Point Magazine Summer 2012

Summer 2012

M A G A Z I N E

Things to Do in Puebla, Mexico p. 23

MEET The Class of 2012 p. 14

CH INA And Its Impact on

a Student’s Faith p. 18

One of the benefits of the relocation to West Point is the opportunity for students to enjoy shopping and dining within walking distance of the Academic Center. West Point’s walkable downtown offers a variety of options; additional shops and restaurants in Lanett and Valley are just a short drive away. Here, Kim Okojie ’13 and friends enjoy lunch at Johnny’s Pizza in downtown West Point.

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Into the Wild

Bob McGuire ’78 retires from Point and takes on a new challenge: the Appalachian Trail.

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A Heart for People and a Mind for Business

Jim Street ’74 talks with Point’s business faculty about their new course in social entrepreneurship.

14

Meet the Class of 2012

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I Want My Own Fire

billy howard photography

Get to know a handful of the students in Point University’s record-breaking Class of 2012.

Kalina Hirsch (’10-’12) faced unexpected challenges and found faith she didn’t know she had during her year in China.

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From the President Campus News Class Notes

CONTENTS

2 | POIN T M AG A ZI N E

SUMMER 2 0 1 2 | 3

FROM THE PRESIDENT POIN T M AG AZ I NE Volume 51, Number 1 Summer 2012 EDITOR Sarah G. Huxford

W

hen does a vision become a reality? I suspect I could ask professors and theologians to ponder that, and while we’d probably get some great thoughts, they might not be able to agree upon a “right” answer!

At Point University, the vision becomes reality every day. Here are a few examples that might make it real for you:

• On June 15, moving trucks unloaded furniture and boxes in West Point.

• On June 18, staff reported to work in West Point for the first time.

• On July 14, 238 parents and new traditional students attended the first Link registration event in our Academic Center.

• On July 18, the Greater Valley Area Chamber of Commerce helped with the • •

ribbon cutting and dedication of our Academic Center, and hundreds of local citizens toured the facility, which has been a part of their community for years.

On July 28, nearly 500 parents and new students attended the second Link registration event.

On August 2, our fall sports teams began their preseason practice schedules in our new facilities.

And by the end of August, our new dining hall and Fine Arts Center will be ready for business. But the most important evidence that the vision has become real is the record-breaking group of students who, by the time you read this, will have begun fall classes at Point, where we are committed to educating them in a way that helps them point others to the cross of Christ.

In this issue, you’ll enjoy meeting our recent graduates and learning about the exciting things our alumni, faculty, staff and students are doing throughout the world. I look forward to showing you all that God is doing at and through Point University when you visit this fall!

Gratefully,

Dean C. Collins ’79 President

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Point Magazine exists to tell Point University’s stories. It is intended to serve as a vehicle for connecting the University’s alumni and friends. For the first 49 volumes of its existence, Point Magazine was known as The Gold & Blue.

The magazine is published by the Communications Office, which retains the right to determine the editorial content and presentation of information contained herein.

Articles or opinion pieces contributed by guest writers do not necessarily reflect the official views or policy of Point University and its board of trustees. Point Magazine welcomes reader responses to its content.

Contact Point Magazine: Attn: Point Magazine 507 West 10th Street West Point, GA 31833 706-385-1000 sarah.huxford@point.edu ©2012 Point University

On the cover: A flower blooms in the garden at City of Refuge; photo by Megan Cobb Hall ’08.

Point University’s mission is to educate students for Christ-centered service and leadership throughout the world. Point University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award the associate and baccalaureate degrees.

Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Point.

billy howard photography

“We are committed to educating our students in a way that helps them point others to the cross of Christ.”

CONTRIBUTORS Megan Cobb Hall ’08 Elizabeth Reid ’13 Adam Simons ’10 Jim Street ’74 William Warren ’14 Joy Ugi

CAMPUS NEWS

From Dream

william warren ’14; eddie groover ’67

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fter five years of prayer and preparation, the dream of relocating Point University’s main campus became a reality on June 18, when the primary administrative offices moved into the new Academic Center.

“Our new main campus is now officially open,” said Dean Collins ’79, president.

“The only remaining step is for our fulltime students to move in for fall semester in late August.”

The Academic Center on 10th Street, formerly the headquarters of textile company West Point-Pepperell, has been renovated to house the Learning Commons, administrative and faculty offices, classrooms, science labs and student study areas. Renovations to the Fine Arts Center, located on the next block, are underway. The Fine Arts Center and athletic facilities are expected to be complete when classes begin on August 22.

A recent addition to the West Point campus is located on the corner of Ninth Street and Third Avenue, just a block from the Academic Center. This space, most recently the home of Refuge Point Church, will house the University dining hall, coffee shop and campus store.

The church plans to continue to operate in another location in downtown West Point.

University food service will be provided by local company Kimble’s Food By Design.

While the University’s original plans for a dining hall were included elsewhere, proTop of page: the Point University sign in front of the Academic Center; above left: Dr. Steve Hooks ’69 packs up for the jected fall enrollment has exceeded move; above right, faculty and staff held a prayer service on the first morning in the new building. the capacity set in the original plans. of the amenities at the Sportsplex, a This prompted Point’s administration to 54,000-square-foot facility for recreseek another nearby venue in which to ational activities, which will be shared by house food services for students, faculty some University sports programs. and staff.

Meanwhile, the University’s historic In coming weeks, student-athletes East Point campus is getting a face lift in and campus life ministers will begin order to better serve the adult student moving into student housing at the population attending classes there.

Point Living Community at Crest Club, Look for more on the new West Point campus an apartment complex in Valley, Ala. in our November issue.

Students will also enjoy access to all

SUMMER 2 0 1 2 | 5

Point welcomes two new trustees

Diplomas Awarded to 180 Students in May On May 13, Point University awarded 180 degrees to the largest

graduating class in the University’s 75-year history of impacting culture for Christ. The spring ceremony was held at New Hope Baptist Church in Fayetteville, Ga. Dr. Robert Smith, Jr., professor of preaching at Beeson Divinity School of Samford University in Birmingham, Ala., spoke at the ceremony. Smith has numerous ties to Point, including attending Cincinnati Christian University with Point’s own Dr. Billy Strother and taking classes from Dr. Steve Hooks ’69 while a student there.

Pres. Collins and Dr. Smith The central theme of Smith’s message focused on trusting God and reveling in his omnipotence. “The divine initiative is not to make us strong, but to make us weak so that we find our strength in Him,” said Smith. “We have no reason to fear because God has the keys, God has the authority.”

Smith’s address was followed by the conferral of degrees and the bestowing of the Hathcock Award. This award, named for Judge T. O. Hathcock, Point’s founder, is the highest honor the University awards to a graduating senior. This year’s recipient was Tory Wooley, a child and youth development major from Stone Mountain, Ga. Wooley has the distinction of being the second student-athlete in a row to be honored with the Hathcock Award.

“I’m so honored and humbled to be recognized by the faculty and staff here to receive such a high award,” said Wooley. “The faculty and staff at Point are second to none, which makes Point University a great community and awesome atmosphere for learning.”

IN BRIEF Point University is pleased to welcome José Dieudonné as its new vice president for information technology and chief information officer. Dieudonné is a seasoned information technology executive with more than 11 years of senior leadership experience in higher education.

6 | POIN T M AG A ZI N E

On May 30, Point University hosted over 60 local ministers for an event at its Academic Center in West Point. The event provided attendees a chance to learn more about the University and how the partnership between local churches, students, faculty and staff can positively impact the Greater Valley Area.

roger cannon photography; megan cobb hall ’08

Robert L. Johnson of West Point, Ga., and Arthur B. Dana of Savannah, Ga., recently accepted offers to become volunteer leaders of the University.

