Maranatha Advantage | 50th Year Edition

Advantage

ADVANCING TILL HE COMES

A GOODLY HERITAGE

A DECADE OF INNOVATION

A PROMISING FUTURE

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p. 38 2018

FROM THE

PRESIDENT A

Addressing Congress on December 26, 1941, Winston Churchill remarked, “He must indeed have a blind soul who cannot see that some great purpose and design is being worked out here below, of which we have the honor to be faithful servants.”

Standing at the beginning of MBU's 50th year we echo these words, as God’s evident good hand has been upon us. Our founder, Dr. Cedarholm, was emphatic that he never wanted man’s fingerprints on Maranatha; this was and is indeed God’s work and not man’s. God providentially started this university and has providentially kept it; with anticipation for what He will do in the future, we are Advancing Till He Comes!

Advancing implies looking forward.

Maranatha has been, and continues to be, on the cutting edge of education, particularly among those of our fundamentalist identity.

Ignoring or denying changes in education will not alter the realities, but will certainly leave us unprepared for ministry to this generation.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of our regional accreditation, a decision that we have never regretted and that is still benefiting our graduates today. Not only has our accreditation board never interfered with our mission or asked us to compromise in our principles, but by God’s grace they have held us up as an example of a superior program.

Recently, to accommodate the myriad of students pursuing college credit during their high school years, Maranatha lifted the age requirement for online courses. Maranatha is constantly advancing by anticipating needs in our ever-changing educational landscape.

Advancing implies moving forward. Our use of technology to deliver instruction in various

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modalities and locations around the world is becoming a major part of our identity. We are advancing. We have taken small but significant steps each year. We have neither been overly cautious nor overly daring.

However, if we must err in the present educational environment, we would much rather fail by being overly daring for the cause of Christ than to squander opportunities.

Till implies continuance. Maranatha is staying the course of her heritage. As we look back, we owe a debt to those who served before us, who did great things, and in doing so, suffered more than we suffer and gave more than we give. Many of our leaders are gone, but by the memory of their lives, faith, and service, we are forbidden to compromise our principles or despair of our mission.

In staying the course of her heritage, Maranatha wears the convictions and labels of Baptist, dispensational, and fundamentalist well. We are comfortable with who we are. We are not seeking a new identity, but we are simply continuing to stand where we have always stood.

In the present climate, we must be trustworthy; we must be predictable; we must not seek fleshly solutions to enrollment or devalue our brand by removing the rough edges of our doctrine or Baptist

principles. In these changing times, we are remaining true to Maranatha’s heritage. Our goal is to constantly improve our product without changing our principles.

He comes implies a finish line, a motivation. As our name reminds us, our Savior is coming! We advance forward, seeking to be good and faithful servants. And we serve in hope, believing that lasting eternal fruit will result from our efforts. We seek to invest now for the highest return then—both abundant and eternal.

Over 5,000 graduates have gone forth from this campus to serve Jesus Christ in local churches and in the harvest fields of the world “To the Praise of His Glory.” Truly we marvel at God’s work!

So change? No! Improve? Yes! Promote, trumpet, plant the flag, wave it when appropriate, and ask God to help us communicate our mission effectively to those who are seeking such a place to learn. As we partner with local churches to fulfill the Great Commission, may God help us to always be Advancing Till He Comes!

Marty Marriott

Ephesians 3:20-21

The Maranatha Advantage (Volume 18) Please send correspondence and address changes to: The Maranatha Advantage 745 West Main Street, Watertown, WI 53094 ©2017 Maranatha Baptist University. All rights reserved. MARANATHA COMMUNICATIONS 17-022 Executive Editors: Dr. Matthew Davis, Dr. Jim Harrison; Communications Director: Peter Wright; Writers: Grace Peters, Rebecca Brock, Karen Hansel; Graphic Artist: Kristina Hendrickson; Photographers: Tim Mielke, Kaitlyn Dobson, Jonathan Williquette MBU.EDU

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A GOODLY

HERITAGE 4

MARANATHA BAPTIST UNIVERSITY 2018

THE MIRACLE OF MARANATHA ENGAGING THE ARTS

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BAPTIST BY THE GRACE OF GOD STILL FOCUSING ON LOCAL CHURCH MINISTRY

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THE HAND OF PROVIDENCE

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THE MIRACLE OF MARANATHA

By Marty Love

Monday, July 1, 1968.

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Fifty-three-year-old B. Myron Cedarholm entered the halls of ivy-covered Old Main. The empty old building echoed with the sounds of his footsteps. Stopping in what was to become his office, he sat down on the only item within—an old crate. With elbows on his knees and chin cradled in his hands, in uncharacteristic, momentary ambivalence, he asked himself, “What have I done now?”

May 11 Cedarholms first visit Sacred Heart College

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Graduate School of Theology instated

September 14 First meeting of the Board of Trustees

September 10 The first students arrive with all four classes represented; school opens with intercollegiate sports in place

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1973

1974

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Gymnasium completed and dedicated

Dr. Arno Weniger, Jr. becomes second president

1993

Regional accreditation achieved through NCA (now Higher Learning Commission)

What had he done? To the common observer, he had audaciously signed a $150,000 mortgage, though he had no funds or income. Despite the lack of faculty, students, library resources, furniture, office or kitchen equipment, and with no maintenance or grounds crew, no cooks or office personnel, and no entourage of volunteers, he rashly planned to start a college in a mere 60 days.

The true question was not what one man had done in a moment of supposed foolhardiness, but rather what God had wrought. Eye witnesses could only marvel and declare, “Oh how great is thy goodness . . . which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee!” (Psalm 31:19).

The college that began with miracles would need continued miracles to sustain it. It would require not merely material or monetary gifts, but a steady Dr. Cedarholm had followed divine leading supply of students, servant-minded onto a stage void of earthly props, staff, and faculty the best platform on which the and administrators of like-minded Lord might “show Himself strong.” philosophy to maintain this “independent, Bible-believing, soul-winning, Furthermore, his absurd strategy excluded missionary-minded, anti-new evangelical advertisement; he simply intended to watch Baptist” school, as Dr. Cedarholm enjoyed the Lord work. describing it.

In truth, Cedarholm had followed divine God-Ordained Leadership leading onto a stage void of earthly props, Without Mrs. Cedarholm’s organizational the best platform on which the Lord might skills and Dr. Cedarholm’s pioneer “show Himself strong.” Then began a surge determination, Maranatha may never have of unsolicited, divinely-directed applications been founded, but the men who succeeded Dr. from potential faculty, staff, and students; Cedarholm were no less divinely-appointed, accompanied by a steady flow of visitors and having been endowed with varied gifts for volunteers, and a deluge of gifts—desks, timely leadership. Dr. Arno Weniger, Jr. dishes, lawn mowers, furnishings, linens, applied his business acumen in making glassware, kitchen utensils, library books, and difficult choices that would lead the school out food by the truck load—each dispatched by of debt. Beyond sundry facility improvements God—everything needed for classes to begin and construction projects, he also in September as planned.

1996

2001

The Cedarholm Library opens

1999

2006

Kiddie Kampus opens

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Dr. David Jaspers assumes duties as third president

Army and Air Force ROTC programs added

Wisconsin State Board of Nursing approves admittance for BSN students

2005

Teacher Education progr Dining Complex opens

2007

Dr. Charles Phelps chosen as fourth president

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instituted the Development Office and encouraged the controversial seven-year pursuit of accreditation, a decision that inspired greater attention to quality and excellence in all areas—administrative planning, faculty assessments, academic objectives, and staff operations—paving the way for student loans.

On the verge of a new millennium, Dr. Dave Jaspers brought a renewed focus on ministry. He reinstituted the missions major, based societies on ministry opportunities, and saw biblical counseling and missionary aviation programs added. He and the administrative staff devised a new master plan which better suited the projected needs of a growing student body.

Dr. Larry Oats’ long-time faithfulness and working knowledge of the institution brought stability during a brief interim, so that progress continued with facility upgrades.

Dr. Charles Phelps reinstated the Master of Divinity degree, expanded the graduate school (later Maranatha Baptist Seminary), and introduced online studies, which now extend Maranatha far beyond its local sphere.

Currently, Dr. Marty Marriott shoulders the presidential responsibilities. As a visionary, he has overseen the development of numerous Bridge to Campus locations, expanded the distance learning program, introduced ministry scholarships, and pursued options for a remote campus. In these shifting times, his passion is to see Maranatha maintain the distinctly Baptist principles and philosophy on which it was founded.

Miracles in the Lives of Students The “Miracle of Maranatha” is an ongoing narrative, not merely the chronicles of an institution, but the cumulative tales of countless individuals such as Colton, who was certain it was necessary to sit out a semester, having missed work during a mission trip. Then one Sunday, he found an envelope addressed to him on a pew at church. It contained $1,000.

There was also Sarah who was sitting out a semester from a different institution, earning money to return to school. Meanwhile, she received an unlikely call from Dr. Marriott saying that she qualified for a sizeable scholarship. There was one stipulation, though: she must be on campus in two weeks. Within two weeks Sarah was enrolled and attending classes. The Lord had changed all her plans.

Innumerable stories such as these repeat variations of the same theme: God’s divine interventions, designed

2012

Maranatha Baptist Seminary reintroduced and MDiv program reinstated

2009 Online and Distance Learning office opens and first classes launched

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Nursing program receives accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) Dr. Marty Marriott installed as fifth president

First online graduate Jenzabar implemented

2011

Dr. Matt Davis becomes Executive Vice President

MARANATHA HYMN Blest be God and the Father, Creator, Whose Son, Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and Spirit, Three in One, Before word was spoken, chose us that we should be TO THE PRAISE OF HIS GLORY! Praise Him eternally!

To the praise of His glory –accepted in Him, (Beloved of the Father God), redeemed from ev’ry sin, Forgiven according to the riches of His grace, TO THE PRAISE OF HIS GLORY. We soon behold His face.

to populate and preserve Maranatha to “develop leaders for ministry in the local church and the world ‘To the Praise of His Glory.’”

“Strengthen, O God, that which thou hast wrought for us” (Psalm 68:28).

Mrs. Marty Love ('75) has served with her husband, Dr. Steve Love, in his pastoral ministry for 38 years in churches in Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Georgia. In 2015, God called both of them to move to Watertown, where Dr. Love joined the Bible faculty and Marty became Technical Services Assistant in The Cedarholm Library. Marty especially loves reading missionary biographies.

The Loves have five children and ten grandchildren.

2016 2013

DMin degree added as first doctorate program

Name changed to Maranatha Baptist University

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5,000th student graduates

By His will, for His pleasure and purpose alone, Gathered in His own good time together, all in one– All that in heaven and on the earth below TO THE PRAISE OF HIS GLORY shall see Him and Him know.

