content for the christian college student
The
WORSHIP
Issue: music > Through Through service As a way of life
Issue 2 | Sept-Oct 11 | $2.99
Hipster glasses aside, we hope this makes things clear.
That’s what the New Living Translation is meant for – to make the truth clear. The NLT was created by Bible scholars specifically for a younger crowd of readers. It goes beyond literal translation, driving home the original meaning of the text in conversational English. Visit newlivingtranslation.com to learn more.
PSNCS
first word
Notes from the editor’s desk
W
elcome to the second issue of Personics magazine, where our goal is to help you, the Indiana Christian college student, live your life for Christ. As a fellow college student, I know how tough it is to live radically for the Gospel. You’re torn between school, work, friends and organizations. You’re up to your neck in busyness, barely treading water, all the time. You hardly have time to eat. Yeah. We’re all with you. But Jesus didn’t call us to squeeze a little of Him in when we can. He calls us to make Him the epicenter of ourselves, the hinge on which everything hangs, the standard that defines every detail. And when we can reach that – which we can do only through His help and grace – we truly find the joy and peace He talks about in John 15:11: “I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!” (NLT). So. Stressed-out, forgotten, unsatisfied? I’ve been there, too. This issue is about turning from ourselves and looking up. Lifting our eyes, our perspectives, to Him in worship. Whether it’s through musical worship like the Ball State guys on page 10, or through service like the leading lady on page 20, or through digital evangelism like the thinkers on page 18, we are to worship the King in all we do. And doing so not only brings Him glory – it brings us satisfaction. This is my prayer for you – that wherever you are, whether waiting for class, staring at the ceiling of your dorm room or walking through campus, you open your heart to the love of Christ, and that leads you to worship Him, the Savior of your soul. p
content for the christian college student Personics magazine
// September-October 2011, Issue 2 Editor-in-chief | Jessica Smith // jessica@personics.com Managing Editor | Patrick Alyea // patrick@personics.com Copy Editor | Leanne Fabellar // leanne@personics.com Associate Editor | Diana Neff // diana@personics.com Editorial Assistant | Mollie Baumann // mollie@personics.com Senior Designer | Jessica Smith // jessica@personics.com Senior Web Designer | Kim Smith // kim@personics.com Web Developer | Josh Smith // josh@personics.com Design Advisor | Pam Farmen // pam@personics.com Chief Photographer | Kaitlyn Meeks // kaitlyn@personics.com Chief Revenue Officer | Jeff Smith // jeff@personics.com Marketing Director | Jodi Smith // jodi@personics.com Comic Relief | Jonathan Smith // jonathan@personics.com Comic Relief | Amy Wilson // amy@personics.com Inspiration | Andrea Tordi // andrea@personics.com Encouragement | Deirdre Nolan // deirdre@personics.com
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Personics issue #2 September/October 2011 (ISSN: J316-A2024) is published 6 times a year in January, March, May, July, September and November for $2.99 per year by Personics Media, Art and Journalism Building, Ball State University, Muncie, IN 47303. Periodicals postage paid at Muncie, Ind., and at additional mailing offices.
p
Media
Art and Journalism Building Ball State University Muncie, IN 47303 2
personics // sept-oct 11
www.personics.com
PSNCS
contents
MUSIC 8
Fall Concert Calendar Take a road trip to these close-by worship events
9 The Haps than Music 10 More Four Ball State University
worship leaders share what it means to worship
16
MEDIA
14 15
10 // 18 4
personics // sept-oct 11
Snapshots Reading the Old Testament
A strategy for understanding the Law and the Prophets
16
Social Media Ministry
17
PSNCS Picks
Facebooking for faith and blogging for blessings The best of this month’s books and videos
MOTION
18
Running the Race
26
Last Thought
One Ball State University student has her eyes on a heavenly finish line
www.personics.com
PSNCS
feedback
feedback@personics.com | facebook.com/personics July/August 2011 content for the christian college student
Making the most of
SUMMER MINISTRY Issue 1 | July-Aug 11 | $2.99
SUMMER MINISTRY In the past, I’ve made excuses for my summer – I have to work, or I want to spend time at home with family, or I’m not equipped to do ministry. Your perspective in “Making the Most of Your Summer” helped me open my heart to God’s calling for me this summer. I went on a short-term mission project in Haiti, and my life has changed for good. I came back exhilarated not only with my personal growth, but also with the satisfaction of serving others. I returned to the U.S. only eager to do more. I now see God’s heart for the nations, and I will never again spend my summer in college on myself. There’s so much more out there than returning to your hometown to work. – Jacob White // Muncie, Ind.
While’s it’s hard to give up your summer for God, I’ve experienced such growth in doing so that I can’t imagine spending my summers any other way now. This is my second summer abroad doing mission work in Haiti. Thanks for the article and helping me open my heart to summer missions.