“We are grateful that these men have decided to join the University’s volunteer leadership team,” said Dean Collins ’79, president. “We look forward to the ways they will assist in helping the University excel academically, mature spiritually and engage globally.”

Johnson brings valuable business experience to the board of trustees. In 1984, he began his career with Charter Bank, serving as president from 19962007. He began serving as the company’s chief executive officer in 1996, and continues in that role today. He has also served as president and chief financial officer of Charter Financial since 2001.

Johnson is also a trustee of LaGrange College and The Charter Foundation.

As a certified public accountant and certified valuation analyst, Dana has gained valuable business experience as a tax partner with Price Waterhouse, director of corporate development and taxation for Savannah Foods & Industries, Inc., and a partner with Deemer Dana & Froehle LLP. He serves on many boards, including TSG Water Resources, Inc., Chatham County Hospital Authority, Savannah Christian Church and Leadership Gwinnett.

“I am pleased that both Bob and Art will be serving on the board,” said Steve Olsen, chairman of the board of trustees. “Each brings a wealth of experience to the Point University family, and I am confident that they will make significant contributions to our future.”

University Mourns Loss of Carolyn Cook-Roberts

Savannah Location Opens In April, Point celebrated the opening of its fourth location at the Adult Ministry Building of Savannah Christian Church.

The ribbon cutting was attended by numerous people of influence in the Savannah area, including Cam Huxford ’78, senior pastor of Savannah Christian Church and a trustee of the University, and Trip Tollison, COO and vice president of governmental affairs and member services for the City of Savannah.

Along with the leaders of both Point University and the Savannah Chamber of Commerce, several students from the first Access cohort attended to celebrate the special occasion. Lynne Leftwich, Savannah site director for the University, was excited about the event and what the University is bringing to the area.

“So many of our community and church leaders want to attend a Christian university without leaving the area, and Point University allows for both to happen,” said Leftwich. “I am excited to see Point University in Savannah and to be a part of building up tomorrow’s leaders, today.”

In the Classroom COURSE NAME ECI/MGE 314: Creative Arts

megan cobb hall ’08

INSTRUCTOR Lacey Southerland, Ph.D., Professor of Education COURSE SUMMARY When school budgets shrink, it seems that the arts are the first things to go. In this course, students learn how to integrate the arts into everyday classroom activities. They learn how to set up learning centers that give students access to musical games, art projects, and dramatic play, and they create a portfolio of ideas and activities that will add creativity to whatever environment they eventually find themselves in. The culminating activity of the semester is the drama project, for which students work in groups to create and perform a short drama, based on a children’s book, in a local setting for an audience of children. Through this project, students use their own artistic talents to create a script, songs, set and costumes, while discovering ways to involve children in their performances.

SUGGESTED READING Creativity & the Arts with Young Children

by Isbell and Raines; 101 More Music Games for Children: More Fun and Learning With Rhythm and Song by Jerry Storms; Drama in the Classroom by Polly Erion

On June 19, Point University lost a dear friend, sister in Christ and staff member. Carolyn Cook-Roberts, assistant vice president for adult and professional studies, went home to be with the Lord. Very recently, doctors diagnosed Cook-Roberts with a rare form of cancer.

This cancer was aggressive and not discovered soon enough to pursue any kind of treatment option.

Cook-Roberts had also served Point as an adjunct faculty member since she began working at the University in 2009. Her experience before joining the Point family included serving as director of enrollment management at the University of the Virgin Islands and as vice president of enrollment management at Life University.

“For many students, Carolyn was the face of the Access program,” said Dr. Darryl Harrison, chief academic officer and vice president for adult and professional studies. “She was deeply committed to student success and passionate about the cause of Christ and his kingdom. Carolyn saw her place in Christian education as a calling, not just a profession. I am grateful for her life and to have known her as a colleague and a friend. She was loved and will be missed, but will not be forgotten.”

In 1978, Cook-Roberts earned a bachelor of arts degree in psychology from Lock Haven University, followed by a master’s degree in education from the University of the Virgin Islands in 1994. Her professional achievements were numerous, including memberships in the American Association of College Registrars and Admission Officers, Who’s Who Amongst America’s Teachers, the Golden Key Honor Society and the National Association of College Admissions Counselors. Cook-Roberts also received the Clifton Strengths Advocate award in summer 2010.

From the time she became a member of Bethany Missionary Baptist Church in Philadelphia at age 10, Cook-Roberts was committed to Christ. At her death, she was an active member of New Macedonia Baptist Church in Riverdale, Ga. Cook-Roberts is survived by her husband, Arthur Roberts; mother, Alberta Cook; father, John Cook; son, Jarryd CookTyler; step-daughter, Kelly Roberts; sister, Linda Cook-Nottage; nephew, Khalil Cook; niece and goddaughter, Tiffany Nottage; and goddaughter, Kimberly Bright.

“Carolyn was a wonderful Christian woman who made a huge impact at Point during her three years of service,” said President Dean Collins ’79. “She was well respected as a Christian educator and mentor. We will miss her, but will always treasure her contribution to Point University.”

– Joy Ugi SUMMER 2 0 1 2 | 7

Partnership with Academy of Preachers Announced The Academy of Preachers recently named Point University as one of its partners. Founded in 2009 by Dr. Dwight A. Moody, the Academy is a nondenominational ministry that promotes biblical preaching with a mission “to identify, network, support, and inspire young people in their call to Gospel preaching.”

“I know your endorsement of and collaboration with the Academy of Preachers in this grand endeavor will result in much blessing to the Christian community and to the young preachers being raised up to preach the Gospel of God,” said Moody.

Staff members and young preachers from the Academy of Preachers visited the Point University campus this spring.

They attended a chapel service, as well as several classes taught by Dr. Billy Strother, who expressed his appreciation to the Academy for its commitment to embolden

young men and women, irrespective of their majors, to communicate the Gospel with excellence.

The Academy will host The National Festival of Young Preachers in Atlanta from Jan. 2-5, 2013 for high school, college, university and seminary students to practice giving sermons. Point University hopes to host one of the Academy’s regional preaching festivals in the future.

“A part of the reason Point University exists is to prepare young adults for ministry, many of them in preaching roles,” said Wye Huxford ’73, vice president for spiritual formation and dean of the chapel. “Partnering with the Academy of Preachers is another way of demonstrating that commitment.”

Other higher education institutions that partner with the Academy include Johnson University, Milligan College and Cincinnati Christian University.

Invest in the next generation of Christian leaders.

F O U N DAT I O N 85 5-37- PO I N T 8 | POIN T M AG A ZI N E

F O R

T H E

F U T U R E

P O I NT.EDU/CAMPAIGN

During their final semester in Point’s Department of Business, seniors in the Strategic Management business class provided consulting services for two organizations in the Atlanta area this spring. “This project allows students to apply the academic learning they do in the classroom to real-world problems,” said Alan Kemper, assistant professor of business.

Four students conducted a market analysis and developed an implementation strategy for SellerPad, a new product of software company Arke Systems in Atlanta. The final report analyzed the product’s industry and competitors and made a recommendation for where to market SellerPad. Three students tackled some of the challenges faced by Atlanta-based Georgia Force, an arena league football team. The students developed a plan for raising community involvement, improving profitability, and measuring the return on investment with a proposed $100,000 marketing budget.

“The strategic management class was by far one of my most challenging,” said Lisa Gantt ’12, who worked on the Georgia Force project. “It pushed me to a whole new level as a leader.”