Word of truth, everlasting salvation have we, God the Father through His Son provided full and free.

And, sealed by the Spirit, His promise that we TO THE PRAISE OF HIS GLORY His own shall ever be!

"Maranatha" He cometh!

Behold in the sky, A shout! a voice, the trump of God! Our Lord is drawing nigh!

Believe Him, receive Him, look up and thou shalt be TO THE PRAISE OF HIS GLORY with Him eternally!

-Thelma M. Cedarholm

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Baptist by the Grace of God

By Dr. David Saxon

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Why Baptist?

“What would I be if I were not a Baptist?” After a pause, Dr. Cedarholm would answer, “Why, yes sir, boys, if I wasn’t a Baptist I’d be ashamed.”

Of course, such a sentiment could be interpreted as uncharitable, sectarian, and a bit arrogant, as though Baptists have a corner on all biblical truth. Viewed another way, though, it expresses a truth central to the history of Maranatha: we believe that Baptists have historically been the most accurate interpreters of New Testament ecclesiology, and thus other ecclesiologies to one extent or another are unfaithful to the Scriptures.

Being Baptist is not, therefore, optional for us. We are wholeheartedly Baptist by conviction, where “Baptist” is simply shorthand for commitment to a New Testament understanding of the church.

1. See Kevin Bauder’s account at inthenickoftime@centralseminary.edu for July 14, 2017.

2. Address given at the Labor Day Weekend Family Bible Conference, Camp Joy, Whitewater, Wisconsin, September 5, 1964. Originally published by the Conservative Baptist Fellowship, now the Fundamental Baptist Fellowship International.

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Historically Baptist Instrumental in the establishment of this bedrock principle at Maranatha were two men: Dr. Cedarholm, of course, and the first teacher of Baptist history and polity at Maranatha, Dr. Richard Weeks. When in 1968 Dr. Cedarholm invited Dr. Weeks to be the first academic dean at the new school starting up in Watertown, Wisconsin, Weeks already had a strong Baptist pedigree. He had served as pastor in several Illinois churches. Then in 1965 he took a prominent part in the organization of the New Testament Association of Independent Baptist Churches.1 Just a year earlier, in an address at Camp Joy in southern Wisconsin, Weeks had affirmed the necessity of a proper doctrine of the church: "What is the most important doctrine facing us today in the struggle within Christianity? It is not the doctrine of the sinfulness of man. It is not the doctrine of the inspiration of the Bible or that of the deity of Christ. It is not doctrine of salvation by Christ or of His Second Coming. It is none of these.

It is the doctrine of ecclesiology, or the doctrine of the church, that is so tremendously at issue today."2

To express the centrality of Baptist ecclesiology in the ethos of Maranatha, the curriculum called for every student to take courses in Baptist History and Baptist Polity, later combined into Baptist Heritage. The word heritage in this title spoke to two emphases: first, as the course surveyed Baptist history, it sought to illustrate and advocate for Baptist theology; second, the word emphasized the historic continuity that Baptists have—their heritage—to which the rising generations should be loyal.

In order to inculcate Baptist ecclesiology effectively, Dr. Weeks departed from the historic approach of expressing the Baptist distinctives by using Baptist or Baptists as an acrostic.3 Instead, after an intensive study of various lists of distinctives throughout Baptist history, Weeks designed a new acrostic that would express the distinctives in a more logical order than is possible in the more traditional approach. The acrostic — which is now ingrained in thousands of Maranatha students and graduates—is BRAPSISS.4 For twenty years Maranatha enjoyed the dynamic ministry of Dr. Weeks until his retirement in 1988, just five years before his homegoing.

Remaining Baptist Why was it so important to Dr. Weeks to instill Baptist ecclesiology in his students? Maranatha emerged out of the battles with new evangelicalism that shaped the fundamentalist movement in the 1950s and 60s.

One of the points of division in those battles related to divergent views of the “ecumenical evangelism” being practiced by Billy Graham and others. Fundamentalists opposed Graham’s approach, which involved extensive cooperation with gospel-deniers. Dr. Weeks was convinced, however, that the most effective response to evangelical ecumenism was an emphasis on the local church, its autonomy, and its responsibility to be loyal to Christ and Christ alone. In the same address quoted above, he affirmed, "The first avenue of emphasis [in opposing evangelical ecumenism] ought to be a reassertion of the New Testament as the authoritative source for church doctrine and practice, without being proudly exclusivistic. . . . It is really only those who are Baptists by name or by teaching and practice, who can challenge Christendom to a complete New Testament pattern of correct church doctrine."5

So, for Dr. Weeks and for Maranatha, being Baptist was integral to how they practiced their fundamentalism.6 The gospel is best defended when the local church has primacy. When churches give up their sovereignty and amalgamate with doctrinally unsound ministries for the purpose of evangelism, ironically the pure gospel becomes a casualty.

Under subsequent Baptist Heritage teachers, Dr. Larry Oats, Gerald Carlson, and the current writer, these three interwoven ideas—our rich Baptist heritage, the primacy of the local church, and autonomy as a bulwark against ecumenical compromise— have remained at the heart of Baptist Heritage, a course still required of every Maranatha student, regardless of major.

What would we be if we were not Baptist, in practice if not in name? We would be unfaithful to the New Testament. Therefore, we are and, by God’s grace, will remain Maranatha Baptist University.

3. See http://www.garbc.org/about-us/beliefs-constitution/baptist-distinctives/ for a good example of such an enumeration.

4. See https://www.mbu.edu/seminary/journal/maranatha-is-baptist/ for a discussion of the meaning and significance of BRAPSISS. 5. See footnote 2.

6. Note that non-Baptistic Fundamentalists have also strongly stood against ecumenical evangelism and the encroachments of liberalism, but the primary means of this stand has been a focus on key, central gospel tenets while de-emphasizing ecclesiological or purely local church issues.

Dr. David Saxon joined the College of Bible and Church Ministries faculty at Maranatha Baptist University in 1999. Dr. Saxon earned his bachelor's in mathematics, master's in church history, and doctorate in church history from Bob Jones University. He serves as an adult Sunday School teacher for his local church, New Testament Baptist Church in Columbus, Wisconsin. He is married and has four children, three daughters-in-law, and three grandchildren.

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STILL FOCUSING ON LOCAL CHURCH MINISTRY

By Dave Anderson, Sr.

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We live in a day of distraction. Whether in personal relationships, home life, occupation, or theology and practice, our media-crazed world flashes and beeps our attention away from what is best to think, do, and pursue. Maranatha, from its beginning, has maintained a passioned pursuit of helping its students to value and faithfully be involved in local church ministry. As the apostles and the proceeding generations of disciples of Christ obeyed the Great Commission, what resulted was the planting and establishing of local churches. It is a foreign concept to the New Testament that a believer would not be an active, integral part of a local assembly of believers, worshipping God, fellowshipping with fellow members of that body, growing in his walk with the Lord, and evangelizing the world through that local expression of Christ’s body. What a joy to witness over the fifty years of MBU’s existence the purposeful pursuit of local church involvement by the administration, faculty, staff, alumni, and students!

I showed up at Maranatha as a kid in 1971. Dad had been called to preach, so we pulled up roots from beautiful Durango, CO, where my folks had imbibed Baptist doctrine and practice through the love and nurturing of the pastors and members of Calvary Baptist Church.

Even as a child, I remember the excitement that Mom and Dad built into our family for going to be with God’s people on Sundays and Wednesdays. My best friends were in Sunday School and “Eager Beavers” with me. It was under my pastor’s preaching one Sunday evening that I was convicted of my need of Christ and then led to the Lord by my folks after the service.

When we arrived at Maranatha, Mom and Dad naturally found a local church and jumped in with both feet— teaching Sunday School, directing the Awana program, singing in the choir, and serving as a deacon. Maranatha only enhanced Dad’s passion and love for the local church. The college students that came to our church were my heroes. They were in our home, played with my sister and me, and fixed my electric racecar track. I wanted to be just like them! The preaching and teaching at Maranatha gave my Dad the supernatural gumption to plant a church.

When I arrived a few years later as a college student, God had already instilled in my heart (thanks, Mom and Dad) a love for church ministry, but it needed honing and training. MBBC was exactly what this boy needed.

Dr. Cedarholm, through his ten-point messages, and

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Dr. Weeks, through his faithful teaching, taught us that biblical ministry is done “in, through, and by the local church—now get going!” I am eternally indebted to the church family of Rock Lake Baptist Church in Lake Mills, WI, for their patience and love as they allowed numerous students to come, fellowship, and serve in the children’s, teens’, and music ministries. Those opportunities mixed with the biblical ecclesiology taught in the classroom at college provided the right preparation for vocational ministry in the days ahead.

Love for and faithful involvement in the local church were the typical characteristics of both alumni and students with whom I interacted both in the U.S. and abroad during my twenty years of youth and music ministry. Students coming home from MBU on breaks were quick to get involved in ministry and quick to hear and heed the preaching of their pastor. They were a refreshment to their church family and lifted the hands of weary servants.

Alumni faithfully and joyfully served in and planted churches, even in the midst of challenges and setbacks.

As my own children headed off to MBU and joined (what I discovered was) an amazing group of third generation MBU students, their fervor for local church ministry was strengthened and advanced. I remember with delight the full-throttled discussions we’d have around the supper table about points of doctrine and practice that they were learning and developing. Thanks profs, for stirring up the gifts of God in my children!

God graciously led my wife and me back into the vicinity of MBU several years ago to shepherd a wonderful church family in northern Illinois. To our delight and to the great blessing to our church family, MBU students have sacrificed to travel an hour each way to allow us to be their church-home-away-from-home. Our church family takes special pleasure in doting over the students and cherishing their involvement in every aspect of the church’s ministry. When they’re gone over breaks or following graduation, we miss the spark they bring to our fellowship. We miss praying together with them.

We miss the helping hands they provide in so many ministries. I miss the weekly fellowship and mentoring that my wife and I have with them in our home. Yet, we rejoice in knowing that as they step out to serve the Lord in their field of calling, faithfully serving in local churches across the U.S. and around the globe, they are reflecting our ministry to them and their exceptional, local church-focused training at MBU.

Dave Anderson, Sr., is privileged to pastor Heritage Baptist Church of Roscoe, IL. He is currently the president of the Association of Independent Baptist Churches of Illinois and serves on Maranatha’s Board of Resource. Three of his children (David, Jr.; Danae; and Daniel) have graduated from MBU, and one (Darcy) is currently attending. Dave and Abi are also thoroughly enjoying their two preschool-age children (Drew and Dori) and granddaughter (Ella).

