (select Washington, D.C.)

Georgia Brown’s Low Country Cuisine—www.gbrowns.com

National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial—www.pentagonmemorial.net National Museum of Women in the Arts—www.nmwa.org Newseum—www.newseum.org Smithsonian—www.si.edu Theodore Roosevelt Island—nps.gov/this U.S. Capitol Visitor Center—www.visitthecapitol.gov United States Holocaust Memorial Museum—www.ushmm.org United States National Arboretum—usna.usda.gov Washington National Cathedral—www.nationalcathedral.org Washington Youth Garden—www.washingtonyouthgarden.org

Do Capital Bikeshare—www.capitalbikeshare.com D.C. Blues Festival—www.dcblues.org Eastern Market—www.easternmarket-dc.org Seasonal ice skating at the National Gallery of Art—www.nga.gov

Founding Farmers D.C.—www.wearefoundingfarmers.com

Georgetown Cupcake—www.georgetowncupcake.com Old Ebbitt Grill—www.ebbitt.com Regi’s American Bistro—www.regisamericanbistro.com Shake Shack—www.shakeshack.com TruOrleans Restaurant & Gallery—www.truorleans.com

Stay Crystal City, Arlington, Va., hotels—www.crystalcity.org (find hotels under the Area tab) Hilton Garden Inn—www.hilton.com (search Washington, D.C.) W Hotel—www.wwashingtondc.com

Worship First Baptist Church of Glenarden—www.fbcglenarden.org National Community Church—www.theaterchurch.com

The Shakespeare Theatre Company—www.shakespearetheatre.org Shenandoah—www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/old_rag.htm

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Alum News “Measure our performance by what God accomplishes through our graduates after they have been prepared at Bethel to go out into the world to serve.”

—John Alexis Edgren, founder

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Joseph D. Brygger ’50, S’53 retired after 30 years of high school teaching and more than 50 years in ministry.

He still plays the piano each Sunday at Grace Baptist Church in Iron River, Wis. He’s lived in Lake Nebagamon, Wis., for more than 40 years.

Judy Anne (Hatfield) Gehm ’70 e-published a small-town mystery, Dead in Darien, available on many e-book reading sites including Amazon.com, Kindle, and iPad. Roeland Park, Kans.

Frederick Thomas ’55, S’58 made 16 trips to Indonesia during the past seven years to help train more than 100 national leaders for church planting, community development, and relationship building in Muslim areas, as well as to aid in volcano and tsunami disaster relief. Riverside, Calif.

60s Stan Miller ’65 wrote a children’s book, The Night Before Easter, published by Tate Publishing.

Douglas Carlson ’69 was appointed to the board of directors for Educational Concerns for Hunger Organization (ECHO). Carlson, an ophthalmologist, has offered his expertise through numerous missions to developing nations, and has worked toward opening clinics run by native physicians, experience that parallels ECHO’s goals to educate those striving to lessen the effects of hunger in the world.

Marilyn (Robinson) Jackson ’75 is an international award-winning mystery author. Her third novel, Sapphire Trails, was published this year.

Edina, Minn.

Donald DeJong ’76 wrote If These Oaks Could Only Speak, the fourth in a series of books about the lives of former Lowell, Mich., residents who are buried at the Oakwood Cemetery.

The first three books describe their lives, and the fourth guides readers on a tour of the cemetery’s history.

The book is available at the museum and cemetery in Lowell.

Jean Sodemann ’76, S’85 wrote PATHWAYS: A History of the Work of the Evangelical Alliance Mission in Pakistan 1972-1999. It was printed in Pakistan in late 2012.

80s Judy (Sumner) Williams ’82 has lived in Santa Barbara, Calif., for 30 years. She works in the kinesiology department at Westmont College.

Her husband Rich is self-employed as an audio engineer and consultant.

Their daughter Maylah entered junior high school this fall.

Bethel Magazine incorporates Alum News from all schools of Bethel University. (S) indicates news from Bethel Seminary alumni, (CAPS) indicates news from College of Adult & Professional Studies, and (GS) indicates news from Graduate School alumni. No indication is news from College of Arts & Sciences alumni.

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David Mitroff ’83 is head baseball coach at Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, Mich. He writes that he is “grateful for the teammates and coaches who always encouraged me to follow the Lord.”

