A publication for alumni and friends.

Vol. 7, Issue 1, Spring, 2012

Richard Mouw’s new book, “—A Short and Personal Introduction” accomplishes what reviewer James K. A. Smith, professor of at Calvin College, said: “This marvelous little book pulls off an astounding feat: though it is both compact and accessible, it also gives us the whole Kuyper.” The News wishes to thank Dr. Mouw and Wm. B. Erdmans Publishing Co. for allowing us to publish a few excerpts from the book. Dr. is president and professor of Christian philosophy at Fuller Theological Seminary.

I have written this short and personal Spheres introduction to Kuyper because I am Kuyper’s followers are fond of quoting convinced his voice continues to speak the manifesto he issued at Free University’s AbrahamAbraham in important ways. But this is also a very inaugural convocation: “There is not a personal introduction to Kuyper. Abraham square inch in the whole domain of our KuyperKuyper forfor thethe Kuyper covered a lot of subjects, and I am human existence over which Christ, who is twenty-first not even going to begin to cover all of the sovereign over all, does not cry ‘Mine!’ ” twenty-first ground he covered. My focus is going to be That manifesto is a good summary of his centurycentury on the Kuyper who lured me in. overall perspective. is well

Kuyper’s statue in the Dutch city Abraham Kuyper continued on page 4 of Where in the world is the youth Much more ministry department at Kuyper College? than basketball One may think that all the activities of six sessions Montay Lee, a Kuyper senior, will be Kuyper College’s youth ministry program of premarital graduating this spring with a degree in social staff are confined to the classroom. And, counseling as work. When first meeting him, one gets though they do spend a great amount of well as officiating the sense that he is a serious, focused and time there, they also spend plenty of time at their wedding disciplined young man. And then, after outside of Kuyper—actively training and rehearsal and getting to know him, one finds that first equipping youth ministry professionals ceremony,” he impression to be correct, but only partially. around West . said. “With five He is a serious, focused and disciplined Kuyper youth ministry program director, couples planning young man, but also a caring young man Brian Telzerow, and his wife, Becky, their special with a compassionate heart—a heart recently made a presentation to parents day and future Brian and Becky Telzerow that beats to the rhythm of Jesus Christ. and volunteers at Beechwood Church in journey together, Holland on the topic of “Pop Culture and Becky and I consider our role a tremendous When responding to the question of why Communication with Adolescents.” Over privilege and honor.” he chose social work as a major, he says: 25 parents and volunteers attended at the In January, Telzerow spoke for the “Because I want to be in a profession where request of their new youth director, Eric third consecutive year at the West I can help people.” And anyone who has VanderWall, a 2010 Kuyper graduate. Michigan Youth Ministry Conference seen this Kuyper basketball second team Telzerow and his wife are also actively sponsored by Corinth Church in Byron All-American play for the last four years— involved in the life of Kuyper students Center. “This year’s theme was Driven, the first Kuyper player ever to reach the who found that “special someone” who and my presentation focused on “Contact 1,000 point mark—can attest to his work they want to spend the rest of their lives Youth Ministry Much More with. “We provide each couple four to continued on page 6 continued on page 6

Kuyper College equips students with a biblical, Reformed worldview to serve effectively Christ’s church and His world. LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT The Republic

The past can do many things to affect one’s of South Sudan perception of the present and of the future. On the Often, softly breathes His will “tough” side, your past can box you into thinking only into the lives of His people, setting them a certain way, it can limit your personal development, it on fire for His mission. Such was the case can break your sense of security. On the better side, your with Teresa Janzen, senior advancement past can give you confidence, it can strengthen you to representative at Kuyper College, and her husband, Dan. engage the world, it can excite a contagious optimism in A little over a year ago, the Janzens your outlook. Practically, we are each some combination discovered International Steward, an of these—and other—outcomes generated by our past. organization devoted to We all know, what lies behind us has a heavy impact on training and education for worldwide how we engage what lies before us. advancement in resource development. Paul openly processed these thoughts in Impressed, the Janzens met with the Philippians 3. There was so much in his past that organization’s founder who introduced made him the person he was to that point, but he had a significant problem them to David Bowman of Partners in with that fact—it limited what he might be toward the future. More than Compassionate Care (PCC). “Through that, it was a barrier that prevented him from being what he should be. Paul, conversations with Bowman, Dan and I learned of the deep needs in the Republic through the grace of God, came to an important realization: Christ has opened of South Sudan—a new country which has our eyes to see what we are to become while the past always sucks us back to deal with what we were. And he wanted nothing to do with that trap of the past—“Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead” (v. 13)— so that he could be free to respond fully and enthusiastically to God’s will and way for his life. We, along with Paul, can reflect on many positive things that our past has provided as well as those things we would consider as hardships that haunt us still. Whether good or bad, Paul reminds us that there is something even greater yet that draws us toward a magnificent future—a heavenward call from God Memorial Christian Hospital’s Mary Garang Himself. This sense of a glorious future, then, is what motivates us in things we and Janzen gather ashes to make soap do and the attitudes we hold. Through Christ Jesus this is ours to have and it some of the lowest economic indicators is the gracious message of hope we have to share with others who have yet to in the world,” said Janzen. “And it was experience its liberating power. not long before we developed a passion You will catch this as a theme running through the stories you read in this for the Sudanese.” issue of The News. These stories embody the lives of people presently at Kuyper The Janzens traveled to the Sudan in College and even go all the way back to a look at Abraham Kuyper. They tell early January where they worked with of people who, through Jesus Christ, become so much more than they thought PCC and the Solar Sudan Team to help they would as they have become more motivated by the future glory that awaits construct a Growth Center at Memorial us. I hope this is your story as well. Christian Hospital. They also assisted in training the people in the surrounding Dinka villages. Dr. Nicholas V. Kroeze “It was a trip that opened our eyes President and hearts,” said Janzen. “It was hard to accomplish all the tangible goals that we set for ourselves,” she admitted. “Yet looking back, I think the people we encountered know without a doubt that on the other side of the world they have a sister and brother in Christ who now have a better understanding of their struggles. I pray for them daily.”