Thanks for the summer movie guide. It helps to have an idea about what’s in a movie. I’ve been convicted about what I watch lately, and I want my entertainment to glorify God and point me toward Him. I think as Christians, we need to be aware of what we’re watching and listening to.
– Andrea Fillmore // West Lafayette, Ind.
– Stephanie Brobison // Greenfield, Ind.
My girlfriend and I are in a long-distance relationship over the summer, even though we go to school together. While it’s tough at times, your article had some great ideas on encouraging each other toward Christ despite the distance. You’re right – when you’re in love with Jesus and your relationship is glorifying to Him, miles don’t matter. I would add that praying together is another key.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for the fresh perspective on modesty. I’m sick of hearing how girls should only dress modestly because of our Christian brothers – not that that’s a bad thing, but the real heart issue is still unaddressed. Girls should dress modestly because they respect themselves and want to honor God. And guys should encourage that motivation by going beyond the age-old ‘honor your Christian brothers’ reasoning by encouraging women to respect themselves as well as men.
– Robert Smith // Indianapolis, Ind. If a relationship isn’t working just because of short-term long distance, then you really have to consider if it’s right before God. Is your relationship bringing you closer to Him or dragging you away? I’ve struggled with this issue in the past. Listen to what the Holy Spirit is telling you. – Jeremy Stetson // Crown Point, Ind. 6
personics // sept-oct 11
– Annie Neal // Louisville, Ky. By using the constant refrain, “Honor your Christian brothers,” as the only reason for dressing modestly, the Church is doing just what the mainstream culture is doing: objectifying women.
Christian cooking and grilling? Only you, Personics. Your magazine helps keep me from compartmentalizing my faith, and instead helps me let the Spirit saturate my entire life. I pass each issue on to my Bible study, and the tools and resources you provide have helped us all in our walks with God. Thanks for your message. – McKenzie Pennington // Avon, Ind. Good ideas for summer grilling. I tried the grilled corn on the cob – awesome. Even eating healthily is something we can do to the glory of the Lord. – Mike Fitzgerald // Greenwood, Ind.
Got something to say? Personics wants to hear it. Write to us at Art and Journalism Building, Ball State University, Muncie, IN 47303. Email us at feedback@personics.com or leave us a comment at www. personics.com.
– Monica Stephens // Evansville, Ind. www.personics.com
As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace. 1 Peter 4:10
The Bible says we all have our own gifts and talents given to us by God. Crossroads Bible College, located nearby in Indianapolis, can help you hone your gifts into something that extends beyond this earthly realm – into eternity. Apply online today for your accredited online degree or traditional on-campus study.
601 North Shortridge Road Indianapolis, IN 46219 (317) 352-8736 www.crossroads.edu
MUSIC \\
FALL CONCERT CALENDAR 10/1: Switchfoot with Anberlin
Centennial Chapel Olivet Nazarene University Bourbonnais, Ill. Also playing 10/2 at Northern Illinois University Convocation Center Dekalb, Ill.
10/20: The Leaving Eden Tour, Brandon Heath with Britt Nicole Community Reformed Church Lansing, Mich.
11/11: Fearless Tour, Phillips, Craig and Dean First Assembly of God Fort Wayne, Ind.
9/21: Make Your Move Tour, Third Day with Tenth Avenue North
10/30: The Awake & Alive Tour, Skillet with Disciple
Purdue University West Lafayette, Ind.
Emens Auditorium Ball State University Muncie, Ind.
11/2: If Our God Is For Us Tour, Chris Tomlin with Louie Giglio Northview Church Carmel, Ind.
11/30: TobyMac Unplugged Tour, TobyMac with Jamie Grace
Christian Fellowship Church Evansville, Ind.
8
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11/9: All Things Bright and Beautiful Tour, Owl City with Days Difference Expo Five Louisville, Ky.
www.personics.com
// MUSIC PSNCS
the haps
What’s going on in today’s Christian music ESPN and multiplatinum rock band Switchfoot have teamed up to celebrate with millions of college football fans for the debut of five songs from Switchfoot’s new album, “Vice Verses.” ESPN will debut the songs from new album during this Saturday’s Oklahoma at Florida State game on ABC’s Saturday Night Football at 8 p.m. ET.
10/6: The Rehab Tour, Lecrae with Trip Lee Newport Music Hall Columbus, Ohio
11/5: Come to the Well Tour, Casting Crowns with Sanctus Reel
Bank of Kentucky Center Highland Heights, Ky.