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THE HAND of

PROVIDENCE

By Dr. John Brock

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Believers may often miss seeing God’s hand when He allows barriers and roadblocks in life’s journey. Ignorance of God’s ways can lead to despair, bitterness, and doubt. Conversely, believers may not be conscious that the same God Who showers us with victories and success sometimes carefully allows hardships and disappointments as a means to reach a better end. A poet’s commentary on the human tendency to miss seeing God’s hand in everyday life is described succinctly:

“Earth's crammed with heaven, And every common bush afire with God, But only he who sees takes off his shoes; The rest sit round and pluck blackberries.”

-Elizabeth Barrett Browning Those who were involved in Maranatha’s journey to gain regional accreditation mentally remove their shoes in worship as they reflect on God’s provision of strength to meet the rough, demanding road and reach success at the journey’s end.

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The Situation: 1984 After incredible opening years of Maranatha’s history, the school was facing difficult times. When Dr. Arno Weniger Jr., (the president at the time) appointed me as the Vice President for Academic Affairs in 1984, Maranatha was a college in crisis. With the ascension of several new fundamental Christian colleges, our enrollment was sharply declining. Affording college was, as it always has been, challenging.

Maranatha attempted to help students stay in school with a self-funded loan guarantee program that was wellintentioned but unsuccessful.

Additionally, graduates who sought employment outside of compensated ministry found many doors closed to graduates of an unaccredited college. This problem was exacerbated by the reality that Maranatha was small, unknown, and relatively young.

Our administration went into overdrive to stem the hemorrhaging of money and students. Action of some kind was a matter of survival. The best remedy was for Maranatha to become accredited by a US Department of Education (USDOE)-approved accrediting agency. Being accredited would solve the two biggest challenges: 1) obtaining access to financial aid programs for taxpaying Maranatha students and parents, and 2) gaining external academic credibility for degrees earned at Maranatha. Accreditation was an obvious path, but was it the right one?

Within the community of independent fundamental churches and colleges, accreditation was not a positive concept. Arguments against it ranged from loss of autonomy to violations of biblical separation. This apologetic was widely accepted by Maranatha’s constituency (including alumni).

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Our administration was totally committed to biblical obedience above pragmatic convenience. The first step in the accreditation journey, then, was to conduct an honest evaluation of accreditation and its opposing arguments.

Picking Up the Pieces Faith in God is not a mere platitude.

Believers learn through experience that God has a plan far better than human intellect can envision. Believers are to walk by faith.

False Starts, Opposition, and Disappointments During the 1985-86 school year, the administration carefully evaluated accreditation, focusing on facts rather than anecdotes or assumptions. After examining the legitimacy of common objections among our constituency, we then explored the accreditation process itself.

“Judge not the Lord by feeble sense, But trust Him for His grace; Behind a frowning providence He hides a smiling face.” 1

The conclusion: we could not confirm many of the concerns and objections and consequently began to explore requirements for accreditation with the American Association of Bible Colleges (AABC), with a goal of presenting our findings to the Board of Trustees.

AABC, a USDOE-approved agency, seemed to be an achievable, trustworthy option for accreditation. In 1987, the Board of Trustees authorized us to pursue accreditation through the AABC. While students and staff on campus received news of the approval with excitement, many among Maranatha’s constituency ardently opposed accreditation. Letters were written, pamphlets published, and sermons preached proclaiming the dangers of accreditation. While often not named, Maranatha was the only college in our circles actively pursuing accreditation.

The pressure was palpable. Some churches dropped support. Outside sources began contacting administrators and board members to voice their objections. And when the Board of Trustees met for the next annual meeting, they reversed their prior approval and voted to discontinue accreditation through AABC.

1. Poetry excerpts taken from William Cowper’s poem, “God Moves in a Mysterious Way.”

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Word of the reversal quickly spread.

Students were stunned. We on the administration were embarrassed and discouraged. We had to tell AABC that Maranatha was terminating the relationship. Had Maranatha’s leadership misread God’s will?

MARANATHA BAPTIST UNIVERSITY 2018

While all we could see was a “frowning face,” God was actively working out His designs. Shortly after the dust settled, members of the Board of Trustees informed the administration that they were not opposed to the concept of accreditation, but to the particular religious associations that may have followed a partnership with the American Association of Bible Colleges. Such an identification could compromise Maranatha’s historic separatist position.

Board members continued that they would be less concerned if the accreditation association was non-religious.

We on the administration wholeheartedly agreed. A secular organization would be less confusing and less likely to lead to awkward religious affiliation. At the time, however, the only secular accreditation organizations conducting institutional accreditation were the mammoth regional accrediting associations.

Our tiny institution would need to apply to the North Central Association (NCA, now the Higher Learning Commission), the largest accrediting association in the world. NCA spanned 17 states from West Virginia to Arizona. In comparison with other schools, Maranatha was unknown and under-resourced. Could God be funneling us in such an audacious direction?

“Deep in unfathomable mines Of never failing skill He treasures up His bright designs And works His sov'reign will.”

Dr. Weniger’s authorized exploration of accreditation with the NCA began a series of startling events that still amazes me at every remembrance.

"Faith IN GOD IS

NOT A MERE PLATITUDE. BELIEVERS LEARN THROUGH EXPERIENCE THAT GOD HAS A PLAN FAR BETTER THAN HUMAN INTELLECT CAN ENVISION. BELIEVERS ARE TO

walk by Faith"

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Almost immediately, I traveled to the NCA’s headquarters in Chicago, merely hoping to find some literature regarding accreditation with NCA. Surprisingly, a distinguished gentleman greeted me. “I’m Thurston Manning, president of this organization.” Shaking my hand, he continued, “Please, call me Ted.” He then led me to his executive office, where we talked for three hours about the accreditation process. When I brought up Maranatha’s small size, he was encouraging. “There are really only four criteria for accreditation with NCA: a) the institution must have a mission consistent with higher education, b) it must have resources organized to accomplish that mission, c) it must show evidence that it is accomplishing that mission, and d) it must demonstrate that it has the capacity to continue doing so.”

After I reported back to Maranatha’s president and administration, we decided to move forward with NCA as long as God kept the door open.

The Board of Trustees called a special meeting with a delegate from the NCA. They wanted to ask questions, express concerns, and receive accurate, unfiltered information directly from an official. On May 5, 1989, the NCA sent Dr. Jean Mather, who interacted graciously through an intense Q&A session lasting several hours.

At the end of the meeting, board members were satisfied. Subsequently the full Board of Trustees officially approved pursuing accreditation with the NCA.

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Hard Work, a Curve Ball, and a Home Run The Maranatha family rejoiced to see God’s direction. Although opposition continued against accreditation, the institution felt the hand of God more strongly than the pressure from outside.

Perceiving the need for God’s help, the administration and faculty prayerfully began the massive institutional self-study. Could this endeavor be accomplished, or would it too end in embarrassment?

“Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take; The clouds ye so much dread Are big with mercy and shall break In blessings on your head.”

The NCA accreditation process begins with completing a General Institutional Requirements (GIR) document of about 20 pages. Following its completion and approval, a candidacy self-study is conducted, culminating with a NCA team campus visit. If the study and visit are successful, NCA grants candidacy status, which allows immediate financial aid and credit transfer—the two benefits Maranatha needed most.

Much of the work from the aborted effort with AABC was easily adapted to NCA requirements.

Once the GIR was completed, Maranatha began to conduct its candidacy self-study, an effort that led to many improvements.

Maranatha officially received candidacy status on February 15, 1991. In addition to granting student benefits, this achievement signified that the NCA believed Maranatha had the potential to achieve Initial (full) Accreditation within ten

years. Candidacy self-studies were required every two years until accreditation was achieved.

Maranatha’s administration trusted that within this ten-year window it would be ready.

Financial aid began flowing to students upon the attainment of candidacy status. Many students began receiving Pell Grants and Guaranteed Student Loans.

Then, without warning, all colleges who had attained candidacy status were notified by the US Department of Education that all financial aid would be discontinued for candidate colleges and universities and would not be given until Initial Accreditation was officially achieved.

Not only would students lose financial aid, but they would also need to immediately begin repaying all loans!

This change would be devastating to Maranatha students.

What was God doing?

The second candidacy self-study rough draft had already been sent to Maranatha’s staff liaison, Dr. Steve Crow. I anxiously called Dr. Crow.

“We just received a disturbing letter from the USDOE regarding termination of financial aid to Candidate-Status college students.”

“We got a copy, too,” Dr. Crow replied. “It is creating an uproar in the higher education community, but I just finished reading the draft of your candidacy self-study. You’ve made remarkable progress—why don’t you rewrite this as a selfstudy for Initial Accreditation?”

“What?” I said. “I thought we would have up to 10 years to get ready?”

“True” said Dr. Crow, “but I think you are ready now.”

The Rest is History In near-panic mode to beat the deadline for the cut-off of financial aid, the faculty, staff, and administration worked all spring and summer of 1992. The candidacy self-study was revised to meet the requirements for Initial Accreditation, and the final draft was submitted to NCA in the early fall of 1992.

God gave favor to Maranatha in the eyes of the visiting team, and we officially received accreditation on February 6, 1993.

The accreditation process was a wonderful ride full of bumps of learning and turns of discovery.

We could never have imagined that when Maranatha embarked upon its accreditation with AABC in the fall of 1987, we would ultimately be granted regional accreditation with NCA/HLC within six years!

“God moves in mysterious ways His wonders to perform; He plants His footsteps in the sea And rides upon the storm.”

Achieving regional accreditation increased Maranatha’s opportunity to thrive. Through the years, accreditation has provided the structure needed for institutional improvement. It has also been the means by which many doors have been opened to Maranatha for preparing students to serve the Savior “To the Praise of His Glory!”

Maranatha is accredited under the Academic Quality Improvement Program (AQIP) of the Higher Learning Commission (www.hlcommission.com | 312-263-0456).

Dr. John Brock served at Maranatha as the Vice President for Academic Affairs (formerly Dean of Academic Affairs) for 30 years before his retirement in 2014. Prior to moving to Watertown, he served in the US Army as Chaplain Assistant in South Vietnam and was principal for two Christian schools in California for a total of ten years. He and his wife, Judy (also formerly on faculty at MBU for ten years), have three children (all MBU graduates) and 12 grandchildren. Maranatha gave Dr. Brock honorary degrees in 2000 and 2014 that joined his earned doctorate.

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ENGAGING THE ARTS

By Jerry Kolwinska

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Since Creation, humans have sought to define and record the human experience. The Scriptures certainly do this as, through revelation, God has given us an understanding of the foundational questions that have driven the human experience: Who am I? Where did I come from? Why am I here? What is my destiny? The humanities—through literature, history, philosophy, art, music—represent man’s quest to understand and record the human experience and to answer these questions.

Because we have the Bible, Christians often ask why the humanities are necessary.

As a professor who teaches in the humanities, I am occasionally asked a more direct

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question: “Why do I have to take a literature course? After all, I’m going to be a preacher. I don’t need this stuff.” Concern over this disconnect regarding important aspects of a Christian college education was part of the founding vision of Maranatha.

