SEU Magazine | Spring 14

SPRING 2014 STUDENT EDITION

serving 30+ « basketball « mascot drumline « conference « haiti 1

“I love teaching at Southeastern because of the people. Our student body is diverse. Our faculty and staff are dedicated.

The campus is beautiful. But most importantly because I believe that the Lord has led us here to become part of this community of followers of Ken Archer, professor in the College Jesus.” of-Dr.Christian Ministries and Religion

“One of my favorite things about SEU is how they celebrate each person’s unique design and encourage them to walk boldly and confidently in who God’s called them to be.”-Lexus Potts, Junior "I'm being prepared on a daily basis to be a successful leader in my profession as well as a representative for Christ in the world around me."

“It literally changed my life. The spiritual impact has been unmatched by anything I could have experienced elsewhere.”

“I love Southeastern because I have the opportunity to learn from a Christian perspective.” -Jenna Harwick, Freshman

-Jeromie Grammar, student assistant basketball coach, junior

“I love Southeastern because not only does it inspire its students to grow, but [Southeastern] itself is growing.”-Darian Woods, senior -Sean Keller, junior

“I love the environment, because I went to a public high school, so it’s great to be able to pray in class and have all the subjects geared towards my faith.” -Bailey Sheetz, sophomore

“For a long time I’ve been looking for people who can sharpen me and raise me up, and I can find that here at Southeastern.”

-Nelson Velez, junior

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

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COMMUNICATIONS

MUSIC

SERVING 30+

BASKETBALL

SPOTLIGHTS

NURSING

DRUMLINE

MASCOT

SEU WORSHIP

CONFERENCE

HAITI

SOUTHEASTERN ADVISOR CREATIVE DESIGNER

Sabrina O’Gorman Reed Burr

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Priscilla Pennington

MANAGING EDITOR

Ashley Reed

STAFF WRITER DESIGN MANAGER

Wade Mumm Annalee Mutz Chris Owen Dr. Marcia Posey Andrea Reeves Anna Marie Smith Donnie Smith Chase Wagner

Jeanmarie Johnson Amanda Brandi

CONTRIBUTING DESIGNERS

Maegan Carroll Jordan Glindomrong Derek Forehand Thomas Seigworth

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

Dr. Mark Belfast Bonnie Bourgeois Frankie Cunningham Dana Davis Hillary DeMeo Derek Forehand Christopher Fuson Christina Gard Elizabeth Gifford Ivonne Hernandez Jeanmarie Johnson Courtney Leo Ed Maner Curran McQuade

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Breanna Chval Terrah Coon Courtney Leo Michael Mutz Sharon Neuman Loree Rowland Thomas Seigworth Monica Winters Media Services NASA’s Flight Center Karah Beaver Nicolette Bilezikian Brian Blume Ashley Cheshire Liz Colburn Elizabeth Gifford Courtney Leo Andrea Reeves Michaela Pearson Cassedy Rymer Anna Marie Smith Donnie Smith Hank Taylor

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President Kent Ingle When I first began to serve at Southeastern University, I said that it is impossible to know the potential of an organization unless you know the potential of its people. After three years of serving as president, I can say with sincere confidence that this place has remarkable and boundless potential to make a difference in Lakeland and in the world – and that’s what makes us special. I believe Southeastern University is an extraordinary place where students are free to explore their divine design and discover their God-given mission and purpose for their lives. Our professors are known as a faculty of distinction and together with our staff they are dedicated to the success of our students. All of us join in one accord to equip our students to discover and develop their divine design so that they can serve the world through Spirit-empowered life, learning and leadership. There simply is no other place like Southeastern University where the community is dedicated to its students with such fierce devotion. We believe that God has a great mission for everyone, and it is our responsibility to steward this task to the very best of our ability. He’s given everyone numerous gifts, talents and abilities, and at Southeastern you can truly gain the tools needed to effectively steward who you were created to be.

As we look to the future, we’re posturing our community in a way that will empower the upcoming generations to become the problem solvers that the world will need. We’re always looking for innovative ways to engage the future and create an environment where our students will always thrive. We’re doing this through new and exciting athletic and academic programs geared to invest in our students. Among these innovations is our new football program, which will be an enormous benefit for our campus culture and enhance the university experience at Southeastern. Additionally, the new nursing program and our very first doctoral program in the field of education will equip our students to become the top leaders and innovators in these concentrations.

All who decide to make Southeastern a part of their journey will experience a life that is more empowered than ever before. The people of Southeastern are what make this university so special and unique. We are a community dedicated to its students and when people come on our campus, they can quickly see that this is a special place. They know that this university is about something more – it’s about discovering the divine design of our people and how they can hone their skills to serve the purposes of God. 6

Luke Shemeth It’s difficult for me to put into words the level of respect I hold for someone who embodies one of the highest degrees of character I’ve experienced. Speaking on behalf of the students of Southeastern, Dr. Ingle, through his words and actions, has created and continues to create a culture that is at the forefront of what other colleges and universities are striving to do. Coming into a leadership role that contained internal and external struggles, Dr. Ingle has led the Southeastern community to new areas of growth and success.

As student body president, having the opportunity to sit in the weekly leadership team meetings, I’ve been able to witness the intense decision-making processes that have to be made for the betterment of the university and how he leads with vision and humility. His care for the students is always at the forefront of his mind as he continually seeks to push Southeastern forward in aspects of academia, spiritual formation, and ultimately providing a world-class student experience.

A key aspect that I’ve noticed in the various meetings and interactions with Dr. Ingle is the clarity of vision he brings to the table. In whatever he decides to do, his vision is captured by those who work and serve with him, creating a passionate dynamic that is carried throughout the facets of the university.

What I see when I look at our university president is a man of quality and humility; a man who uplifts people and honors God in his daily actions. You’ll often find Dr. Ingle in Portico Coffeehouse meeting with students, giving his time to hear the stories of the people he is leading, or inviting students, staff, and faculty to his house for dinner with his family.

One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned by watching Dr. Ingle is that we live in a kingdom of relationships; everything stems and flows from our interactions with others. Dr. Ingle demonstrates this in its highest capacity. Something that he’s continually said is that, “You can only serve others when you know who you are.”

Pushing those around him, Dr. Ingle yearns for others to discover their true selves and who God has called them to be, which in the words of Dr. Ingle is discovering their own “divine design.”

The culture of Southeastern University is led with the direction and vision of Dr. Ingle and the first-rate leaders he’s brought in to serve with him. As a student, I’m excited to see what the future holds and where he takes us with his leadership.

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COMM DEPARTMENT “We need qualified communication professionals who are strong in their Christian faith. These are men and women who are seeking and fulfilling their ‘Divine Design.’”

By: Jeanmarie Johnson and Courtney Leo

“We need qualified communication professionals who are strong in their Christian faith. These are men and women who are seeking and fulfilling their ‘Divine Design,’” said Dr. Wade Mumm, chair of the department of communication.

The department started in 1998; at that time the only degree available was a B.S. in General Communication. Today, the school offers degrees in theatre, film production, broadcasting, journalism/ public relations, graphic design, and general communication. Communication students have the opportunity to participate in unique activities such as feature film projects, internationally broadcasted television shows, and the Southeastern Times (the school newspaper).

One of the many extra-curricular opportunities available within the department of communication is Soul Food. This is a student-led performing arts ministry that was born out of the theatre program several years ago. Today it includes more than just theatre, incorporating dance, original songs, film, and spoken word. This production is 100 percent directed and written by students.

The theatre program offers two major stage productions annually. These are directed by the head of the theatre program, Professor Michael Salsbury. In March of 2014, two professors and the technical director joined the theatre students on stage in “You Can’t Take it With You,” giving a visible example of the great personal attention and interest that SEU faculty put into their programs.

Some students, however, prefer improvisational theatre over scripted theatre. “Unpland Improv” is an internationally broadcasted comedy show starring students. Twice a month the show is recorded in the university’s studio. This event, like most, is open to the community and offers students and non-students an evening filled with laughter.

“I have learned a lot from the students in this department about collaboration and confidence, and how when people put hard work into a project, it can turn into something that you can be proud of and enjoy. They also definitely know how to have 8

fun!” said Katlyn Cervone, a junior communication major.

Another well-known production at SEU is “RAW TV,” a talk show that also broadcasts internationally. This program features a panel of students who discuss various topics while going out and interviewing residents of Lakeland.

In addition, the broadcast program also produces “The Spotlight,” a local news show, and Weekly Update, which provides weekly announcements for the SEU community. Students, as early as their freshman year, learn to use topof-the-line equipment, enhancing their experience and their reels.

“You will do a ton of stuff that you didn’t realize that you could do and you will have a lot of fun with it. It’s broadening the horizons of what you do and what you think you can do,” said Sean McKenney, a freshman broadcast major.

Film students also use the high quality equipment to work on short films all year long.

They showcase their films in the spring at the 180 Film Festival. The festival concludes with an award ceremony where each film has the chance to win a number of awards. At the end of their senior year, film students are required to create a film capstone to showcase all they have learned throughout their time at the university.

“Being a film major is more than classes. It’s about hands-on, trial-and-error experience. Being able to grab equipment, some talented friends and go out and shoot is something not everyone has the chance to do. It gives us the chance to get raw experience and to learn from each other and from our own mistakes,” said Michael Herriger, a junior film studies major.

The school also offers opportunities for students to practice their journalism, public relations, and graphic design skills. The Southeastern Times is published on campus several times each semester.

There are various leadership positions available for students interested in these fields.