2 IN MY WORDS What not to ask a Third Culture Kid answer and just tell them I’m from the city I last lived in? Sung-Ae Reed Will that lead to questions? Will they discover that I wasn’t Director of Admissions being completely truthful to begin with? And the whirlwind To be a Third Culture Kid (TCK) is a of questions continue to spiral through my head. Depending blessing and a curse. A blessing because we on the day, my answer varies. Some days, I go for the full- adapt easily to new places, cultures, foods, blown story: I was born in Korea but left at the age of 5 when languages and people; a curse because we my family moved to Singapore for two years so we could learn have lived everywhere and yet belong English before moving to India, where my parents were called nowhere. TCK is “a person who has spent a to be missionaries. After spending six years in India, we moved significant part of his or her developmental to the very small town of Trinidad in Colorado for a year and a years outside the parents’ culture. The TCK half while my parents attended a leadership training institute builds relationships to all the cultures, while not having full with Youth With a Mission (YWAM). After those two years, ownership in any. Although elements from each culture we returned to India, and upon graduating from high school in are assimilated into the TCK’s life experience, the sense of India, I flew clear across the world to Grand Rapids, Michigan, belonging is in relationship to others of the same background, to attend Calvin College. After four years at Calvin, I moved to other TCKs.” There is one question TCKs dread being asked Chicago for graduate school and lived there for four years before more than anything else: “Where are you from?” For most moving back to Grand Rapids to work at Kuyper College. By people, that question elicits a simple answer—a city, town this point, the person I’m talking to has a glazed over look or country they most identify themselves with. For TCKs, and responds with something like this: “Oh, that’s nice. And however, that question makes us break out in sweat and our where is your husband from?” I break out in sweat again— heads spin with questions. Should I tell them my whole life he’s a TCK too. story and the many places I’ve lived and consider equally to be home? Do they even look interested enough to take a mental “In My Words” is a feature of The Kuyper College News tour of the world? What if I give the quick, easy, semi-true highlighting first-person stories by Kuyper College faculty and staff.

Retirement trends for kingdom-minded Christians Most of us are familiar with Psalm 46, which assures us that the needs of both retirees who desire temporary work and the God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble employers who value dependable, experienced help. and times of uncertainty. This bold declaration is as true today All of this change presents challenges. So how do you as it was when it was written thousands of years ago. With that deal with that? What do you do in the life stage you’re in powerful and eternal truth in mind, consider these emerging now to prepare for a fulfilling and fruitful season in your retirement trends faced by younger and older workers alike. retirement years? Perhaps what we all need is a whole new First, as the members of the Baby Boom Generation perspective. In the face of change, we can find comfort, approach retirement, a large number of older workers will challenge and inspiration knowing that God wants to make be joined by relatively few new entrants to the labor force. your retirement a re-firement! Second, seniors are living longer. That means they’ll be able to do more in retirement than in any other generation. Third, the sheer number of senior citizens is skyrocketing. By 2050, 22 percent of the world population is expected to be age 60 or *Source: Congressional Research Service and Faith-Based Family Finances. over.* Fourth, medical and technological advancements, such as better medicines, cell phones and scooters, have improved Would you like some biblical perspective on your the mobility and activity of older people compared to previous retirement planning? Request a FREE copy of a special generations. And finally, companies are using more part-time brochure “Let God Make Your Retirement a Re-Firement” by workers as well as independent contractors and consultants to simply contacting Kim Kolbe at 616-988-3620 or by e-mailing reduce costs and maximize flexibility. These positions often fit her at [email protected].