Maranatha’s Unique Focus I graduated from a Bible college in 1973. While my courses in doctrine, church history, and books of the Bible were vital in my growth as a Christian, the college did not require a strong liberal arts core, and I felt that something was missing—something that could give a broader perspective to the biblical content I was receiving.

Following graduation, my wife and I joined the faculty of a Christian school where we were first exposed to the ministry of Maranatha through a Madrigal Choir tour and Dr. Cedarholm’s involvement in the story of “The Miracle of Maranatha.” I caught something in Dr. Cedarholm’s recounting of Maranatha’s foundations—that though he was talking about Maranatha as a Bible college, Maranatha was offering more than the typical Bible college curriculum.

Maranatha had multiple courses in literature, history, science, and mathematics. Maranatha was bent on shaping and equipping its students through an education that addressed the whole spectrum of the human experience. This focus on the humanities was missing in my own education.

The Humanities at Maranatha Today Maranatha Baptist University continues the Cedarholms’ legacy, as the humanities are still a major emphasis of the curriculum. The

Maranatha student not only studies the Bible and biblical subjects, but also studies the natural world, literature, history, politics, the realm of ideas, and the arts through a general education core. While some might question the need for such a focus, our contemporary culture demands that graduates be equipped to understand the world’s philosophies and Maranatha desires to equip students to counter those philosophies with the truth.

All of the courses in the general education core add to the student’s knowledge of the world that God has made, deepen the student’s knowledge of God Himself, and broaden the student’s understanding of how he or she can fulfill the Great Commission.

The general core challenges students to become critical thinkers first and then to engage their culture and to become compassionate

individuals who can relate to their friends and neighbors on a personal level. In a digital culture that tends to segregate people through algorithms that filter the information that one receives and often limits the people with whom one interacts, Maranatha challenges its students through the humanities to broaden their vision and to see the world as Christ wants them to see it—human beings, created in God’s image who need the truth of the gospel.

Looking Ahead As I interact with my students, I am always grateful to hear their comments about their experiences in the general core. Students who chaffed at having to take English Composition comment about how the rigor of writing papers helped them become critical thinkers.

Other students remark that taking a literature course helped them to understand their neighbors or coworkers in a new light. Others who have chosen majors that require a more in-depth exposure to the humanities share how their understanding of the connections between the Bible and culture has developed and how that deeper understanding has equipped them to minister more effectively to our present culture.

Maranatha Baptist University continues the legacy of Dr. and Mrs. Cedarholm, equipping leaders for ministry in the local church and the world through its continued emphasis on the humanities.

Jerry Kolwinska is an associate professor in the Department of Humanities in the College of Arts and Sciences. He serves as the English Program Coordinator, teaching a variety of composition and literature courses. He and his wife, Marcele, have three children—all of whom are educators— and seven grandchildren. Jerry loves model trains and has set up a layout for his collection in his basement.

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A DECADE OF

INNOVATION 22

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NEW DECADE NEW PRESIDENT

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ROCK SOLID

PREPARING TO SERVE

A BRAND IS A PROMISE

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A NEW STRUCTURE

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NEW DECADE

NEW PRESIDENT

By Rebecca Brock

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When Marty Marriott first stepped on campus as a visitor in 1974, he didn’t look like the typical ministerial student. God had recently saved him—an engineering student at the University of Cincinnati—out of the Hippie movement through the influence of a persistent coworker and a TV gospel-preaching evangelist. Marty was the first of his family to be saved, and God was working, transforming him and calling him into ministry.

A Faithful Mentor Dr. Marriott has been a mentor to many, beginning with his own children. His son David remembers, “Dad would bring copies of his sermon outlines into the kitchen and show us how he got them out of the Scriptures. It was obvious that he had been studying; he was ready to preach; his sermon was just exploding; he just had to share it before Sunday morning!”

It was on this college survey trip that Dr. Marriott first got a glimpse of Miriam Cummins, middle daughter of board member Dr. David Cummins.

He was quickly informed that she was already significantly attached, and so he left campus praying that “God would give him a wife like the girl he saw at Maranatha.” When he returned as a student that fall, she was no longer engaged and God did “exceedingly, abundantly above” what he had asked! Marty and Miriam were married in the summer of 1976.

Dr. Marriott made sure his children, Rebecca, Rachel, and David, didn’t leave home without a basic knowledge of Bible interpretation, dispensationalism, expository preaching, interpretations of difficult passages, and even the Granville Sharp rule of Greek grammar!

After graduating from Maranatha and earning a Master of Divinity degree from Temple Baptist Theological Seminary in 1979, he and Miriam planted a church in Oak Ridge, TN. Pastor Marriott subsequently took churches in Pennsylvania, back in Tennessee, and then in Michigan.

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A New President In 1998 Dr. Marriott joined MBU’s Board of Trustees, and after supporting Maranatha through some difficult transitions, the Board asked him to consider the presidency in May of 2009. He promptly asked them to look for someone else, but the matter resurfaced in the summer and Dr. Marriott agreed to a formal interview. In September, the Board asked him to be MBU’s fifth president.

This decision was a heart-wrenching one as the Marriotts were deeply invested in the ministry at

Faith Baptist Church of Warren, MI. Dr. Marriott prayerfully sought the Lord and compiled lists of reasons to go and reasons to stay. He found eight reasons to go and eighteen to stay. Hadn’t God called him to pastoral ministry? After spending time in the Word, he concluded, “When I was saved, I gave Jesus Christ my life to do with as He wished. I did not surrender to be a pastor, but surrendered to Him— to live ‘unto Him’ (2 Cor. 5:15).”

Dr. Marriott was installed as president in the spring of 2010. Dr. and Mrs. Marriott decided to live on campus in order to be fully submerged in campus life and college activities. Miriam was quickly and affectionately named “Mrs. M,” and she continues to be a tremendous voice in the lives of the college women.

A Visionary Leader A non-negotiable for Dr. Marriott in accepting the offer of the presidency was the implementing of a Bible and Church Ministries Scholarship, one that was unveiled shortly after his becoming president. He also came to MBU passionate about further developing the online and distance learning programs to ensure that Maranatha would continue to be educationally relevant and accessible.

At a Presidential Dinner one month after his installation service, Dr. Marriott laid out his plans as president: “I desire to perpetuate the heritage of the college while expanding its influence and educational opportunities. To say it another way, I want to lead Maranatha to adapt to the educational needs of our day while staying true to our founding principles.” This is exactly what he has done.

Dr. and Mrs. Marriott have always approached serving Christ as a team. Mrs. M is her husband’s greatest cheerleader and has a tremendous ministry of encouragement to students and staff alike. She can often be found counseling girls over a cup of coffee or decorating a corner of campus.

When the president and his wife are not traveling, Mrs. M opens their home twice a week for “Girl Talk,” where she provides warm beverages, snacks, and a Bible study. Mrs. M also frequently invites visiting groups of prospective students into their home for a get-to-know-you time. She is truly a campus mom to all.

Rebecca (Marriott) Brock (’99) graduated from MBU with a bachelor’s degree in Communication Arts and holds a master’s degree in English Education. She married Bryan in 1999, and they served the Lord in church-planting for 10 years. Currently Bryan is on the Bible faculty at MBU, and Rebecca is the Executive Assistant in the President’s Office. The Brocks and their four children are actively involved in their local church.

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PREPARING TO SERVE

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As Maranatha Baptist University celebrates its 50th year of ministry, the seminary continues its blessed legacy of preparing faithful servants for local church leadership.

Kevin Marshman ’16 Naval Chaplain

Maranatha Baptist Seminary firmly believes that tomorrow’s ministry leaders need a strong foundation in proper biblical interpretation, in the original biblical languages, and in every discipline of theology. At a time when doctrine is diluted, teaching tickles ears, and preaching lacks passion, Maranatha equips its ministerial students with an understanding of the theological issues of the day and the ability to defend the truth passionately and to refute error.

The seminary prepares leaders from all different walks of life, attracting graduate students from diverse backgrounds, undergraduate majors, and age groups. Lawyers, former military officers, current pastors, recent college graduates, and retirees have all graduated from the seminary. Seminary graduates from Maranatha are theologically articulate, spiritually dynamic, positionally informed, and professionally competent.

Geoffrey Stertz ’13 Planting a church in Texas

Students residing in many different locations enter the seminary classroom in real time via web conferencing technology. Every seminary classroom is equipped with virtual classroom technology and every seminary course is accessible in a distance education format. Through the Church Site Program the seminary partners with local churches, allowing seminary students to serve in church ministry while completing their seminary degree online.

The seminary continues to model innovation. Graduate school dual enrollment pathways now offer undergraduate students in any program at MBU the ability to complete a master’s degree at the same time. With the right planning, any Maranatha student can graduate with both an undergraduate degree and an MA in Bible in the seminary simultaneously. Dual degree pathways exist for enrollment in other graduate degrees as well, such as the Master of Organizational Leadership and Master of Education. Maranatha has also crafted pathways for accelerated placement of alumni—you may be closer to a master’s degree than you think!

Dave Marriott ’14 Pastoring the church he planted in Wisconsin

Maranatha Baptist Seminary continues to provide biblically faithful training for ministry leaders through innovative and accessible means.

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Training students for ministry is a high and holy calling, one that is not taken lightly.

Dr. Larry Oats

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Leading in Service

Jonathan Rehfeldt ’11 Serving as missionary and Bible institute teacher in Uruguay

Chip Herbert ’13 Serving as an assistant pastor in Illinois

Jim Boorujy ’16 30 years as a naval officer, now an assistant pastor in Wisconsin

Cherif Arif ’17 Serving as a ministry leader and Bible educator in his homeland of Egypt

Dr. Larry Oats, who has taught at Maranatha since 1973, and served as seminary dean since 2009, has been at Maranatha every year of its existence but one. He is often praised tongue-in-cheek for having served in every office on campus, including a year-long stint as interim president and as honorary dean of women for a day!

Dr. Oats was a pioneer of distance learning in higher education. As he traveled and ministered in churches, Dr. Oats constantly met Christian adults with a desire to advance their service in the local church with additional Bible training. As he shared his vision and raised funds for equipment, the beginning stages of Maranatha’s distance education program began to take shape, enabling the delivery of much-needed biblical instruction to eager pastors and workers around the globe. In fact, he personally and without fanfare ran cables and installed the first web cameras in seminary classrooms. Dr. Oats’ persistence and creativity have opened pathways and opportunities for God’s laborers in the United States and around the world to

continue their education and further their preparation for God’s service.

Dr. Oats has led by example. He’s a prepared servant who is passionate about preparing other servants. Dr. Oats firmly believes that “training students for ministry is a high and holy calling, one that is not taken lightly.” He has demonstrated an extraordinary dedication to the Lord’s work, frequently serving as interim pastor, taking countless trips abroad to teach and preach, and providing innovative leadership wherever he goes. He is a pilot and photographer, and uses each of his abilities for God’s glory.

