Volume X | Issue II | Spring 2011 the CHRISTIAN OBSERVER

Magazine Survey: Princeton is Faith Friendly Page 4

Annual MLK Event Promotes Unity at Yale Page 5

Harvard Freshmen Memorize Book of 2nd Timothy Page 11

Columbia Editor No Longer A ‘Spectator’ Page 22

Brown Ministries Are Loving Providence Page 27

Penn Students Share the Gospel in Panama City CRITIC’S VOICE Page 28 With his Awards Gala and Report to the Entertainment Industry, Ted Baehr, Dartmouth Light 11 Missions Conference ’69, seeks to inspire change in Hollywood. Held at Cornell Special Media & Ministry section pages 18–22 Page 29

Brown ■ Columbia ■ Cornell ■ Dartmouth Harvard ■ Penn ■ Princeton ■ Yale Developing Christian Leaders to Transform Culture The Ivy League Christian Observer is published by the Christian Union, an independent Christian ministry. SAVE THE DATE!

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God’s Faithfulness to Israel (Part One): 9:1-11:36 Through this course you’ll get your arms around all 16 9. God’s Faithfulness to Israel (Part Two): 9:1-11:36 chapters of Romans. Along with a macro-level knowl- 10. The New Life of Christians: 12:1-13:14 edge of the letter, you’ll wrestle with some of the most 11. The Weak and the Strong: 14:1-15:13 difficult passages in the Bible, like Romans 9-11. You’ll 12. The Spread of the Gospel: 15:14-16:27 be challenged by the call to live your everyday life in light of the glorious gospel that is on display in Romans. This course is produced by Lifelong Discipleship Media, a ministry of In addition to mastering the material of the book, you’ll the Christian Union. Lifelong Discipleship Media develops intellectually rich Christian education materials for use individually, in small groups, improve your ability to interpret the Bible by learning and Sunday School classes. Our aim is to strengthen Christians with observationally from the exegetical skill of one of the the finest scholarship available in order to engender a habit of lifelong best New Testament expositors. Christian learning for leadership development and cultural impact. $#   !& ! !!!  Course No. 1001 – 12 lectures (30 minutes/lecture)    #95  $  888/.+*/21,).5(.3/*5-.3(20  -.33.1,42(*55.1,'1).+*6.0* '6.5+'(6.217'4'16** 7).295   $   -.33.1,42(*55.1,'1).+*6.0* '6.5+'(6.217'4'16** 7).2281/2')5   $ .+*6.0* '6.5+'(6.217'4'16** A WORD FROM THE PUBLISHER 240 NASSAU STREET PRINCETON, NEW JERSEY 08542 [email protected] Influencing the Please help us get this magazine into the hands of those who want it. E-mail or write us Influencers in order to: • pass along the names of fellow Christian alumni, parents, staff, faculty, or friends who t was an honor to give the benediction at Movie- would enjoy this quarterly update from the guide’s 19 th Annual Faith and Values Awards Gala in Ivy League universities. I • update us on any address change you have. Hollywood this winter. • be removed from the mailing list. In addition to recognizing redemptive, family- friendly films such as Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader and EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Secretariat, Movieguide founder Ted Baehr, Dartmouth ’69, presented his annual Matt Bennett, Cornell BS ’88, MBA ’89 report to Hollywood executives. As you will read in our cover story, Baehr is having an impact on decision makers in the entertainment industry. At the gala, he pre - MANAGING EDITOR sented data that revealed a preference for movies about faith and values; he also Tom Campisi, College of New Jersey ’88 noted how these movies generally do better at the box office than those with ques - tionable, objectionable content. SENIOR WRITER As you know, influencing the influencers is something that is dear to my heart as Eileen Scott, Mount St. Mary ’87 well. Like Movieguide , Christian Union is a ministry that focuses on a narrow, un - reached segment that has a disproportionate influence on the culture. We are seek - FIELD REPORTERS Everett Aaron Benjamin, Penn ’11 ing to develop Christian leaders to transform culture at Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Samantha Bruno, Rutgers ’11 Dartmouth, Harvard, Penn, Princeton, and Yale. Our research indicates that approx - Elyse Lee, Cornell ’08 imately 50 percent of the nation’s most influential leaders in business, media, med - Kevin Plybon, Columbia ’11 icine and politics come from these eight universities. If students can graduate with a seeking God lifestyle and a biblical perspective, then we can surely expect our culture PHOTO EDITOR to radically change. Pam Traeger Some of these gifted students are already making a difference. In Reaching Out , read about how some leaders spent spring break, not relaxing or partying, but serv - LETTERS TO THE EDITOR ing the poor and reaching out with the Gospel—from the poverty-stricken neighbor - Please send us your feedback regarding events and topics described in this magazine at the e- hoods of Providence, Rhode Island to the sandy shores of Panama City, Florida. mail or regular mail address listed above. Winter breaks also proved to be a fruitful time as many Ivy League students at - tended powerful conferences and retreats. In About Ministry , see how The Impact Movement, led by Charles Glimer (Penn ’81), rallied and empowered one thousand African-American college students at “The Comeback,” and how Collegiate Impact’s first-ever “Ignite Ivy Conference” encouraged and exhorted young people who are hungry for revival. It’s our pleasure to publish this magazine each quarter and keep you informed about what the Lord is doing in the Ivy League and through alumni who are agents By God’s power and with the help of other min - istries, the mission of Christian Union is to of change in all sectors of society. change the world by developing Christian lead - ers and networking them together to make an Yours in Christ, impact for Christ in the larger culture. Matt Bennett (Cornell BS ’88, MBA ’89) founded the ministry in 2002 in Princeton, New Jersey. To learn more about Christian Union, please visit www.Christian-Union.org. Matthew W. Bennett Founder and President, Cornell ’88, MBA ’89 The purpose of The Ivy League Christian Ob - server (this free quarterly magazine) is to in - form Christian alumni, students, parents, staff, P.S. The Ivy League Christian Observer reports on the programs and initiatives of faculty, and friends about the spiritual activity Christian Union and those of various other Christian organizations. While it is our at eight of the country’s most influential col - desire to foster unity, encouragement, and awareness among campus ministries, the leges, including Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth, Harvard, Penn, Princeton and Christian Union is not an umbrella organization. Yale. Our desire is that you would be encour - aged to pray for these universities, give finan - cially to Christian initiatives on the campuses, and use your influence for the cause of Christ.