3 God

Church

State Art Economics Family Science

Abraham Kuyper To get at the basic thrust of Kuyper’s manifesto. God’s sovereign rule extendsGod continued from cover idea, it is helpful to over all of our lives. All of the cultural known for its insistence that we are saved see how he saw his overall perspective on spheresState areArt inEconomics place—toFamily use Sciencea Church by grace alone, and that God “elects” those God’s relationship to the various spheres of Kuyperian phrase—coram deo, before who are to be recipients of this saving cultural life as posing an alternative to two the face of God. grace. This perspective focuses on human competing pictures. The first competing sinfulness and divine sovereignty. picture is what Kuyper saw as the church- God Many think that’s all they need to controlled culture of the medieval period, know about Calvinism. But Kuyper was in which ecclesiastical authority claimed State Art Economics Family Science not content to leave it there. When God the right (even though it did not always saves us, he insisted, he incorporates us exercise the right) to give “Christian” Families, banks, university faculties, into a community, the people of God. direction to various spheres of interaction: political parties, and the church—all of And this community, in turn, is called family life, the arts, politics, economic these exist, in Kuyper’s view, coram deo, to serve God’s goals in the larger world. activity, and so on. directly before In the life of the church we worship The second is the secularist viewpoint the face of God. a sovereign God, but that God then that took hold in Western culture as a The church has Kuyper commands us to be active witnesses in reaction against the church’s attempts to no business telling our daily lives to God’s sovereign rule exercise control over all of cultural life. artists how to do College over all things. For Kuyper, each of these two models their creative work, Academic For Kuyper, every Christian is called embodied both a positive insight and or business people to be an agent of the Kingdom of Jesus a fundamental error. The medieval how to go about News Christ, wherever they are called by God to perspective rightly saw that God’s rule their economic The following four serve. The system of thought that Kuyper must be acknowledged over all spheres of activity, or farmers page supplement to developed was an elaborate spelling out human activity. Its mistake was investing how to raise the Kuyper College of how we are to understand this call to the church with the power to mediate that their crops. News is designed to Kingdom service. rule. Here is the picture: Kuyper makes be easily detached “Sphere sovereignty” is the English much of the fact from the Newsletter. term used for Kuyper’s Dutch phrase that the Kingdom You may want to God keep it for reference, (soevereiniteit in eigen kring). The Dutch of Christ is much or better yet, pass here is a little difficult to translate Church bigger than the it along to a literally, but it has the sense of each institutional prospective student sphere having its own unique or separate State Art Economics Family Science church. The you may know. character. Each cultural sphere has its Kingdom is that own place in God’s plan for the creation, broad range of and each is directly under the divine rule. The secularist perspective rightly wants reality over which Christ rules. The This is the basic insight of his theory of to liberate these spheres from the church’sGod institutional church is certainly an sphere sovereignty. control. Where it goesGod wrong is in its important part of Christ’s Kingdom. The Kuyper was never very precise as to insistenceState Art thatEconomics to do soFamily is alsoScience to take themChurch institutional church is the entity that what counted as a creational “sphere.” He out from under theChurch rule of God. If there meets regularly for what we normally think offers various lists. So if we are looking for is a God, the secularists have said, he can of as churchly activities—the essential precision in the exact number of spheres, haveState the churchArt —Economics but we willFamily liberateScience ones being worship (preaching and we are not going to get much help from everything else fromGod divine control. sacraments), catchesis (educating members Kuyper. But that should not keep us from in the teachings and history of the taking seriously the big theme that he is State Art Economics Family Science Christian faith), and outreach (sponsoring God articulating. He is pointing us to some programs of evangelism, missions, and obvious patterns of cultural interaction— State Art Economics Family Science Church charity). The church, then, occupies a family life, business, art, the university, specific sphere, an area of cultural activity church, state—and he is saying that each that exists alongside other spheres. of these is intended by God to do its own Kuyper’s own view—his alternative The Kingdom, on the other hand, “thing”; each has a different role or “point” to these other two pictures—was nicely encompasses the believing community in God in God’s design for his creation. captured by his “not one square inch” Abraham Kuyper continued on page 5 State Art Economics Family Science 4 KuyperKuyper CollegeCollege AcademicAcademic NewsNews Spring 2012

Developing a Passion A Mini-Case History Social Work to Care for Others According to Elizabeth Cain, At Kuyper, the social work program a 2011 graduate of the social work Program is designed to prepare our students program, the time she spent at Kuyper Advanced Standing in so after graduation they can work was very profitable not only academically, Post-Graduate Programs enhancing the well-being of those who but also personally. are vulnerable, oppressed, disadvantaged Kuyper College’s highly accredited “I will never forget my first visit to or suffer discrimination. Together with social work program is recognized to be Kuyper College when Professor Greg an integration of Bible and , the one of the top social work programs in Scott shared his passion for the field social work program gives our students the the state of Michigan. On a regular basis of social work with me,” she said. “He opportunity to create a solid foundation graduates of this program receive advanced explained how the program allowed and integrate faith and “shalom” into their standing for their postgraduate studies students to in a wide variety social work practice. Not only are they from major colleges and universities in the of settings. He also encouraged me to fully prepared to enter into any area of United States, including the University of consider taking advantage of study social work they have a passion for after Michigan, Western Michigan University, abroad opportunities, which I did during they graduate, but if they choose to get a Grand Valley State University, Roberts my sophomore year in the Dominican master’s degree, they will also be able to Wesleyan, Dominican University and Republic. There, I was able to work in an receive advanced standing, saving both Baylor University. time and extra tuition expenses. Social Work continued on page 2 Youth Ministry Program Relational Ministry for youth culture. We emphasize youth Contemporary Youth Culture ministry not as a position, but as a Kuyper College’s youth ministry calling. And incorporate sound doctrine program graduates are in high demand and innovative methods and processes by churches as well as para-church so our students can make a long-term ministries—youth organizations, camp commitment to ministry among the ministries, community youth and young as active participants in God’s international mission agencies. They world. When combined with our focus recognize the quality and dedication on transformational Christian leadership, graduates of Kuyper’s unique youth what I could ever imagine. I also have which are the hallmarks of the graduates learned a lot about myself—my strengths of this program. ministry program have a solid , relevant understanding of and flaws, and how I go about life and Making a Lifelong Impact youth culture, global skills for cultural living for Christ. The first thing I found at Kuyper is that people here have a The Kuyper youth ministry program competency, and strong self-identity. passion to serve God in any way they helps our students see the need to share A Mini-Case History can—and that includes the Kuyper both Scripture and life with youth through faculty. I also found that the academics in the forming of authentic relationships Matthew Rahme, a junior in the youth general and my youth ministry course and by modeling the life of Christ before ministry program, says that he found at work in particular are tough, but they young people. It shows them how to Kuyper exactly what he hoped he would: have been made easier because the focus on building long-term, significant “Kuyper has been everything I hoped it professors care so much. I know that relationships with youth, leaders and would be and more. I have received a sounds simple, but caring about students the communities they serve. Here they clearer vision of what God wants for learn how to communicate the gospel in my life and out of my ministry. I am being Youth Ministry relevant language to a lost and hurting equipped with Bible knowledge beyond continued on page 2

