During his year-long residency at AU, Langat will teach three classes: African Religion and Culture, History of Missions and Biblical Theology of Poverty. In addition to teaching, he will offer two public lectures: “Understanding Leadership in a Culture Not Our Own” and “Theology of the Poor.”

With one semester already under his belt at AU, Langat is enthusiastic about interacting with students. “I ask them to compare African and American culture and then ask them what they learned,” he said.

He hopes that his classes will illuminate new perspectives about the role of missions for seminary students. “I hope that the History of Missions class will help students know how to do it better. They don’t want to make mistakes that have already been made. Historically, many have condemned culture without considering what is Christian and what is cultural,” Langat said. “There is a new way to do missions work: Partnership. Missionaries must understand the culture they are in.”

Many students are anticipating Dr. Langat’s class, Biblical Theology of Poverty. According to Dr. Langat, the course will explore the relationship between God, people and property from a biblical standpoint. “All material things were created by God. However, God did not want people to be poor. The idea of property was created by people. However, there is a distinction between theology of poverty and the prosperity gospel.”

Dr. Langat came to AU through a relationship with a former SOT student who visited Kenya and stayed at their house for several weeks. Through this relationship Dr. Langat became connected to AU. “I got invited by Dr. Sebastian to be a professor in residence,” he explained. “I am happy to be here. My colleagues are well informed. During our discussions we share our experiences and share our culture as we sit around the table.”

—David Hynds is the Web Content Specialist for Anderson University.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,750 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2008, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the fourth consecutive year. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

I can’t deny it, I won’t deny it and you can’t change my mind: I love Christmas.

I’m a fan of holidays in general — most mean either presents, great food or knocking on strangers’ doors for candy — all good things in my book. But, wow, do I love Christmas!

From Christmas lights and decorations in the yard, to the stories of Santa, Rudolph and Frosty, to watching “The Christmas Story” repeatedly — I love it. And don’t forget crazy shopping at Wal-Mart on Dec. 23 — I love it all.

Throw in getting presents (admit it, it’s your favorite part, too), Christmas music, peppermint mochas from Starbucks (I’m addicted) and a nice snow blanketing the ground, and Christmas is hands down the best holiday ever. And this doesn’t even mention the real reason for the season, as we like to say.

Unfortunately, I’ll miss out on all these great things and more this year.

I and fellow members of the U.S. Army Reserve’s 221st Ordnance Co., based in Fort Wayne, will be spending Christmas in Afghanistan or Kuwait, serving America in her time of need. Like so many before us, we are making one of the most difficult sacrifices a soldier can make — being away from home during the holidays.

Season of gifts

Perhaps my family is one reason why I love Christmas. Every year, my mother decorates the house to an unbelievable extent. There is a Nativity scene, angel or elf covering every square inch. I can’t use the bathroom without seeing Christmas towels and being asked if I have been naughty or nice. And her Christmas village … oh, my … the elaborate scheme of buildings, roads, townspeople and fake snow is a thing of beauty.

Of course, she is also the master of gift giving — no matter what it is I wanted each year, she made sure I had it. From a bike, to GI Joes, to a Playstation 2, she delivered. My dad has also been awesome when it comes to buying presents for me and my siblings.

And then there is my aunt. Every year we still get a Christmas stocking at her house full of things like deodorant, soap, toothpaste, socks — you know, all the things you need, but don’t want to open on Christmas Day.

Hard on the families

A deployment wears on everyone involved — both the soldier and the families back home. And perhaps no time is harder than the time right now.

“It’s miserable,” said Sgt. Zane Unverzagt, a 221st Ordnance Co. member from Columbia City. Unverzagt was also deployed with the unit in 2004-2005, and he knows what it’s like to be away from home at the holidays.

“The holidays are important, and missing one is enough,” he said, “But missing two is even worse. It’s just miserable.”

Back home, Unverzagt has plenty of loved ones awaiting his return. Among them are four children, (two of his own and two soon-to-be stepchildren) ranging from ages 2 to 7, and also his fiancee, Jenna. After the deployment forced a serious look at their engagement, the two will wed in August.

“My children are supportive as children can be,” Unverzagt said. “They understand me being gone, and they know when I’m home we’ll have a real Christmas together.”