This spring marks the beginning of an administrative change in the seminary as Dr. Oats transitions from the role of dean. He will be handing the leadership reigns over to Evangelist Mark Herbster, who will bring his academic preparation, practical ministry experience, and passionate spiritual fervor in his service to our students. Dr. Oats will continue to teach in the seminary and travel abroad to minister and promote Maranatha.

A NEW STRUCTURE

By Dr. Matthew Davis

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Leading an institution as broad and diverse as a university brings unique challenges. Like any wise leader sizing up his new position, Dr. Marty Marriott approached the early days of his presidency with an appropriate sense of patience and deference to the existing organizational processes. He was new to the position, but he was no stranger to Maranatha. Both a graduate from Maranatha himself and the father of three alumni, Dr. Marriott supported the institution in his position as a pastor and Maranatha board member. When he transitioned into the presidency, he came with a short but ambitious list of specific goals for the institution. Within five years, every goal was implemented.

Dr. Marriott once told me, “An effective leader clearly communicates his values and goals. He develops a personal relationship of trust, support, and open communication with those he leads and devotes himself to their growth, development, and productivity.� He opened his office and his home to students and met frequently with those

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in front-line student service positions.

As he got to know the faculty and staff on a more personal level, and as he witnessed the limitations of the existing leadership structure of the institution, he realized that unnecessary barriers were preventing Maranatha from reaching its full potential to accomplish the ambitious mission of the ministry.

A New Structure In the first few months of his new administration, Dr. Marriott came to understand that the existing oversight structure of the college did not support his conception of the collaborative environment in which high-performing ministry organizations should operate.

Preferring a streamlined and personal flow of information, he developed within that first year new venues for appropriate communication throughout the ministry.

The existing Administrative Cabinet was split into three groups, each with a specific mandate and purpose.

The Executive Council, made up of the president and his vice president-level officers, was established to approve new hires, establish institutional policies and practices consistent with direction received from the Board of Trustees, and hear any appeals that may arise out of day-to-day operations.

The Strategy Council, made up of the president and vice presidents as well as key leaders from other units and an appointed faculty representative, was established to oversee the implementation of the strategic plan, all accreditation efforts, and continuous quality improvement within the institution.

The Leadership Council, made up of all the directors of staff and academic units, was established to provide a venue for the free flow of pertinent and timely information within the institution.

These three councils have become vital to the implementation of Maranatha’s vision for the next decade and beyond.

A Renewed Emphasis At the top of Dr. Marriott’s list of goals for his tenure as Maranatha’s president was the establishment of a scholarship program to support young men and women training to enter full-time Christian service as pastors and Christian educators. Dr. Marriott frequently refers to the Bible and Church Ministries majors as the “hub of the wheel.” When the spiritual hub is strong, all the “spokes” of the campus benefit.

Understanding their future earning potential may not be as strong as other vocations, many students called to pastoral and Christian school ministry wisely try to avoid student loan debt.

Lower-cost college options, therefore, hold some draw, even if they are not the student’s first choice for ministry preparation.

To aid ministerial students in avoiding these student loans, Maranatha conceived two new scholarships and phased them in over several years: the Bible and Church Ministries (BCM) scholarship and the Teacher Education (TEd) scholarship. This 2017-18 year, Maranatha is on track to award over $1,200,000 through the BCM and TEd scholarships, as well as the new ministry-focused scholarships such as the Teaching and Leading scholarship for ministry workers in MBU masters programs and the Doctor of Ministry scholarship for pastors enrolled in that program.

The number of students enrolled in the Bible and church ministries degrees has doubled since Dr. Marriott took the helm.

Bolstered by funded scholarships for those in vocational ministry, the Master of Education, Master of Organizational Leadership, and Doctor of Ministry programs have grown exponentially in the years since their initial launches.

A New Frontier When Dr. Marriott assumed the presidency in 2010, Maranatha Online was in its early stages of deployment. In his first meeting with the administration, he laid out an ambitious challenge: “What would it take to double our enrollment of online students?” One by one, every administrator answered that it could not be done with existing capacity.

While the new venture into distance learning showed extraordinary promise, it was hindered by outdated systems that could not handle the unique demands of online education. Vital information was dispersed through 11 different databases

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in several different systems. In order to rise to the challenge, Maranatha needed an integrated student information system that was built to accommodate students dispersed all over the world.

“What Is a Jenzabar?”

Every alumnus of Maranatha knows by heart the story of the miracle of Maranatha’s founding.

Through incredible circumstances, God used Dr. and Mrs. Cedarholm to raise up a functioning college with a fully furnished campus in a few short months.

Only God could have orchestrated the events in such a way!

While a technological miracle may not have been quite so dramatic as a campus gifted to Baptists

by Catholic monks, truckloads of carrots, or faculty and students showing up sight-unseen, the task faced by the administration in 2010 seemed equally impossible. High-tech systems like the one Maranatha needed literally cost millions of dollars, and the ministry’s available cash was, well, significantly less than that. Venturing out on faith again, a team was established to evaluate available options and pursue the selection, acquisition, and implementation of an integrated system that would modernize Maranatha’s ability to educate distance students.

The Advancing Information Management (AIM) Team was established and led by Maranatha’s Information Technology Director at the time, Mike Bartman.

After reviewing and evaluating dozens of options, one solution consistently rose to the top as the best option for Maranatha—a system with a very funny name: Jenzabar.

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Jenzabar could do everything on the AIM Team’s wishlist. Its modules for every department gave distributed access to centralized information while also allowing flexibility for each office to customize available features in the way that worked best for them. Unfortunately, the price tag was incredibly steep. While the value seemed justified, Maranatha simply could not afford it. That’s when Dr. Mark Stevens, Maranatha’s long-time CFO and experienced haggler, went to work.

Through the next few weeks and months, Dr. Stevens negotiated an incredible deal. In round after round of discussions, various capabilities were added to the bundle of services in the contract, and yet the expenses were kept to a reasonably affordable level. By shifting resources and balancing priorities in the next year’s budget, the Financial Committee determined that the purchase could be afforded.

Then the deal hit an impossible snag.

Systems this complex cannot be implemented in a few short weeks or even months. Since they touch every process in every office on campus, it takes a full year to analyze and prepare the system—a year during which existing systems must be maintained while the new one is prepared for installation. Having used every budget maneuver possible to afford only the new system, Maranatha could not afford to pay for two. Dr. Stevens sheepishly brought the news to Dr. Marriott that the deal was apparently dead.

Undaunted, Dr. Marriott told Dr. Stevens to go back to the company and tell them that the new president was notoriously frugal and ask them to give us the

first year free. With all his experience, Dr. Stevens knew full well this was a fool’s errand; nonetheless, he went along with the request and thought, “Maybe God will do something.”

To everyone’s surprise, the company agreed to defer all costs and expenses until the second year, allowing Maranatha to proceed with its system update. Mr. Bartman led the efforts to customize and implement the system, joined by Dr. David Hershberger and Mr. Steve Carlson in the Registrar’s Office, as well as many others.

Today, Jenzabar provides the technological infrastructure that powers Maranatha’s successful online program.

Today, Maranatha’s online and distance learning programs have grown nearly 20 times over what they were in 2010!

The cutting-edge technology delivers the consistent learning experience that modern students expect. While not one person originally involved thought such an endeavor was humanly possible, God brought together the people and circumstances to provide exactly what the ministry needed to further develop the extensive distance education programs that Maranatha now offers.

Through ambitious goals, fearless leadership, and faithful reliance on God, Maranatha has been blessed with a decade of innovation “To the Praise of His Glory.”

Dr. Matthew Davis (’96) serves as Executive Vice President and Corporate Counsel for Maranatha. As such he is responsible for implementing the president's strategic vision for the university. Dr. Davis and his wife, Dana (Director of Online Instruction and teacher in the School of Education), moved to Wisconsin in 2007 with their three sons. Dr. Davis founded the Davis Law Firm in Watertown and is also the president of Eternal Vision, a charitable foundation devoted to supporting quality Christian education.

A CONSTANT FRIEND Over these 50 years, Maranatha’s Board of Trustees has been a tremendous behind-the-scenes influence, strengthening MBU in difficult days and girding her with stability in changing days. One such prominent board member, who has served faithfully since 1984, is Dr. Doug Jackson, a close friend of Dr. Marriott and a constant friend to Maranatha.

Dr. Jackson arrived as a freshman on campus the opening year of 1968 with the expectation of staying only one year. He was attending Maranatha to please his father—and needing to assemble his own dormitory bed that first day didn’t leave him with a great first impression. But after playing every sport involving a ball that Maranatha offered and traveling each weekend on ministry extension, he was hooked. MBU has been a part of his life ever since. Dr. Jackson has traveled between his Michigan home and Watertown, WI, close to 150 times. He has never missed a board meeting and has been chairman since 1998.

In reminiscing on the past and evaluating the present, Dr. Jackson comments, “We’ve stayed true to our core values.

Dr. Cedarholm started Maranatha as a liberal arts college with a Bible major. We’ve seen that emphasis continue.

Through changes of leadership we’ve still been steadfast.”

Dr. Jackson was a vocal supporter of regional accreditation, both publicly and privately in board meetings. “We could maintain our identity as an independent Baptist Bible college and still be accredited. They weren’t asking us to do anything to take away our identity,” Jackson asserts. As MBU completes its 25th year of accreditation and looks back at what was then a controversial decision, Dr. Jackson says, “I have no regrets!”

Dr. Jackson challenges us, “There have been a good number of people who have sacrificed to have what we have today. It’s important that we never look like we’ve suffered, because we haven’t—those of us who have given of our time, our talents, our treasures—it has been for the cause of Christ, hoping that [the students] will pick up the vision to be ‘To the Praise of His Glory!’”

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A BRAND IS A PROMISE

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The Name The witty one-liner made a promise, but “more than you expect” could not fully describe what awaited students who came to Maranatha Baptist Bible College in Watertown, Wisconsin.

the recognition and understanding of who Maranatha was as an institution. Board members sought counsel from many about the possibility of a name change, and the final 09 vote was unanimous.

Something needed to change.

What would not change was of greater significance.

“Maranatha had never been a traditional Bible college, nor a traditional liberal arts college,” shared Dr. Marriott. “So our name had often caused us to be misunderstood.”

For many years, prospective students and donors had no indication that Maranatha offered programs outside of those of a traditional Bible college. A CCNE-accredited nursing program, ROTC, public service internships, online and distance education, Bridge to Campus sites, or majors in humanities, business, digital communications, English, and biology were well beyond the scope of a traditional Bible college.