“I value the constant encouragement from

1. 180 Film Festival 2. 180 Film Festival 3. Soul Food 4. The Spotlight News 5. The Spotlight News 6. The Spotlight News 7. 180 Film Festival 8. RAW TV 9. RAW TV 10. Soul Food

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Photos By: Terrah Coon, Courtney Leo

teachers and students. Regardless of how much experience you have, you can still master different writing, design and marketing techniques while your peers and teachers help you along the way,” said Josiah Brock, a junior journalism/public relations major.

Communication majors spend their class time learning theory and technical elements then put what they’ve learned into practice through various practicum opportunities. Most students are required a certain amount of hours working in their specific program; communication projects and practicum hours require many students to work towards one common goal and follow the vision of a single student or small group of students.

After trying various positions, many students figure out the jobs that they love the most and seek work in their desired fields. Due to their handson involvement both in and out of the classroom, students have been offered exceptional internships and job placements in companies such as NASCAR, Fox News New York, CNN Atlanta, CBS Radio, and Hollywood films as high profile as “The Artist.”

“The whole idea is basically everybody’s different but we’re all united under the same ideas,” said Sean McKenney.

This concept of community shines through beyond just the classroom and extra-curricular activities. With so much to get involved in, SEU hasn’t given any student the chance to be able to say they had nothing to do or no one to spend their time with. Through these events, students form strong bonds with one another; they learn to live daily life together and develop relationships they’ll carry with them for the rest of their lives.

“Friends are the family that you choose, and I have been given the opportunity to choose so many people as my family because I made so many friends in the Comm department,” said Taylor Murray, a senior broadcast major.

Olivia Gilbert

“(My) favorite movies are ‘A Walk to Remember’ and ‘Divergent.’”

“Disney Channel as a whole inspired me to do broadcasting because that’s the television I grew up on.” “(My) favorite movie quote is: ‘It is our choices... that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.’ -Albus Dumbledore, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets”

By: Jeanmarie Johnson

With all the excitement that goes on at SEU, there are people who work diligently behind the scenes to make sure special moments are captured. Olivia Gilbert, a senior, is a student who works tirelessly to make sure different events are recorded and run smoothly.

As a broadcast major, Gilbert did not really get involved until her sophomore year, after she took Introduction to TV Production. Since then, she has truly mastered her skill. She is currently the chapel producer, meaning she is at three services a week and up by 6:00 a.m. to get everything involving cameras ready.

Along with that, Gilbert runs and directs camera for “RAW TV” and “Unpland Improv.”

This year she was able to direct for one of SEU’s largest events, Conference, along with running camera for the school’s fall event Thursday Night Live.

“When I was really young I didn’t know what I wanted to do. I watched Phil of the Future, and Keeley – she does the school news on it and I was like, ‘Man, I never realized that was a career,’ but I wanted to do that,” said Gilbert.

When she was in high school, Gilbert wanted to be on camera and auditioned for her school’s news show, Studio 19, and got the position of news anchor.

“This is what I’m meant to do. After learning all the behind the scenes stuff at SEU, I now want to do all the behind the scenes stuff like producing and directing,” said Gilbert.

Gilbert is graduating in May and will be taking away the priceless experiences she has been a part of during her time at college. After graduation she has plans to intern at Greater Media Boston.

They own five major radio stations in Boston, and Gilbert will be producing videos for their websites.

She has been a huge asset to the SEU community and her tireless work has not gone unnoticed.

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JAZZ FESTIVAL T

he Southeastern music department has had a semester full of crowd-pleasing events. There have been choral and orchestra concerts, Night on Broadway, and senior recitals, through everything, the music students have worked tirelessly to put on great shows for students, faculty and staff, and the local community. Another big event for the department was the Southeastern Jazz Festival.

The Jazz Festival was two days full of music, learning, and enjoyment. This year, Melvin Jones, an internationally renowned trumpet player and recording artist, who has worked with big names like John Legend and Fergie, flew in and worked with the talented musicians. Each year, Southeastern brings in a professional musician in the business to educate and perform with students.

“My favorite part of the SEU Jazz Festival is the unique privilege we have as students to learn from and perform with world-class musicians,” said Evan Eliason, a piano performance and music business major. “The Southeastern University music department has provided an incredible opportunity for us to excel as performing musicians.”

Dr. Mark Belfast, assistant professor of music education, is in charge of coordinating the music education program and jazz studies at SEU. He was the person responsible for getting Melvin Jones to attend the event this year. Belfast has been playing in professional jazz bands since he was a senior in high school. He has worked with Jones in the past on a professional level.

The Jazz Festival didn’t only cater to Southeastern music

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By: Andrea Reeves

students, it also benefited the Lakeland community. Both days, Southeastern welcomed two local jazz ensembles from Polk County. This year, Winter Haven High School and Southwest Middle School had the opportunity to work with Jones and perform in the Southeastern Jazz Concert on April 3rd. Before the concert, each school had the chance to perform and prepare about 20 minutes of music for Jones, who was able to make suggestions and corrections. The students were also invited to eat a meal in Southeastern’s dining hall, Tuscana Ristorante, which gave them the full college experience. In the future, Dr. Belfast would like to reach out to other schools outside of Polk County.

“As we know, jazz is an art form that is ever-evolving, and the only way to be true to that art form is to constantly pursue it as it changes. The greatest way to do this is to bring artists out who are currently working in the jazz world to share their knowledge and experiences with the students,” said Juan Mayato, the band director at Winter Haven High School.

This year was even more special for fellow students and community members because the master class, where Jones showcased his talent and work with the three different jazz ensembles, was open to the public for free. There was also a Q & A session at the end for anyone who was interested in jazz music or the recording industry to learn from someone who has been through it all. Rehearsals with the visiting schools and Southeastern’s jazz ensemble were also free and open to the public.

This all led to the Festival Finale Concert, featuring Southwest Middle, Winter Haven High, and the Southeastern University jazz ensembles; Jones played on stage with each band. The show was hosted at Highland Park Church and was free to anyone who wanted to come and enjoy the smooth sounds of jazz.

“Jazz is something everyone can enjoy and it’s so fun to play,” said Cassie Cooper, a music education and church music student who plays the trombone in SEU’s jazz ensemble.

“As an avid fan of timeless, classic music, I greatly enjoyed my experience at jazz night. The talented brass and string ensemble paid tribute to many renowned artists including Frank Sinatra’s “Come Fly With Me,” which was my favorite of the night. Although jazz music isn’t my typical genre, I was very much taken back by the skill and performance of the jazz band. The band is rich in talent and I look forward to attending next year,” said Monica Winters, a freshman.

“As we know, jazz is an art form that is ever-evolving and the only way to be true to that art form is to constantly pursue it as it changes.”

- Juan Mayato

Dr. Shudong Braamse

“I just love it here. When I walk on campus, I feel happy,” said Dr. Shudong Braamse, an associate professor who teaches one-on-one voice lessons for Southeastern’s music department.

Dr. Braamse has been at Southeastern for 12 years.

She grew up in China, where she studied music education at a university. She spent some time teaching music at a high school before she made her way to America, where she attended Michigan State University. While she was in Michigan, one of her professors told her she had talent and encouraged her to try out to become a vocal performance major, so she pursued that.

After a few years, Dr. Braamse moved back to China for a year to teach a college-level choir and she decided that’s what she wanted to do with her life— teach college students. In order to do that, she needed to get her doctorate, so she went back to Michigan State. Once she finished her degree, she found an open position at

Southeastern University.

“I asked around to all my friends if they had ever heard of this place called Lakeland and no one had heard of it; then one of my friends said ‘oh yeah, that’s Tiger Town, that’s a nice place!’ and I was very excited,” said Dr. Braamse. “I really love Southeastern; I feel blessed to be here. I see a big future here.”

While Dr. Braamse loves Southeastern and Florida, she is still able and willing to travel around the world. She tries to go to China almost every year to perform and teach at universities during the summer. Recently, she got back from New York City, where she was invited to participate in and give commentary at an international singing and dancing event for young people. She will also be performing in Europe this summer, in countries like Latvia and Spain, with two Southeastern students who will have the opportunity to accompany her.

“I feel like my students are my kids. At the end, when they give their senior recital, and you see what you have invested in, when they stand on the stage and sing, you can recall and remember when they first started. It’s a huge reward to see my students performing. As a music teacher, you feel very proud of them,” said Dr. Braamse.

Dr. Braamse has been able to meet and work with several talented young people. She could teach anywhere in the world, but she has chosen Southeastern to invest in our music students and help them develop into successful musicians.

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SERVING

30+ “Embody what is important in life.”

DR. TERRIS NEUMAN 12

SERVING 31 YEARS AND COUNTING When Dr. Terris Neuman first attended South-Eastern Bible College, the chapel was new and called the Tabernacle, seating was segregated by gender, and Bethany and Bauer did not have air conditioning. After graduating in 1977, he pastored, went to graduate school, and then applied to work at Southeastern where he was hired in1983, 10 years after being a freshman. Throughout Dr. Neuman’s time here, he has seen Southeastern grow from a small Bible College to a premier Christian Liberal Arts University.

By: J. Johnson and P. Pennington and A. Reed

Question & Answer with Dr. Terris Neuman

How long have you been at Southeastern?

Oh wow, 31 years as a teacher and four as a student, so that’s 35 years, which is a long time. I had never put those two together; that’s the first time I’ve added those up. This is how long I’ve been here: I have students come up to me and say, “My dad says hi. He had you in ’92.” So now when they tell me their dad had me for a class I ask which decade.