Dad in Afghanistan

Sgt. 1st Class Eric Smith also knows what it’s like to be away from home during the holidays. He spent time on active duty before joining the 221st and also served in Afghanistan during the unit’s last deployment. But for Smith, who is stationed in Salerno, Afghanistan, it’s hard no matter what time of year it is.

“I think the hardest part about being away from home is not seeing my four children grow up,” Smith said. “I missed my youngest’s first birthday, his first step and so on and so on. And it’s really hard on the kids. They really don’t know what to make of the deployment. All they want is for me to come home.”

It’s even more difficult when the holidays roll around.

“Being away from my loved ones is hard, but it’s even harder now … I can’t help but think of all the love and thankfulness that the holidays bring,” he said.

Wife is his ‘hero’

As difficult and painful as it is to be away from his wife and four children, the experience makes Smith realize how thankful he is for his loving family.

“I am most thankful for my family, especially my wife; she has been my biggest supporter!” Smith said. “I don’t know where I would be without her. She always makes me feel loved, and she’s always been there for me.

“I think she and many women like her have the hardest jobs there are!,” Smith added. “She has to be the mom and dad in my absence. She has to take care of everything until I am home. My job is somewhat easy compared to hers.”

He concluded with a statement few in uniform would argue with:

“She and women like her are my heroes — the families are the ones that make the ultimate sacrifice.”

Soldiers are family

While being away from home for the holidays isn’t fun, there is a bit of consolation for soldiers.

A deployment creates bonds rarely seen by those who have not experienced it. Soldiers live with each other day in and day out — they work, eat and sleep together, and see each other at their best and worst. It’s nearly impossible to not form a family-like bond.

“My soldiers are my family,” Smith said. “We argue and we laugh just like most families do, then we have a big group hug when it’s all said and done. It kind of lets you know that you are not alone in Afghanistan.”

Unverzagt agrees.

“I think we have it easy,” he said. “There are 30 other guys right here going through the same thing that I am, and having those people here who understand, it makes the holidays a lot easier.”

—Nick Pease wrote this column for the News-Sentinel in Ft. Wayne, Ind.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,750 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2008, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the fourth consecutive year. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

Ben is a student in the Residential MBA program at Anderson University. For his internship with the RMBA program, Ben works as a quality consultant at Riley Hospital in Indianapolis.

As a future physician, Ben says the networking opportunities his internship provides are invaluable. “I meet monthly with the Riley Medical Care Committee, which consists of all of the lead doctors, the president and all of the VPs.” He says his regular interaction with the hospital’s leadership will be extremely valuable as he pursues his education at the IU School of Medicine, a partner of Clarian Health.

In addition to networking, Ben’s internship has also provided him greater understanding of how a hospital functions. He says, “It’s interesting to see how many employees are standing behind a doctor’s order.” His primary responsibility is auditing medical reconciliation forms, which document patients’ medications in order to provide accountability to physicians who write prescriptions. He says the work helped him realize how much support and backup that physicians have.

Ben will also be working to streamline the system by which prescriptions are filled by the pharmacy. “I will evaluate the process to decide what is the ideal process. I’ll break it down step by step, and leave only the value-added steps.”

Being able to observe the hospital management has given Ben a picture of many of the issues that he is learning about in the RMBA program. “In my organizational behavior class we have been learning about relationships: both manager-to-manager and manager-to-employee.” He says that there is a strong correlation between the material he is learning in the MBA program and the experiences he observes at the hospital.

—David Hynds is the Web Content Specialist for Anderson University.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,750 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2008, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the fourth consecutive year. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

“Mayo Clinic is the number two hospital in the nation and known internationally as a prestigious hospital,” said Sarah. “It is place I always wanted to work.” [Photo on right: Sarah Walker with Clinical Coach]

The Summer III nursing internship program offered at the Mayo Clinic is available between nursing major’s junior and senior years in school. Applicants have to not only submit a 12 page application, but also provide information on their resume, previous clinical experiences, and areas of interest.

After being accepted, the 10-week course consisted of 2 weeks of orientation followed by 8 weeks of one-on-one time with a clinical coach of twelve hour shifts, thirty-six hour weeks.

“We worked as a team with our clinical coach so we were still submerged in nursing and performing tasks but learning alongside a professional as well,” said Sarah.