Kemper says that the generous contributions of time and energy by both organizations were outstanding and gave the students a chance to experience what it is like to work in a highperforming business.

After a semester of research and reporting, each group of Point students presented its strategic management plans to John Hightower, vice president of sales and marketing for Arke Systems, and Drew White, vice president of operations for Georgia Force on May 3 at the Atlanta Financial Center in Buckhead.

“It was refreshing to see a university and its professors think outside the traditional box of education by having the students interact directly with executives to discuss and propose real-world problems and resolutions,” White commented. “This interaction is invaluable to their growth, and in my opinion, a highlight of Point University’s business program.”

eddie groover ’67

Point Students Gain Real-World Business Experience

Foundation for

gary chapman photography

J

ust as students’ lives are transformed as they study at Point, the University too can be transformed – by the generosity of its alumni, supporting churches and other friends as they give to Point Forward, a $20 million campaign to support the new West Point campus. The leadership of Point Forward includes President Dean Collins ’79, campaign chair and trustee David Deeter, and honorary campaign chair and former trustee Smith Lanier and his wife, Betty.

“Point University develops students whose impact on the kingdom of God cannot be measured,” says Lanier. “When you make a gift to Point, you are empowering young men and women to change the world for Christ.”

The University’s needs for the campaign fall into two categories: building endowment and real estate renovation and acquisition. Point Forward will empower the University to both purchase and renovate facilities in historic West Point and the Greater Valley Area, which includes the nearby cities of Lanett and Valley, Ala. Creating a building endowment will enable the University to maintain first-class facilities that attract the best and brightest students in our region for generations to come.

To date, the campaign has received overwhelming support.

An anonymous foundation led the charge, offering a $1.5 million matching grant challenge this spring. Although the University had up to a year to raise new cash and verifiable pledges in the matching grant amount, through God’s help, the money was raised in less than six months. Numerous in-kind gifts and other donations have been committed to the campaign, and 100 percent of the University’s trustees have committed to Point Forward.

These early campaign successes stimulated support and resulted in a surprise challenge grant from an anonymous donor who agreed to match donations to Point Forward through the end of

Point launches $20 million capital campaign

2012, dollar for dollar, up to $5 million – a challenge grant beyond any the University has ever received. If the full campaign goal is reached, the University will be debt-free in new facilities. “As we have been on our amazing journey in launching our new main campus and opening additional sites, I have experienced God’s gentle moments of confirmation that He is truly with us,” says Collins. “This news has moved God’s blessing from whisper to a shout, giving me, and I hope each member of the Point community, peace that God is indeed with us in this new vision for Point University.”

The capital campaign will increase the “When you make a gift to University’s capacity Point, you are empowering to provide a quality young men and women to education to more stuchange the world for Christ.” dents and to expand – Smith Lanier its athletic program to offer a more complete college experience. But Point Forward represents more than just new facilities and programs. Just as Point’s founders had a bold vision so many years ago, the University’s current leadership has a bold vision to empower the next generation of Christian leaders.

Alumni and friends of the University can support Point Forward, first and foremost, through prayer for the capital campaign and the students who will be affected by it. Financial support is also cherished, whatever the amount. With the support of alumni and friends, Point can reach its $20 million goal and equip students to influence culture for Christ in new and culturally relevant ways.

Visit www.point.edu/campaign to learn more about Point Forward and to request campaign brochures, DVDs and other materials.

SUMMER 2 0 1 2 | 9

Softball Finishes Strong in First Season The Point University softball team found success late in its inaugural season, finishing with an overall record of 19-36 and going 8-10 in the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC).

After a slow start, the team’s bats got hot at the right time, just as the Skyhawks headed to the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) I South Region tournament.

After losing their first game, the Skyhawks won three in a row before being defeated by North Greenville University in the champiBrittany Linton ’13 onship game, finishing as the runner up. Highlighted by a nine-game winning streak, the Lady Skyhawks won 16 of their last 22 games.

Four players were honored with either NCCAA or AAC awards. Kayla Kelosky ’13, Kayla Kirkland ’15 and Felicia Lingerfelt ’13 were all named to the AAC All-Conference Second Team, as well as the NCCAA All-Region First Team.

Kyndal Deel ’14 also joined the trio as an NCCAA All-Region First Team honoree. Kelosky and Lingerfelt received AAC AllAcademic honors for their success in the classroom, as well.

Kelosky led the way for the Lady Skyhawks as the most decorated player this season, as she was also honored with the Gold Glove Award for the infield for her outstanding performance as a catcher.

Lorow

Finn

Baseball Team Looks Forward to the Future Point’s baseball team had a solid year in its first season after joining the NAIA and the AAC. The Skyhawks started their season strong, and were as many as nine games above .500. The team finished its season with a record of 26-31, and were 8-16 in AAC play. With only two seniors, the Skyhawks played well despite their youth and showed signs of a strong future to come.

This year, the team bid farewell to Sean Finn ’12 and K.C. Lorow ’12, who have been key players in the Skyhawks’ program. Finn had another successful season at the catcher position and was a force at the plate, leading the Skyhawks in all major offensive categories. He is the first Skyhawk to be awarded All-Conference First Team honors since Point joined the AAC. He also earned NCCAA Division I First Team AllAmerican honors this past season, as well as All-Region First Team honors. Lorow, the ace of the pitching staff and former NCCAA Division II Pitcher of the Year (2010), joins Finn as an All-Region First Team member, as well. Jake Cavender ’15, one of many young talents for the Skyhawks, was named NCCAA I South Region Freshman of the Year.

FALL PREVIEW women’s cross country teams will begin their second seasons this fall, the first in which they are eligible to compete in NAIA and AAC postseason play. Both teams have added talent and skill this year, along with a number of returning runners. However, depth is still the number one concern on both sides. The cross country teams will start their seasons on September 2, competing in the North Georgia Technical College Invitational.

WOMEN’S SOCCER The women’s

soccer team is coming off of one of its most successful seasons in University history, having finished last season as the NCCAA II national runner-up and South Region champions, with a record of 14-61. Beginning this fall, the Lady Skyhawks will join the rest of the University’s athletics by competing in the NAIA and AAC, while maintaining their affiliation with the 10 | POIN T M AG A ZI NE

NCCAA at the Division I level. They will open their season at home on August 21 against Freed-Hardeman University.

MEN’S SOCCER The Skyhawks will

look to build on another strong season, having finished as the NCCAA II South Region runner up with a record of 10-6-1.

This fall will mark the team’s first season participating in the NAIA/AAC and the NCCAA Division I. The men’s soccer team will rely heavily on its defense this year, anchored by senior captains Levi Harville ’13 and Stokes Laird ’13. You can also see the team kick off its season when the Skyhawks host Freed-Hardeman University on August 21.

FOOTBALL The Skyhawks football

program is looking forward to its first season playing in the NAIA after its inaugural season as a club team in 2011.

Kevin Porter, head football coach and athletic director, has added five new

assistant coaches for a revamped coaching staff. The Skyhawks are still in the process of building the young program, adding many key assets to the program this offseason. Skyhawk fans can get an early preview of this year’s team at a preseason game against Chattahoochee Technical College on August 18. The Skyhawks will host Concordia College – Selma in their official home opener on September 8.

VOLLEYBALL Point volleyball will

have a new look in 2012 under new head coach Lora Sarich. The team returns just two starters and three letter winners from 2011, with 13 new student-athletes joining the volleyball program this fall.