What has it been like seeing so many students attend and graduate Southeastern?

That kind of ties into one of the verses that Christ used to call me here. It’s John 15:16, ‘You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit - fruit that will remain. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.” So having taught so many students for many years, they are my fruit. The strange thing is I don’t even see it. This is true for every teacher. We are doing more than we know. Students are the fruit, so when I see them walk across the platform at graduation I see the epitome of all my efforts. I’ve been to 60 graduations.

What is one of the coolest experiences you have had with students?

As far as coolest things, I’ve gone surfing with them a couple of times, that was the most fun.

What is a funny story from your time here?

When I first came, I was Dean of Men for three years, which means I was the student life person in charge of housing, discipline, and pastoral care. My office was in Bauer, where the RA office is now. I have 2 RAs and 20 proctors who assigned halls to oversee in Bauer. I came in one morning and all my books and bookshevles had been moved into the shower in the bathroom -- they did not turn it on -- and that was their joke. I made them put the books back and let them enjoy their joke.

Can you tell us about your family and how you met your wife?

We met in front of what used to be called the Tabernacle, the former chapel in 1973. I saw her and said hi and we just started talking... took some classes together. She was a PK, Preachers Kid, and I was a PK, Pagan’s Kid. So opposites attract like that. We have been married 37 years, since 1976.

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How many kids and grandkids do you have?

I have two sons, Chad and Nathan. Chad teaches here and Nathan is in charge of educational technology at Polk State College. I had both of them in Life of Christ; I couldn’t even look at them. It was just awkward. I would say, “Here’s your test, hope you pass! Nathan came home after the first lecture at dinner and said, “Mom, I didn’t know Dad was smart!” I don’t give lectures at home. I have four grandchildren, two on each side.

Do you have a life verse or a motto that you live by?

Yes. “Follow me and I will give you the desires of your heart,” and the desire of my heart was to teach…Something about the desires of your heart. I wanted to teach for a long time, long time. If you keep seeking, He will fulfill the desires of your heart. I like to live by “Embody what is important in life,” “If you want an educated citizenry, you’ve got to wrestle with ides or you will end up with people who do the shallowest things,” and “We are vulnerable to simplicities that might diminish us.”

How did surfing impact your testimony?

My father died when I was 11, so we lived inland at Pensacola and then my mom didn’t like being in that house anymore so we moved to Gulf Breeze.

That’s when I came in contact with a surfing community and started surfing, probably around 1966 or 1967. I was 15 or 16, started surfing around high school. I found a surfing community, started surfing with all these guys. We didn’t know each other, but we came to know each other, and, Yancy Spencer, a professional surfer who brought surfing to the Gulf Coast community. He went up to Rock Church on a surfing trip in Virgina Beach and was converted.

So he came back and he changed the name of his surf shop to Innerlight and that’s when he started witnessing to everyone. One day, behind his surf shop, he gave me this Bible -- The Good News Bible -- that Kathy Lee Gifford had had and turned to 1 Thessalonians 5 and said, “The Lord is coming soon and you should live as if those who live in the light of the day not those who live at night.” I have it marked here (holding Bible in his hand). Because those who live in the night live in darkness and are not sober; those who live in the night get drunk like those in the night. I had just gotten drunk the night before, and he didn’t know that. And I said, “Wow, this is a little different.” He said “Here, just read this.” And I read it. He said, “Start with the Gospel of John,” and I did, and about a week later I accepted Christ in my bedroom at Pensacola Beach. They all went to Brownsville Assembly, so I just started going there.

There was about four rows of surfers. That was the revival no one knows about; it was a pretty hefty revival. The pastor had to verbally fight -- we found out later -- to get us in.

How have things changed, since you began at Southeastern?

As I said, it was a lot stricter then—once again, just to remind us, your hair could not touch your collar or your ears if you were a guy. Chapel was segregated by gender. Quiet time was every night 7:00-7:30 p.m. You couldn’t do anything; you had to be in your dorm with a Bible and in prayer. We had a basketball team but they had to practice on the pavement behind Bauer because we didn’t have a gym. That went up when I was a student here— the old gym, where the football team works out now. Oh! This is the most important one. We surfed and drove all night to get here, went into Bauer, thought the rooms were for one person, not two, okay? They didn’t have AC. Bethany and Bauer, for the first two years, had no air conditioning. They also had an honor system—no fines, you had 10 honor points. So if you lost a certain number of honor points there were consequences. If you lost 10 honor points, you’d be suspended for a week, so you just had to be careful.

What has kept you here for so many years?

Knowing that you have a gift and you have to use it. I think sometimes, you follow the desires of your heart—you want everyone to do what’s in their heart—but then when you actually start using it, it’s bigger than you. Like 14

when I teach, I know I’m doing something that’s bigger than me. It’s a gift. So I have to use it; I have to use that gift, and this is the context in which I have to use it… so it’s a gift to be used…

What are your favorite classes to teach and why?

Life of Christ and Romans. I seem to be able to communicate more from those texts…I’m able to communicate the content of those better.

Why are you passionate about teaching college students?

Models of teachers that I’ve had in my education. You know, your best teachers, even in elementary school and junior high and high school. I had seen a couple of teachers here that really inspired me. Ruth Breusche taught World Religions and Henry Evans taught apologetics. They knew their subject so well that it just came through their being. It’s almost like they were the embodiment of it to some degree. That really attracted me to teaching; I wanted to teach after seeing it modeled in front of me… I’m a niche person… this is what I wanted to do.

If you could do anything for this school, what would it be?

I would build a faith integration building. Teachers from the disciplines could be trained there because we’re all supposed to give a faith integration class— you have one in COMM—and then have speakers come in from other CCCU schools for CCU. Where do you see this school ten years from now?

Probably cutting edge in the area of technology as a means of pedagogy and communication in every discipline. How is technology going to impact not only the learning, but how going to communicate in the context of their majors. That many years from now I think we’ll see development in how technology and its tools are going to help to learn and to communicate in any major. I hope to be paddleboarding into the sunsets by then.

“What you learn as a teacher is that you never stop being a student.” - DR. NEUMAN Photos By: Sharon Neuman

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Timothy Mitchell

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Dwayne Johnson

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SOUTHEASTERN By: Hank Taylor

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BASKETBALL

As a Southeastern University student, there really isn’t anything like the rush of a basketball game. Going with your friends, into The Furnace, dressed in red and black, getting loud and excited for the game that is about to unfold. When the home stands pack in, and the students come together in one place, there is nothing quite like it.

And this year was a season for the history books…

Southeastern had one of its best years in the program’s history, and it began in historic fashion. In their first game of the year, they played an NCAA Division I team, the Florida State Seminoles, on the road in Tallahassee. This game set the pace for what we could expect throughout the season, on and off the court. Dwayne

“I’m proud of Rjay and the guys for representing Fire athletics at such a high level all season.

Their run in the National Tournament inspired us all.”

-Drew Watson, director of athletics

Johnson, Tim Mitchell, and Brandon Moore all scored double digits against a larger, more experienced, and advanced Division I opponent. Johnson was the leading scorer in the whole game with 33 points.

The fans were the most surprising part of the game.

In the local Tallahassee papers, the game was called “unlike any Florida State exhibition game in recent memory.”

Southeastern fans were called, “raucous, wild, and energetic.” Some of the Seminoles said it was hard to hear over the screaming and cheering of the Fire fans, and also commented that it was cool to see a small school have an amazing support system, even on the road fourand-a-half hours away from home.

Even at home, the Fire fans did not disappoint. Fans came out to every game, filling up the stands and always reminding the visiting teams where they were playing. And it showed. The Fire finished with a 27-7 season record and defeated seven Top 25 teams. They also recorded a 15-1 mark at home. Along the way, they received the #2 seed in The Sun Conference tournament and were headed into the post season with high hopes.

The last game the Fire had at home, against Webber International University, was another one for the books. At the half, the Fire led the Warriors by 17 points and were sitting at a comfortable lead.

They won the night with style, ending 100-93, with Johnson and three others in double digit numbers for points.

After a tough loss in the conference semifinals to Northwood, the Fire were left playing the waiting game to find out their postseason fate. Then, on March 5, history was made.

The Fire received one of 10 at-large bids to head to the NAIA National Tournament in Branson, Mo. To even be asked to a tournament like this was an honor and historic enough, but what 17

followed proved that the Fire were just getting started making history.

The Fire were down in the first half against 1st round opponent, Huntington, but made a comeback for a 84-76 win. This set the stage for their 2nd round matchup, which featured Southeastern against the #1 seed and reigning champions, Cardinal Stritch University, in the Sweet 16. No one batted an eye at this matchup, and the nation thought that this would, without a doubt, end with Cardinal Stritch in the Elite Eight.

The nation thought this all until the two tenths of a second mark.

The moment that had been practiced, played out, and perfected by senior Dwayne Johnson: a quick inbound, followed by an even quicker move to the 3-point line, and then a smooth jumper behind the arc with nothing but net at the other end.

Coaches’ jaws were on the floor and visiting players stared at the score in disbelief; the commentators were ecstatically going over the play again and again, while the Fire players dog piled on the floor and celebrated a trip to the Elite Eight.

From Lakeland with love, the loyal Fire fans saw it all. They had piled into the Portico Coffeehouse and watched the live broadcast of the game online, and were just as excited by the result and took to social media to brag about 18

their boys becoming the NAIA’s most talked about Cinderella story.

And the clock didn’t strike 12 just yet.