On her first day, Sarah recalls working with the family of an overdose patient and being “out of her element.” Much of the day she remembers just standing back, observing and not knowing how to properly interact and respond with the family. [Photo on left: Tour of Mayo1 Helipad]

In contrast, on Sarah’s last day she felt so comfortable working that she helped a new Registered Nurse beginning orientation transfer a patient out of the ICU. At the end of the day, the nurse asked questions to Sarah as she responded, “Don’t ask me; I’m just a Summer III intern.” In return, the nurse said she thought Sarah was an RN. She knew then she had chosen the right field after learning so much in so little of time. “By the end of my Summer III experience, I felt comfortable working with patients and families and functioning as an important part of the health care team.”

Offered a job in the Medical ICU after graduation, Sarah has an important decision to make in January. She is not only a nursing major, but also minoring in violin performance. After graduation, she hopes to expand her studies to the music medical research field. Sarah applied in October for the Fullbright Scholarship in Finland to exclusively study music from September 2009 to May 2010.

“Being offered the job in the medical ICU was a true honor because many are not offered jobs after interning,” said Sarah. “Fortunately, it is a job offered to me whether I decide to study in Finland next fall or ready for me when I graduate.”

“My career goal is to provide basic nursing care and also perform research in pioneering new methods of the therapeutic use of music in providing care for both patients and members of the health care team. I plan to compare this research with cross-cultural research and spread musical joy and passion around the world.”

—Stefanie Leiter is the Web Content Manager at Anderson University.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,750 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2008, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the fourth consecutive year. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

The Bell Awards are given by the “Spirit of Louisville Foundation” through WLKY to those who give back to the community through volunteering and service. Boesing’s positive impact to the area caught the attention of the foundation that then presented her with the award at their annual ceremony.

“I don’t think I deserved to win the Bell Award,” said Boesing. “It’s pretty prestigious and in my mind what I do isn’t worth something that great. Break the Grey is a passion for me and I don’t do it to just get awards.”

During her time with Break the Grey, Boesing’s activities have included raising money for the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society, mailing “care packages” to emotionally distraught families, throwing “no-more-chemo” celebrations, and fundraising for bone marrow transplants just to name a few.

Boesing was born with a terminal kidney disease and spent significant time at a children’s hospital in her hometown at an early age. These experiences gave her a chance to meet and interact with many children and families facing childhood cancer. After a kidney transplant in August 2001, she felt God calling her back to the hospital where she grew up.

“The award is designed to honor local citizens that personify the ‘Spirit of Louisville,’” stated Debbie Roberson, Bell Awards Program Director. “Sarah let her compassion inspire her to take negative and turn it into positive by transforming her adversity into strength. We are so pleased to see Break the Grey growing into other communities.”

Break the Grey strives to share love and hope by serving, supporting, and encouraging families who are patients of the childhood cancer units at Kosair Children’s Hospital in Louisville, Kentucky and Riley Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana. The name is derived from the winter months during which parties for these families are regularly conducted. During its history, Break the Grey has ministered to over 100 families in four different states.

—Erin Helvering is a student worker on campus in the University Communications office. She is a freshman communications major from Anderson, Ind.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,750 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2008, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the fourth consecutive year. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

Schulle was born in Brazil in 1979, not long after the government in neighboring Argentina quelled protests of the government by the country’s young adults by kidnapping, torturing, and many times killing them. The families never knew what happened to the children after they were ripped from their homes.

What Schulle remembers is the many mothers, adorned with white scarves, holding public marches and demanding the whereabouts of their children. “I grew up knowing their story and it had a huge impact on my life,” she explains. Years later as a graduate music composition student at Butler University, she brought their struggle together in a cantata named for their organization, The Mothers of Plaza de Mayo. “I wanted to give these women a musical voice and write this as a tribute to them.”

The cantata, which was performed with chamber orchestra, is sung in Spanish and Latin. It has nine movements, beginning with the night the children are taken from their homes and ending with the mothers today still asking what happened to their children.

The cantata is Schulle’s final thesis for her degree at Butler, which she will receive in December. It was not required for her to find someone to perform her piece. That has just been a special bonus to her. “I never imagined that it would be performed so soon in such a wonderful way,” says Schulle. “I’m so grateful my alma mater is still supporting me.”

Ultimately, Schulle would like to see her piece performed in Argentina.

—Written by Deborah Lilly, editor of Signatures magazine.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,750 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2008, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the fourth consecutive year. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

Sophomore Kelsey Kegerreis explained the new prediction.