2 | The Ivy League Christian Observer TABLE OF CONTENTS

ON CAMPUS MEDIA AND MINISTRY 4 FAITH FRIENDLY Princeton Achieves No. 3 Ranking from 18 REDEEMING HOLLYWOOD Magazine Survey Dartmouth Alumnus Directs a Media Ministry 5 BREAKING BREAD TOGETHER Annual MLK Event Promotes Unity 20 ‘CULTURE MAKERS’ 6 THE BRANCH AND THE VINES Ivy League Alumni Influence Tinseltown New Brown Ministry Is Welcomed by Underclassmen 21 FOX SPORTS: JOHN 3:16 AD IS NOT SUPER 8 ‘YOU ARE NOT ALONE’ Fixed Point Foundation Commercial Meeting Reminds Ministries to Work Rejected for Television’s Biggest Stage Together 10 EMOTIONAL HEALTH OF 22 NO LONGER A ‘SPECTATOR’ FRESHMEN DECLINING English Major Enjoys Challenging Editorial Position Students Have Higher Levels of Stress, 18 Uncertainty about Future 11 TRAINING IN RIGHTEOUSNESS IN PERSON PRAYER POWER Harvard Freshmen Memorize 2nd Timothy 24 THE HEART OF A WARRIOR 33 MOMS INTERCEDE FOR 12 PASSIONATE ABOUT PURITY Former Harvard Basketball Star PRINCETON, YALE Christian Union Bible Course Tells the Overcomes the Odds to Make NBA Parents Use Technology to Connect in Truth about Sexuality Weekly Prayer Sessions 25 ALUMNUS GUIDES 6 APOLOGETICS PROGRAM 34 FERVENT PRAYING THAT AT OXFORD CHANGED HISTORY Center Mixes Evangelism and Academic Clapham Circle Sought God Grounding in Scripture Wholeheartedly