After another close win against Davenport University, the boys were on their way to the Fab Four. Cool, composed, and determined plays from the Fire held off an explosive Davenport in the second half; they were able to counter their adjustments and kept them at bay by only 3 points.

And at the Fab Four our story ended, Southeastern was going up against soon-to-be champion of the tournament, Indiana Wesleyan University; the Fire just couldn’t stop the speed and technique of Indiana Wesleyan.

What did the Fire get at the end of the year? A historic season of firsts, including an almost perfect home record, a first trip to the nationals, a fantastic buzzer beater 3 point finish which was Sportscenter material, and a Top 3 national ranking. The fans got all of that and a season that they will never forget.

SOUTHEASTERN GOLF Kyle Martin

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2014

or the first time in Southeastern history, one of the men’s golf players was invited to represent the United States during the 2014 World University Championships in Crans-Montana, Switzerland. Kyle Martin, a senior, is one of six golfers selected to play for Team USA. The Championship will take place from June 21-28th at the world-famous Severano Ballesteros course, which is home to the Omega European Masters.

“I’ve never been out of the country before, so it’s a pretty neat experience for me,” said Martin. His roommate and teammate at Brevard College, Spencer Baldwin, played in the event four years ago in Spain. “He told me it was a great experience and I wouldn’t regret doing it.”

The team will be coached by Greg Hutton of California San Marcos and Paul Chavez of Odessa Community College of Texas; who were responsible for recruiting the top American-born players from their respective division.

“I’m so proud of Kyle for what he has done individually, but also what he has done for the SEU golf team,” said Steve Phelps, director of golf at Southeastern. “He is a great leader on the golf course and I know he will represent SEU and Team USA with the utmost professionalism and integrity.”

However, this is not the first of Martin’s outstanding successes.

In August, he was one of 312 amateur golfers to play in the U.S. Championships. He placed ninth at the Florida Open in July, last season finished third overall at The Sun Conference Championship, and is currently ranked the #29 golfer in the NAIA by GolfStat.com. During the Titan Winter Invitational, he shot a 62, a new course record, as well as a school record for the low round.

Another incredible accomplishment is that he was placed as one of the golfers in the U.S. Amateur Championships. This was Southeastern’s second year in a row having a player participate.

“This is a very significant accomplishment for our program,” said Phelps. Many of the best golfers in the country have played in or won this tournament during their careers including Phil Mickelson (1990), Justin Leonard (1992), and three-time champion Tiger Woods (1994-1996).

As this semester comes to an end, Martin and the men’s golf team has given Southeastern fans a season of celebration and high hopes for the year Fire14.

By: Priscilla Pennington and Donnie Smith 19

FIRE FACTS 2014

>> “Count what you value, & value what you count. At SEU, we measure student learning, engagement, & spiritual formation. We value holistic student growth.�

5

73

19

% increase in retention rate compared to last year (fall-tofall)

% of SEU faculty holding terminal degrees (the highest degree awarded in a field of study)

students per every one SEU faculty member

65

19

12

total number of degree programs offered by SEU including 51 undergrad, 13 graduate, and 1 doctoral

denominations represented by SEU enrolled students, the most common being Assemblies of God

SEU extension site locations, stretching from Georgia to Washington { more to come } @ SEU_Stats

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>>

spiritual atmosphere

the #1 reason students select SEU, with 2nd being academics, according to a new student survey

>>

Chick-fil-a is coming to SEU fall 2014!

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SOUTHEASTERN

SPOTLIGHTS

STANLEY PARKS By: Nicolette Bilezikian

Southeastern University welcomes staff and students daily with its alluring cleanliness and beauty. As preview students step onto the cobblestones of El Prado, whispers of the captivating appeal travels amongst the various groups. This work is not easily done overnight, but is the reflection of the hard work displayed by the groundskeepers, who are in charge of maintaining the beauty of the campus by having a working knowledge of the care of plants, trees and grass.

Stanley Parks is a huge asset to the team and can be easily pointed out by his vibrant and genuine smile. His love for the Lord and others around him is displayed daily. Parks found this job when he was searching for a university for his youngest son, Jared, to attend. Upon his arrival, he immediately fell in love with the people and the atmosphere. Jared currently attends Southeastern 22

University and is pursuing an interdisciplinary degree. He is currently a resident assistant and is graduating in May 2014.

On Sept. 10, 2014, Parks will celebrate his seventh anniversary working here. Parks loves greeting and meeting students, and he understands how homesick students must feel. He wants to make them feel appreciated, especially since they are here away from home and friends. Parks is passionate about loving God, his wife (Hope), his family, and friends with all of his strength.

“My goal is to do the will of my Father God in my lifetime, and to one day hear Him say, ‘Well done good and faithful servant.’

My motto is ‘where you are, there you are.’ That simply means that your character godly or otherwise goes with you, no matter where you go. So let God build His character in your life and run after His righteousness, peace and joy!” said Parks.

The verse Deuteronomy 31:6 is held closely to Parks’ heart, as it reads, “He will never leave you nor forsake you.” With his godly principled attitude, Parks leaves an impact on others around him.

“Working with Parks is a joy; he is a hard worker and he makes the day go by with a lot of fun, laughter, and has a wonderful personality to get to know. He has impacted my life as a Christian brother. There have been numerous days totaling up many hours of conversations about God and life. He has spoken into my life on multiple occasions when I needed it,” said Karl Snow, the lead groundskeeper at Southeastern University.

Parks is one of the many people at this university who makes it a special place of learning and communion with God.

KELLY MARDAVICH By: Karah Beaver

When watching a student walk up to the mailroom window to receive a package, one is likely to see the same excitement reciprocated by Kelly Mardavich, who works in the mailroom. It is apparent through her smile: she loves her job and the students she serves. This is her third year working at Southeastern; one year in housekeeping and two in the mailroom.

When asked about multiple topics, Mardavich always found a way to weave students into the conversation.

“I like to try to get to know people’s names. It gives us a chance to get to know them. And for a student who is shy that means a lot for someone to know their name...most of the kids that come into the mailroom, they’re excited. They get a package slip and they run and scream and sing songs, run to the window. It’s a lot of fun,” said Mardavich.

Mardavich loves working at Southeastern because she sees it as more of a family and community than a run-of-the-mill workplace.

“Here I can attend chapels and Conference. It’s such a great family here at Southeastern…I lead a Connect group and I love getting to know the students, and them getting to know me. I’m excited to see the future of Southeastern. It’s exciting to see what God is doing here,” said Mardavich.

One of the central and core elements of Mardavich is her deep love for her family. She has been married to her husband, Doug, for 20 years and they have raised three children together. She loves to tell others about her family and the ways they help her grow. In fact, Mardavich had her family in mind when she applied for her job at Southeastern. Her children’s education is very important to her, and she knew the benefits of working for Southeastern would help them get to where they need to be.

“I never thought I would enjoy being a mother as much as I have. As a parent and a wife, I can make a lot of mistakes…I want them to know I am nothing without Jesus. I want my kids to see the difference Jesus makes…how I daily have to submit myself to Him and make Him Lord of my life,” said Mardavich.

Mardavich has a sincere heart for ministry. She has worked in youth ministry for most of her life and she loves it. She has been a TV camera operator at her church for seven years and has been to six different countries to spread the Gospel. She has come to see everywhere she goes as a mission field.

“It’s all how you look at the world. Looking through Jesus’ eyes... eyes of compassion,” said Mardavich.

KATHARINA NAGASSIMA RODRIGUES DOS REIS By: Priscilla Pennington

“I came to Southeastern because I knew I would get wellequipped and prepared for my calling as a missionary doctor.

It was as if God had prepared the perfect package for me to start the journey towards my dreams and calling,” said Katharina Nagassima Rodrigues dos Reis, a junior at Southeastern.

As a pre-med major, Katharina hopes to one day use her experiences overseas as a surgeon and specialize in tropical diseases. In college and high school she had the opportunity to visit the Amazon and Mozambique – two places she hopes to one day minister in. Her dream is to be a part of hospitals being built in those areas and watch the people being touched by the love of God as they are served in the areas of their greatest need.

“Going to those places was like finding a piece of myself I had not yet discovered. Not only was I able to connect with the community and share the gospel with them, but I also felt at my fullest point of joy. It was as if the uncertainty of what I thought was my calling and whether I belonged there or not suddenly became real, certain, and tangible. After that, every challenge I overcome or face seems to bring me closer to the next destination towards that dream,” said Katharina.

Her connection to missions began soon after she was born in Brazil. A native to cross-cultural experiences, Katharina has lived in more than five countries and speaks four languages. One of her favorite places she has lived in and visited is South Africa. In all of her travels, she feels perseverance is key.

“Excellence comes with perseverance. We will find adversity everywhere we go, but the difference is how we embrace those experiences and take the best out of them to push us forward.

The simple fact that I’m able to give this interview in English is the result of multiple successes and failures. There is no success without failure and you only truly fail if you don’t learn anything from it,” said Katharina.

One of her more challenging moves was to the United States from her recent home, Peru, but she felt God led her here. While at Southeastern, she has been highly involved in outreaches in the Lakeland area, including Enactus, Student Christian Medical and Dental Association (SCMDA), and with the international students on campus. In every aspect of her life, Katharina strives to be a servant.

“If there is something I want to be known for, it’s being a servant, a lay-down-lover of the forgotten, and to be truly content no matter if I’m in the mountains or in the valleys of life. I’m not there yet, but that’s what I’m running towards,” said Katharina.