“During one of our meetings, the group agreed that our goal should be for 24 percent of the undergraduate population of AU to each donate a shoebox,” said Kegerreis. Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse, is a worldwide production that has been a way to not only get AU to work together, but has also engaged the campus with other Indiana campuses.

Between Taylor University, Indiana Wesleyan University and AU, 791 boxes were donated to the annual project last year. AU contributed 291 of those boxes, while IWU, a relatively smaller school, donated 515 boxes. But Operation Christmas Child is not a one-way volunteer program—those who volunteer have often felt and seen a difference in themselves.

Sophomore Joanna Tilley is starting her 11th year as a volunteer to the project. She has been able to attend a shoebox delivery trip to Belize and has received over 80 letters from children who have received her boxes.

“This seemingly simple shoebox project is an incredible opportunity to share the love of Jesus Christ with children who are orphaned, starving, sick and often abandoned by everyone else they know,” said Tilley.

SGA advisor Debbie Sebastian is starting her second year with the program and continues to be “impressed with the dedication and passion that several students have with the program.”

Along with Tilley, Kegerreis has also been involved with this project since she was young. “My siblings and I would always would go to the store with my mom and help pack a few shoeboxes,” Kegerreis explained. “As I grew older, I began saving my own money and making Operation Christmas Child my own project each year. The small amount of money that I invest in a shoebox each year is minimal compared to the difference it is making in someone else’s life.”

The drop-off date for the boxes is Nov. 3-14, in the SGA office, the bottom of Decker from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and in the dorm and apartment lobbies. Most boxes donated include small items such as marbles, dolls, cars, stuffed animals, jump ropes and yo-yos. Hygiene products are also donated, since those items are often times scarce in the receiving countries. Small clothing items—such as a t-shirt, scarf, hat or a pair of mittens are accepted as well.

The monetary donation to this project is minimal, but it is about much more than that.

—Julia Cline is a reporter for the on campus newspaper Andersonian. Story republished with permission.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,750 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2008, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the fourth consecutive year. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

The total $200,000 will be used to upgrade the School of Theology building. The list of improvements includes new windows and refinished pews in Miller chapel, new glass panel doors to the entrances of the building, a refinished and repainted steeple, and a new roof.

For the seminary, the relationship with the Yorks has been transforming, says David Sebastian, dean of the School of Theology. Elizabeth’s parents, Harry L. and Henrietta Harp, were longtime Church of God ministers. For years, Harry and Henrietta’s family have supported the Harp Lecture Series. James and Elizabeth have also given in other tremendous ways, such as establishing a scholarship for non-Church of God students and financing the York Seminary Village. For the second year in row, the Yorks have sponsored a visiting professor. This year it is Dr. Robert Lang’at from Kenya. He is teaching in the field of missiology, offering evening classes in African religions, the history of missions, and the biblical theology of poverty. He is also teaching a class in the Doctor of Ministry program on leadership in different contexts.

“We feel that being on the campus is one of our best recruiting tools,” says Sebastian. “When we get prospective students into the classroom and with faculty and students, that’s always a positive experience.” But sometimes the appearance of the building leaves something to be desired. Incoming donations matched by the Yorks would relieve this problem.

Anyone interested in having their gift matched can contact Deborah Lilly.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,750 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2008, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the fourth consecutive year. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

Peslis, who brought national character developing program Character Counts to Madison County and founded Anderson University’s Center for Character Development, had no idea that Lanane and Austin were about to present him with one of Indiana’s highest honors — the Distinguished Hoosier Award.

“Without Don Peslis, there would be no Character Counts,” Lanane said. “I myself have been proud to stand on the Senate floor and talk about Character Counts to every other senator.”

Austin presented the award to Peslis, reading from it that Peslis had made a significant contribution to his community and endeared himself in the hearts of Hoosiers for his work with Character Counts. He had earned the respect and admiration of Hoosiers across the state, read the award signed by Gov. Mitch Daniels.

Mayor Kris Ockomon expressed his pleasure at working with Peslis on Character Counts matters.

“Kids, this is your day, and this is the guy that made it happen,” he said to the crowd at the block party Saturday.

Peslis gave the credit back to the people of Anderson and those who have helped him with the program.

“This is your award,” he said to the crowd. “We just love Anderson, Indiana, and it’s been our joy to live, work and play in Anderson, Indiana, where character really does count.

“I’ve had the best job in this city for the past 15 years.”