REACHING OUT ABOUT MINISTRY 27 LOVING PROVIDENCE 36 IGNITING THE FLAME Brown Students Spend Spring Break Students Intercede for Ivy League Serving the Poor Campuses at Conference 28 SPRING BREAK ROAD TRIP 37 A MIGHTY MOVEMENT Students Share the Gospel on the Beach Columbia Ministry Leader Encouraged by in Panama City Conference’s Unity 29 LIGHTING THE WAY 38 ‘THE COMEBACK’ Annual Event is a Night of Praise, Impact Conference Urges African- Exhortation, and Prayer for Missions American Students to Rebuild Communities, Families 30 PENN STUDENTS MAKE TIME 39 SKIING AND SEEKING INTELLECTUAL ENGAGEMENT FOR RECESS Philadelphia Program Helps Improve Harvard, Princeton, and Yale Students 13 SPIRITUAL CAPITAL IN THE Quality of Playtime in Schoolyards Have Memorable Skip Trips MARKETPLACE 31 SHARING THE GOOD NEWS IN 41 FINDING THE LOVE OF GOD Grant Funds Study of Companies THE GREAT OUTDOORS Catholic Community Students Feel the with Faith-Based Virtues Lord’s Presence on Retreat Adventure-Oriented Outreach Grows at 14 ‘A FRONTAL ASSAULT ON THE Cornell 42 ‘A BREAKTHROUGH YEAR’ FREEDOM OF ASSOCIATION’ Princeton Faith and Action Rejoices with Attorney Discusses Implications of Donors Hastings Decision 29 15 WHAT IS MARRIAGE? DEPARTMENTS Ivy League Alumni Give Imperative 44 News-in-Brief Definition 49 The Mission and Vision 17 DECIPHERING A NOT-SO- of Christian Union COMMON DENOMINATOR 51 Prayer for the Ivy League New Book Examines Changing Role of Religion in American Culture 52 Ivy League Prayer Needs

Spring 2011 | 3 ON CAMPUS By Catherine Elvy, Staff Writer FAITH FRIENDLY Princeton Achieves No. 3 Ranking from Magazine Survey