The Primary logo is composed of the shield and wordmark. The horizontal orientation is the primary and preferred orientation of the logo.

“In addition,”The Marriott said, “to many people spacing of the logo can be determined by the width of the “M” in the wordmark. around the world, a ‘college’ is a vocational school or a two-year institution.”

The structure of the logo is created by lining the cap-height of the top wordmark with the cap-height of the “M” and aligning the baseline of the wordmark with the bask of the golden rule.

In 2013, under Marriott’s leadership, the Board of Trustees of Maranatha Baptist Bible College adopted a strategic plan to make the message plain, with the goal of improving

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“Maranatha will always be Baptist, dispensational, and evangelistic,” stated Marriott. “We will not abandon our separatist position. We will always emphasize the local church and hold fast to our mission.”

In a special faculty and staff chapel on November 27, 2013, Marriott shared, “To best define who we are, our name must define what we are. And when we look in the mirror, we see Maranatha Baptist University—a name that reflects what we are and what we have been becoming for many years.”

The announcement to students followed on December 13, 2013, just before Christmas break. Each student received a t-shirt with Maranatha Baptist University emblazoned on the front and First Class stamped on the back.

“I remember soon after that, when flying home to New Hampshire, a gentleman on my flight asked what school I was attending,”

shared Emily Timblin (’14, Palmer). “Out of habit I started to say ‘Maranatha Baptist Bible College,’ but I stopped myself just in time. I then explained that I was a student of Maranatha Baptist University. I was proud and extremely excited all at the same time.”

The Secret Secrets and surprises and plans and ideas surrounding the new name abounded the following spring semester. The Communications team met with the Executive team regularly and began to define the new look of Maranatha Baptist University.

An advertising agency assisted with the refreshed brand identity. Under the creative direction of Beckie Manley, now CEO of Fierce Strategy + Creative, a team of designers visited campus and experienced the best of Maranatha—from chapel and classes to the food in the DC. “Working with Dr. Matt Davis and Dr. Marriott C 992 SMP was such a privilege for my creative team,” 322B 161G 0R Manley said. “Everyone provided incredible 0K 0Y 81M 08C insight into the history of MBU and shared a FD1A00# BEW clear vision for the future of the university.

Ideas for the new brand began to take shape quickly, and we were thrilled to be a part of 781 SMP that story. To this day, every time we seeC the 44B 22G new brand in action, we feel a great sense of271R 51K 98Y 001M 22C pride in MBU and in our working together.”

C261CA# BEW

The rebranding needed a proper platform for announcement, so the administration tasked the Student Body Council with developing the C dpieces eR mraWfor SMP program and organizing the moving 65B 76G 552R one of Maranatha’s most epic events ever— 0K 08Y 78M 0C “UNLEASHED”—where the new branding, 8334FF# BEW

kcalB %39 SMP 25B 15G 15R

logo, and mascot would be revealed to faculty, staff, and students. For almost three months, students debated the possibilities for what the new mascot would be, but not even the minutest slip of the truth leaked out. It was the most well-guarded secret on campus.

ecnatsiD dna enilnO rof desu eb ot si roloc yradnoces ehT .ylno gninraeL eht ynapmocca ot tnaem si ettelap yradnoces laminiM .sroloc yramirp .evitceffe tsom si egasu roloc

“The anticipation up to the ‘reveal,’ the theories debated over what the new mascot would be, and the ‘reveal’ night itself created such an excitement and unity within the student body,” said Ethan Hokanson (’14), thenSECONDARY COLORS president of the Student SROLOC YRADNOCES Body Council. “I remember having so much fun with ACADEMY BLUE my friends and faculty that night. The new EULB YMEDACA logos, colors, and mascot were a fresh, welcomed update to Maranatha’s branding.”

ATHLETIC CRIMSON

Hokanson and Bobbi NOSMIRC CITELHTA (Shepp) Geosling emceed the evening to an audience overfilling the bleachers and standing in every open space possible in the gym.

Between sections of the GNARO ENILNO branding explanations,Eboth emcees came on stage dressed as another mascot possibility.

TXET DRADNATS

ONLINE ORANGE

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Finally ROTC cadets dressed in fatigues accompanied Hokanson to the center-gym stage where Dr. Matt Davis and Dr. Marty Marriott stood. The briefcase was opened and the secret announced.

“I remember the moment when the mascot was revealed and the confetti went everywhere,” said Hokanson. “We had fog, and the band was playing. It was awesome! This was definitely one of the highlights of my time at MBU. I’m honored at the small part that I got to play in it.”

Dr. Bruce Meyer (faculty, College of Bible and Church Ministries) had rooted for a Sabercat since the university announced its name change. Undeterred by the mascot being top secret, he began purchasing anything sabercatrelated in an effort to influence the minds of any who saw him walking around campus. “I looked for hope in the title ‘Unleashed,’” he explained, “since only a Sabercat would fit that description, right? A lame and tame mascot wouldn’t need restraints. Imagine my ecstatic shock when Snarly the Sabercat, the snarliest mascot ever, was unveiled. I will never forget that night.”

Once the branding agency delivered the new assets and brand style guide to MBU, it was up to in-house designers Kristina Hendrickson and Corinne Kutz to bring the artwork to life.

The Snarl In a second spectacular event, B. Snarly (the “B” is after B. Myron Cedarholm) was introduced to the student body.

Smoke and vapors surrounded B. Snarly as the curtain was raised on the larger-than-life Sabercat, posing with strength and agility. His snarl was heard around campus.

“The first game appearance of Snarly was as exciting as the 'UNLEASHED' event,” Meyer remembered, “since all the waiting and hoping for a snarly mascot was over. His appearance on stage out of the evening mist was absolutely electrifying! Now Snarl and I are best buds—we’ve even golfed together. He’s a beast off the tee—and he’s quiet when I’m putting!”

The brand brought the look of Maranatha together into a cohesive whole. Every office and department must follow the branding guidelines. Now every athletic jersey and choir tour shirt, every email written and admissions packet sent sends the same message: we are Maranatha Baptist University.

“A brand is so much bigger than any one person, message, or logo,” stated Karen Hansel, who was part of the Communications team. “A brand is a promise. And for MBU, that promise is wrapped up in a rich heritage, a commitment to a mission, and a consistency in message and design. As prospective students and families come in contact with the MBU brand, we trust that what they see and hear and feel inside aligns with the excellence and excitement they experience in real life—and that they love being a part of it all!”

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A DECADE OF DRAMA

ATHLETICS + MUSIC

NCCAA Division II

NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS women’s basketball men’s cross country men’s soccer women’s volleyball

2007 to 2017

NCCAA PRESIDENT'S AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE

2013, 2015 2014, 2015 2014 2015, 2016, 2017

MENS

VOLLEYBALL

2014, 2015, 2016

CLUB Est. 2014

Offered as Varsity Intercollegiate Sport The highest award that the NCCAA gives to an institution for its overall results in a school year.

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NCAA STATISTICAL CHAMPIONS

NCCAA

DII 1st Team All-Americans

Torey DeLozier

Laci Peterson

Volleyball: Kills 2010, 2011, 2012 Points 2010, 2011

Basketball: Blocks 2012, 2013 Triple Doubles 2013, 2014

Ethan Kennon

Ben Schulz

Football: Tackles 2013, 2014

Football: Forced Fumbles 2016

Check out the latest scores and games at mbusabercats.com

Fall Festival 2016

A GREATER MISSION:

THE STORY OF RON BROOKS Had the largest attendance in history. Local veterans were honored during the performance as combined university choirs sang the musical theme songs of each armed forces branch. In special attendance was Mrs. Barbara Brooks.

90th 97th

The percentile record that 2015 graduates set on national standardized testing

2015

The music degree was restructured to give students more marketable specializations. Undergraduates now choose two of six concentrations.

MBUMusicians

COMMUNICATION Now offers programs for piano, strings, band instruments, voice, theory, and early childhood music and movement.

Music seniors scored in the 90th percentile on nationallystandardized music tests for six consecutive years.

tracks in:

PHOTO

GRAPHY

ARTS DEGREE GRAPHIC

DESIGN

SPEECH

bega n in

DRAMATIC

PRODUCTION

FALL 2014 TECHNICAL

THEATRE

MaranathaHumanities

DRAMA CAMP The summer of 2017 saw the highest number of drama campers enrolled.

Productions have included Beauty and Beast Jr., Annie Jr., Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Pinocchio, and The Music Man.

TWELVE ANGRY MEN / WOMEN

Two casts, one ladiesonly and one men-only, performing the same script for different performances.

ROCK SOLID

By Grace Peters

F

Freedom has always simmered in the hearts of the American people—those who left the hearths of the Old Countries to seek religious freedom, those whose blood and sweat mingled together on the battlefield for freedom, and those who today live in the thankfulness that freedom was won.

Behind the ever-present beckon for freedom in every generation were soldiers, rallied to the flag, willing to lay aside life itself for our great country. The very idea swells hearts with patriotism.

The American soldier today completes extensive training to prepare him or her for the variety of roles the military would require. Maranatha helps students become soldiers by providing a Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program on campus.

Charlie Company Early in 2006, sophomore Accounting Management major Paul Shirk met with one of his business faculty members, Captain Kirk Mensch, to discuss his potential need to transfer. Maranatha did not offer an Army ROTC program, and Shirk had researched finishing his undergraduate education at UW-Madison for the sake of enrolling in such a program. Mensch suggested a different idea: forming a satellite program at Maranatha through the Badger Battalion that met at UW-Madison.

For the program to be successful, the Badger Battalion would have to agree to accept, fund, and support a program at a comparatively tiny school nearly an hour away. Maranatha in return would have to accept the program and begin offering academic credit for ROTC classes and, of course, recruit quality cadets.

After the affiliate paperwork was signed and the curriculum was put in place, Shirk became the first Maranatha cadet to contract into the new program on June 2, 2006. The Charlie Company would face challenges soon, though. Maranatha did not have any full-time on-campus instructors, so while cadets worked out their physical training on campus, they had to make early-morning trips to UW-

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Whitewater (Bravo Company) every week for their labs.

In the fall of 2007, Captain Derrek Schultheiss became full-time Assistant Professor of Military Science at Maranatha, and Shirk became the Detachment Commander. Maranatha gave the program a permanent building on campus; and once instructors were qualified through the Leadership Development and Assessment Course, Charlie Company began running a truly self-contained program. Under Schultheiss’ direction, this core group of leaders molded Charlie Company for the future classes of cadets.

Becoming “Rock Solid” “Maranatha falls under the University of Wisconsin-Madison ROTC program,” explains Assistant Professor of Military Science Captain Jonathan DeGreeff. “It is composed of four total universities: MBU is the third company, which is alphabetically labelled as ‘C Company,’ or ‘Charlie Company.’”

numerous appearances at special events, including an appearance at the swearing-in ceremony for State Supreme Court Justice Michael Gableman and one for State Supreme Court Justice Daniel Kelly.