PERSONICS MAGAZINE
Eight-time GMA Dove Award nominee Matt Maher heads out on a coast-to-coast fall headlining tour, visiting more than 25 cities through late October. “The Love In Between” tour is named after Maher’s forthcoming Sept. 20 studio release, and his hit debut single, “Turn Around,” is currently impacting Christian radio. Gungor recently announced a pair of limited events in support of their newest album, “Ghosts Upon the Earth,” due Sept. 20. The “Ghosts Upon the Earth Events” will take place at Atlanta’s famed Center Stage on September 21 and at Nashville’s Trevecca University on September 23. Next, the group will be touring over 30 major markets this fall for “The 7 Tour.” At the beginning of his third album, “All Things Bright and Beautiful,” Adam Young (aka Owl City) sings, “Reality is a lovely place, but I wouldn’t want to live there.” And the set certainly resides in a different kind of pop universe. With eclectic electronica and soft harmonies, “All Things Bright and Beautiful” has made a splash since its release in May.
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9
Members of the Ball State University Cru worship team lead students in song every Thursday night.
10
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// MUSIC
worship
- n. to show reverence and adoration for Four Ball State University worship leaders share what it means to worship // Photos by Kaitlyn Meeks
// Matt Novak, senior Acoustic guitar, vocals
T
o understand what worship means to me, I have to define what worship is. Worship is rendering unto God the glory he rightly deserves in response to who God is, what he has done, and by faith what he will do. So what does this mean to me? It should mean that I am not my own, but belong to God – first because he gave me physical life, and second because he gave me spiritual life. I am doubly his. In contrast to God, music isn’t as objective. There are certain facts we can assert about God, but there isn’t much we can assert as fact with music. I could despise one genre of music, and my best friend could adore it, or vice versa. There is something about music that is innately beautiful. We might not agree on what that is, but everyone is drawn to some form of music. Something that God and music have in common is the relevancy to everyone throughout history, because anyone who has ever lived was created by God, and I’m sure Adam and Eve were exposed to the whistling of birds or even took part in it themselves. I got involved with music because I found it attractive and it essentially drew me to itself, and God also drew me to himself. His attractiveness has grown in me over time and is still growing. Matt Novak, a senior animation major, leads the 2011 Ball State Cru worship team. It’s his responsibility to choose what songs are played each week, from hymns to contemporary Christian songs. PERSONICS MAGAZINE
personics // sept-oct 11
11
// Matt Nichols, senior Drums
W
orship is our response to the object of our praise. In this case it’s about Jesus. We can worship in many different ways, through work, through creating things, through admiration of God’s character, or merely in a choked position of awe before the Lord. One way to worship is through music. Music to me is a picture of perfection, a conglomeration of harmony, rhythm, time, tambours and sounds, which are ordered or created around a theme. It is a picture of God’s creation of the universe, ordered by laws and composed through variations, based around the theme of Jesus. I’ve grown up around music; my grandfather was a singer, my father a drummer and myself a drummer. It’s in my genes to feel the beat, respond to it and play along with music. When I was saved, an obvious window of service opened up playing in the worship band. It made sense; God gave me these gifts and talents so that I can praise and worship Him. Musical worship is the overflow of our joy and satisfaction in God and His character. Matt Nichols became a Christian after he began attending the Bible study in his Fiji fraternity. Brandon Buller, now his fellow bassist, led the study.
// Brandon Buller, senior Bass, Viola
W
orship is a much broader act than most people might think. Worship is not simply a time when we bow our knees and pray to God and exalt him audibly. I’d say worship is a more constant mind frame. We worship God when we study and do our best on tests in school, or when we go the extra mile at work for a boss who perhaps did something to lose your respect. Corporate worship is a more focused time when people gather together to proclaim the goodness, holiness, and grace of the Lord. We shouldn’t think of our worship as having a beginning or an end in time. We worship in how we live. Music allows us to get very emotionally attached to God’s Holy Spirit as we worship, and that is a great experience. It is humbling to be part of the connection between God and His people, and I think that’s why I am a part of the worship team. 12
personics // sept-oct 11
Brandon Buller has been a part of the Cru worship team for nearly five years. He also sometimes leads worship at his church, playing bass and viola. www.personics.com
// MUSIC
“Music is
a picture of God’s creation of the universe,
ordered by laws and composed through variations,
based around the theme of
Jesus.” – Matt Nichols
// Amos Shroll, junior Electric guitar, vocals
W
orship is about the love and relationship we share with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We choose to praise and honor God with our words and actions because of what He did on the cross. Worship is all about expressing our love, gratefulness, and wonder for Christ’s unfailing love for us, and it takes on whatever form that allows us to express this thankfulness. Often times it is associated with the performing arts, and more particularly music, which I think is due to the relativity of music. Music allows individuals an avenue to connect with God on a personal level, and everyone can relate with music to some degree. Rather, however, worship translates into whatever allows us to express this thankfulness to Him. We worship when we sing and dance with our fellow believers, but we also worship when we care for our family and friends, or serve others. We worship in all aspects, in both the great and the mundane. We do all things for the glory of the Lord which provides meaning and direction for our lives, and that is what true worship is all about. We take the focus off of ourselves and place it onto God because of His great love for us. p Amos Shroll spends about as much time practicing and leading worship a week as other students do working jobs. He spends hours dynamically adding to worship music on electric or acoustic guitar or on vocals.