Kuyper College equips students with a biblical, Reformed worldview to serve effectively Christ’s church and His world. Social Work fit student interests and career goals continued from cover orthopedic hospital for children and at a • Learning that encompasses a broad clinic for youth and mentally less-abled range of theories, concepts, solutions patients. I am also grateful to Kuyper for and strategies for practice in various encouraging me to pursue God’s calling settings and with diverse populations and challenging me to grow in my faith. • Personal advising with a professor on Today, I’m on the staff of Pine Rest a regular basis Christian Mental Health Services. In Outcomes addition, I am enrolled in Western Michigan University’s graduate social After completing their social work course work program. In the future I hope to of studies, our students will be prepared to practice in many professional areas, including: minister to young women who struggle According to the department director, with various emotional and • Domestic violence prevention Professor Greg Scott, the uniqueness of behavioral issues.” • International social work agencies Kuyper’s social work program lies in the Program Highlights • Adoption & foster care agencies small, interactive class settings and the • Mental health services close, individual instruction each student • Expert faculty who have experience • Hospital social work receives from a group of highly trained working with diverse populations professional social workers. “We give and are well-known in the social • Gerontology services special attention to the integration of faith work community • Child agencies • Low-income housing programs and generalist social work practice with • International emphasis with • C o m m u n i t y d e v e l o p m e n t individuals, families, groups, organizations internship placements in the • Criminal justice and communities,” he said. “Without a Dominican Republic, Romania, doubt our graduates are very well prepared Brazil and Liberia. • Public health • Substance abuse treatment to enter the field, go on to graduate school, • Extensive internship opportunities to or as is the case for many of them—do both.”

Youth Ministry students gain quality experience • Integrate theory, practice and reflection continued from cover building confidence in God’s calling as a rhythm of ministry has a big effect on us when it comes to • Youth Ministry Fellowship Club • Establish mentoring relationships learning. My calling is to be a youth that meets monthly to create space for for one’s own continuing education pastor. At Kuyper, beyond the ‘how of continued conversation and growth and accountability as well as for the youth ministry,’ I am learning that Outcomes students in their respective programs ministry isn’t a job; it’s a calling, a After graduation, youth ministry Commenting on the Kuyper College lifestyle—the way you walk through majors will be fully equipped to go to all youth ministry program, Professor Brian everyday life, reflecting Jesus Christ in corners of the world to minister to young Telzerow, director of the program, said: everything you do and say.” people in the name of Christ, as evidenced “This is not a cookie-cutter ministry Program Highlights by the ability to: degree with a youth-ministry label. Here, our students learn sound biblical • Expert faculty with relevant experience • State the biblical, theological and doctrine and contemporary methods for and leadership in youth ministry, philosophical foundations of relating that doctrine to the youth of including urban youth ministry and youth ministry today. Further, our program features heavy Young Life • Demonstrate a missional attitude and emphasis on hands-on field work ministry • Unique study options such as heart for youth in today’s contemporary experience in order to use the tools being Contemporary Youth Culture; youth culture developed in the classroom. As such, Relational Ministry; Leadership • Promote incarnational relationships our students spend one year in intern and Administration; Urban Ministry; and God-centered worship for all youth placements and other practicums under Christian Camping, Conference and ministry communities the supervision of an experienced youth Retreat Ministries • Demonstrate servant leadership leader, minister or pastor as they learn how • A solid biblical and theological abilities and practices to ‘do’ youth ministry. The program also foundation for ministry and teaching • Evaluate and create methods, tools, allows for integration with other forms of • Relevant internships located both processes and resources for youth ministry, allowing students to specialize in locally and internationally where ministry programs their field of studies even further.”