Maranatha alum Elijah Walters (’14) said of his time in the ROTC, “The Army will teach you everything you need to know about your assigned job.

What makes MBU different is living in a Christ-centered environment where you can see all sorts of people working for God’s glory in a variety of professions. MBU taught me to pursue excellence in order to make God look good.” Walters was the first MBU

In November 2017, the Charlie Company received its sixth consecutive victory at the Ranger Challenge competition at Fort McCoy, bringing Maranatha’s overall total to eight firstplace victories and one second-place victory. The color guard has made

I do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States, that I make this obligation freely, without any

One of the first cadets of Charlie Company created its theme, “Rock Solid,” for itself. “This slogan, which is yelled, or ‘sounded off,’ at the beginning and end of each formation, influences the ROTC culture to be ‘rock solid’ in its morals and conduct at all times,” explains DeGreeff.

“I have personally learned dedication, integrity, and respect through the ROTC program,” says current Biblical Studies major PJ Tanglao. “It takes dedication to juggle classes with our military training, and I’d be lying if I said it was easy. It takes integrity to get your responsibilities done on time and to do the right thing when no one is watching. I’ve learned respect for those who go through this experience beside me, respect for those above me investing in me, and respect for those who’ve taken this commitment to serve before us.”

THE OATH OF OFFICE

mental reservations or purpose of evasion, and that I will well and faithfully discharge cadet branched as an engineer, a field normally reserved for engineering majors; and he received a saber upon graduation for being the top cadet in the battalion.

The American soldier has changed in many ways over the years; yet the military’s foundation of honor, justice, bravery, and the fight for freedom remains never-changing.

the duties of the office upon which I am about to enter, so help me God.

Access Charlie Company’s blog and other information about the ROTC program at mbu.edu/rotc.

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A PROMISING

FUTURE

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FULL-CIRCLE LEADERSHIP

40

A STORY OF EXTENDED IMPACT

42

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CAMPUS RENOVATIONS

MINISTRY THROUGH SPORT

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REACHING THE SOUL THROUGH THE BODY

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A Story of Extended Impact

By Dr. Matthew Davis

P

Powerful explosions shattered the quiet Sunday as Pastor Asher Shazad and his wife stepped outside after their morning church service recently in Lahore, Pakistan. Two suicide bombers attempted to enter another Christian church less than a block away from Pastor Shazad’s Baptist church. When confronted by guards outside the church, the men detonated their bombs, spreading human carnage throughout the neighborhood. Though the Shazads’ church was spared direct injury, Pastor Shazad’s wife, so traumatized by the scene, required hospitalization.

This story presents a much different picture of life and ministry than most Americans can comprehend, and yet believers around the world are standing faithful in the face of extraordinary persecution. Through a new global initiative called The Partnership Project, Maranatha is working with Baptist ministries in restricted-access locations around the world to equip and prepare foreign nationals for local church ministry.

The concept behind The Partnership Project was born during the fall of 2016 when Dr. Marriott learned of the great ministry needs of his former college roommate, Dennis Killoran (’76, ’77), an MBU alumnus and missionary. As Pastor Killoran shared how God used him and his family in Pakistan for more than three decades, Dr. Marriott was greatly moved to hear that a small Baptist college had been founded to train more than 35 local pastors each year for church-planting ministry in the Punjab Region.

But Pastor Killoran also relayed his concerns that the work needed a more stable supply of reliable educational content, as access and travel to the

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MARANATHA BAPTIST UNIVERSITY 2018

region have become more difficult for western missionaries coming to teach in the Bible college. Pastor Shazad was one of Killoran’s converts and is well trained, but the future of the ministry could not continue to depend on foreign missionaries making short-term trips.

Dr. Marriott believed a partnership with Maranatha could be the answer.

Over the weeks that followed, Maranatha made personal contact with others involved in supporting the work, and eventually made direct contact with Pastor Shazad in Pakistan. Through the course of discussion, it became clear that the greatest need of this Bible college was something Maranatha had easily on hand: reliable, Bible-centered courses taught by highly trained and dedicated faculty. Technology MBU had already outfitted in several classrooms for its distance education program could also be used to produce high-quality recordings to share with international partners.

During the spring of 2017, two courses were shared as a successful beta test of the cloudbased system.

Having laid the groundwork for the initiative, MBU has found many new partners to work with in places like India, Dubai, China, Singapore, and the Philippines.

God has opened the door for effectual ministry and expanded partnerships. In serving with Baptist pastors and missionaries around the world to train pastors for church-planting ministry, The Partnership Project has brought a new dimension to MBU’s mission to “develop leaders for ministry in the local church and the world 'To the Praise of His Glory!’”

AN YOU JOIN HOW C

THE

PARTNERSHIP PROJECT Some of the most highly-sought-after courses by our international ministry partners are taught in large classrooms that are not yet outfitted with the technology needed for The Partnership Project. In addition, some of our international partners do not have sufficient equipment to access, prepare, and replay the course materials.

MBU is raising support through this year’s Alumni National Project to outfit additional classrooms and assist our international partners in acquiring the needed technology to support the program.

Will you consider partnering with MBU in this great effort?

MAKE A ONE-TIME GIFT: Online: mbu.edu/alumni/national-project By mail: MBU Alumni Office

745 West Main Street

Watertown, WI 53094 SEND MONTHLY SUPPORT: Would your church or small group consider giving regularly to allow us to continue providing these classes completely free of charge to missionary partners around the globe?

IDENTIFY NEW PARTNERS: Do you know of a Baptist Bible college or Bible institute on the foreign field in need of help for training church planters? Please help us identify new needs and partners around the globe!

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FULL-CIRCLE LEADERSHIP

O

Often, modern leadership is equated with recognition, as if being a leader guarantees prestigious awards and a devoted following. The media's emphasis on popular sports players, entertainment stars, and business moguls pumps up celebrities’ pride while teaching observers that leadership is most satisfactory when people are watching.

God Himself, however, originated the concept of leadership. In contrast to the self-seeking mindset of so many leaders of today, He paints a drastically contrasting picture with the service, humility, and sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ.

Andy Montgomery (’13, ’15) learned invaluable lessons of biblical leadership while earning his degrees from Maranatha, lessons that are necessary for his current ministries as children’s pastor and school teacher at Colonial Hills Baptist Church (Indianapolis, IN).

These lessons have formed the foundation for the leadership positions God had planned for him after he graduated.

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Andy shares some of his experiences below: Leaders Learn Through Experience My dorm experience shaped my view of leadership.

From the very start, I loved being in the dorm. I loved being involved in dorm leadership. I loved the friendship and camaraderie that I developed with the other guys.

Since I was at Maranatha for 7 years, I have quality friends from every chapter of my MBU life, and the majority of those friendships came from the dorm.

Although it was sometimes hard to develop new friendships, it ended up being incredibly rewarding.

I was able to learn what some of my strengths in ministry were during my time at MBU, especially through dorm leadership. I’m a very relational leader.

I love spending time with people, listening to them, joking around with them, and often bearing spiritual burdens with them. As a dorm supervisor, I would drop anything if it meant I had a chance to hang out with one of my guys in order to build a better relationship with him and help him in his walk with Christ.

Today, I capitalize on my relationship skills in an on-campus program called Cross Impact at Indiana University—Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI). A large part of that ministry is meeting people, pursuing friendships with them, and following up whenever we get the chance. I lead large-group and small-group Bible studies and one-on-one Bible studies. These groups require me to build relationships quickly and effectively. They require me to sit down with people and talk about the messiness of their lives. Being in dorm leadership prepared me for these kinds of conversations.

Leaders Learn from Leaders Dr. Fred Moritz tremendously influenced me in the seminary classroom. He is a man with a passion for God’s Word, theology, and practical Christian living.

He had the ability to take theological concepts and the examples of people throughout Baptist history and immediately apply them to daily life, often with tears in his eyes. I learned about the true heart of a pastor from Dr. Moritz.

I was nervous about being a dorm supervisor because I knew it would stretch me. It involved getting into the nitty-gritty of people’s lives, and that’s a hard thing to do. I had the opportunity to be a “big brother” to the guys in my dorm and to help each of them individually in their own walk with Christ. Very simply, just as I had been taught by Dr. Moritz, I wanted my guys to learn how to study the Bible clearly and to see how practical the Bible was to their entire lives. They could live it out, and it could change their lives.

Leaders Must Listen Dean of Men Tim Johns is an excellent counselor and a tremendous accountability partner, easy to talk with, and a man good at listening. Many leaders make major mistakes when they come across as unapproachable, don’t allow people opportunities to give input, and don’t respond well when they do receive input. Tim is a great listener, and I’ll always be thankful for his influence in my life.

I get honest questions daily from parents, children’s workers, Cross Impact officers, and volleyball players I lead and coach. It is vital that I listen to them. If they know that I’m truly listening and considering their input, they’ll follow me even when I make a decision that they disagree with.

Leaders Stand Alone I learned early in my college life that allowing people to do what they want will help a leader gain popularity, but it won’t necessarily help the followers grow. Doing the uncomfortable, unpopular thing is often the right thing.

Does it mean that you sometimes have to stand alone?

Yes, but it’s worth it in light of eternity.

Each time a faculty or staff member determines to teach and encourage a student, he or she fulfills Maranatha’s mission to “develop leaders for ministry in the local church and the world . . .”

Every year, as students graduate, they have the opportunity to take what they’ve been taught and reinvest in others. In so doing, they personify the encouragement of Hebrews 13:7: “Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the Word of God: whose faith follow . . .”

Andy Montgomery graduated in 2013 with a BA in Pastoral Studies and then again in 2015 with an MA in Biblical Studies. He is now taking virtual and online classes from Maranatha Baptist Seminary as he works to complete his MDiv degree. At Colonial Hills Baptist Church, Andy runs the Kids4Truth and bus ministries, functions as Sunday School superintendent, and is in charge of anything relating to children’s ministries. He is the director of the church’s campus ministry, Cross Impact IUPUI. He also teaches Bible in the church’s Christian school and coaches the JV volleyball team.

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REACHING THE THROUGH THE BODY

Maranatha nursing students took part in a medical missions trip to Uganda this fall with Operation Renewed Hope.

By Marea Kazarovich

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G

Growing up in a military family, I encountered a wide variety of cultures and faiths among my peers. Often, they claimed to be Christian, yet seemed to have a very shallow understanding of the Bible. People seemed nervous to study the Bible too closely for fear of becoming legalistic or controversial. When choosing a college, my top priority was finding a school that was rooted in God’s Word and whose faculty lived out the Christian walk on an everyday basis.

I desired a college that would challenge me to grow in my faith and take a stand for the truths of God’s Word while still preparing me for my future career as a nurse.