Joy Skjegstad ’86 was elected to the board of directors of The Sheltering Arms Foundation, which funds nonprofit organizations and supports policies that benefit children and their families who have the least access to resources. Trustees are women members of the Episcopal Church in Minnesota. In addition to her involvement in Sheltering Arms, Skjegstad is an independent consultant and trainer focused on strategic planning, fundraising, board development, and coaching for leaders.

90s Phyllis Blair Milton S’95 is a Synodical Minister for Christian formation for the Virginia Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She has owned her own Christian education consulting ministry, presenting workshops on multisensory teaching and learning, and served as adjunct faculty, teaching practical ministry courses at the John Leland Center for Theological Studies. She is an approved candidate for call to ministry and is a member of Reformation Lutheran Church in Newport News, Va. She’s been married for 38 years to Chaplain Nathaniel Milton (Captain, USN, retired). They have two adult children and two granddaughters.

Vickie (Estrellado) Seim ’96 is the owner of Roseville Moms on the Run, Roseville, Minn.

Charles Luff S’97 is the command chaplain at Naval Air Station Whiting Field, Milton, Fla. Dayna (Anderson) Taylor ’98, S’05 is the events coordinator at Chris-

tians for Biblical Equality (CBE) in Minneapolis. She’s thrilled to serve there full time because she’s been connected with CBE since her seminary student days, volunteered there throughout the years, and is passionate about the work of gender justice.

Stewart Brown S’98 (D.Min.) is serving God in a speaking and teaching work called One Heart Ministries after serving as pastor of several churches. His newest book, Majesty in Motion: Creating an Encouragement Culture in All Your Relationships, won a Canadian Christian Writing Award. With a study guide at the end of each chapter, it is designed to challenge and inspire the average church member in developing an intentional Christ-like encouragement culture in marriage, family, church, neighborhood, and workplace relationships. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

00s Daisymay Rader S’01 is the associate teaching pastor at Jesus in the City Fellowship, Minneapolis, and minister of evangelism at New Hope Baptist Church.

Stan McFall S’06 (D.Min.) is the executive director of Transafrican Education Network (TEN). Previously he was senior pastor at Southtown Baptist Church, Bloomington, Minn., for 13 years. TEN is a faith-based organization in Minneapolis whose mission is to assist in the networking and foundational training of church leaders in Francophone Africa in consistent, biblical living, and in the making of disciples at the grass roots level.

Ryan Wahlund ’07 joined the law firm of Meagher & Geer as an associate attorney after graduating summa cum laude from William Mitchell College of Law in 2011 and completing a year-long clerkship at the Minnesota

Alum News Alums Featured in Vienna Exhibition

by Mark Van Dusseldorp ’14 The talents of a number of Bethel alumni are showcased in an art show titled “New.New York” at the Essl Museum in Vienna.

John Silvis ’92, associate professor of art and director of Bethel’s New York Center for Art & Media Studies (NYCAMS), curated the exhibition, and three other Bethel alums have artwork in the show, including Rico Gatson ’89, Reid Strelow ’07, and Sarah Lee ’12. Alli Peller ’07 is assistant to the curator, and NYCAMS Assistant Professor of Art Brent Dickinson is exhibiting a large-scale sculptural installation.

The exhibition features 19 emerging New York artists working in sculpture, video, installation, and many other mediums. The event began November 23 and runs through April 1, 2013.

Silvis met Essl Museum’s founders Agnes and Karlheinz Essl while living in Vienna as a child. After touring Brooklyn artists’ studios with Silvis in 2010, the Essls invited him to curate a show to introduce young New York artists to a Viennese audience as part of the museum’s “Emerging Artists” series. “I had total freedom,” Silvis says, “and came up with a concept of showing work that pushes the boundaries of the artists’ respective mediums, and transforms common materials into art objects.” He uses the phrase “material as medium” to summarize the show’s emphasis on reinterpreting mediums. Though there is no specific theme for the show, Silvis considers many of the artists to be drawing from Brooklyn culture and American history. “What is unique to Brooklyn,” he says in an Essl Museum interview, “is the idea of community, interconnectedness, and the sharing of resources.”

To learn more about Bethel’s New York Center for Art & Media Studies, visit nycams.bethel.edu

Court of Appeals working for Judge Kevin G. Ross. Shoreview, Minn.

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Heidi (Bredemeier) ’08 and her husband Jordan Luhman ’08 summited Mount Kilimanjaro on their second wedding anniversary in October 2011.