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CLARIBEL RODRIGUEZ By: Elizabeth Gifford

Every day, hundreds of students walk in and out of Tuscana Ristorante. However, most of them do not know the story of how a seasoned Chartwells’ employee, Claribel Rodriguez, won her way from Cuba to America.

Rodriguez was born and raised in Manzanillo, Cuba. She had grown accustomed to the way of life there, but eventually decided that she wanted a better life for her and her family, one that would provide more opportunities. One night, she and her husband tuned in to the local radio station and heard about a contest in which callers could win a visa to America. A visa, which can be very difficult to obtain, would allow Rodriguez and her family to move to the U.S. To Rodriguez and her husband, this visa would mean everything; it would mean an opportunity for a new life.

Their names were placed in a bucket to be drawn from at random. One year had passed, and Rodriguez and her husband had yet to hear from the radio station. Assuming a winner had already been chosen, they gave up on the idea. But one afternoon, Rodriguez received a call from the radio station, stating she and her husband had won!

After a long process with immigration services and about $3,000 worth of travel expenses, Rodriguez and her family touched American soil for the first time in 1998. In 2006, she moved from Miami to Lakeland, where she began her career at Chartwells.

“Chartwells is a place that is constantly growing. All of the managers have good character, which makes the employees actually enjoy their work,” said Rodriguez.

Rodriguez has always been a hard worker, setting her mind to fully complete whatever task she is given. When she is not serving pizza or manning the salad bar, her favorite thing to do is spend time with her family and attend her home church, College Heights United Methodist Church. Rodriguez has been married to her husband, Oscar, for 31 years. Together, they have two sons, one granddaughter and two grandsons.

Rodriguez also attends lessons with Vision Activa, a project under an SEU club, Enactus, which is an internationally recognized non-profit organization. Vision Activa provides English lessons and citizenship test training for Spanish speakers. Every week, Rodriguez practices these skills for two hours with a Vision Activa tutor. Since her native language is Spanish, it has been a challenge, but she is determined to achieve her goal of becoming an official citizen of the United States.

“I miss my family in Cuba and enjoy visiting, but I have adapted to living here as if I had been born here. I love America because you can make friends with people from all different places and backgrounds,” said Rodriguez.

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ERICA EARL By: Ashley Reed

Recent Southeastern alumna Erica Earl landed a job as an education reporter for the Bradenton Herald. A typical day for Earl includes covering all news relating to pre-kindergarten, K-12, higher education and the school board, within the Manatee school district, by attending school events, board meetings, and watching trends in school grades, FCAT scores, and the school district’s budget.

“A major part of journalism, as it is investigative in nature, is doing research, collecting public records, and just keeping a watchful eye,” said Earl.

Earl’s advice for undergraduate students pursuing a career in journalism is “to get used to covering something that does not appeal to you, because chances are you will not be working in the beat you dream about in college right away.”

One of Earl’s most groundbreaking stories was her investigative work on a school board’s overspending. Reading over a 100,000 page audit report, Earl discovered that the school board was going over their budget by millions of dollars, with seventeen of the schools earning failing grades.

“Writers are kind of like weathermen. It is your name and your face attached to what you are reporting, so be prepared to get letters, calls etc., both positive and negative. You just have to grow a thick skin, because when elected public officials get uncomfortable about a story, it is probably because you did your job,” said Earl.

Students at Southeastern seeking to work as investigative journalists can learn from Earl’s experience.

“The lesson from it is to not be sensitive, and double fact check everything before running a story so you are confident that the information you put forth is 100% correct, even if it does ruffle feathers,” said Earl .

Earl decided to take a respite from the hustle of the newsroom and is now teaching ESOL, English for Speakers of Other Languages, in Spain.

“I realized that I was at a time in my life when I was completely unencumbered. I realized that I had job security when I decided to return. I have no spouse, no kids, and no lease tied to by decision making, and I am debt free. Your early 20s is the “primetime” for a working abroad program if you are going to do it. You’re young enough where people are more than willing to take you under their wing to mentor you and assist in your transition into a new culture,” said Earl.

GARY WILLIAMS By: Jeanmarie Johnson

“I began singing at the age of 13 in the youth choir at my father’s church…Growing up I listened to nothing but gospel music. Almost every gospel singer that I would listen to I would try to mimic their vocal skills and I would repeat what they would do till I got it right,” said Gary Williams, senior.

His persistence and passion from a young age up until now has certainly paid off. When he was a teenager, the worship director overheard him singing a song the choir had rehearsed. She asked Williams if he would like to lead that song on a Sunday morning and after much hesitation, he said yes. He led his first Sunday worship not long after, with Fred Hammond’s “You Are the Living Word.”

“From there on I stuck with singing and God just took me from one level to the next and I find it very enjoyable,” said Williams.

Williams has continued to use his powerful voice throughout the past decade. Currently, he is best known for his role on SEU Worship. He is not only a member of the worship team, but this year he stepped up as the worship choir director, putting him in charge of roughly 15 students each week.

He first took the position after being approached by SEU Worship Director Chase Wagner.

“I love the dynamic of how you see his passion and his heart for Christ every time that he leads it. But he does it in a way that is really enjoyable and has us laughing the whole time,” said Maddy Lynott, freshman.

Williams is going to impact the world through more than his strong voice. He will soon be graduating with a bachelor’s in communication. He chose this major after the 2008 election, realizing what a driving force media has become.

“I never thought I’d actually get on the radio and announce stuff,” said Williams.

While he is still unsure as to what he wants to do, after taking some classes for it, he has found a love for radio.

With the many talents Williams has, along with his passion for singing and for people, he says one thing goes above all else.

“Knowing that I am living for God, that’s what keeps me going.

I have work to do for Him, whatever calling He has on my life; [whether that means to] be successful, [or] just make my family proud,” said Williams.

DAVID REVELL By: Priscilla Pennington

In an office adorned with fossils, Professor David Revell sits at his desk and reveals one of his discovered treasures to a student sitting opposite him. Although an associate professor of mathematics, Professor Revell has incorporated his passion for fossils into his classes.

Applying real life experiences in a classroom setting, Professor Revell, an alumnus of Southeastern, has done a tremendous job. Professor Revell helped develop a faith integration seminar course for the health and sciences department. In a course designed for junior and senior math and science majors, students discuss cosmology, physics, chemistry, geology and astronomy, and apply it to a biblical standpoint.

“What we read in God’s word is what we see in God’s world. It is not fanciful. It is not something made up,” said Professor Revell.

During the course, Professor Revell takes students to Arcadia, Fla., where they dig in the dirt of Peace River to find fossils. One of his most recent finds with the students was a taper tooth. Recently, he has opened the opportunity up to any Southeastern student who can canoe and want to search for fossils.

Outside of Southeastern, one of his greatest joys in life is his family. He has been married to his wife, Sandra, for 44 years; together they have two children, three grandchildren, and a greatgrandchild on the way.

“When I see my kids doing well, and excelling, and the Lord has given them beautiful lives too, I am pleased and I am content,” said Professor Revell.

Throughout their lives together, Professor Revell and his wife appreciate the opportunities they have had to travel and do adventurous activities like kayaking. One of his highlights of their experiences together was when they visited Niagara Falls.

In all his travels and adventures, he expresses the blessings that God has given him. When asked what he would like to be known for, he said it is not so much what he has done, but what the Lord has done for him.

“It dawned on me that God has given me life and has provided for me these things in my lifetime to be able to do. It wasn’t so much that everyone else is going to remember me, but that the Lord has given me life and given me these sweet things. And I can’t tell you the number of times He has surprised me,” said Professor Revell.

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SOUTHEASTERN NURSING PROGRAM As the College of Natural and Health Sciences commences its first year, Dr. Marcia Posey talks about faith, the joys of nursing, and the future it has at Southeastern University.

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By: Anna Marie Smith

{ DR. MARCIA POSEY }

C

onsidering nursing as her mission in life, Dr. Posey has sought to help others for the last 44 years. “I’ve wanted to be a nurse ever since I was a child. I don’t ever remember wanting to be anything else.”

The interesting part is that she never wanted to be a nursing teacher. She joined the convent with hopes to become a missionary nurse, but she was told that she was going to be a teacher. Dr. Posey mimicked Sister Mary Genevieve, her mentoring nurse, in her best elderly nun voice, “I know that you are going to be a teacher!” Little did she know at the time, but these words became true.

She began working at a hospital as a nurse, but started feeling the desire to start educating other nurses. She laughs now about how Sister Mary Genevieve was right, but it was the call on her life that started her journey as an educator. Seminole State College, in Central Florida, was the first college Dr. Posey worked at, where she educated paramedics who were transitioning into being registered nurses.

With her growing passion for education, she went to BethuneCookman University, in Daytona Beach, Fla., where she turned their declining nursing program into one that thrived. Many of the students came from substandard schools and were not making it through the program so Dr. Posey created a developmental program for students who did not pass the exit exam to give them the best support possible to pass when taken again. Dr. Posey has a genuine care for others who need it; she is a woman of grace and second chances.

Dr. Posey most recently worked at Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Fla., where doing similar reinforcements, she improved their nursing program. While at Florida Southern, Dr. Posey was recognized for her excellent years of experience working with nurses on all different levels and was asked to come to Southeastern University.

Southeastern University is the fifth university that Dr. Posey has developed a nursing program for. Her years of experience have given her the education she needs to make Southeastern’s program successful, but she says that it was a woman named Nina, who mentored her years ago, who taught her the joy of nursing. “It goes beyond just a job. She made it joyful.” And this is something Dr. Posey has lived by ever since. It is this same idea that has shaped how she teaches, serves, and lives.