2 The Cost of Education Today Financial Aid One of the most important issues facing students today is the cost $4,800,000 awarded in financial aid each year of their education. That is why at Kuyper we work hard to ensure that our high-quality academic programs continue to be very affordable. 93% of Kuyper students receive financial aid We start by offering competitive tuition rates, then we work with $14,000 average financial aid package each individual student and family to determine the scholarships, grants, or other resources available to support their situation and meet 98% of recent graduates are employed their unique needs. As a result, 93% of our students receive financial or in graduate school aid, while our average financial aid package is over $14,000 per year. Annual Expenses (2011-2012) When you take affordability and add it to the quality of our academic Tuition & Fees…………………...…..$17,400 programs, the biblical integration throughout our curriculum, our Room & Board (15 meals)…………….$6,280 campus environment, and our personal commitment to make our College cost-accessible for all, you will find out what our students Scholarships already have—that a Kuyper education is an Exceptional Value! Academic, cultural, ministry and leadership scholarships up to $8,000 per year How Do Students Rank Kuyper In Key Areas? Quality of education, costs, integration of Bible in the comparison allows an unusual view into what students thought curriculum, scholarships and financial aid, availability of was important prior to enrolling and a corresponding view on specific majors, access to faculty and campus life are the features how they rate the actual experience now that they have actual, prospective students consider most important when searching for first-hand knowledge of college life. The rankings are segmented a college. Below is a chart showing selected results from the latest into two groups—private colleges in general and private colleges Noel-Levitz Student Satisfaction Inventory* (NLSSI) research— that are members of the Association for Biblical Higher Education the NLSSI is conducted nationally among students attending (ABHE). Because Noel-Levitz does not ask questions pertaining private four-year colleges throughout the United States. The chart to religious topics, such as biblical integration in the curriculum, shows selected category rankings given to Kuyper by its present that area is not represented in their findings. students compared to those of students of other colleges. This

The NLSSI consists of a survey of 90 plus questions which asks students to indicate their level of agreement with a variety of subjects and issues posed by each question. The rating scale used by Noel-Levitz designates 7 as the highest possible agreement score and 1 as the lowest. The composite scores for Kuyper Students are compared to students of other private colleges.

Instructional Effectiveness (Quality of Academics) Kuyper ABHE Ntl. 4 Year Private Colleges There is a commitment to academic excellence on this campus. 6.18 5.67 5.48 I am able to experience intellectual growth here. 6.34 5.92 5.58 The quality of instruction I receive in most of my classes is excellent. 6.30 5.78 5.48 Instructional Effectiveness (Specific Major) Kuyper ABHE Ntl. 4 Year Private Colleges The content of the courses within my major is valuable. 6.18 5.67 5.48 The instruction in my major field is excellent. 6.34 5.92 5.58 Instructional Effectiveness (Access to Faculty) Kuyper ABHE Ntl. 4 Year Private Colleges Faculty care about me as an individual. 6.30 5.89 5.42 Faculty are usually available after class and during office hours. 6.30 5.83 5.60 Recruitment and Financial Aid (Cost & Financial Aid Programs) Kuyper ABHE Ntl. 4 Year Private Colleges Tuition paid is a worthwhile investment. 5.92 5.44 4.85 Adequate financial aid is available for most students. 5.61 4.96 4.80 Campus Kuyper ABHE Ntl. 4 Year Private Colleges It is an enjoyable experience to be a student on this campus. 6.35 5.92 5.37 The campus staff are caring and helpful. 6.43 5.92 5.50 NLSSI Overall Satisfaction Questions Kuyper ABHE Ntl. 4 Year Private Colleges

Rate your overall satisfaction with your experience here thus far. 6.19 5.60 5.26 All in all, if you had to do it over, would you enroll here again? 6.27 5.85 5.24 *Noel-Levitz, an independent research company, conducts annual studies in more than 2,800 colleges and universities in . 3 Majors & Programs Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Accounting Dance and Worship Studies Pre-Seminary Studies Audio Production Education—Elementary Psychology Business Leadership Education—Secondary Public Relations Child Development English Professional Studies Social Work (B.S.W.) Communication Studies Exercise Science Sports Ministry Intercultural Studies Interdisciplinary Studies Theatre --Church Planting Journalism Youth Ministry --International Development & Business Media Studies (Audio, Video, Film) --TESOL (ESL) Music and Worship Studies --Urban Missions Pre-Nursing Associate Degree Programs Child Development Executive Office Administration General Studies Religious Education Certificate Programs Biblical Studies (postgraduate) Christian Ministry (postgraduate) Christian Foundations --Intercultural Studies Emphasis Teaching English to Speakers of Other --Youth Ministry Emphasis Languages (TESOL)

Some of these programs are offered in collaboration with , Calvin College and Grand Rapids Community College. For more information about our graduation rate and other important information on our certificate programs, please visit our website at kuyper.edu.

Visit Us Visiting a college is crucial when deciding which school is right for you. Come spend some time with us at Kuyper College. Meet the people who will help you develop as a Christian leader. Choose a planned campus visit day, or set up your own personalized experience. Take a tour, visit a class, talk with professors, join us for chapel, and stay overnight in the residence halls. Choose from Kuyper Experience Days, Academic Preview Days, Individual and Group Visits or Transfer Thursdays. If you attend one of our visit days, you may be eligible for our Travel Reimbursement program and receive up to $400 for travel-related costs. For more information go to kuyper.edu/visit or e-mail [email protected].