This gives the Skyhawks much-needed depth and competitiveness. See the volleyball team in action when the Skyhawks open their season at home against Emmanuel College on August 28.

gary chapman photography; robin scott istock

CROSS COUNTRY Point’s men’s and

Into the Wild

Bob McGuire ’78 impacts culture for Christ both on and off the Point University campus

by William Warren ’14

istock; photo courtesy of bob mcguire ’78

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sk any male student (and most females) at Point University to allow a village in Cambodia to gain access to a well for clean, about some of the most influential people they have encounhealthy drinking water. tered during their tenures on campus, and the name of Bob “Hiking the trail teaches you how valuable clean water truly McGuire ’78 is sure to be mentioned. McGuire resided on the historic is,” said McGuire. “Every time I use my water filter to pump clean campus of the University from 1990, when he rejoined the Point comwater to drink, I will be reminded that I am hiking for those who munity after a youth ministry in Virginia, until his retirement in spring don’t have that pump and who are forced to drink water that is 2012. During his time at Point, he served as men’s head resident and dirty and polluted.” purchasing/facilities coordinator.

While McGuire will not be at the new campus of the UniverThis fall, McGuire will not be resity in West Point, his legacy will live on turning to the University to help lead through his former students. “One of the weekly dorm devotions or bake his biggest things Bob did for me was listen, campus-renowned brownies. Instead, which was a huge help while I was at he is currently hitting the AppalaPoint,” said Kyle Malmberg ’12. “He cares chian Trail. McGuire has hiked a porabout you as an individual and about what tion of the Trail every year since turnyou have to say.” ing 18, and aims to hike the remaining “Of all of the faculty and staff at Point 1,100 miles this year. What prompted University, I think that Bob had the biggest this tremendous goal? On the trail last impact on my life while I was a student,” summer, McGuire met three inspiring added Joseph Piette ’10. “His commitment college students from Kansas, named to the school and genuine love for students Joshua, Josh and Bryce. have shown me what ministry is really The trio of young men committed Bob McGuire ’78 with three students he met on the about, and have inspired me to commit to a Appalachian Trail last summer.

10 weeks of the summer to hike 1,000 lifetime of ministry myself.” miles in order to gain clean water for the people of Zambia, through How can you help McGuire make an impact and represent Point a partnership with ActiveWater, an organization that strives to bring on the Appalachian Trail? First and foremost, he requests prayers. clean water to communities across the globe. ActiveWater allows “Pray that God will give me the physical strength to meet the chalparticipants to fulfill two purposes: doing what they love and helplenges of the trail,” said McGuire. “I am not an athlete and never ing people who need clean water, get it. However, it was not just the have been. And I’m not a teenager anymore! Pray that He will use trio’s clean-water goal that grabbed McGuire’s attention, but also me to make a difference in the lives of those I encounter on the trail. their daily faith in action. “Those days were life-changing, for I saw Pray that He will provide the resources to build a well in Cambodia Jesus in their lives every day,” McGuire wrote in a blog post. “This to touch the lives of those in need, and also that he will allow me to summer, I too am hiking for ActiveWater in the hopes of making a impact others during my time on the trail.” difference on the trail.”

McGuire’s commitment to environmental conservation, McGuire’s passion for the environment and being a good stewstrengthening the student body, and being a good steward of the ard of what the Lord has provided makes this project a perfect fit gifts God has granted to Point will endure thanks to his devotion for him. His personal goal is to receive enough pledges to be able and service to the University for the past 22 years.

SUMMER 2 0 1 2 | 11

A Heart for People and a Mind for Business – Jim Street ’74

Vegetables growing in the garden at City of Refuge

What is a social entrepreneur?

Kemper: A social entrepreneur is someone who starts a business to address a social problem. A socially entrepreneurial business is one that serves customers to generate revenue, but does not make the maximizing of profit its primary purpose. Its primary purpose is to address a social problem.

Isn’t all entrepreneurship about solving problems?

Kemper: All entrepreneurs are problem solvers.

However, sometimes entrepreneurs create problems to solve. A social entrepreneur is a problem solver like any entrepreneur. However, the social entrepreneur addresses a social problem that already exists.

Courses in social entrepreneurship are relatively rare in undergraduate business programs. How did this class come about?

Weaver: We were invited and encouraged to participate in a social entrepreneur competition called The Social Business and Microcredit Forum that was hosted at Georgia Tech by the University System of Georgia. At the time, we didn’t have a course in social entrepreneurship. However, it sounded like something we should attempt, and so we did. It was a great opportunity for our 12 | P OINT M AG A ZI NE

students. Professor Muhammad Yunus, who won the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize for his work in microfinancing and is one of the pioneers of social entrepreneurship, was the keynote speaker. So we came up with a project and competed with 38 other schools.

What kind of project did you enter?

Weaver: We had to come up with an idea for a business that would be dedicated to alleviating a social problem. We envisioned a business that would be located in City of Refuge in downtown Atlanta. City of Refuge (COR) is a dynamic ministry that serves one of the poorest neighborhoods in Atlanta. COR provides shelter for homeless women and children, along with medical care and educational opportunities for its residents and neighbors. Students at Point have done a lot of volunteering at COR. Our idea was to work with them to develop a hydroponic system with which they could grow organic vegetables and raise tilapia to not only feed their own residents, but also to sell within their community to generate revenue. Although we had been thinking about offering a social entrepreneurship course, the competition served as a catalyst to launch the course.

What is the value of social entrepreneurship?

Kemper: In addition to addressing a nagging social problem, social entrepreneurs do so in a way that is self-sustaining. The business may, as with any business, begin with investors. However, the aim is for that business to generate its own funding. In other words, the business’s own cash flow provides the means to solving a social problem.

megan cobb hall ’08

The Department of Business at Point University is one of a handful of programs to offer a course in social entrepreneurship in a Christian college setting. The course was developed by Dr. Todd Weaver, professor of business and department chair, and Alan Kemper, assistant professor of business. I sat down with Weaver and Kemper to gain a better understanding of the course and why it is important that Point University offer it.

So, the aim of a socially entrepreneurial business goes beyond simply enriching the owner?

Kemper: Yes. The owner may draw a pay check from the business, but that is not the main reason for the business. The business exists primarily to solve a social problem.

How do you teach the social entrepreneurship course differently than you would an ordinary course on entrepreneurship?

Kemper: There are some key differences. One difference between a course on social entrepreneurship and one on ordinary entrepreneurship has to do with the motivation of the entrepreneur.

Rather than focus on maximizing profit for the business owner or creating a business to sell at a later time, the focus of a class in SE is on identifying a social problem and creating a business that becomes self-sufficient toward the end of addressing that social problem.

Weaver: What that means is that you have a different system of metrics. You are not only looking at financial measures or measures of efficiency or customer service, you are also measuring the impact you are having on the social problem that you are there to solve. The social entrepreneur has to think more broadly about what it means to succeed.

Why has an interest in social entrepreneurship emerged at this time?

Kemper: Some impetus for the movement may be derived from a growing skepticism as to whether all social problems can be solved by government, especially government from a distance. Social entrepreneurs, while not necessarily rejecting the role of government in addressing social issues, often believe that these intractable problems can best be solved in a more direct and local way.

Weaver: Also, especially since the advent of our current economic crisis, charities have struggled to secure enough donations to operate and address the issues they address. Apart from the money invested to start the business, a socially entrepreneurial business generates its own funding.

william warren ’14

Why is Point University uniquely suited to offer this kind of course?

Weaver: The mission of Point University is to educate students for Christ-centered service and leadership throughout the world. Among our core values are those having to do with modeling individual and institutional service to the diverse communities in which our students will live. We strive to help students integrate faith and learning and to become people who are able to help shape culture in ways that are pleasing to God.