PERSONICS MAGAZINE
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MEDIA \\ PSNCS
snapshots
What Christians need to know about what’s happening in the world
Clergy excluded from 9/11 event // Bridget Jackson
New York City – Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg has come under attack by some religious and political leaders for not including clergy members as speakers at Sunday’s official ceremony at Ground Zero on the 10th anniversary of the attacks. Richard D. Land, president of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, which is the public policy arm of the Southern Baptist Convention, said in an interview that the planned ceremony only proved that New York was the “epicenter of secularism,” out of step with the rest of America. “Mr. Bloomberg is pretending we’re a secular society, and we are not,” he said. Congressman Randy Forbes, a Republican representative from Virginia and a cochairman of the Congressional Prayer Caucus, sent Mr. Bloomberg a letter on behalf of the caucus members urging him to include prayer in the ceremony.
New studies show the landscape might be shifting with regards to legalizing gay marriage. Here’s what they found:
53 %
of Americans support the legalization of gay marriage
56 %
of Roman Catholics support legalization
60 %
of Americans under age 50 support legalization
74 %
of white evangelicals oppose the legalization of gay marriage
of mainline Protestants support legalization
14
55 %
personics // sept-oct 11
Angry God, Good People
Study finds view of God influences decision to cheat // Bridget Jackson Some people won’t cheat because God says not to – but other people will because they know He’ll forgive them. A new study called “Mean Gods Make Good People: Different Views of God Predict Cheating Behavior” says there aren’t too many notable ethical differences between believers and non-believers. However, among those who profess faith in the Big Guy, behaviors and attitudes are greatly influenced by how the individual views the object of their belief. For example, if one sees God as an angry judge, they’re less likely to cheat. But if one sees Him as gracious and loving, they’re more likely to bend the rules and bank on forgiveness. “The take-home message is not whether you believe in God, but what God you be-
lieve in,” said Azim Shariff, a University of Oregon psychologist who worked on the study. Research involved experimenting with 100 undergraduates taking a math test. The students were told about a “computer glitch” that would soon show them the correct answers – unless they opted out by pressing the space bar immediately. In addition, students were also given a survey about the details of their personal faith perspectives. In the end, those who associate a deity with compassion were more likely to peek at the correct answers. While one experiment can hardly define the morality or behavior of all believers, scientific research is becoming an increasingly important component of ethical debate. “It provides a powerful tool to study what is a powerful force in the world,” Shariff said. “It is only now that is has become a sexy topic.” www.personics.com
// MEDIA
Reading the
Old Testament
Reading the Old Testament loses a lot of us. Here’s a strategy for understanding the Law and the Prophets // Jessica Smith We say the Old Testament is important. We know it has to be, or else it wouldn’t be included in the Bible. But when it comes to reading it and gleaning anything from it, we get confused, bored or frustrated. With patience and help, I’ve finally grown to love and appreciate the Old Testament. Where I once thought that the God of the Old Testament was wrathful and harsh, I now see the loving but just God of the New Testament. I now see how He used ordinary people to draw Israel back to Himself and ultimately saved humanity through Jesus. After all, the Bible is one cohesive story: God reconciling His people to Himself through Jesus. I started by looking for three things as I read the Old Testament. The first is God’s holy and loving standards. God put the Law in place to benefit the Israelites. He told them over and over again to keep His commandments for their own good and toward their own blessing. The second thing to look for is human-
ity’s brokenness. Even though God’s commandments were good, the Israelites constantly turned away from Him, didn’t trust Him, worshiped idols before Him. It’s easy to dismiss the Israelites as idiots, but here I also see my own sinful self. The stories of idol worship and resulting destruction hit home for me as I realize I, too, turn away from God, chase selfish ambitions and try to rule myself, all toward my own dissatisfaction and destruction. I start the see the Israelites’ – and my own – need for a Savior. The third thing to look for is the promise of Jesus. That’s right – Jesus is all over the Old Testament. From the prophecy of one who will crush Satan’s head in Genesis 3 to the clear picture of the Messiah’s crucifixion in Psalm 22, God’s plan to send His Son is plainly seen. When I reflect on these three key points, the Old Testament starts to make much more sense. And with more understanding of the Old Testament comes a fresh understanding of the New Testament: We see how Jesus perfectly fulfilled the Law and how only He could be our Savior.
“The Bible is one cohesive story: God reconciling His people to Himself.”