Maranatha’s nursing program not only prepared me for my future profession, but it provided character training through applying the principles of God’s Word to my life.

The nursing faculty exemplified servant leadership every day. Not only did they set high standards of excellence for us as nursing students, but they also supported us as we attempted to meet those expectations. I was deeply influenced by the example of my faculty.

A Life-Changing Opportunity I had the great joy of traveling to Peru for six weeks to study Spanish for my concentration while shadowing a Peruvian nurse in the hospital. My nursing instructors at Maranatha emphasized the importance of understanding the background of our patients so we could properly care for them.

I learned firsthand how differently medicine is practiced in other countries. I saw seventeen patients being cared for in one large room. Their family members had to leave the hospital to purchase the necessary supplies for their loved ones’ procedures. Often the facility to wash hands was not available, and the medical team had to make do with the limited resources they had.

Everything felt dirty to me.

This experience has shaped who I am as a nurse today. Even more importantly, it has impacted my life as a Christian. I learned to put my life in God’s hands as I lived in a world very different from my own. I learned to “get dirty” in order to have the opportunity to share Christ.

Traveling kindled a fire in my heart to study hard as a nursing student so that I could be better equipped to serve overseas. It was not just the physical needs of the people at stake; it was their souls.

My goal since graduation has been to make one international trip each year with a medical mission team. Several times I’ve run into obstacles and thought that perhaps the Lord was closing the door for me to travel that year. Yet each time, God has given me a little push and worked out all the details, and I sit back amazed at how He continues to provide opportunities for me to reach out to those around the world.

A Life-Giving Message Often, I’ve wondered, “What good am I doing?” I am an American nurse with a closet full of clothes, a car to drive, running water, and so much food that much of it goes to waste. I leave all of that wealth behind for the sake of providing one week of medical care that will only temporarily resolve a few physical illnesses of the people I’m treating.

This inward battle plagued me until the Lord showed me that my sole purpose in traveling overseas was not to provide medical care. If it were, it would be depressing. My ultimate purpose was to share the everlasting hope of the gospel.

We do not need material comforts to live a fulfilled and joyful life. We need Jesus Christ alone, and He is sufficient. Man’s eternal home is permanent. This life on earth is only temporary. As I travel overseas, I am bringing light and hope that is everlasting. That is far more important than any temporary medical treatment I could ever offer.

Marea Kazarovich graduated from Maranatha in 2014 with a BSN. She works as a nurse at Beaver Dam Community Hospital on the Med Surg/ICU floor and recently began cross training for the Emergency Room. In addition to her mission trip to Peru (2013), she traveled with several of her MBU nursing classmates to Albania (2012) and took a second Spanish immersion trip to Mexico (2014).

Since graduation, she has traveled to Uganda (2015), Dominican Republic (2016), and Peru again (2017)—all medical mission trips.

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Ministry Through Sport

By Taylor Pill

B

Beyond the winning scoreboards and championship banners is the ultimate goal for MBU student-athletes: that they would take the lessons learned on the playing field and translate them into everyday life.

At the heart of the MBU athletic programs is leadership development through skilled training, godly mentoring, and intercollegiate competition.​At MBU, athletics provides the opportunity for students to go, serve, and lead—whether on overseas mission trips or in local churches.

Maranatha aims to produce servantmindedness in student-athletes so that service becomes a way of life.

Each team at MBU has its own means of ministering.

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The cross country, soccer, baseball, and women’s volleyball teams make a regular practice of singing and teaching in local churches.

In 2010, the men’s soccer team created a traveling ministry team—the Tonal Defenders—to serve churches through music during the off season.The Tonal Defenders, comprised of both players and coaches, has visited over 30 churches in the area and sings periodically in chapel on campus as well.

The football, baseball, soccer, and women’s volleyball teams have used athletics to take the gospel to four different continents. The baseball team traveled to the Dominican Republic in 2011 and 2015, where they conducted clinics and evangelism outreaches.

Over 100 salvation decisions were made during the two trips combined.

played four seasons as catcher for the baseball team.

Outside the lines, Callan served as a society president, and he met his wife Terrie (Goodell), who graduated with Roy in 1976.

Callan models faithfulness beyond his MBU career.

"Coach Callan" has served at Heritage Hall Christian School (Muncie, IN) for 41 years, where he uses his collegiate soccer knowledge on the sideline by coaching varsity soccer. In 36 seasons, he has led the Patriots to seven IACS state championships, while holding a record of 380-118-28. Callan's other ministry roles include junior high basketball coach, bus driver, youth ministry staff worker, Sunday school teacher, and choir member.

Both the men’s and women’s soccer teams took a trip to South Africa in 2010, taking advantage of the national excitement generated by the then-upcoming FIFA World Cup. The team used the global language of soccer to connect with churches, orphanages, and a local police force. The team gave a gospel presentation after each game.

The women’s volleyball team has twice partnered with Harvest Ministries in Guam to hold clinics for local teams. As part of the experience, the Sabercat coaches and student-athletes share a gospel message.

Maranatha has 19 NCCAA National Championship banners displayed prominently in the gym, but the victories they represent are only temporal. The impact of the gospel lasts forever. ​ Athletics Hall of Fame Regularly, the MBU Athletics Department honors individuals who emulate a ministry mindset by adding them to the MBU Athletics Hall of Fame. During Alumni Weekend 2017, the Athletics Department named Roy Callan ('76) and Marsha Jackson to the Maranatha Athletics Hall of Fame for their dedication to and love of Maranatha athletes and athletic competition.

Roy Callan: a Maranatha Mainstay Roy Callan can be described as "versatile," "committed," and "dependable." During his time as a student at Maranatha, Callan became the first student-athlete in Maranatha history to receive 12 varsity letters.

Callan participated in men's soccer, wrestling, and baseball and was captain of each team for at least one season. As a wrestler, Callan took fourth place at the NCCAA National Championships. On the soccer field, he started every game in his four-year tenure. Callan

Marsha Jackson: Volleyball and Beyond At Maranatha, Jackson's name is unequivocally linked with success on the volleyball court. Jackson still holds a Top-30 ranking in NCAA Division III Women’s Volleyball history for winning percentage (a 396-200 record), and she led Maranatha to five NCCAA Division II titles, including one in each of her first four years as head coach.

Jackson hit the ground running at Maranatha and was named the NCCAA DII National Coach of the Year in 1989. Later, Jackson spearheaded success on the NCAA level by procuring two Lake Michigan Conference Championship titles in 1995 and 2005.

Jackson was an undeniable exemplar of athletic success while at Maranatha, but she recognizes the paramount importance of ministry. During her time at Maranatha, Jackson led mission trips to Brazil and Germany and currently serves in the music and visitation ministries at Canon Community Baptist Church in Canon City, Colorado.

God uses multiple mediums for advancing His gospel, and Maranatha is privileged to be a part of training students to use those mediums, including sports, to glorify Him.

Taylor Pill ('15) fills the roles of Sports Information Director and Assistant Men’s Soccer Coach at MBU. Pill graduated from MBU in 2015 with a Sport Management degree and plans to use his skills and experiences with sports to impact people for the Savior.

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CAMPUS RENOVATIONS

THE HERITAGE PROJECT The Heritage Project is a multi-phase renovation project to restore and update Old Main. The Alumni Association began collecting funds for the project during the 2013-14 school year.

2014 Two handicap-accessible bathrooms in downstairs Old Main 2015 Reconstruction of the East Entrance and stairway of Old Main HVAC system replaced Renovation of the first-floor corridors of Old Main

2016 Old Main CafĂŠ Den (previously the Solarium) Alumni Plaza created

2017 Presidential Conference Room ADDITIONAL PROJECTS

2010 Burckart Hall 2015 Fine Arts Hall and adjoining Green Room 2017 Hanneman Hall science lab

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ALUMNI VOICES What a blessing to have Maranatha pave their patio with the memory of the "living stones" (I Pet. 2:5), who have gone out to build the spiritual house of the Lord. It is special to me to not only be able to remember my years at MBBC, but also give a brick of remembrance for my wife, Carole, who loved to serve at Maranatha for 37 years.

Pastor Michael R. Gordon (’71) First Baptist Church of Hartford, WI

Maranatha Baptist University has been a blessing to our family for 30 years. We have been blessed by the faculty and staff, who have always been willing to invest in our lives.

Bruce (’86) and Kathy (’90) Cournoyer Brittany (’14) and Brett (will graduate in ’18)

The founding of Maranatha was an answer to our prayers. We loved the dedication of the faculty and the inspiration of the Cedarholms. Teresa and I were in the first student body. Two decades later, our children chose to attend and graduate from the school. Our brick was purchased to demonstrate love and thankfulness for the entire family being blessed as alumni of this great school.

Bob (’70, ‘71) and Teresa (’70) Griffin Jeremiah (’97), Joshua (’97), and Lyssa (’99)

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Through our education at Maranatha, we learned what it means to be a Baptist. We were grounded in the fundamentals of the faith. We were given ample opportunity to practice what we had learned through extension in a local church and service for the college in traveling music groups both during the school year and the summer. We bought a brick because we love Maranatha and appreciate the impact it has had on our lives.

Rob (’75, ’77) and Debby (’75) Adams Although neither of us have attended MBU as registered students, we have visited classes and have a vested interest in this wonderful university, and we feel like alumni. Our brick says, "Just preach Jesus," and that's just what MBU does!

Greg and Linda Flegal, MBU parents to Ben (’14, ’18), Jeannie (’16), Hannah (’18), Lydia (current student)

“

Maranatha will always have a special place in our hearts.

”

Adam ('07) and Brittany ('05) Breiner

We are grateful for the support Maranatha gave us during my husband's illness and subsequent death and to me since his homegoing.

Maranatha’s Hanneman Hall is named in memory of Bob. I purchased a brick in his memory.

Betty Hanneman Faculty, 12 years Bob Hanneman Board of Trustees, 12 years

What an amazing privilege to have a part in the Alumni Plaza, a wonderful way to remember my husband, Dave Baldwin (’72), who supported Maranatha with prayer and encouraging students to attend and was honored to serve on the board.

Thank you for your selfless service and dedication— “to the Praise of His Glory.”

Linda Baldwin (’73) To purchase a brick, go to mbu.edu/alumni-plaza

Maranatha does not engage in unlawful discrimination on the basis of sex, race, color, age, physical disability, ancestry, or national origin. The commitment not to discriminate in the University’s services, education programs, or employment practices extends to all applicants for admissions and employment, as required by Title IX and applicable law. Some programs maintain additional requirements for program acceptance. Where applicable, those standards are clearly stated and published.

All concerns relating to discrimination can be directed to: Title IX Coordinator, 745 West Main Street, Watertown, WI 53094 (920-206-2305), or to TitleIXCoordinator@mbu.edu.

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