We think our course in social entrepreneurship fits perfectly with those aims.

Kemper: Some Christians in business, and especially the corporate world, sometimes find that corporate or business values do not align easily with their personal convictions and values. One of the characteristics of this young generation is that they are very much in tune with aligning their convictions with what they do for a living. Social entrepreneurship provides them with a way to do that.

Weaver: We think the SE model is particularly valuable to Christian business students. SE is at the intersection of where Christian business students’ hearts and minds intersect. They have a heart for people and minds trained for business.

We believe that business is a calling, and that you can glorify God by being an excellent business person – that you can witness in word and life through business. If such a business can be applied to addressing and solving difficult social problems, so much the better!

Students meeting with City of Refuge staff to discuss their proposal for a farmer’s market that would generate revenue for the ministry.

What plans do you have for the future with regard to the social entrepreneurship course?

Kemper: We’re currently discussing doing an SE project in a small village of 600 people in Ecuador. We aren’t sure what that project will be, but we think we may try and do something similar to what we proposed for the competition, something with hydroponics and farming.

Weaver: Our goal is to give our students an opportunity to not only learn about social entrepreneurship and how a sustainable business can be used to solve a social problem, but also to provide an opportunity for them to do so in a cross-cultural situation. Most Christians understand that they should create good in the world in the name of Jesus Christ. Now we have the opportunity to use business to extend God’s love into communities to solve social problems.

Jim Street ’74 is the minister of North River Community Church in Lawrenceville, Ga. He also teaches in the Access program at Point University.

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IDA AKASSIMADOU Atlanta, Ga. | A.A. Counseling & Human Services Ida Akassimadou works with Muslim orphans, a slim demographic indeed. Her organization has as its goal to provide food, education and shelter for these children. More than just giving them food and leaving them on the street, Akassimadou is invested in bringing these children into permanent living situations. “Our goal involves counseling and understanding our demographic,” she explains. This is why Akassimadou chose to attend Point University and study counseling. Her degree will allow her to better relate not only to the children, but also to what family members they do have.

“Point gave me the tools to transform the minds of the people I work with.

We are teaching them that there is no other Lord but Christ, and we are changing the way they grow up,” she says. “In order to do this effectively, a good background in counseling and a solid relationship with Christ is vital.”

Akassimadou immigrated to the United States in 2004 from Ivory Coast after her marriage to her husband. They currently have one child and are expecting a second in September. Akassimadou has plans to continue her education in counseling.

MEET the class of

2012

by Elizabeth Reid ’13

BRANDI SCHOCK Brandon, Fla. | B.S. Business Administration Everyone knows college students who graduate and are left looking around desperately for a job, especially in a tough economy. Brandi Schock is not one of those graduates. Schock had been working at Target since high school, most recently as a front-end manager. After graduation, Schock was offered a position in upper management with Target, but instead chose to come back to Point and serve as an admission counselor for traditional students. “I came back to Point because of the people and atmosphere here,” she explains. “Everyone is truly working together for a common goal.”

Schock finds that her business degree still applies to her new job, especially her responsibilities for analyzing and tracking data. She cites professors Alan Kemper and Todd Weaver with giving her passion for her degree, above and beyond getting graded on class work. “I have a business degree and I love every opportunity that brings for me, but I love interacting with people, and that is what I get with being an admission counselor,” she says. “Having this opportunity could not have come at a better time! I can still see all my friends and be a part of this wonderful community.”

Luke McLendon loves children, which came as a surprise to him when he first enrolled at Point. Originally planning to attend college before enlisting in the military, he came to Point to play soccer – and instead found God. “In a sense,” he reflects, “God brought me here to Point; but at the same time, Point brought me to God.” McLendon has been working at Southwest Christian Church (East Point, Ga.) in the children’s ministry since his freshman year, first as a volunteer, then as an intern, and, most recently, as the interim children’s minister. “I’ll finish at the end of the summer. Then? Whatever God wants,” he says. McLendon wants to teach overseas, although he has no particular area in mind. “The plans I have... they always change when I see what God has to give me,” he adds.

“Point University has equipped me well for the future,” McLendon says.

“I feel like I can go out and influence people in a Christian way.” In addition to planning his teaching career, McLendon is currently planning a wedding with his fiancée, Sadie McCray ’10.

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LUKE MCLENDON Villa Rica, Ga. | B.S. Early Childhood Education

PHYLLISSA WOOLEY Stone Mountain, Ga. | B.S. Child & Youth Development TORY WOOLEY Stone Mountain, Ga. | B.S. Child & Youth Development Phyllissa Wooley’s passion for people is evident: her tenure at Point University has been spent earning a degree in child and youth development in the hopes of taking her passion for helping into Atlanta. Phyllissa, a 23-yearold basketball player, began her college career at Tennessee Temple University. But she knows her degree from Point will allow her to be a beacon of hope and light in a dark city. Her dream, post-graduation, is to work with children in the inner city. “These are the kids who need the most help,” she shares. “I want to make a positive difference in their lives.”

Phyllissa has demonstrated this compassion during her time at Point through an internship in Mexico with Globalscope, through Christian Missionary Fellowship International. While in Mexico, she worked with college students and confirmed the blessings in her life. “I realized in Mexico that you can’t take life for granted,” she says. “We’re so blessed to live in the United States.” Another point of influence for Phyllissa has been the basketball team, where she mentored younger players in balancing classes and a full athletic schedule. “I’ve tried to be an example for the freshmen in how to make good decisions,” she adds.

This is the same mindset with which her older brother, Tory Wooley, came to Point. The two are similar in more ways than one: both played basketball, and both earned the same degree, even sitting together at graduation.

Tory graduated from Point after three years of being a campus life minister and working closely with new students, both on and off the basketball court. “I’ve learned that you have to meet people where they are,” he says.

“Nothing happens overnight. Time is your best friend.”

Like his sister, Tory’s passion for people has led him to seek a career helping people fulfill their potential. After graduation, Wooley sought a coaching position where he could continue to mentor athletes in making positive decisions for their lives. And he found it: he’ll join the athletic department as assistant women’s basketball coach this fall. “Point University was a good, wholesome, Christian environment for me to get closer to God, get my degree, and to play basketball,” he says. “I’m glad to be back as a coach.”

Tory feels his degree has taught him to relate to student-athletes. As he moves on from his time as a Point student, he will use what he learned to build community within his team, but as a coach this time. “Point has taught me to respect other people from different walks of life, and to always point people towards Christ,” he concludes.

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KRISTI MARTIN Sunny Side, Ga. | B.S. Organizational Leadership Kristi Erickson Martin, like many of Point’s Access students, began her education in the traditional program in 2004, but paused her education for a while to get married (to Dee Martin ’08, in 2006) and have a child. Point’s Access program allowed Martin to get her degree in organizational leadership while working and staying home with her daughter, now four. Martin was involved in the second Access cohort. “I loved it. It was absolutely wonderful. My husband watched my daughter while I went to class. In fact,” she says, laughing, “if it had been an option the first time around, I might have started in the Access program!” Getting motivated to start taking classes was hard for Martin, but was made easier with encouragement from her family and friends.

Martin’s bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership will prove to be very helpful as she and her husband begin to run their own business: a cheerleading and tumbling gym in Locust Grove, Ga. “We wanted to own a place where we could teach the girls to be athletes, as well as show them God’s love,” she explains. Martin and her husband are expecting another child in November.

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RAY PETTY Stockbridge, Ga. | B.S. Christian Ministries Ray Petty is a man with a lot on his plate. After graduating in May, he moved to Charleston, S.C., to fulfill his obligations to the U.S. Air Force, and will move back to Atlanta in the fall to begin an M.Div. at Morehouse School of Religion.