PERSONICS MAGAZINE
NAVIGATING THE OLD TESTAMENT
The first five books are the books of law - Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. When you’re reading these books, look at how God’s justice and love are portrayed. Think about how the Law is beneficial to the Israelites. And see your own brokenness in comparison to the Law and your need for a Savior. When reading Psalms and Proverbs, notice the emotion and wisdom of the writing. Try praying the Psalms to God. And there are about 30 chapters in Proverbs, so you can read one each day of the month. A Bible handbook or commentary is helpful when reading the books of prophecy. Try searching for commentary online if you don’t have a printed one handy. The book of Job is one of the oldest books of the Old Testament. Pay attention to the display of God’s glory in His creation. personics // sept-oct 11
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MEDIA \\
Social Media and Faith
// Merry Brandybuck
For the Christian, social media sites can be an enormously productive mission field. Reconnecting with old friends and increasing our sphere of influence can lead to evangelistic opportunities unavailable elsewhere. Social media allows us to reenter the daily lives of people we may have lost contact with and open up new avenues for sharing Christ. As such, we can influence the views of others by what we post, bringing encouragement and spiritual guidance to others and using friends lists or Facebook status updates to pray regularly for friends and their needs. As Hebrews 10:24-25 says, “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Finally, social networking sites can engage spiritual seekers on the Internet, meeting those seekers where they are. Just like face-to-face evangelism, we can establish credibility and authenticity in the seeker’s natural and comfortable environment, and then build on that foundation and share the love of Christ with new online friends. By contrast, it’s important to remember that in everything we do, we are to glorify God. Especially if we call ourselves Christians on our profiles, we need to ensure our status updates, comments and photos are bringing glory to Jesus, not trashing His name or confusing others about how Christians should act. That means respecting others and loving them as Jesus does.
The Ministry of Blogging
Between school and work, more and more college students are sharing their thoughts and stories online // Jessica Smith With content management systems such as Wordpress and Tumblr popping up like weeds across cyberspace, it’s easier than ever to start a blog. And between studying and working, many college students are doing just that. Part online journal, part social media experience and part evangelistic opportunity, blogging gives students a chance to express their thoughts, share what they’re learning and connect with others. “I only blog every couple weeks or so, but I do it to share what I’m learning about God with others,” said Leanne Fabellar, a senior at Ball State University. “When I went to Honduras on a mission trip this summer, I blogged and posted pictures to stay connected to my family and friends but also to document what God was teaching me.” Done right, blogging can be an exceptional evangelism tool, reaching young unbeliev-
Which blog site is best? Wordpress, one of the first CMS programs, has hundreds of themes to choose from and a sophisticated dashboard to control and customize your blog. 16
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ers right where they are. But what bloggers have to remember is that a blog isn’t a journal – it’s a public forum, and the Internet can be cruel to vulnerability. “You have to remember who might be following you – there’s your friends at school, but there could also be your grandma and maybe a professor or pastor,” Fabellar said. As with all social media, be smart, be safe and think before you post. But recall too that vulnerability and honesty can be powerful testaments to your faith. Sharing your fears, struggles and praises lend credibility to the Spirit’s work in your life. In a society of fake – from spray tans to madeup online personalities – real testimonies shine and attract. As in everything, a Christian’s blog should be honoring to the name of Jesus. But make it fun, make it you and give the glory to God.
A quick look at three top content management systems Blogger, powered by Google, allows you full access to each template’s HTML code. If you’re not a coder, it also has highly customizable elements within the template editor.
Tumblr is built for microblogging, with fast, easy buttons to quickly post a photo, video, link or quote. If you’re not big on multimedia or HTML, this CMS program is for you. www.personics.com
// MEDIA PSNCS
featured book
// Peregrin Took
David Platt’s Radical came onto the scene with its urgent message for Christians to take back their lives and faith from the American Dream. Now, in “Radical Together: Unleashing the People of God for the Purpose of God,” Platt expands on the message of his first book as he calls Christians to unite around the mission of the church: making disciples. After reading “Radical Together,” I was left feeling inspired and challenged. Here’s a convicting excerpt: “This is a much-needed reminder for all of us, as it’s a vision we’ve sadly lost in our culture. We’ve tried desperately to make God’s work in creation about us, instead of about Him. And because of it, what we are left with is deeply unsatisfying. God exalts God. If this rubs us wrong in any way, we should ask the follow-up question: ‘Who else would we have Him exalt?’ For at the very moment God exalts anyone or anything else, He is no longer the God who is worthy of all exaltation. Everything God does, even the salvation of His people, ultimately centers around God, for He is worthy of all praise from all peoples” (p. 114).