Kuyper College Kuyper College is a leading ministry-focused Christian leadership college. For over 70 years, Kuyper has educated and trained Christian leaders for ministry and professional careers through the integration of a high-quality academic curriculum and a biblical, Reformed worldview. Students come to Kuyper because they want to make a difference. They want to live lives of significance after they graduate. And they are doing so—with extraordinary results—as they use what they have learned at Kuyper to touch the lives of others in over 50 countries throughout the world. Kuyper is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and by the Association for Biblical Higher Education. The Social Work Program is also accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. For more information on Kuyper College and its academic and financial aid offerings, visit kuyper.edu,call 800.511.3749 or e-mail [email protected].

3333 East Beltline N.E., Grand Rapids, Michigan 49525 | kuyper.edu 3/12 There’s a nice story told about Pope “There is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human John XIII, when he was still Venice’s existence over which Christ, who is sovereign over all, does Cardinal Roncalli. He was having dinner one night with a priestly assistant who not cry ‘Mine!’ ” was reporting to the cardinal about —Abraham Kuyper—1837-1920 another priest, a bit of a renegade, who was doing things that were embarrassing Abraham Kuyper has had for my own spiritual and the hierarchy. The future pope listened continued from page 4 intellectual journey. calmly, sipping wine from a goblet. Finally all of its complex life of participation in a [However] I am more inclined these the assistant cried out in a frustrated tone, variety of spheres. Wherever followers of days to think not so much about having “How can you take this so calmly? Don’t Christ are attempting to glorify God in one a worldview, but rather about engaging in you realize what this priest is doing?” The or another sphere of cultural interaction, worldviewing. That has a more dynamic cardinal then gently asked the younger they are engaged in Kingdom activity. feel. One of my favorite verses in this priest, “Father, whose goblet is this?” regard is Psalm 119:105: “Your word is a “It is yours, Your Eminence,” the priest Worldviewer lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” answered. The cardinal then threw the I mentioned earlier that “world and life Being a Christian worldviewer means goblet to the floor, and it shattered into view” was one of Kuyper’s favorite phrases. allowing the Bible to shed light on the many fragments. “And now whose goblet Those of us who have been influenced by paths we walk. is it?” he asked. “It is still yours,” was the him have regularly shortened the phrase a I struggle as a Christian with topics answer. “And so is this priest still my little, preferring to talk about the need for that are beyond anything Kuyper brother in Christ,” said the cardinal a “worldview.” This focus on worldview has ever thought about. Questions about with a note of sadness in his voice, “even been our way of following Kuyper’s lead in responding to terrorism, the proper use of though he is shattered and broken.” insisting that our cultural involvements, new information technologies in higher Jesus often says “Mine!” with that kind including our scholarly pursuits, have to be education, the implications of new brain of gentle sadness—and people like me all consciously guided by our understanding of research discoveries for our understanding too often provoke such gentle sadness from our place in the larger scheme of things. of the human soul—tough questions him. He longs for the day—a day that is Brian Walsh and Richard Middleton, in our challenging new world. There is surely coming—when he will say a joyful in a book they wrote from a Kuyperian very little in these subjects about which “Mine!” over the creation that he has perspective, offered a concise way of I can confidently speak of “the Christian made new. That “Mine!” will finally have understanding what goes into having a perspective.” But that does not mean that no sadness to it. worldview. A person’s worldview, they I may give up on the struggle, left to act Until that day comes, however, we said, answers these four questions: Who off the cuff. I have to keep at the task of have no business shouting Jesus’ “Mine!” am I? Where am I? What’s wrong? worldviewing, of shining the light of with any kind of arrogance. I worry about What is the remedy? God’s Word on the new realities that I that tendency toward arrogance. It can Our answers to those questions really encounter along the way. easily blind us to the need to go out and do make a big difference in how we live suffer in those many broken regions of and think. Our understanding of human “Mine!” proclaimed in love creation where the homeless set up their createdness and sinfulness stands in stark I once saw a brief news clip of a party crude sleeping shelters, where people contrast to assumptions about human held after an annual Academy Awards grieve, and where the abused and the nature set forth by, say, Freudians, New ceremony. An Oscar winner, in a rush of abandoned cry out in despair. Jesus calls Agers, and Nietzschean nihilists. The enthusiasm (probably fueled by alcohol), us to join him there, for those square biblical perspective on salvation and held the statuette aloft and screamed, “I inches—and those who inhabit them— the differs significantly from won it! It’s mine!” That’s not the sense belong to him, too. conceptions of human flourishing that are of the “Mine!” that Jesus proclaims about taken for granted in various ethical and the whole creation. His use of “Mine!” is therapeutic schemes. It is clear also that more like that of a mother who lovingly our Christian answers to those questions whispers “You’re my own little baby” to differ from those given by other religious the infant in her arms, or the husband perspectives on life. I am grateful for the who says as he embraces his wife, “You influence this worldview perspective will always be mine.”