Petty is certain his call is to full-time ministry, and has been an ordained minister at Exousia Lighthouse Christian Ministries in Lithonia, Ga., for the past two years. “I went to Point University because I had the call of God on my life,” he says. “I wanted to be more of a servant and more of a minister.”

Petty believes that his education is meant to be shared. “Everything I learned is applicable to life – counseling, public speaking, preaching... My preaching has improved dramatically. I’m always sharing what I’ve learned with others,” he says.

Adding the pressures of military service to a full-time job and attending school is a difficult balancing act. Petty was deployed to Afghanistan during the middle of his education, but he never gave up. “I took my text books with me to Afghanistan,” he explains. “I had to stop taking classes for the six months I was there, but I never stopped learning. And I never stopped sharing what I learned.” Petty sees his calling as being primarily evangelistic in nature. “I am going to take everything I was taught and I’m going to use it to build up the kingdom of God,” he adds.

Missy and Tony McCray ’83 have six children, ranging from age 22 to age 4. The oldest, Sadie, graduated from Point in 2010, and, considering the proximity to their family home in East Point, it was a simple decision for Chloe to begin studying music in August 2008 at the same school her father and older sister attended. The next spring, Missy began a degree in counseling and human services in Point’s Access program. And in May, Missy and Chloe graduated together from Point University with their whole family looking on, their relationship only strengthened by the journey.

Chloe started her music program knowing she loved music. “I had a passion, but no outlet for it,” she says. “The music program here allowed me to give voice to that in a safe environment.” She cites her professors as having a large hand in her success and, at the time of this interview, spoke about her nerves about her senior recital, the capstone project for the degree. Her mother was quick to reassure her: “It’s going to come together and it’s going to be just right.” Just two weeks after graduation, Chloe married Zach Eberhart ’10, who is currently attending Columbia Theological Seminary.

When asked about the future, Chloe is uncertain of her direction, but secure.

“I feel pretty well equipped to do whatever I want,” she says, smiling.

Missy’s journey at Point University is less traditional than her daughter’s. Although she was attending Point in the 1980s alongside her soonto-be-husband, she stopped when they got married and began raising children. She currently works at Southwest Christian Church’s preschool program, along with home schooling her younger children. “I felt compelled to go back to school, and I thought I knew why, but God had other things in store,” she says. “This – attending the Access program – was a right decision.”

When asked about her life, Missy laughs. “It consists of dishes, laundry and lots of cooking.” Attending at the same time as her daughters (her tenure overlapped both Chloe and Sadie’s) allowed the three to share this experience. What does the future hold for Missy McCray? “I don’t know,” she says. “Do you need to, though?” questions Chloe. The two share a look, and Missy adds, “We’ll see what the future holds.”

This hopefulness characterizes both McCrays’ outlook on the future. No matter where they end up, they rest secure in a relationship that will last.

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CHLOE MCCRAY EBERHART East Point, Ga. | B.S. Music MISSY MCCRAY East Point, Ga. | B.S. Counseling & Human Services

K.C. LOROW Sharpsburg, Ga. | B.S. English “I want to be known as a godly man, not as an athlete,” says K.C. Lorow, and it’s clear from his life that he means it. Although a skilled baseball player, Lorow’s influence on campus spreads beyond the baseball field into the classrooms and student life. He speaks bluntly about his transfer from Brewton-Parker College to Point to play baseball after a phone conversation with head coach Jesse Dyar ’06. “I left my scholarship at Brewton-Parker to come here,” he explains. “The real reason I came here was because of God. Not for the education, not for sports. Those were just blessings.”

At Point, Lorow has come into his own as a Christian leader as he mentors his teammates on and off the baseball field. “Point holds me to a higher standard,” he says. “We’re given accountability, and that’s not something athletes get at other schools.”

Lorow’s love for Point is apparent. “My favorite part of playing baseball at a school like this has been getting to pray for salvation with my teammates,” he explains. In addition to his witness on the field, Lorow is gifted in the classroom as well. He plans to teach English at the high school level while also coaching baseball.

TAMEKA HORTON Roswell, Ga. | B.S. Organizational Leadership

Tameka Horton already held a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Spelman College when she made the choice to attend Point. After Spelman, she worked in a law office before landing a position as a personal assistant, a job she truly loved. “I’ve always been organized and well-connected,” Horton explains. “People – friends, mostly, at first – asked me for help and I would help. Eventually, I started charging for it.” This was the birth of her business, Authentically U, which matches people with an assistant capable of meeting their specific needs.

Horton began attending Point in the hopes that an organizational leadership degree would allow her to better serve her customers. In 2010, not long after getting married, she found herself laid off, without any stable income. Horton, motivated by her husband’s difficulties getting visiting privileges with his daughter from his first marriage, used her extra time to start a nonprofit, Daughters Advocating for Daddy’s Parental Rights (DADPR). DADPR was created to provide advocacy and resources for men fighting for visitation rights in court as well as education and awareness among the general public.

Horton enjoyed Point’s night classes because of the flexibility it gave her to pursue her other dreams. “Going to school while working with Authentically U and my nonprofit forced me to apply what I was learning as I was learning it,” she says. “The best part has been making my education applicable to my life.”

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CHRISTOPHER BIRTS Lawrenceville, Ga. | B.S. Christian Ministries Christopher Birts graduated in May with a bachelor’s degree in Christian ministries, a role he is already filling at Bridge Community Church in Buford, Ga. Point University’s Access program is ideal for adults who intend to use their education as they’re in the process of receiving it. “Attending Point gave me a broader perspective and opened my eyes to different points of view,” he explains. “As I minister, and as I find places where I can use what I’ve learned, I see what a blessing Point has been in my life in allowing me to minister more effectively.” Birts is seeking a role as a pastor where he can use his gifts to preach the word of God and evangelize the lost.

“The best thing about attending Point University has been by far the relationships I’ve made there,” says Birts. “We’ve grown to work together and we’ve had to learn to rely on each other during our classes. I see this continuing into the future as we work for the kingdom.” Birts’ passion for relationships will surely make him an effective minister as he seeks a pulpit ministry.

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Story and photos by Kalina Hirsch (’10-’12) EVERY SUNDAY M O RNING, whether the air was cool and crisp with an autumn breeze or dark and gloomy with thunderclouds, there was always a crowd of people at Eagles Landing First Baptist Church. Why? Because this is the home church home of the members of the well-known Christian band Casting Crowns, who, despite their fame and popularity, continue to lead the worship service here almost every week. At Eagles Landing FBC, “the faithful” are just that, showing up Sunday after Sunday to be a part of the church’s transformative worship experience and to hear the preacher’s inspired sermons.

Up until five months ago, I was one of the hundreds in that crowd, eager to worship God right along with Casting Crowns and leave fulfilled for another week. However, at the end of August, all of that changed for me. I had to learn how to worship without a popular and inspiring Christian band or even a large, enthusiastic congregation – and I had to do it in a land that knows not of our Savior.

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O

n August 31, 2011, I left the United States to live in China for nine months. Leaving my friends, family and church behind was the hardest thing I have ever had to do. Nonetheless, I was excited to start this journey with four other amazing people, all of whom were students just like me. Without a doubt, I knew that this experience would grow my spiritual life in a way that I had never experienced before.

When we got to China, we were hit with the sad truth of a harsh, bitter reality that the spiritual warfare was far more powerful than we had ever imagined.