Princeton University received a mier universities to clear even those low “very explicitly support students of faith. P commendation for its religious bars.” That makes a difference. There are very PRINCETON atmosphere. First Things mag - First Things ranked Wheaton College strong evangelical groups that help create azine ranked Princeton at the top of its and Thomas Aquinas College as its best an environment friendly to faith,” George “least unfriendly to faith” listing among schools for the goal said. “The chaplaincy secular colleges in a survey. of reaching the best work very well together.” In November, the New York-based overall mix of aca - George noted that the magazine featured the results of a two- demic, social, and re - university’s Catholic year examination of a chunk of the na - ligious community is robust and tion’s secular and religious schools. While considerations. “some of the very top stu - it gathered data and input on hundreds of “The evangelical dents are very publicly colleges, it ultimately focused on 105 in Wheaton and the Catholic.” George serves its effort to highlight the best options to Catholic Thomas on the editorial and advi - secure an academically robust education Aquinas couldn’t sory council of First in an environment that offers reasonable reach Princeton’s Things , which is pub - social and religious compatibility for stu - level of pure aca - lished by The Institute dents of faith. demic possibilities, on Religion and Public “Princeton did very well,” said Joseph but Wheaton’s social Life. Bottum, a veteran journalist who directed and religious atmos - Father Thomas Mul - much of the research. phere, and Thomas lelly, director of the As a whole, Ivy League universities re - Aquinas’ intellectual Aquinas Institute, echoed ceived low marks for their religious envi - seriousness, pushed those comments. “I’m ronment, but Princeton garnered the them, in the end, to First Things recently ranked very positive about the reasonable appraisals for its tolerance to the top,” according Princeton least unfriendly to faith tenor of faith at Prince - faith. “There are better places to go if you to First Things. Ulti - among secular colleges. ton University. The pres - want a pure religious quality,” said Bot - mately, students ident of the university is tum, who recently left his position as edi - must choose what they want from their respectful of the ministries on campus,” tor of First Things to concentrate on book college education, whether it is a solid he said. “There is no doubt that someone opportunities. emphasis on scholarly matters or faith can be as active in his or her faith at Columbia University ranked sixth on considerations. Princeton as at Notre Dame.” the same scale, which only listed the top At Princeton, faculty members and Jane Kim, Princeton ’04, a senior seven secular schools designated as “least campus ministers welcomed the news staffer with Manna Christian Fellowship, unfriendly to faith.” that their university received a top score said her ministry has received tangible Overall, Princeton finished third in for its religious atmosphere. Robert support from Princeton’s administration. First Things ’ listing of the 25 top schools George, director of Princeton’s James “The university does a wonderful job of in the . Madison Program in American Ideals and trying to promote religious tolerance and dialogue between people of different As a whole, Ivy League universities faiths.” While the atmosphere may be welcom - received low marks for their religious ing to faith, it is estimated that less than 10 percent of all Princeton students are environment, but Princeton garnered exposed to the Christian faith on a regular basis. the reasonable appraisals for its Christian Union Teaching Fellow Chuck Hetzler said he has found most tolerance to faith. Princeton students to be open to religious discussions. Princeton Faith and Action, First Things noted, “Princeton came in Institutions, credited the support of a Christian Union’s leadership develop - so high academically that all it needed handful of vocal faculty members, as well ment ministry, is the largest student or - were scores on the lower end of middling, as a unified chaplaincy for some of the re - ganization on campus. in religious atmosphere and friendliness ligious respect on campus. However, Hetzler cautioned that some to religious belief, to achieve its final Princeton is home to a small, but students report encounters with profes - ranking. Telling, it was one of the few pre - staunch number of faculty members who sors who make derogatory comments

4 | The Ivy League Christian Observer about Christianity. “Based on students’ “I would say that the biggest challenges pointed out that a school’s status as secu - stories, profs don’t make light of other re - to everyone’s moral background, religious lar does not have to be a deal-killer for ligions, but for whatever reasons they feel or otherwise, here at Princeton, are, first, Christian students. “A few professors can the liberty to take jabs at Christianity,” he the pressures to achieve at a world-class make a secular school a reasonably hos - said. university, and, secondly, a heavy drink - pitable place,” said R.R. Reno. “It’s help - John Londregan, a political science ing culture centered on the eating clubs ful to have some guidance as to which professor, noted that religious rankings that dominate the social life of our under - secular schools are the most faith-friendly among secular schools are relative to the graduates,” Londregan said. and which purportedly Christian schools competition. Nonetheless, the editor of First Things are less faith-friendly.” ■