Dana Larmour GS’10 presented at the International Child & Adolescent Conference XVI in Minneapolis on the topic of empowering families to improve outcomes for children with emotional/behavioral disorders. Larmour teaches in the Eastern Carver County School District based in Chaska, Minn.

Michael Balonek GS’09 published a nonfiction children’s book, Our Daddy Is an Ethnomusicologist: Little Ones Look at Instruments from Around the World, available at Amazon.com. Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, India.

Bethany Mammenga GS’11 is director of operations at CityKid Java.

Roseville, Minn.

Danielle Ruberg ’11 is a GEAR UP advisor and the Lady Tigers assistant basketball coach. La Junta, Colo.

Aaron Tretter ’11 changed careers after nearly 10 years in technology sales. He now works for a commercial insurance agency helping small to medium-sized businesses manage their risk and attain their financial goals. Blaine, Minn.

Weddings ’63 Al Larson became a widower in 2009 when his wife Shirlee (Spoolstra) ’65 passed away suddenly. In March 2011, he married Kim Gautier. Larson has two daughters, one son, and 10 grandchildren, and his new wife has three sons and nine grandchildren. They now have the fun challenge of keeping up with the birthdays of all 19 grandchildren.

Larson gives leadership to Dangerous Man, a ministry of the Navigators. He also wrote The Making of a Dangerous Man. ’87 Danielle Lynne Fauth met Tad Demmon at Trout Lake Camp when they were 15; they lost touch after a year, but 29 years later they found each other via Facebook. A year later Demmon proposed and they were married. Fauth and her 10-year-old son, Aidan, and the family dog moved from Thousand Oaks, Calif., to Isanti, Minn., to begin their new life with Demmon and his two dogs. ’93 Sandi Hofer married Harold Baty in June. Her sister Stacy (Hofer) Nelson ’96 and college roommates Julie (Victorine) Stromberg ’93 and Rachel (Varghese) Young ’93 were attendants. College roommates Keri (McColley) Boer ’93 and Colleen (Hoy) Sahlas ’93 were soloists. Sandi is the director of the Northwestern College Child Development Center. ’05 Alissa Hallstrom married Joe Paul ’05 in February 2012. All their wedding participants were Bethel alumni. Joel Johnson ’80, S’86 officiated, and participants were Amber Gilchrist ’06, Karlynn Boyle ’05, Melinda Berg ’06, Chris Paul ’07, Mark Hallstrom ’07, and Matt Hallstrom ’12. Woodbury, Minn.

’05 Beth Olson married Jeff Halbach in August. They were “The Whirlwind Wedding Couple” selected by “Twin Cities Live,” a local TV program. Viewers voted on the wedding dress, flowers, cake, and food, and the couple won a wedding and honeymoon. Their ceremony at Bunker Hills Regional Park was broadcast live and may be viewed at twincitieslive.com/ article/stories/s2714980.shtml. ’09 Andrea Loecken married Peter Leafblad ’11 in April. New Haven, Conn. ’09 Ashley Peterson married Josh Erickson in September in Winona, Minn. Bethel alumni in the wedding party included Danelle (D’Aigle) Sebastian ’09 and Renee (Croatt) Stoffel ’09.

Ashley is the social media and communications coordinator at the Minnesota Association of Professional Employees. ’10 Carrie Augustine married David Fritzinger ’08 in July at Wayzata Free Church, Wayzata, Minn.

The wedding party included James Johnston ’08, Andrew Cureton ’08, Jaclyn Rainey ’10, Kelsey (Dooyema) Hendricks ’11, Kady (Wiggins) Flannery ’10, and Jenny (O’Neill) Schultz ’09. ’10 Kathryn Ann Goodoien married Ben Lucas in July. Rochester, Minn. ’10 Natalie Newgard married Gavin Johnson in July. Laurie (Butala) Jogensen ’10, Brenda Reinke ’10, and Ann (Solinger) Ridder ’10 were bridesmaids. Woodbury, Minn.

While Bethel strives for accuracy in all it does, we cannot be responsible for the content of news items submitted by alumni. The inclusion of news items here should not be construed as an endorsement of their content by Bethel Magazine or Bethel University.

Due to limited space and a growing number of Alum News submissions including photos, Bethel Magazine cannot guarantee submitted photos will be published with news.

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Alum News ’10 Melinda Wildes married Mark Visel ’11 in October. Lafayette, Colo.