Dr. Posey, along with another essential person in the creation of this program, Dr. Stella, have created the nursing curriculum around the joy of what nursing is. Students enrolled in the nursing program will leave Southeastern University knowing that what they do is Christ-centered. With the hopes of small and intimate classes, students will be mentored personally by Dr. Posey and Dr. Stella and connected to their classmates and their community. Their belief is that missions is not necessarily international, but it is about showing Christ everywhere you are.

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Although construction of the new building is still in development, the nursing program is 100 percent up and running smoothly. The planning done by Dr. Posey, Dr. Stella, Dr. Hazelbaker, who is the chair for the department of natural and health sciences, and Southeastern’s superb administration has proven itself successful. There are currently 40 students declared for nursing in the program at Southeastern, showing that the demand for the nursing program has been heard. The program is 130 credit hours, but is very accommodating and personalized to each student and with hands-on interaction with the hospitals in Lakeland.

With direct, one-on-one attention from Dr. Posey and her close staff, every student declaring in the College of Natural and Health Sciences will be guided in the direction they need to succeed. Dr. Posey has an open door policy and will go above and beyond to support academic success. Dr. Posey, Dr. Stella and the nursing department’s administrative assistant, Sandra Sheffield, strive to exceed the expectations of the nursing students. The program is rigorous, but students always know they have a place to go. Also, each student graduating through this program will have a ministry minor automatically.

Additionally, each student will complete the Sigma Theta Tau’s Nursing Management Certification Course, which is an honor society for nurses, and receive a certificate for completion of the Foundational course for Faith Community Nursing, a worldwide faith-based community for nurses. Needless to say, this program has been handcrafted to give high quality education, leaving each student immensely equipped in any and every area of nursing that he or she pursues.

And even those that are not pursuing the nursing profession should take Dr. Posey’s advice, “It goes beyond just a job.

Believe in the mission of Christ. And give back.”

Photos by: Media Services

By: Michaela Pearson

For some, debate is something to be shied away from, but for Curran McQuade, it is what he lives for. Coming to Southeastern University, he realized there was not a debate team. After taking a break from debate for a year, he knew that there was a gap that needed to be filled.

Christina Gard, assistant professor of psychology, also felt the gap in Southeastern. One of her favorite experiences as an undergrad at Northwest University was the debate team. After transitioning to full-time faculty, Gard knew she was ready to create the team she so had a passion for.

Gard mentioned the idea of a debate team to a few faculty members, the idea got back to McQuade and they met in the spring of 2013 to start developing the team.

“Curran is our team president and he has been instrumental in the launch, development, and administration of the team. None of SEU Debate’s success would have been possible without him,” said Gard.

The debate team has two factions: an in-house team where anyone can come, and a travel team comprised of Ben Goodberry, Victoria Cooke, Emily Burm, and Mike Ricci, who McQuade and Gard handpicked. However, whether on the in house or travel team, debate is beneficial for all who participate and will benefit Southeastern for years to come.

“Students directly involved will learn from people on the team as well as the competition and the people they’re competing against. However, debate is also a widely respected sport…In turn, we are able to recruit more people not only for the school, but also for the team. Having the debate team gives the school a new playing field,” said McQuade The debate team has been highly

SOUTHEASTERN DEBATE TEAM

successful in their first year, becoming Florida Intercollegiate Forensics Associate (FIFA) State Champions; competing against UF, USF, UCF, and eight other schools. In their second tournament they won the top five speaker slots and the top three placing slots; competing against UCF, Miami Dade and Florida Gateway.

They will be heading off to Nationals at Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, Mich., with McQuade himself, Victoria Cooke, and Mike Ricci as one of the top seated teams. They will be competing in the National Forensics Associate (NFA) National Tournament, which is the largest Lincoln-Douglas debate in the nation.

With 126 teams attending last year, the turnout for this year is expected to be even larger.

Through it all, the debate team never forgets to integrate faith into the sport they have so much passion for.

“We always make sure to pray before tournaments. It’s also important to make sure everyone is respectful to one another just as Christ was. However, debate is also important to Christianity.

Understanding scripture and knowing how to translate it is key in bringing people to Christ,” said McQuade.

Although this is only their first year, SEU debate is off to a great start spreading their love for knowledge and Jesus.

“WE ALWAYS MAKE SURE TO PRAY BEFORE TOURNAMENTS. IT’S ALSO IMPORTANT TO MAKE SURE EVERYONE IS RESPECTFUL TO ONE ANOTHER JUST AS CHRIST WAS.” TEAM STATS @ FIFA:

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INDIVIDUAL AWARDS AT THE FIFA TOURNAMENT OVERALL SWEEPS AWARDS

1ST 2ND AND 3RD

INDIVIDUAL AWARDS 27

“SO ALL THE WORLD FROM EAST TO WEST WILL KNOW THERE IS NO OT

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THER GOD. I AM THE LORD, AND THERE IS NO OTHER.” (NLT, ISAIAH 45:6)

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SOUTHEASTERN DRUMLINE By: Professor Brian Blume

Close your eyes and imagine the sounds of a football game day. Can you hear them?

The cheers, whistles, chants, clapping, and the spark that makes it all come to life–the drumline.

Southeastern University is excited to announce the inception of its brand new drumline, which debuts this coming fall along with the SEU football team. The drumline, consisting of snare drums, tenors, bass drums, and cymbals, will play before and during home football games, bringing an additional element of excitement to the game day experience. The ensemble will perform in a variety of styles but will be rooted in the tradition and approach of modern drum and bugle corps drumlines. At this time there are no concrete plans for a full marching band.

As the drumline director, I have been piecing together the many aspects of a drumline throughout the school year, including a brand new set of beautiful red and black instruments, an iconic custom-designed uniform, custom bass drum heads with the SEU flame logo, and of course, the students who make up the drumline. Auditions were held in January and March, during which students performed individually and within the ensemble.

I also brought in a guest visitor Josh Torres.

He is the Director of Percussion at Center Grove High School (Greenwood, IN), one of the most highly-regarded high school percussion programs in the country. He has also directed the Dallas Stars (NHL) and Indianapolis Colts (NFL) drumlines, and he served as the coordinator for the Super Bowl XLVI Drumline in Indianapolis.

As the group has taken shape, excitement has grown not only within the drumline, but around campus. The SEU community caught a sneak preview of the drumline on April 25 at the year-end event, 1 Big Night.

This is a pretty monumental moment for SEU and for these students. How many people get to be in the very first drumline a school has ever had? Or go to the very first football game a university has ever played? There is no doubt that students and fans will remember this experience for many years to come. But we all trust that this is only the beginning, the spark of something special for SEU.

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SOUTHEASTERN DRUMLINE By: Liz Colburn

Collaborative efforts at SEU have been creating and shaping some of the newest additions to arrive with Fire football, and our first-ever fight song is coming to life. This will be the iconic melody that Fire fans will cheer together for years to come alongside our inaugural drumline. Along with a revamped alma mater, the drumline and fight song are being finalized within the next few months. If it were not for the support of Dr. Craig Collins, the process of developing these culture-shaping pieces would not have been possible.

Dr. Collins, dean of the College of Communications, Languages and the Arts, came to Southeastern in 2013 from Harrison School of the Arts where he served as principal. Upon his arrival at Southeastern, he immediately jumped on board to spearhead the establishment of these new traditions at our university. With almost a year in the making, this creative process has been a joint endeavor between Student Development and the music department.

The fight song melody was composed last semester by Bob Thurston, the arranger for the Airmen of Note (US Air Force Band). Lyrics for both the fight song and alma mater will be completed over the summer and debuted at the first home football game in September.

“There is a philosophy that all the good fight songs have been written, but I don’t think that is the case because we have a pretty good one right here,” said Dr. Collins, when he played a sneak preview of the song. “We looked at other universities and their best concepts and elements and modeled those into something creative of our own.”

With the alma mater in its final stages of composition, the Southeastern community is sure to be impressed. As Collins mentioned, “It will be totally different. It will pledge loyalty to the institution and will have a faith-based approach to it.”

“We are excited to be a part of the process of building social and community value through football, and this is an opportunity for the music department to be a part of that community.”

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THE MANIAC Southeastern’s new mascot, the Manaic, made its debut at 1 Big Night to help usher in the university’s first official football season.

The development of the mascot and the advancement of the football team is the work of the Fire14 team, spearheaded by Chris Owen, to help strengthen Southeastern’s school spirit in the fall of 2014.

“The process for the mascot began almost simultaneously as our football program. We needed a mascot that reflected the rising passion of our students and synergy of our athletic programs. Our inspiration ultimately came from our student body. In 2008, a group of students formed the “Pyromaniacs.”

They were the rowdy bunch at games. They often had their faces

painted wearing their Pyro shirts that soon everyone wanted.

They brought life to the game and were the inspiration for the new mascot. We want raving fans for life, and this group of students represented what we want every game to feel like. We have the best fans in the world and we wanted a mascot that represented that kind of spirit,” said Chris Owen, vice president for student development.

The creation for the look of the Maniac began around 2011, when Owen enlisted the help of Roy Rowland, vice president for enrollment management, who, together, began dreaming up ideas and sketched out a possible design on a white board. The image then went through a process of critique and tweaking by Madden Brand Agency in Lakeland. A creative team including

By: Ashley Reed

“When I look back at 2013 I remember a year marked by collaboration, preparation and vision for the future of SEU. We were preparing to make history. FirE14 will go down as one of the most historic years in the life of the university.”