The first Sunday at our new church was a major letdown. I had what I thought were reasonable expectations of how our regular worship services would look and feel in this new place. I envisioned a warm gathering in a small home, where we worshiped with an acoustic guitar and lifted up the Lord in high exaltation – a very informal way of worship, where some people would sit on the floor, others would stand, and others would kneel, as if we were attending a “house church” back home in the Untied States.

In reality, our new church was nothing like this. We were in a large room, filled with about 100 wooden pews and posters of Santa Claus on all of the doors. The room was more than double the size of the small, 30-member congregation. A lady played the piano while one of her daughters played the guitar and her other daughter sang. I usually like acoustic Christian music, but the hymns they were singing were so old that I had never heard of them. I usually get lost in the Lord during musical worship, but not knowing the hymns really hindered my worship experience.

After worship, we had a time of fellowship that lasted 10 minutes. This time just further served to distract me from drawing close to God.

T

he church-culture shock wasn’t over, though.

We soon learned that our new church did not have a designated pastor, but instead relied on whomever from the congregation volunteered to bring a message on a given Sunday. For me, this was hard to accept, because I was used to having

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the same pastor preach every week.

It was very difficult to focus on the message, especially when we could hear the children singing songs in their Sunday School. It was also difficult because instead of having a message that applied to our daily lives, the preacher read one chapter out of Hosea and simply explained the chapter to us. This style of preaching turned out to be a weekly affair, and each Sunday we continued to study the not-quite-so-fascinating (to us, anyway) Book of Hosea. It felt as if we were attending an overly-formal Bible study that had no group discussion component. Rarely did I come out of church with more knowledge of God than when I had gone in.

This really discouraged me. I thought that my year in China was supposed to strengthen my faith and my relationship with God. Instead, it seemed like my faith was getting weaker and weaker each day. I began to feel as if I could not do this, and I was not where God wanted me to be.

A

month or two after we had arrived in China, my group and I took a trip to a different Chinese province to see the largest Buddhist monastery outside of Tibet. It was a long trip full of beautiful scenery that left me absolutely breathless. I was amazed to see God’s hand in this country that had me so beaten-up spiritually. From the snow-capped mountains to the rolling grasslands, I was in awe.

Touring the monastery was an eye-opening experience, to say the least. It was so large that it took up at least a third of the city. As two friends took us around the monastery, I learned a lot about what the Buddhists believe. There were so many shrines and idols that I could not fathom how anyone could believe in and worship them all.

The first thing I learned was that shrine-circling is an important part of Buddhist ritual. Basically, the monks think that the more times they circle the shrines, the more karma they will gain for their next lives. Thus, lots of circling happens at the monastery.

Bowing down to their different gods is another tradition – and when I say bow down, I mean that they literally bow on their knees all the way down until their faces touch the floor. We met one man who had rubbed his forehead raw from bowing so much. He told us that he spent at least six hours per day bowing to his gods. These six hours did not include the time he spent circling the shrines and spinning the prayer wheels.

Speaking of the prayer wheels, these looked like tall cylinders or drums of some sort. Some of them were colorful, whereas others were simply gold and white. The Buddhists fill up each prayer

wheel with 10,000 little pieces of paper on which prayers are written. They believe that by spinning a prayer wheel containing the paper, they automatically get credit for saying that prayer 10,000 times.

The Buddhists would not only bow to their gods, but they would also present offerings to them. The offerings typically included food and water, because the Buddhists believe that their gods are capable of physically consuming such things. Often, the monks barely had enough food for themselves; however, they always managed to find enough to offer their gods. I found it simply incredible to see the effort and devotion they put into worshipping their gods.

A

s I watched the Buddhists bow completely down, offer up valuable, scarce food to their gods, and tirelessly circle the shrines, I began to examine my own religion. I realized that these Buddhist monks genuinely know how to worship.

They routinely give up their whole day, day after day, just to bow down to something in which they truly, dearly believe.

At this point, a stark realization set in for me. It was not my new church’s fault that I had become discouraged in my walk with God. It was my own fault. I had been relying on Casting Crowns to lead me into a place of worship or counting on my pastor to teach me more about my God. Instead, I should have been able to do this on my own. The old King James translation of the Bible puts it this way: “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (II Timothy 2:15). I get that now.

Aaron Gillespie, the lead singer of a Christian band called The Almost, says, “ In America and countries of privilege, we worship God based on circumstance.” He goes on to say that the people in Uganda worship God because He simply exists.

I agree completely with Gillespie. Those of us who live in the United States do not focus on worshiping God because He exists or because of who He is. We focus on, “ Lord, I need your help.

Come and bless me,” or “Lord, you have blessed me so much; I praise you.” We are selfish in the way that we worship, because we so often, even if unconsciously, assume that everything has to be all about us – and not so much about God and who He is. We often believe our faith is strong because we go to church every Sunday, or because we get lost in the worship and we get something out of the message. Our faith cannot rely only on our church. When all of that is taken away, is our faith really still as strong as we thought it was?

Will Reagan, another Christian artist, sings a song titled “Help Me Find My Own Flame.”

This song has become my desire. The first line

proclaims, “ I don’t want to ride on somebody else’s passion.” Riding on someone else’s passion is exactly what I had been doing before I left my comfortable, American, Christian life.

W

e do not focus on growing with God on our own; we want someone else to take us to a higher spiritual level without putting forth much effort for ourselves. This is not faith, but it sure can deceive others into thinking it is. Real faith is being able to rely solely on God. It is astonishingly wonderful to know that when you are all alone and the devil fiercely attacks you, your faith can bring you through. I felt completely alone in China many times. When I felt that way, the enemy tried to make me believe his vivid, seductive lies. At first, I fell into this trap on several occasions, until I realized my faith was lacking. Once I realized that something had to change in the way I worshiped the Lord, I was able to stand strong and resist everything that was thrown at me.

Philippians 4:13 states, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength” (NIV). This verse is powerfully, supernaturally true, and being able to believe it for myself helped me conquer obstacles that I could never have dealt with on my own.

Knowing where your strength really comes from and truly falling in love with God is all He desires for us to do. He does not want us to fake it; He wants us to be entirely genuine in our love for and faith in Him, even when it’s just us and Him – especially when it’s just us and Him. If your worship band and pastor vanished next week and did not come back, would your faith still be strong?

Kalina Hirsch (’10-’12), of McDonough, Ga., returned from China this summer and plans to pursue a major in social work. This article was selected from among students’ final projects in the Writing for Publication course taught at Point each year.

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CLASS NOTES

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Bill Redmon ’62 is back at Lake Aurora Christian Camp helping with a major development campaign, which will make the campus more inclusive to disabled persons. He is also the founder of the nonprofit organization Removing the Barriers Initiative.

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Tim Hudson ’70 received the Faithful Servant Award from Crossroads International, presented at the Association of College Ministries’ annual Campus Ministers Retreat.

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Scott and his wife, Vicki Bryant Gamel ’86, minister at New Hope Community Church in Flora, Ind.

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Maryelizabeth Ward ’87 has graduated from Grand Canyon University with a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction, with an emphasis in technology.

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Stacey Rose Vernon ’89 was honored with the Wiley O’Neil Award for excellence as a teacher at Young Americans Christian School.

Jill Davis Thompson ’77 was named Teacher of the Year for Winston Dowdell Academy in Newnan, Ga.

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98

Don Roth ’83 celebrated his 95th birthday on June 28!

Scott Gamel ’86 recently published a book, Getting Started: A guide to beginning a new life with God, which is available on Amazon.com.

IN MEMORIAM The Point family grieves with and prays for the families of those members of our community who have recently passed away.

Andrew Patton (’42-’45) died March 11. Andrew served more than four decades as a missionary to Japan.