MORE RECOMMENDED BOOKS Are you committed to Jesus? Or, given the choice, would you rather “like” Him on Facebook and leave it at that? Kyle Idleman takes a look at the difference between a devoted follower of Christ and a fan who admires from afar. You might say Chuck Colson’s “The Faith” covers the basics – but it does much more, delving deep into how we got the Bible, archeological evidence for Christianity, church history and why Christians can be confident in what they believe. PERSONICS MAGAZINE
CLICKONTHIS
The best online media with a message
G.O.S.P.E.L. by Propaganda http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MOaIdLA5bN8&feature=related
This video uses the word “Gospel” as an acronym to explain, in beat poetry, the story of salvation. Perfect for explaining the Gospel to a nonbeliever in an easily comprehensive way. personics // sept-oct 11
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Diana Neff of Ball State University in Muncie, Ind., became a Christian in fall 2010. Her passion for Jesus led her to found Cardinal Outreach Team, a small but high-impact group of students who reach out in Christlike service to Muncie. 18
personics // sept-oct 11
www.personics.com
RACE
RUNNING THE
Junior Diana Neff is living to serve with her eyes set on a heavenly finish line
// Jessica Smith // Photos by Kaitlyn Meeks
PERSONICS MAGAZINE
I
n October 2010, Diana Neff sprinted through the Chicago finish line after running 26.2 miles. Exhilarated and exhausted, she stopped, gasping for breath, hands on knees, sweat dripping. But Diana is still running. It’s a different race now – one that doesn’t end on Earth. When she gave her life to Christ, He taught her how to run His race: “No, dear brothers, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead. I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.” –Philippians 3:13-14 (NLT). The results of His training made Diana a new person – and her joy overflowed into starting Cardinal Outreach Team, a Ball State University student organization dedicated to helping the poor of Muncie, Ind. She took the promise He’d given her and ran with it.
personics // sept-oct 11
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POVERTY IN INDIANA We know that as Christians, we’re supposed to help the poor. But what many students might not realize is the amount of need in Indiana. The graphic takes a look at the poverty rates of our own Hoosier State. You might be surprised at the need in your school’s area – or in your hometown.
Poverty by County Unemployment (annual rate)
10.2% Poverty Rate (2009)
14.4% Poverty Rate for under-18s (2009)
19.9% Food Stamp Recipients (2010)
12.8% Sources: http://www.stats.indiana.edu/profile, http://indianapublicmedia.org/news/archives/2011/8/ 20
personics // sept-oct 11
www.personics.com
Unsatisfied
“I just felt so
fulfilled.
Everything
suddenly made sense.”
– Diana Neff
Diana, 20, grew up in a home that claimed to be Christian. She went to church on Christmas and Easter. She spent her Lowell, Ind., nights playing soccer and hanging out with her family. “I believed in God,” she said. “But I never was fully convinced about Jesus.” Her parents divorced when she was 5, and her mother remarried when she was 7. Her real father seemed to drop out of her life, except to occasionally call and say he’d changed. To which she’d hang up, burning in frustration. In high school, she started partying on the weekends, following her non-Christian friends toward alcohol and shallow relationships. Her senior boyfriend cheated on her twice and continued to send her drunken texts after they broke up. She applied to Ball State University partly just to get away from him. After arriving at Ball State, she continued the feel-good cycle: Party. Drink. Dance. Repeat. “I kept waking up on Sundays just not feeling myself, not feeling right,” Diana said. “I knew I was raised to act more respectfully of myself. I just kind of thought that’s what all college kids do and that’s what would give me satisfaction. I never felt like it fully completed me, though.” The feeling of dissatisfaction haunted her through the spring of her freshman year. “I just kept burying myself in this hole because I couldn’t figure out why I was feeling so empty and hollow,” she said.
In Training
Diana ran in the Chicago marathon in October 2010. She says she can easily relate her walk with God to running.
Diana had gained weight from her self-proclaimed “drinking and pizza diet,” and being someone who’s always considered exercise important, she pledged to lose the extra pounds. To encourage herself, she started running to train for the Soldier Field 10 Mile race in Chicago in May. As she trained, something clicked in the touch of shoe to ground. She signed up for a June half marathon. Then she signed up for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, which would take place in early October, with her stepdad. As she began training seriously with longer and longer runs, she had less time for partying. Fewer calories to give toward alcohol. It was as if each step of her training carried her further away from the life she’d grown unhappy with. Diana had gone to church in Muncie
on holidays, mostly to escape the guilt and emptiness she was feeling. But that spring of 2010, she started going every Sunday, even though she went alone. “I noticed that every time I left church, I just felt a little bit better, a little bit happier, even though I didn’t really realize what they were talking about or fully understand it,” Diana said. “I just knew that it gave me a good feeling leaving, so I continued to go.” The school year ended, and Diana went back to Lowell for the summer, where she stuck to her guns. She worked long hours. She started growing apart from her old friends. And she kept running. “I just started to clean out my lifestyle,” she said. “I came back my sophomore year and knew I wanted something different than how I started my freshman year.”