- Chris Owen, Vice President for Student Development

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THE MANIAC

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students, staff and faculty was formed to weigh in on the final design. The appearance of the mascot’s costume was inspired by Sparty the Spartan from Michigan State University. Southeastern contacted Michigan State, who gladly shared material samples with the team.

Every aspect of the mascot was custom made by Cowan Costumes Inc. in Cleburne, Texas--the same company that created Sparty.

The emergence of the mascot, alongside the premiere of the football team and the drumline, is coming at a time when Southeastern’s school population is expected to experience explosive growth. An anticipated influx of over 1,000 freshman students will bring in a wave of fresh enthusiasm, energizing a year marked by the making

of new traditions.

Behind the striking jawline and crazy hair is the embodiment of Southeastern’s school spirit, a mascot who is the ultimate fan of all things Southeastern.

Hillary DeMeo, dean of student engagement, described the ideal person to embody the maniac as “someone who loves Southeastern fire and spreads fanmanship everywhere they go.”

Do you have what it takes to be the Maniac? The student behind the Maniac must be a motivated, high energy, enthusiastic, individual who is able to work independently while being creative.

The Maniac will need to be willing to work extensive nights and weekends alongside both athletic and on-campus events as well as those in the community.

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The Maniac was born out of the fire of school spirit and emerged as the ultimate fan. Everywhere he goes he sets people on fire with SEU pride. Loved by kids, feared by other mascots, the maniac embodies the passion of our student body, the competitiveness of our athletes, and the character of our mission. His goal is simple - to make raving Fire fans for life.

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“We’re so excited about where SEU Worship is as well as where we’re going.

We believe we’re doing our best at fulfilling our mission of creating amazing worship experiences, developing worship leaders, and resourcing the church locally as well as globally.”

-Chase Wagner, Worship Director

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SEU WORSHIP

By: Ashley Cheshire

FOR THE PAST TWO YEARS, SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY (SEU) HAS RELEASED TWO ALBUMS CREATED BY SEU WORSHIP. THESE ALBUMS HAVE IMPACTED NOT ONLY THE UNIVERSITY, BUT THE MUSIC WORLD AS WELL. THE SECOND ALBUM, “SO ALL THE WORLD WILL KNOW,” WAS RELEASED ON FEB. 11, 2014, AND DID INCREDIBLY WELL ON ITUNES—SHOOTING TO NUMBER 3 ON THE CHRISTIAN/GOSPEL CHARTS, CHARTING IN THE TOP 40 FOR ALL ALBUMS SOLD MAINSTREAM, AND SELLING IN 13 COUNTRIES ON FIVE CONTINENTS. WITH ALL THIS SUCCESS, WE HAVE TO WONDER WHERE IT ALL BEGAN AND WHAT CREATIVE MINDS WERE INVOLVED IN PUTTING IT TOGETHER.

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hase Wagner, worship director, and one of the main songwriters on the album, said they started writing “So All the World Will Know” right after the first album, “No Other Name,” was released last February. Wagner said he hosts a two-day songwriting retreat over the summer for SEU Worship student leaders to begin writing new songs for the following year. After creating new songs, the band plays them in chapel so students can begin to connect and learn the lyrics.

According to Wagner, there was a lot of curiosity surrounding the first album; however, when it came time for the release of the second album, students knew what to expect.

“People knew it was going to be just as good and strong as the other album.

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It was unifying for the campus,” said Wagner.

There are many relatable songs on the album, but one of the more popular ones is “Love From the Start.”

“It came from scripture and was done in one songwriting session; it came straight from a Life Journal entry,” said Wagner.

Another songwriter for the album is Sarah George, a senior, who shared that she had the chance to sing a song she wrote on the album called “New Life.”

“It was such a great experience knowing that what I have gone through in life was not in vain, because I was able to write a song during brokenness that would be an anthem for someone else who can’t find the words to say but they know they have a song to sing when

they are going through something,” said George.

With George growing up very involved in music at her church, she knew getting the chance to be on the SEU Worship team was what God was calling her to do. She is currently a team leader and thoroughly enjoys getting the opportunity to sing songs she wrote, hoping they may help someone else as much as they helped her.

The music and lyrics of these songs reflect the spirit of our community and have become anthems that echo the mission of the university. With two albums and an EP under their belt, Southeastern can only expect more to come from SEU Worship.

“We plan on making music non-stop and to seek God and wait to see what’s next for us,” said Wagner.

Photo by Breanna Chval SEU ALUMNUS DAN RIVERA AT NATIONAL COMMUNITY CHURCH

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ecent graduate, Dan Rivera, served on worship teams at SEU for four years as a songwriter and musician. Rivera wrote two songs on the first album “No Other Name” and co-wrote with other students to write five others. He was also one of the main contributors for the “So All the World Will Know” album, writing two songs on his own and collaborating with other students to write two more.

Rivera not only brings his songwriting skills to the album, but his voice as well; he sang two songs he wrote, “You Don’t Let Go” and “All the Glory.” Rivera graduated from Southeastern University in December and now lives in Washington, D.C. as a worship leader at Mark Batterson’s National Community Church (NCC). The opportunity to be at such a well-known and successful church came to him through being a student at SEU. Rivera explained that he met Batterson after a Monday night chapel—they exchanged emails and stayed in touch.

“I ended up coming out to NCC to lead worship in September and they talked about me maybe coming and joining the team on staff,” said Rivera.

Growing up, Rivera didn’t know if he wanted to be a worship leader, but when he was 19 he felt called into ministry.

“I guess leading worship just became the best way for me to “pastor” people.

Writing songs and leading worship to me is really about exactly that, pastoring people,” said Rivera.

Going from leading worship for college students and friends to leading worship in front of hundreds of strangers had to have been an adjustment for Rivera, but he says that by attending SEU it made him feel well-equipped for this next chapter of his life.

“SEU does a great job at exposing students to high caliber leaders from across the country and world; I was always learning from the best,” said Rivera. “Being a part of student leadership and having people like Chris Owen, Andrew Gard, Charlie Dawes and Chase Wagner around me, challenging me to grow in my ability to lead people, was hugely helpful as well.”

he So All T ill World W Know

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By: Ashley Reed Promiscuously posed mannequins, models flashing more skin than fabric, sultry magazine cover girls – the fashion industry is laden with innuendo laced messages. Every girl can relate to the struggle involved in finding clothes that reflect her style and fit right. In a culture where modesty is often equated with a nunnery, Top Buttons is an organization that seeks to overturn the stereotype. With an online fashion magazine, styling and educational services, and providing clothing to those in need through shopping sprees and giving away high-end donated clothing items, Top Buttons is working to change the face of modest fashion.

Top Buttons was launched by Southeastern alumnus Sarah Powers. After graduating with a degree in human services, Powers prayed and sought God’s direction for her life, realizing her love for teenagers and her desire “to help them understand their true value in Christ.”

Powers recognized the need for a fashion resource that was separate from the sexual content commonly associated with fashion magazines.

“We can preach heart all day long, but 44

unless young women know how or where to find the trendy yet modest clothing options, how can we expect them to dress that way?” said Powers. On a more personal level, as a mom of four children, Powers wanted her three girls to have more modest yet fashionable clothing options.

After sharing vision her with moms, to see if they also saw a need for a modest fashion resource and connecting with young women who wanted to help launch and run Top Buttons with her, Powers realized that she was far from alone in her belief that women wanted alternatives to popular yet promiscuously designed apparel. Powers’ vision emerged into reality when she met with an attorney and CPA (certified public accountant) who counseled her through the filing process of founding a nonprofit organization. A group of Southeasterns also came alongside Powers, investing their time and talent into promoting Top Buttons.

Rather than simply defining what is or isn’t modest, Top Buttons has a curriculum centered on challenging the thinking of young women on why they wear the clothes they wear.

“We talk about responsible consumerism, discuss the impact of advertising,

we do a DIY activity, and we use college students to model and share the vision for our organization along the staff. Through involving young people, we can create a positive peer influence. Our program has been taught in both faith-based and non-faith-based settings. Once we connect face to face, we are able to have an ongoing relationship with girls through our website and social media presence,” said Powers.

Locally, Top Buttons has partnered with a few civic and religious organizations where they teach portions of their curriculum based on the needs of the girls where they are speaking. Then the organization will nominate girls to receive a shopping spree or a wardrobe makeover from donated clothing items.

“We have been collecting clothing for months and have been able to give girls full wardrobe makeovers. A Top Buttons team member will allow the girls to pick items that reflect their own personal style and give tips for wearing these pieces in a modest way. The PACE center for girls here in Lakeland received six wardrobe makeovers for girls in need last year,” said Powers.

In a “selfie” saturated society, young girls take pictures of themselves con-

stantly. Powers remembers thinking, “They are going to take pictures of themselves anyway, why not get them to do it for a cause…something bigger than themselves.”

“We are looking for people who see the big picture. We want those that aren’t looking to just promote themselves, but those who want to be a part of a team and who want to use their interests and talents to honor God. We have girls that are fashionistas, graphic designers, photographers, youth counselors, and administrators. There are many different aspects of our organization, but the bottom line with all those involved is that we want to make an impact on young women for Christ,” said Powers.