Bob Miller ’63 died March 3. He is survived by his wife, Lynn, and a host of other family members, including his brother, Thom Miller ’64.

Ross A. Lynn (’64-’65) died June 3. Ross is survived by his wife, Ruth Blair Lynn ’67.

Marvin Fessler ’66 died May 2 following an extended illness. Marvin is survived by his wife, Margie Hillman Fessler ’70. Family members include Mark ’71 and Ann Fessler (’68-’71), Paul ’77 and Debbie Duggan Fessler ’76, Jeff (’93-’95) and Jennifer Parker Fessler ’97, and Darryl ’97 and Cheryl Fessler Portwood ’97.

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Lt. Debbie Chambers ’92 was honored with a community service award from the Fayetteville Police Department.

Andrea Brown ’98 leaves in August to begin a two-year contract in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, teaching local students.

Gregory Wright ’98 graduated from Liberty University on May 12 with a master’s degree in religion (pastoral counseling).

Gregory plans to continue with the M.Div. program in the fall.

02

Michael Frost ’02 has graduated from Lincoln Christian University with a master’s degree in worship studies. He and his wife, Amy, also welcomed a son, Levi Michael Frost, last August.

05

Johnny Holloway ’05 was selected as Teacher of the Year at Evans Middle School in Newnan, Ga. He has just completed his fifth year as chorus teacher at Evans, and also sings with the Masterworks Chorale in Newnan.

07

Jennifer Allen Craft ’07 will be teaching at Point this fall as instructor of humanities and theology. She and her husband, Brandon Craft ’08, live in Lanett, Ala., and Brandon is studying toward a master’s degree in forestry at Auburn University.

Carlos Guerra ’07 married Elizabeth Lindstrom on June 23 at Mt. Carmel Christian Church, in a ceremony officiated by Wye Huxford ’73.

Nick Hersey ’07 graduated from Richmont Graduate University with a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy.

Nick currently works at Friends of Refugees in Clarkston, Ga. Katie Kittiko Willis ’07 and her husband, Thomas, celebrated the birth of their son, Connor Eric, on June 1.

09

Stephanie Duttweiler Dunn ’09 and her husband, Jonathan, welcomed a son, Connor Logan, on March 16. Stephanie is the off-campus librarian for Shorter University’s College of Adult and Professional Programs, where she oversees three branch libraries.

Austin Hunter ’09 lives in Tübingen, Germany, where he serves as a campus minister with CMF-Globalscope.

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Damien Ellison ’10 was ordained as minister of music at Vigor Youth Ministries International on March 31. Damien is currently pursuing graduate studies in worship studies/leadership at Liberty University.

Zach ’10 and Chloe McCray Eberhart ’12 were married May 26.

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Nikki Guthrie ’11 married Kyle Malmberg ’12 on June 2.

Brandi Schock ’12 is serving as an admission counselor at Point.

Tory Wooley ’12 has been hired as assistant women’s basketball coach at Point.

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Barrett and Erin Woody Greer ’13 were married June 9 in Newnan, Ga. The couple lives in Valley, Ala.

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Sam ’14 and Jerilyn Price Webb ’14 were married May 11 in Lanett, Ala.

IN PUEBLA, MEXICO

BY CAROL ERICA PITTS ’11

P

uebla is the city that brings you Cholula Hot Sauce and so much more! I’m moving there to serve as a campus minister with El Pozo, a CMF-Globalscope ministry at Universidad de las Américas Puebla, or UDLAP. Puebla is a beautiful city; it was named a World Heritage Center by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, or UNESCO, in 1987. So if you decide to make a trip to Puebla, here are some of my favorite things to do there!

1. EXPLORE DOWNTOWN Downtown Puebla offers lots of things to see and do.

The zócalo is the historic plaza, and the El Parian arts and crafts market is nearby.

There are street vendors set up every weekend in many of the neighborhoods downtown. You can browse antique shops, go to the movies, or visit one of Puebla’s shopping malls.

photo courtesy of carol erica pitts ’11

2. ADMIRE THE CHURCHES Puebla has an amazing number of beautiful churches!

It seems they are everywhere you look.

Carol Eri ca with UDLAP s tudents

Puebla’s cathedral, which was consecrated in 1649, is the second-largest in Mexico (after Mexico City), and its bell towers are the tallest in the country.

3. SEE THE HISTORIC RUINS AND PYRAMIDS There’s so much fascinating history to explore in Puebla, including the Great Pyramid of Cholula. It’s one of the largest pyramids in the world, and the beautiful Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios (Church of Our Lady of Remedies), completed in 1575, sits at the top.

4. CLIMB INTO A VOLCANO Only in Puebla can you climb into the world’s smallest volcano! Cuexcomate is an inactive volcano with a spiral staircase to allow visitors to climb right in. From Puebla, you can also see the nearby, much larger volcanoes Popocatépetl and Ixaccihuatl.

5. SPORTS AT UDLAP UDLAP is a great place to hang out and play flag football with students. Its sports teams are also fun to watch – UDLAP even has an American football team!

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Let us know when you get married, have a baby, take a new job, move to another state... you get the picture. Speaking of pictures, send us those, too – we’ll include them when possible (JPEG format, please). If you’re engaged or expecting, we share your excitement! However, Point Magazine’s policy is to wait until these anticipated events have become reality to print them in Class Notes. Send us a message when the event occurs, and we’ll gladly share your news with your fellow alumni. Class Notes and other alumni information may also be submitted online at http://alumni.point.edu, the Alumni Online Community. If you know of alumni who are not receiving Point Magazine, but would like to, please send us their correct contact information; we’ll make sure they’re added to the mailing list.

ALUMNI ADDRESS CHANGES AND CLASS NOTES ITEMS MAY BE SUBMITTED ONLINE AT ALUMNI.POINT.EDU OR VIA EMAIL TO ALUMNI@POINT.EDU.

6. BRAVE A TACO STAND... so worth it!

Authentic Mexican food is one of the best parts of the experience of visiting Puebla.

7. LUCHA LIBRE No trip to Mexico would be complete without... Mexican wrestling!

Matches take place every Monday night at the Puebla Arena.

To follow my journey in Mexico, visit my website at http://cepitts.cmfmissionary.org.

EDITOR’S NOTE: In each issue, we’d like to share with our readers the interesting things to do where you live. Want to tell us about your hometown? Email sarah.huxford@point.edu.

HOMECOMING OCTOBER 20, 2012 Join your fellow alumni for a tailgate before our football game vs. Webber International!

On Friday, October 19, basketball alumni from 1967-71 are invited to an alumni game.

Details about these and other events coming soon on our website! Contact Pam Hopson Ross ’78 (Pam.Ross@point. edu)with questions.

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GET READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL! DATE TIME OPPONENT LOCATION Aug. 18 7:00 p.m.

Chattahoochee Tech* HOME Aug. 25 1:00 p.m.

Edward Waters College AWAY Sept. 1 7:00 p.m.

University of West Georgia AWAY Sept. 8 1:00 p.m.

Concordia College - Selma HOME Sept. 15 1:00 p.m.

Millsaps College HOME Sept. 29 7:00 p.m.

Faulkner University HOME Oct. 6 1:00 p.m.

Shorter University AWAY Oct. 13 1:00 p.m.

Lane College HOME Oct. 20 1:00 p.m.

Webber International HOME HOMECOMING GAME! Oct. 27 1:00 p.m.

The Apprentice School HOME Nov. 3 7:00 p.m.

Huntingdon College HOME Nov. 10 1:00 p.m.

Ave Maria University AWAY *denotes preseason game