5 Youth Ministry On February 25th, at the 19th introduced a monthly Youth Ministry continued from cover Annual Youth and Family Convocation Forum. “We wanted to bring youth Ministry,” helping staff and leaders who of the Interdenominational Theological ministry professionals from churches and work with adolescents,” he said. Center in Atlanta, Georgia, White para-church organizations all over West In addition, presented a workshop for high school Michigan to Kuyper College for lunch and Dr. Richelle White, students titled “OMG: Shining Your Light to hear words of wisdom from veteran youth professor of youth is a God Thing.” The workshop was part workers,” said Telzerow. “It has worked ministry at Kuyper, of the overall Convocation theme, better than we thought, as each month we joined Telzerow “Designed to Shine—Showing Christ’s see more and more youth ministry staff and in January as they Light in a Texting, Google, iPad and volunteers join us for lunch.” teamed up to make Facebook World.” Acording to Telzerow, so far this season, a presentation Because they are recognized as experts close to 100 youth ministry professionals at Reload: West Richelle White in their field, Telzerow and White are in have interacted with and encouraged Michigan, a high demand by organizations throughout each other to continued service in youth conference sponsored by the Urban the country. However, they still have the ministry in . “We believe Youth Workers Institute. White focused opportunity to reach and impact youth that reaching youth with God’s grace is one her presentation on “Building Blocks for workers while never leaving Kuyper. of the most important things we can do,” Urban Youth Ministry,” while Telzerow In September of 2011, in partnership said Telzerow. “And at Kuyper, we are fully keyed on “Developing Core Values for with Kuyper’s Admissions Office, they committed to this goal.” Youth Workers.”

Much More were the things that I stayed away from. At I thought I did,” he said. “Here I was continued from cover times it was hard, but it was the right thing challenged to own my faith, to give a full ethic and Christian attitude on and off to do,” he said. and clear explanation of why I believe. the court and the care and leadership he When asked the role Kuyper has had Here my faith has descended from my mind shows toward the team and his teammates. in helping to further shape his mind and to my heart and taken deep spiritual root.” Speaking of him, Christine Moran, character, Montay did not give a quick As for basketball, Montay said this has Kuyper’s athletic director, said: “Montay answer. He pushed back in his chair, looked been a wonderful year of finally coming out is a man of outstanding character. We at up, thought for what seemed to be a long as a leading team in the NCCAA. “My Kuyper are both fortunate and proud to time, and then gave freshman, sophomore and have him on our team.” a very economic, yet junior years were difficult The oldest of three brothers, he treasure laden answer: years for the team. We lost grew up in Grand Rapids and graduated “Kuyper helped me more than we won. Yet, from Ottawa Hills High School where, develop my worldview.” those years were not wasted,” surprisingly, he only played basketball for As he continued to he added. “We grew and we one year. “From the age of 16 I worked speak, his intensity learned how to overcome every day from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. at softened. “I thought I adversity. We understood D &W Fresh Market as a shelf-stocker and had the world figured that showing grace when we bagger,” he said. “I was raised in a strong, out before I came to lost did not mean that we principled and disciplined single-parent Kuyper. To be honest, did not mind losing—in fact, home, where I never saw my mother take I was a bit judgmental we hated to lose. And most many days off. That motivated me to do the and very guarded in high importantly, we learned to same,” he added. “My mother taught us kids school—a coping and never give up.” Then, with the value of hard work and perseverance. survival mechanism that Montay going to the hoop a faint trace of a smile, he She worked very hard to make sure we I developed over several added: “And look at what could have a stable family life and she set a years,” he added. “Now I can be respectful this team has accomplished this year.” great example for us to follow. She always and understanding of different backgrounds, In a few weeks Montay will graduate. told us, ‘Never give up.’ She also taught us not quick to make assumptions. I’ve learned According to him, he leaves here a better about Jesus and read to us from the Bible to ask questions while being truly interested man than when he arrived four years ago. every day.” According to Montay, his family in people, seeing them as Jesus sees them.” “At Kuyper I was challenged every day to life while growing up helped him to avoid Montay also said that he thought he strive for excellence, both spiritually and what was around him every day. “Drugs, sex, knew the Bible before coming to Kuyper. academically. There is no other place like it. and kids dropping out of school—those “But I did not quite know as much as This is a place that truly cares,” he said.

6 NEWS AND EVENTS

Events: to be utilized by Kuyper College students Reformed Two Kingdoms Thought” at the Friday, April 13—Variety Show wishing to complete an internship or study regional Evangelical Theological Meeting on March 30 – 31. He will also be Friday, April 13—Scholar Day abroad, Dr. Judi Ravenhorst-Meerman traveled to Quito in February to meet the presenting a paper entitled “The Naked Saturday, April 14—1:30 p.m. - 4:30 staff of Living and Learning and become Public Square: A Neo-Calvinist Critique of p.m. Kuyper College social work presents familiar with the structure of their program the Reformed Two Kingdoms Conception GLITTER: brinGing Local gIrls togeTher and the experiences that Kuyper students of Democracy” at the Kuyper Center for To End tRafficking. Girls 11 to 14 years old, would have during their semester of study Public Theology at Princeton Theological along with a parent, guardian or trusted and ministry in that country. Ravenhorst- Seminary on April 19 – 21. adult friend, are invited to discuss issues Meerman also visited the apartments where Professor Lisa Hoogeboom recently such as self-image, self-worth and safety. Kuyper students would live, potential presented on the topic of “Theology of For more information contact host families, and researched possible God and Missional Discipleship” at the [email protected]. internship opportunities, including La Discipleship and Small Group Conference Monday, April 16— Roca Skateboard Church, Carmeon Bajio hosted by Calvin Theological Seminary Spring Celebration Gala Children’s Program, Alliance Academy, and Western Theological Seminary. Zambiza-Dump Ministry and Clinic, and Friday, April 27—Commencement an orphanage for children whose parents Kuyper College has been approved by the Saturday, May 12—Journey I are in jail. State of Michigan to provide Continuing Education Credits to Social Work News: Dr. Branson Parler will be presenting a Professionals. The first educational session— In order to gain a better understanding of paper entitled “Which Natural Law? The Pain Management and Compassion Living and Learning in Ecuador, a program First Command and the Deconstruction of Fatigue—will take place April 26.