Wis. Naomi Toenies ’11 was maid of honor and Michael Jarvis ’11 the photographer.

’11 Amber Wood married Jacob Widman in August in Eau Claire,

Bethel University

Homecoming 2013 October 4-6

Each year, Royal alumni come back home to catch up with friends, see what’s new, and celebrate a Bethel tradition. As part of Homecoming, join us for reunions for the classes of 2008 (5 year), 2003 (10 year), 1993 (20 year), 1983 (30 year), 1973 (40 year), 1963 (50 year), and 1958, 1953, 1948, 1943, and 1938 (Platinum). We look forward to seeing you this fall!

Find out more: bethel.edu/events/homecoming

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’00 Piyada was born December 2009 and adopted by Kelly (Gleeson) and Kyle Vlach S’04.

St. Paul, Minn. (1) ’00 Deliah Josephine was born in April to Angelina (Swentik) Kingstrom and Jason. Lonsdale, Minn. ’01 Crew Isaiah was born in May to Megan (Erickson) and Eric Johnson ’00. He joins sister Annika Kaye. Eric is director of finance and operations at Hope Academy, and Megan works in finance at General Mills. Plymouth, Minn. (2) ’01 Andrea Canning and Jonathan Worley were married in 2005 in Tempe, Ariz. After several moves they settled in Duncan, Okla., where Jonathan worked as an engineer for Halliburton.

On December 31, 2009, Andrea gave birth to twin boys

’01 Ty Benjamin was born December 2011 to Courtney (Bottazzi) and Chad Krupa ’99. He joins Cade, 2. Maple Grove, Minn. ’01 Noah Albert was born in February 2012 and adopted by Linnea (Betzler) Mirsch and Brian.

Duluth, Minn. (4) ’01 Evelyn May-Lai was born in December 2011 to Abby Walters and Brian Lam. Minneapolis, Minn. (5) ’02 Mason William was born to Kristi (Jensen) and Matthew Schonrock in August. Winnebago, Minn. ’02 Elliott Drew was born to Erica (Johnson) and Drew Whitson ’02 in April. He joins twin sisters Tirzah and Alayna, 4.

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three months early. Alexander weighed 1 lb. 6 oz. and spent three months in the NICU at OU Medical Center Children’s Hospital. Aiden “Lefty” was born into God’s loving arms weighing 1 lb. 1 oz. and was buried in Hendrum, Minn. Gilbert, Ariz.

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’00 Elijah Thomas was born in May to Melissa (Christof ferson) Brennan and Jarrod. He was welcomed by siblings Isaiah, Ella, and Noah. Byron, Minn.

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Alum News Owl City Drummer

by Nicole Finsaas ’14 For more than a year now, drummer Steve Goold ’02 has been making noise—quite a bit of it—with the popular Minneapolis-based band Owl City, most famous for its quadruple-platinum single “Fireflies” and more recently, the chart-topping “Good Time” featuring Carly Rae Jepson.

When the band’s previous drummer announced that he would be leaving the band at the end of 2011, Goold, who also serves as an adjunct instructor in Bethel’s music department, was asked to fill in. He didn’t expect it to be a long-term commitment, but after two shows, the band asked him to stay the rest of the year. He has since been on tour with Owl City, accompanying the popular bands Maroon 5 and Neon Trees.

Goold graduated from Bethel with a degree in biblical studies and a new depth to his faith. “My Bible professors played a pivotal role in shaping my understanding of what it means to follow Jesus,” he says. While a biblical studies degree doesn’t typically translate to a career as a pop band drummer, for Goold it all made sense. Music has always been his passion, but his faith has always been relevant too. “All five of us in the band are Christfollowers,” he says. “[On tour] we do devotions and prayer together each day.” Goold says Bethel challenged him to allow the Lord to permeate every part of his life. “I can’t decide that certain things are my job and certain things are my ministry,” he says. “My whole life is my ministry.”

’03 Luke William was born in May to Megan (Heuer) Scheidler and Bryan, who have been married for seven years. He joins Logan, 3. Altadena, Calif. (7) ’04 Tessa Marie was born in May to Katie (Leafblad) Schmidt and Ben. Bloomington, Minn. (8) ’05 Caleb Clark was born in May to Krista (Clark) and Eli Horn ’05.