Formed in 2000, the mission of The Center for Character Development at Anderson University is to recognize, enhance, teach and sustain positive qualities in the lives of persons in order to promote civility through character development. The intent of this initiative, now a part of the School of Education at AU, is to foster greater understanding and cooperation among individuals and organizations and help develop a positive environment to address issues that will shape the future. For more information about the Center for Character Development at Anderson University call 765-641-3861 or online at www.character-development.org.

—Aleasha Sandley is a reporter for the Herald Bulletin in Anderson, Ind.  Story republished with permission.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,700 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2008, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the fourth consecutive year. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

Recently featured on “Extreme Makeover Home Edition,” Patrick Henry Hughes was born without eyes and without the ability to fully straighten his arms and legs, making him unable to walk. Additionally, two steel rods were surgically attached to Patrick’s spine to correct scoliosis. Despite these circumstances, Patrick has overcome these physical issues to excel as a musician and student. He started playing the piano at the age of only nine months, and also plays the trumpet and sings. He has been featured on ESPN, ABC-TV, Oprah, CBS-TV, The Ellen Show, FOX-TV, CSTV, People Magazine, and Sports Illustrated. Patrick has made appearances across the country and has performed in South America and Europe.

Honored with 39 Dove Awards, five Grammy Awards, three Platinum and five Gold recordings, Sandi Patty is the most-awarded female vocalist in contemporary Christian music history. She has appeared on “The Tonight Show,” “Entertainment Tonight,” “A Capitol Fourth with the National Symphony,” and ABC’s 2002 “In Search For America: A July 4th Musical Celebration,” among other programs. In addition, Patty has been a familiar voice in such settings as three United States Presidential Inaugural Gala events, the rededication of the Statue of Liberty and Billy Graham Crusades in the United States and Argentina.

It’s been a wild decade going from “stay-at-home-mom” to “YouTube comedic Phe-mom-enon” but Anita Renfroe doesn’t mind. With her unique brand of estrogen flavored musical comedy and blend of sass, edge and slightly offbeat takes on All Things Female, audiences at her comedy concert tours, viewers of Good Morning America appearances and the YouTube masses who enjoyed her William Tell version of everything a Mom says would say that Anita just tells it like it is. Renfroe, who some have described as “this generation’s Erma Bombeck” is a featured comedian on ABC’s “Good Morning America” with 15 comedy segments scheduled to air in 2008. In addition to “Good Morning America,” Renfroe’s talent has been embraced by such top media outlets as “Dr.Phil,” CBS’s “The Early Show,” Fox News Channel’s “Fox & Friends,” XM Satellite Radio Network’s “Oprah & Friends,”Inside Edition,” and others.

Nicole C. Mullen is an award-winning Christian recording artist, songwriter and choreographer—earning both Grammy and Dove awards. During her career she has worked with Michael W. Smith, Newsboys, Jaci Velasquez and Amy Grant to name a few. She’s collected eight Gospel Music Association Dove Awards, including two Female Vocalist of the Year honors, two Song of Year honors (”On My Knees” and “Redeemer”),” Songwriter of the Year and the 2005 Urban Album of the Year for her previous CD, Everyday People. Beyond her music, she has called attention to atrocities in Ghana, West Africa, and has established the Baby Girls Club, an organization that mentors young women. Mullen recently released the critically acclaimed album A Dream to Believe In: Volume 2.

Patsy Clairmont has been described as petite, profound, and playful. These words help to describe her size, her message and her humor. Patsy comes from an uncommon background. Her years of suffering as a prisoner in her own home, a victim of agoraphobia, have given her a deep appreciation of God’s healing power. Patsy now travels throughout the U.S. providing humor for the heart and hope for the healing. Currently, she is a speaker with the Women of Faith conferences, speaking to tens of thousands of women each month. In her eleven years with Women of Faith she has reached over 3 million women. She has written many best-selling books cooperatively with the other Women of Faith speakers. The latest is Contagious Joy!

Tickets are $20 for main floor seating, $17 for balcony and $15 for group purchases of 10 or more tickets. (Student tickets are $10 with a valid student I.D.) All proceeds from the evening’s ticket sales will provide a way for the Center for Character Development at Anderson University to reach children and those who shape their lives in this region of the country. Contact the Reardon Auditorium box office (765-641-4140) or Ticketmaster (service fees apply) for reserved seats.

For more information about the Center for Character Development at Anderson University call 765-641-3861.