BREAKING BREAD TOGETHER Annual MLK Event Promotes Unity

On January 17, Christian min - “They were a true blessing to all in at - ing, “It is appalling that the most segre - Y istries at Yale united for the an - tendance,” said Onyeador. gated hour of Christian America is eleven YALE nual “Let Us Break Bread Chris Matthews, Christian Union’s o’clock on Sunday morning.” Together” pan-Christian celebration of ministry director at Yale, enjoyed the Onyeador believes Christians must the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin MLK celebration. Luther King, Jr. “As a new member The celebration, which included music of the Yale commu - and food, was held at Saint Thomas More nity, I was thrilled for Golden Center and sponsored by the the opportunity to Black Church at Yale, Yale Christian Fel - meet more Christians lowship, OneBody, Yale Gospel Choir, the studying and serving University Church, Yale Students for here. It was a delight Christ, Athletes in Action, Saint Thomas to experience such di - More, and the Luther House. verse and gifted ex - “[This] is one of the few events on cam - pressions of the pus where we as Christians at Yale and in worship of Jesus New Haven step outside our own pro - Christ. I hope there gramming and partner together on such a will be many more large scale,” said Ivy Onyeador ’11, a events like this at Yale member of the Black Church at Yale. that bring together Onyeador started the celebration with Christians to pray, to opening remarks; Pastor Dexter B. Up - fellowship, and wor - shaw, Jr. of the Black Church at Yale, led ship the Lord to - a prayer; and Presbyterian Chaplain Rev. gether,” he said. Ian Oliver made a short presentation on Onyeador says the importance of pan-Christian unity. “Breaking Bread” is Christian Ministries at Yale united for the annual pan- Musical performances were given by the her favorite annual Christian celebration in honor of Rev. Martin Luther King. Yale Gospel Choir and Living Water, an a event at Yale. Jr. Pastor Dexter B. Upshaw, Jr., of the Black Church at capella group. Kevin Olusola ’11 per - “It facilitates the Yale, led the opening prayer. formed a musical arrangement on the continued unity and cello and alumnus Rodney “J Prophet” collaborations of different ministries,” stand united against injustice and oppres - Reynolds ’10 ministered through “holy she said. “The following Sunday, mem - sion. hip-hop.” Ben Robbins ’12 closed the bers of Athletes in Action joined us (the “In my opinion, if we come together to event in prayer. Black Church at Yale) at our 10:30 a.m. celebrate the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin A highlight of the event was a perform - service and that truly blessed me. One Luther King, Jr., we must decide whether ance by the men’s choir of Pivot Min - person has continued to attend and that we are going to continue working toward istries, a Christ-centered substance abuse means a lot to me personally.” his vision in the fight against oppression recovery program based in Bridgeport, According to Onyeador, the celebration and injustice. I think that must be a major Connecticut. was inspired by a quote by Dr. King stat - goal of all Christian ministries and the

Spring 2011 | 5 ON CAMPUS

“If we come together to celebrate the legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., we must decide whether we are going to continue working toward his vision in the fight against oppression and injustice.” —Ivy Onyeador, Yale ’11 hope is that events like these remind us of Onyeador recognizes that the action or tent with injustice and oppression in our our progress, but also spur us on to ac - apathy of today will be recorded by his - country and world today, not tomorrow, or tion,” she said. tory tomorrow. after graduation, but right now. If we re - And as a college student today, “It is important that we voice our discon - main silent, history will remember.” ■

By Eileen Scott, Senior Writer THE BRANCH AND THE VINES New Brown Ministry Is Welcomed by Underclassmen

Gabe Brotzman faced a cross - national Chi Alpha ministries, started at which is geared toward international stu - B roads when he entered Brown Brown roughly three years ago and now dents. BROWN as a freshman: “Either get a lot has 30 student members. The ministry Junior Sarah Gassel said she “shopped closer to Christ or fall away.” conducts a weekly worship service called around” for a ministry when she was a Fortunately for Brotzman ’13 his par - The Gathering, which consists of a mes - freshman at Brown but couldn’t envision ents and friends encouraged him to stay sage from Ministry Director John herself being part of one until she learned the course. Now, he is growing in his faith Michaelson or a guest speaker. The grow - about the Branch while attending services as a member of one of Brown’s newer ing ministry—which recently added staff at Renaissance Church. Only the third Christian campus ministries, The Branch. members Adam and Elynn Koelsch—also Brown student to become involved in the The Branch, which is affiliated with the offers small group Bible studies, one of fledgling ministry, Gassel said she appre - ciated the intimacy of the organization. “I think I felt socially awkward and overlooked at the other groups’ meet - ings,” she said. “The Branch was the only group that reached out to me rather than ‘interested freshmen, ’” she said, “and that’s precisely what I needed. It was like it was Jesus reaching out to me, telling me I was not really alone, despite the fact that it was the loneliest I had ever felt in my entire life.” Although Gassel was a Christian since age 7, she said the Branch helped her learn more about Jesus. “More than any - thing,” she said, “the Branch community has inspired more personal time with God. I have known the right things for a long time, but I needed an extra push to really seek to grow closer to God in a more consistent way.” Brotzman also described an immediate Although relatively new to the campus, the Branch at Brown is impacting connection to the ministry. students, including junior Sarah Gassel. “I knew I wanted to be involved in