Breaking Point
Back at Ball State in the fall, Diana got a job working at the Ball State Student Recreation and Wellness Center. One day at work, she got into a conversation with a woman who’d come to play racquetball. Bridget Hedinger, 29, also happened to be a staff member of Cru, the largest Christian organization on campus. Her position soon came up in the conversation. “What’s Cru?” Diana had asked. “Oh, you don’t know about Cru?” Bridget said. She explained that Cru was a community of Christian students seeking to know Jesus, and she invited Diana to the next meeting. “She said to me, ‘You need to come find me afterwards,” Diana said. “It was nice to finally have someone invite me and be like, they wanted to see me there. No one had invited me to stuff on campus that really longed for me to come up and talk to them.” Diana went to Cru that Thursday, albeit late for working that night. “I was really shocked [Diana came],” Bridget said. “Most people don’t, especially by themselves and 45 minutes late. I knew there was something different about her. There really was genuine desire to grow and change. I knew the Lord was doing something in her heart.” In a matter of weeks, Bridget set Diana up with a small group Bible study leader, who agreed to meet Diana to tell her more about getting involved with Cru. By the end of that conversation in late September, Diana had accepted Jesus Christ into her heart. “I just felt so fulfilled,” she said. “Everything suddenly made sense.”
In Full Sprint
Diana soon got involved with a weekly Cru Bible study and immersed herself in Christian community. personics // sept-oct 11
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Diana talks to a Muncie resident during a Cardinal Outreach Team event in September 2011. For the outreach, members of COT gave away free food and bottled water in a local Muncie park and started conversations with Muncie locals. Nearly all Muncie residents said they wanted more after-school activities for children to keep them out of trouble. // Kaitlyn Meeks
took her life over by storm,” Bridget said. “She was instantly wanting to grow, wanting to learn. I think she had the desire before that it’s not just about going to church but about having a relationship with Him.” As the trees began to shed their leaves, Diana slowly shed her old life. October came quickly, and soon enough, she had finished her marathon in Chicago. But she continued sprinting ahead in her Christian race. “I had purpose and direction now,” Diana said. “Before I was just endlessly fighting in the world to find my place and figure out how I fit in. All of a sudden I realized it’s Christ that defines me. That’s who I belong to and that’s who shapes my life.” That knowledge spurred Diana to reach out to others. Attending Cru’s winter conference, IndyCC, in December showed her the practical need of the urban poor. One of the days of the four-day conference was the day of outreach, where students took boxes of food to the homes of Indianapolis’ poor and initiated spiritual conversations. “I recognized that there was a lot of need in Indy, but while we were going around, I don’t think anyone realized we have that same need in Muncie,” Diana said. According to 2010 Census data, Muncie’s unemployment rate is 10 percent, and 22
personics // sept-oct 11
Diana and her father display their medals from the 2010 Chicago marathon. Training for the race was one thing that helped Diana evoke change in her life – change that ultimately led to the founding of COT. // Courtesy Diana Neff
21.3 percent of people in Muncie live below the poverty line. That’s around one in five. According to an article on CNN Money, Muncie had the second-lowest average in-
come of any city in the nation with more than 65,000 people in 2007. Muncie’s average income fell at $25,859. And more than 1,200 Muncie families live in governmentwww.personics.com
“When you know
how much you were given through Jesus and you’re able to
show that to someone else, it’s an awesome feeling.”
– Diana Neff
PERSONICS MAGAZINE
personics // sept-oct 11
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Diana and three students at Northside Middle School eat lunch together every Thursday as part of COT’s mentoring and tutoring outreach. After hearing Muncie adults express a desire for more after-school activities for their children, Diana and the members of COT worked with teachers to set up the mentoring outreach at Northside, which is a short walk from campus. Diana hopes to start an after-school Bible club in the spring semester. // Patrick Alyea
funded housing, according to the Muncie Housing Authority website. Meanwhile, Ball State University houses at least 20 different Christian student organizations. Cru, the largest, claims more than 400 members. As Diana asked, “If you take all the Christians off Ball State’s campus, would Muncie even know a difference?” The discrepancy between the concentration of young Christians at Ball State and the significant need in Muncie contributed to Diana’s idea, she said. During her running workouts, she had jogged around the south side of Muncie more than most – and she’d seen firsthand the rundown buildings, the cracked sidewalks and the low-income families who lived there. “I came back and that just did not leave my heart,” Diana said. “I prayed about it and I just kept feeling like, ‘OK, this is something that we need to see happen in Muncie.’” After seeking advice from Christian friends on her idea, Diana sent an email to about 30 students, mostly friends in Cru. Sev24
personics // sept-oct 11
en showed up to the first meeting in February. Once she demonstrated the need for Christian service in Muncie, most of the students who came were eager to help. “There was kind of a shock in hearing the statistics and seeing how bad off Muncie really was,” said senior Patrick Alyea,
For more ideas on how to serve your own college town, check out Cardinal Outreach Team’s Facebook page. one of the first students to get involved with the outreach team. “It kind of opened my eyes to see the community around me and look past Ball State. Jesus was all about helping the poor and giving what we can, so COT was really filling a need for Christians here on campus.” The group continued meeting every Tuesday evening, hardly ever with more
than 10 students, but the outreach started to take shape. The group contacted three local churches that agreed to provide addresses of homes in need, and the students started a four-week food drive in March to collect supplies to give away. “Not only is it like a responsibility, like you’re in charge of something; you’re doing this to please God and Jesus,” Diana said. “It goes beyond organizing things, organizing meetings. You really have to trust in God.” Diana said she saw that trust demonstrated as she worried first about gathering enough food, then having enough boxes, then having enough people to help. But she said God came through every time. Her mother and grandmother send her donations to buy more food. Other churches also sent money. She picked up boxes at Marsh and McDonald’s. She made announcements at the meetings of Christian organizations. She kept the food in a spare room of her house. She was running again – striding forwww.personics.com
A NEW CREATION
The timeline shows the development of Diana’s story and of Ball State University’s newest Christian organization, Cardinal Outreach Team, which is dedicated to serving the Muncie community. With the motivation of losing weight, Diana signs up for her marathon in October. She begins partying less and going to church.