Southeastern sophomore Alexis Gauthier began her involvement in Top Buttons during her freshman year after Molly Dodd (now an alumni of Southeastern) sent a picture of Gauthier’s social media fashion posts to Powers. Gauthier is currently a contributor for Top Buttons, where she writes articles about saving money, working around a budget, thrifting, and other related topics. Besides taking charge of Top Buttons’ Instagram account, writing articles, and designing web layouts, Gauthier also has had the opportunity to attend Christian Fashion Week.

“It gives ladies like me a platform to express our love for fashion while also respecting our bodies. I love how Top Buttons is such a positive example for what modest fashion should look like and it gives everyone the chance to join the movement,” said Gauthier.

By: Ashley Reed Flipping through Seventeen magazine, Rachel Kelly came across an article about someone who gave dresses to girls that could not afford them. Inspired by the concept, she put down the magazine – despite only having read half of the article – and began Fit For A Princess.

As a non-profit organization, it operates under the mission statement that “A dress will never be the reason a girl will miss out on a princess moment.” Fit For A Princess collects dresses and organizes venues where girls who would not otherwise be able to afford a prom dress are able to choose one at no cost.

This year, the Furnace was transformed into a red carpet venue, with each high school girl assigned her own stylist. After saying “yes to the dress,” a beaming girl would take a walk down the runway in her dress, where Miss Florida Teen Natalie Fiallo would announce her name and bestow her with a sash. Local organizations donated prom emergency kits, which were given to the girls after they had chosen their dresses.

This year, Fit For A Princess collected 360 dresses for “the royal closet,” giving high school girls who attended the event a wide variety to choose from. The residence team from Aventura helped put on the event, setting up the venue and working as the girls’ personal stylists.

“This is why we are here, to support one another and to serve the community,” said Erika Hendricks, the resident director of Aventura.

The inspiration for Fit For A Princess came to Kelly while she was a community leader for Aventura hall. After sharing her vision with the residence life team, the ladies of Aventura came together to help Kelly carry out her vision.

“I want Fit For A Princess to reach as many girls across the country as possible.

No girl should have to decide whether or not they can go to prom based off of the cost of a dress. I have received messages from girls in various states saying they have heard about Fit For A Princess and were wondering if I can get them/their sister/their daughter a dress. I want to get to a point where saying no is not an option,” said Kelly.

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Twelve months of preparation, 200 volunteers, and many nights of prayer, all led up to three days of tangible impact and transformation in the hearts and minds of nearly 1,600 people who attended SEU Conference.

From Feb. 10 - 12, 13,000 viewers from 13 different countries watched the conference live-stream, through the partnership with REV.tv, while students from SEU, the local community, and others who flew in from a variety of states, to took part in the third annual event after waiting in a line that stretched around the Polk Theatre.

An atmosphere of anticipation heightened as students eagerly waited to hear this year’s speakers: John Gray, Robert Madu, Andrew Gard, Chris Hodges and Carl Lentz.

BY : CASSeDY RY MER

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#SEUCONF Feb. 10-12

In order to bring to life the theme of this year’s Conference, “So All the World Will Know,” SEU partnered with Compassion International.

As people walked through the doors of the Polk Theatre, packets of children’s photos and stories were laid delicately on the tables. These children share a similar story to that of a young man from Kenya named Jey, who shared his testimony on stage about what life was like before and after being sponsored through Compassion.

“Compassion gave me love, an education, and the most important thing—Jesus. I wanted to grow up and be a thief because that was all I knew.

That all changed when I learned about Jesus through Compassion and the first time hearing ‘I love you’ from my sponsor,” said Jey. President Ingle also shared a story of compassion as he described his and his wife’s calling to adopt children in need of genuine affection, love, and hope from an orphanage in Romania.

By the time people left the Polk Theatre on the third night, nearly 140 children were blessed in receiving sponsors, which exceeded Compassion’s expectations.

After an introduction about

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Compassion in each service, a different speaker would take up the remaining time. The vision for conference was sparked in campus pastor Andrew Gard nearly three years ago. “[Conference is] taking a week to unplug from everything else in the world so that you can really press into some new things God is saying to you. A big reason why we do it is because I want students to capture vision for their life.

I love hearing students talk about how [their] life was never the same after that message,” said Gard.

Gard’s vision for Conference came true for many students, including freshman, Tyla Cadore.

“What impacted me the most was when Robert Madu spoke about sticking in your own lane and just focusing on you and God’s plan for you, rather than looking at what someone else is doing and trying to be like them,” said Cadore.

This is just one story of the vast array of people each night who collided with the waves of Conference.

“I was impacted the most when I realized Satan took the dominion from us in the

garden, but Jesus came down to take it back and just the realization that He called me by name and was thinking of me. He was nailed to the cross for me, and that I am an heir, that someone would die for me, that He loved me that much,” said Amanda Glenn, a freshman at SEU, after experiencing the passion and laughter from John Gray.

Conference also gave insight to one student’s view of SEU. It showed Alyssa Prado, freshman, how SEU has a “… caring atmosphere towards students, seeks to expand the gospel through the community, and what it means to be a Christ representative.”

This was Conference. An event compacted with God pouring out His spirit through the voices of worship, amongst outstretched arms, in the inflections of the speakers, and immersed in every heart bowed to what God was about to do in and through them. At the end of it all, the movement of God at Conference this year was the catalyst to propel many students and people alike to make the statement, “So All the World Will Know” come to life.

“Unless they created you, they can’t name you.”

“What we point to will define what others will look at and what will eventually hold us.”

-CARL LENTZ

-andrew gard

“A CAREER IS WHAT YOU GET PAID TO DO, A CALLING IS WHAT YOU ARE MADE TO DO.” “Prayer should be our first response, not our last resort.”

-Robert Madu

-chris hodges

“The problem today is that people don’t know which Jesus to follow.”

-John Gray

“Comparison is the cancer of contentment.”

-robert madu

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SOUTHEASTERN’S SUSTAINED PRESENCE IN HAITI

BY: PRISCILLA PENNINGTON

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n 2010, a team of Southeastern leaders, partnering with Compassion Alliance and Royal Caribbean, embarked on a mission’s trip to Haiti, then, devastated by a 7.0 earthquake. What seemed to be a country shattered and laid in ruble, turned out to be an opportunity for Southeastern to not only provide relief, but also share the gospel. Almost every year since, Southeastern has sent a missions trip back to Haiti. From May 7 to 14, 2014, another group will return to Haiti to capture the impact of short-term missions through a documentary.

The next documentary will shift from focusing on the teams of missions trips to the country of Haiti, itself. The purpose is to show the idea of a ‘sustained presence’ Southeastern has held through returning to Haiti several times. It will also focus on the effectiveness of short-term missions through including interviews with local people impacted by these trips.

“Students can look forward to a powerful story of a beautiful people that remained committed to Christ despite the poverty and devastation that comes with disaster,” said Michael Mutz, local and international outreach coordinator. Mutz was a part of the team that visited Haiti in 2010.

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DESTINATION: HAITI

QUESTION & ANSWER

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For the past two years, people have filled the historic Polk Theatre to watch unique documentaries of how God has continually used Southeastern students in the global mission field. Myles Shank, visual communications coordinator, has spent countless hours filming and editing these documentaries, with the contribution of others. The third documentary he will be filming, Destination: Haiti, is significant as he remembers Southeastern’s mission trip and emergency relief efforts in 2010.

What can students anticipate for the next documentary?

Destination: Haiti will be focused on the people of Haiti post-earthquake. After emergency aid was discontinued to the country, news teams left and missionary relief efforts slowed, the country began the arduous process of rebuilding. What a lot of people forget is that the images and stories of people that we heard from Haiti were not movies but were individuals with daily lives, hopes and dreams.

The documentary will be focused on a rare look at Haiti as a new, stronger, independent country as we take a look back at Southeastern’s mission relief efforts in 2010 to where we are still connecting with the Haitian people today. It won’t be a typical sobering look at degrading physical needs or a victimizing approach to a people group, but rather, it will be focused on uncovering a holistic look at the Gospel going forward in daily life. We’ll be going, yes, to help with physical and spiritual needs, but we will also be there as storytellers who want to show the honest and true story of the Haitian people today.

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SOUTHEASTERN’S SUSTAINED PRESENCE IN HAITI DESTINATION: HAITI

QUESTION & ANSWER

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What are you looking forward to the most about the Haiti documentary?

I’m looking forward to seeing Haiti in this moment of time and capturing images that will not only let people experience Haiti but will more importantly allow people to connect with the people of Haiti. Relationships are the most important thing about life, and the great thing about a film are the characters.

In this documentary, we’ll be connecting with people that most people who will be watching the doc would otherwise never talk to or share their story with. I’m excited to meet incredible people and tell their stories through the medium of sounds and images.

What has been the highlight of your previous documentaries that you are looking forward to with this one?

With Destination: Tanzania, discovering the Watuturu tribe and then working with missionary Tori Rasmussen in the deep bush, where Westerners rarely venture, was probably the highlight that comes to mind. Destination: Cambodia was a challenge to film with the heat and our crazy schedules, but I would say the highlight was working with Cambodian missionaries and meeting so many incredible people. The documentary allowed us to take each viewer on the adventure where we experienced a new culture, political tension, spiritual oppression and essentially met a country that was learning to dream again.

What makes this documentary different from the others?

Destination: Haiti will be a completely different documentary from others as Haiti is not a glamorous country or a desirable destination of travel but is rich with vivacious culture and people who have been surrounded by incredible opposition.

Torn apart by political oppression, witchcraft and natural disaster, Haiti is a soil ready for the seed of the Gospel to be planted and for stories of the Haitian people to be told.

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photos by: MICHAEL MUTZ 53

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