6 | The Ivy League Christian Observer some sort of Christian community, but I said, admit to having heard of Jesus In the meantime, the fruits of the min - was immediately drawn to the Branch. Christ and may even believe he lived, but istry’s labors are apparent in students like Other than being drawn by the Holy they know nothing of the Cross and the Gassel and Brotzman. Spirit, I’m not sure how else to describe resurrection. “I really feel like I have gotten a lot what attracted me to them,” he said. But through reaching out to the Brown from being a part of the Branch,” said Although he was involved with other campus in humility, love, and respect for Brotzman. “It has allowed me to mature activities on campus, Brotzman decided their peers, the staff and students with in my faith and become more serous to put his efforts into the Branch because he felt he was really growing there. “I have learned so much by reading “It was like it was Jesus reaching out to scriptures and I’m starting to form a bet - ter understanding of what I’m getting into me, telling me I was not really alone, each day, and a lot of that is the nurturing that the Branch community offers,” He despite the fact that it was the loneliest said. Brotzman and Gassel are unique I had ever felt in my entire life.” among Brown students in that while they —Sarah Gassel, Brown ’12 were not necessarily mature in their faith when they came to Brown, they had knowledge of Christ and the truth of the the Branch prayerfully work alongside the about following Christ. I have learned so Gospel. According to Michaelson, roughly other campus Christian ministries to much more about prayer, community, 80% of students surveyed by the ministry share the truth with more of the Brown sacrifice, humility, and other things in during contact evangelism reported never community so it doesn’t remain in spiri - just a couple of years.” But he admits, “I having thought about faith. Others, he tual ignorance. have so so much more to learn.” ■

THE ADVERTISE YOUR SCHOOL, MINISTRY, IVY LEAGUE OR BUSINESS IN: CHRISTIAN OBSERVER Eachquarter,theIvyLeague Christian Observer is read by people who care about the spiritual well-being of our future leaders. By advertising withus,youcanconnectyour ministry, business, or school with this special audience.

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Spring 2011 | 7 ON CAMPUS By Larry Lin, Cornell ’11 ‘YOU ARE NOT ALONE’ Meeting Reminds Ministries to Work Together