CLASSNOTES

Births: Professional Developments: Rolando and Erica (Dore) Melvin and Amber (DeVries) Rick Boomsma (2005) joined specialist (CBIS) and joined Sarat (2011) were blessed with Eledge (2009) welcomed Fairway Christian Reformed Hope Network Rehab Services a daughter, Sofia Grace, on Melvin Paul Eledge III on Church in Jenison, MI, as in Grand Rapids, MI, as a September 5, 2011. December 5, 2011. youth ministry coordinator. rehabilitation assistant. Josko and Bethany (Karish) James (2002) and Barbarita Joan Cornelison (1997) has Wade Remer (1982) has been Vukuši (2003) welcomed (Davis) Lee (2000), along been appointed to the post of appointed the director of gift a daughter, Nina Lucija, on with big brother Joshua and big executive director of pastoral in kind ministries for Wycliffe September 10, 2011. sister Jaedyn, welcomed baby services at Hope Network in Bible Translators. girl Jaelah KeePum into their Grand Rapids, MI. Alex (2005) and Allison Douglas Vos (1983) has family on December 7, 2011. (Denk) Brito (2005) welcomed Ben Dusendang (2006) been appointed president and a son, Abel Israel, into their Nathan (Fig) (2006) recently graduated from the publisher of The Aquila Report family on November 1, 2011. and Rebecca (Palmer) United States Army in Narrows, Virginia. VanderMolen (2005), with Aviation School. Benjamin (2006) and Dorothy big sisters Lydia and Joanna, Bethany (Karish) Vukuši (Beute) Dusendang (2004) welcomed brother Samuel Amber (DeVries) Eledge (2003) recently graduated from were blessed with a son, Stanley Andrew to their family on (2009) was recently licensed as Western Michigan University Jack, on December 2, 2011. December 13, 2011. a certified brain injury with her master’s in social work.

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STUDENTS TO WATCH

Name: Amy Elizabeth LaDuke not feel at peace about it. Finally, surfing the Web late at night Class: 2012 I came upon Kuyper and realized they had everything I was looking for. I knew from the peace in my heart that it was Major: Social Work totally a God-thing—finding a college where my walk with Home: Potterville, MI the Lord would be encouraged and developed while receiving a challenging academic education.” She said that Kuyper has given her everything she was looking for as well as an “Because my dad was a pastor and my parents were in environment where she’s not lost in the crowd. “At Kuyper I am ministry, I cannot remember a time when I was not a Christian,” seen, appreciated and encouraged as an individual to be the best said Amy LaDuke, a Kuyper College senior. “Yet, while there that I can be at whatever I do,” said Amy. She added that the was never a doubt in my mind that God existed, I believed in staff and faculty took time to know her as a person. “The faculty God because my parents told me to and because I was afraid of pushed me to do my best in my academics and also challenged going to hell if I didn’t.” However, during the summer before me to take what I am learning and apply it to my life. Also, eighth grade, Amy remembers going to a camp and truly whenever I’ve had difficulty in class, the professors have always understanding for the first time that Christ loved her. “With all made the time to do their best to help. I have never seen a of my sin and failures, I was still perfect in His eyes,” she said. staff member tell a student who has come to their office with “That moment was life defining for me. It completely took my a problem to come back at a different time.” Amy added that breath away.” Amy added that her life has not been perfect since Kuyper also gave her the opportunity to do her internship in that day. “However, I can honestly say that He has been with Romania: “During my time there I learned lifelong lessons that me throughout every step of my life. Though I have failed Him, will direct my entire life. Because of my financial situation, I He has never failed me. And it is in Him that I place my life never thought it would be possible to do an overseas internship, because I know without a shadow of a doubt that He is the only but Kuyper made it possible.” firm foundation on which to place my faith, hope and love.” Amy said that Kuyper has had a deep impact on her life. “I The third oldest of six siblings, Amy smiles as she talks about know that I am a different person now than when I first began her close family and growing up playing games and enjoying attending—the school has helped me to develop as a person and great vacations. “We would play anything from hockey to refine my worldview,” she said. “This view encourages me to see football to board games together,” she said. “And vacations were Christ’s redeeming work in all aspects of life.” always so much fun because we would go every summer to a According to her, she is planning on working for a year in cabin in Northern Michigan, always sticking to tradition—buy a social work setting to gain experience and then go on for a fudge, watch the original ‘Star Wars’ and have banana splits. master’s degree in social work. “…And possibly, study for my They are great memories from my childhood.” law degree after that, in order to effectively work in the area After high school Amy began to look for a college, searching of human trafficking. I am grateful to see how far the Lord has the Internet for hours trying to find a Bible-based school where brought me and excited to see where He wants to take me and she could still get a social work degree. “I had already registered my education to positively impact the community around me.” at a Christian college in Virginia,” she said. “However, I did