Duluth, Minn. (9) ’05 Lucas Anthony was born in February 2012 to Dianna Gould (CAPS) and Ric. He joins siblings Marcus, 4, and Gesine, 1.

Brooklyn Park, Minn. (10) ’07 Erik Marwin was born in September to Felicia (Lindstedt) Wallin and Mike. He joins brother Caleb Daniel. (11) ’08 William Torrey Ahlbrecht III was born in July to Jessica (Kleeberger) Ahlbrecht (CAPS). Red Wing, Minn. (12) ’08 Jack Lloyd was born in August to Heidi (Bredemeier) and Jordan Luhmann ’08. Arden Hills, Minn. (13)

’09 Leah Eleanor was born in August to Kelli Jongekryg GS’09, S’10 and Eric. Andover, Minn. (14) ’12 MaeAnn was born in December to Jessica and Cole Herring (CAPS). Ewa Beach, Hawaii.

Deaths ’48 Carl O. “Cully” Olson (S) died December 17 in San Jose, Calif.

He was a pastor, evangelist, counselor, missionar y, and district secretary in the Baptist General Conference during a ministry that spanned more than 50 years. He is survived by his wife Ruth; three children; five grandchildren; and six greatgrandchildren. ’49 Walton Johnson (S), age 93, died in September. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II and pastored Baptist General Conference churches in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa. He retired in 1983, and over the next 20 years served as

interim pastor of 14 churches, including two years as a visitation pastor at his home church, Bayside Baptist, in Superior, Wis. His first wife Eunice preceded him in death. He is survived by his second wife, Marit, and her three sons; his children, Vern (Karen) Johnson ’76, Dale (Debbie) Johnson ’78, Paul (Marcia Dischinger ’79) Johnson ’80, Lois (Doug) Ackley; 20 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. ’50 Marceline “Marcy” (Nelson) Hendrickson, age 84, of San Diego, died in March 2012 of Lou Gehrig’s disease. During college, she married Lowell Hendrickson ’50, S’54. She enjoyed a career in financial aid at Nyack College, Wheaton College, and Point Loma Nazarene University. She was predeceased by her daughter Debra Lee Hines ’73 in 2003. She is survived by Lowell, her husband of 62 years; daughter Karna Sue Tanis (William Jr.); and a granddaughter and grandson.

’60 James VanDrunen died in September. He taught English for 30 years in the Minneapolis public schools, and also taught English as a foreign language in Moscow and Minneapolis. His love of travel drew him to more than a dozen countries—most notably a 1972 trip across then-communist Russia via the Siberian Railroad. He had a lifelong interest in the 1871 Peshtigo, Wis., fire; at the time of his death he was working on a young reader novel about this event. He is survived by his wife of 56 years Nancy (Allen) ’56; daughter Karla; and son-in-law Fred. ’90 Robert T. Wenz (S), age 62, died in Colorado Springs in May after a long battle with lung disease. He earned a B.A. and M.A. in speech communication from Arizona State University, an M.A. in religion from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, and a D.Min. from Bethel Seminary. He served churches in Michigan, New York, California, and Maryland, and developed an international teaching and training ministry for national church pastors, serving in nearly 40 countries. He served as an active board member and vice president for the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE) and held ministerial credentials with the Christian & Missionary Alliance and the CCCC. Wenz developed a teaching, training, and coaching ministry for churches and pastors, and served as a consultant for such organizations as Ravi Zacharias International Ministries, the Association of Gospel Rescue Missions, and PastorSERVE. He also taught courses in biblical studies, church history, preaching, and apologetics at the King’s College and Seminary, Colorado Springs, and was adjunct professor of philosophy at Pikes Peak Community College.

He wrote several books and regularly contributed to Christianity Today, aLife, and other publications. He is survived by Suellen, his wife of 35 years; son Andrew; daughter Lauren Hardy (Jason); a granddaughter; and three brothers and a sister.

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photo by Barb Barnes

“We had amazing opportunities to observe some of the most beautiful wild animals in God’s creation. Looking toward the distant edge of the Rift Valley, we came upon this multigenerational herd of elephants, a typical view on the plains of Mara.”

Bethel students weren’t the only ones traveling abroad this winter. In December, President Jay and Barb Barnes visited Nairobi, Kenya, for meetings of the Governing Council of Daystar University, a longtime Bethel University partner and study abroad site. Barb captured this image during a photo safari on the open plains of the Maasai Mara in southern Kenya along the Tanzanian border.