May
Diana works all summer in her hometown and begins growing apart from her old friends.
July
2010 ward with faith. The day of the outreach, April 16, finally dawned cold and rainy, but about 20 students from a variety of Christian organizations showed up to help. “I was just elated the day we went out for the outreach,” Diana said. “When we got to go up to the door and hand out these things, all I could think was just, ‘This is really happening! These people finally get to see that Jesus loves them.’ “When you know how much you were given through Jesus and you’re able to show that to someone else, it’s an awesome feeling.” Twenty-five families received boxes of food that day. Some of these families consisted of single mothers and their children; others had sick family members; some had up to eight children. As the students gave the boxes, they were able to learn about the families and pray for them. One woman prayed to receive Christ after her conversation with students. “I think it really was a testimony to Jesus’ love, and people could see that,” Patrick said. “It was an amazing opportunity to serve people we usually wouldn’t think about.” After the success of the outreach, Diana came back to Ball State in the fall with new plans for COT. This semester, COT members will be tutoring at Northside Middle School, handing out free popsicles in parks, raking leaves and visiting nursing homes – all in the name of Jesus. “Students just need to realize that we’re so blessed to be on this campus and be allowed to use this community, and we should care because these are human beings here,” Diana said. “We have the ability to help them. Why shouldn’t we?” p PERSONICS MAGAZINE
Diana returns to Ball State, where she hears about Cru at work.
September
Diana becomes a Christian in October and runs her marathon.
November
Diana attends IndyCC, Cru’s winter conference, where she got the idea for a citywide food outreach.
The first COT meeting is held. About COT holds a campus-wide seven students attend. food drive to prepare for the outreach.
January 2011
March
COT delivers boxes of food to 25 Muncie families in need.
May
DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT Identifying and addressing need in your own community might require some inquiry and research, but here are some ideas on how to start making a difference in your college town. Get involved in your local church. Even though you probably don’t call it your home church, your local church is a gateway to Christian service in your college town. Listen for volunteering opportunities in the announcements, then grab some friends, show up and serve. Get involved in your school’s volunteer program. Most Indiana universities have an organization that provides service and volunteer opportunities to students. You can choose how much you want to volunteer and maybe even take advantage of transportation provided by your school. Spend time off campus. If you don’t know your college town, you don’t know where to best invest your service. Even if it’s just a weekend event, try to do something each week in your town that has nothing to do with your school. Watch the city newspaper for ideas.
Pray. Pray for your college town. Pray that God will give you opportunities to give back to your city. Pray that He’ll give you compassion and motivation to serve as Jesus did. Check out www.servantevangelism.com. This site hosts dozens of ideas for large or small groups of people to get out and serve in the name of Jesus. You’d be surprised at what the little stuff – like washing windshields or taking out trash – can accomplish in the hands of a mighty God. Guilt trip your friends. Kind of. But recall that a small group of 12 disciples changed the world after Jesus ascended. Grab your roommates, Bible study or teammates and spend some time venturing off campus, getting to know your city and investing in service. You only have four years.
personics // sept-oct 11
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MOTION \\ PSNCS
“
last thought
What we heard from the Word
Then the
LORD asked Moses,
‘Who makes a person’s mouth?
Who decides whether people
speak or do not speak,
hear or do not hear, see or do not see?
Is it not I,
the LORD?
NOW GO! I will be with you as you speak, and I will instruct you in what to say.”
– Exodus 4:11-12 p
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