Thirty-five student leaders, of the student body of about 13,000 un - year. Inspired by the purchase of the C four staff members, and six lo - dergraduates. Yet, just a few years ago, Chesterton House, 13 women have de - CORNELL cal Ithacans recently met at St. there were at most five outspoken Chris - cided to affiliate with the Chesterton Luke’s Lutheran Church for a time of cor - tians in the Greek system. During the last House to live in Christian community to - porate encouragement. academic year, a few Christians in the gether. Set up by Campus On A Hill, the gath - Greek life started to meet in order to es - The meeting also included a discussion ering served as a time for Christian lead - tablish accountability. Last October, there of two big conferences in the spring se - ers to catch up and strategize. Ministries was enough momentum for five Chris - mester. Light ’11, held in March, was a represented included: Campus Crusade tians from Cornell to attend the Northeast missions’ event at Cornell; Christian for Christ, Chi Alpha Christian Fellow - Regional Greek InterVarsity Conference. Union’s Ivy League Congress on Faith and ship, Chinese Bible Study, Chinese They were filled with the vision of creat - Action was held April 1-3 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Approxi - mately 400 students sought God together and learned how to serve him faithfully and wisely in their various callings and vocations. Also at the meeting, Charles Fick, a staffer at InterVarsity, shared the vision of having a Veritas Forum on campus in the near future. The Veritas Forum (www.veritas.org) was founded in Harvard in 1992 with the mission to “engage students and faculty in discussions about life’s hardest ques - tions and the relevance of Jesus Christ to all of life.” Renowned speakers are Leaders from several ministries at Cornell came together for a strategic meeting this winter. invited and follow-up discussion groups help students find answers to Christian Fellowship, Coptic Orthodox ing a Bible study in every single Greek life’s hardest questions. Fellowship, Cornell Christian Fellowship, house at Cornell. “If the goal of the Chesterton House is Graduate Christian Fellowship, Greek In - Justin McGeary, a current student at to help Christians think Christianly,” said terVarsity Fellowship, Hong Kong Chris - Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, Fick, “the goal of the Veritas Forum is to tian Fellowship, Korean Church of shared about his ministry, Chesterton help non-Christians think Christianly.” Cornell, Navigators, and Souldiers. House—which was founded in 2000 The meeting concluded with small After brunch, Paul Bennetch ’12 of with the goal to “facilitate discovery of group prayer. Campus On A Hill talked about how God the intellectual riches of the historic Stan Matusz, who obtained a B.S. in In - has given the leaders different roles and Christian faith, thereby empowering dustrial & Labor Relations at Cornell in positions, and how they are called to be more faithful Christian living.” After 1993 and a J.D. from Penn Law School in salt and light in their respective contexts providing intellectual food for nine 1996, is one of many locals in the area as one body. Later, various leaders shared years, an actual house was obtained for longing to see Cornell transformed by testimonies about their ministries. the first time this past fall, and 16 men God. After the meeting he said, “The Lord For example, Abigail Needles ‘12 are now living there in intentional Chris - is raising up individual students to pio - shared about the newly formed Greek tian community. Danielle Lertola ’13 neer things like small group gatherings, Christian Fellowship. Fraternities and then spoke about an upcoming women’s Bible studies, community living arrange - sororities at Cornell comprise 30 percent house that is scheduled to open next ments, and apologetics forums in frater -

8 | The Ivy League Christian Observer nities, sororities, program houses, and God glorified in this secular school. elsewhere around the campus. It was a re - “At Cornell, the easiest thing in the minder that while God certainly uses world is to get sucked into your own lit - ministries, organizations, and churches to tle tunnel of duties and responsibilities,

There are dozens, if not hundreds, of students who want to see God glorified in this secular school.

spearhead such initiatives; it usually and forget not only that we are called to starts with an obedient ‘army of one’ who be Christ to this campus through more receives a vision from the Lord. Their en - than academics, but also that we’re part thusiasm is contagious.” of a Body here,” said Bennetch. “Noth - Paul Bennetch ’12, a member of This meeting helped Christian leaders ing about the Church works properly if Campus on a Hill’s leadership team, at Cornell to know and realize that they all the parts are busy being hermits— helped facilitate the Fellowship are not alone. There are dozens, if not whether as individuals or as min - Leader’s Brunch at Cornell. hundreds, of students who want to see istries.” ■

Spring 2011 | 9 ON CAMPUS By Eileen Scott, Senior Writer POLL: EMOTIONAL HEALTH OF FRESHMEN IS DECLINING Students Have Higher Levels of Stress, Uncertainty about Future

Economic strains, academic health means, ‘Am I happy most of the and were less likely to anticipate being D expectations, and the pressure time, and do I feel good about myself’ so satisfied with college. Additionally, over DARTMOUTH to succeed all seem to be taking it probably correlates with mental 29% of students reported being fre - their emotional toll on students entering health.” quently overwhelmed by all they had to college, according to a recent survey enti - “I don’t think students have an accurate do as high school seniors. tled “The American Freshman: National sense of other people’s mental health,” he Despite this, many students still re - Norms Fall 2010.” added. “There’s a lot of pressure to put on ported high expectations of participating Responses of more than 200,000 full- a perfect face, and people often think in campus activities and volunteer oppor - time first-year students at 279 U.S. col - they’re the only ones having trouble.” tunities. Therefore, perhaps not surpris - leges and universities were gathered for In The Dartmouth newspaper, Assis - ing, is the increase to nearly 1-in-10 the survey, which concluded that self- tant Dean of First-Year Students John students who anticipate seeking profes - Pfister, a psychological sional counseling in college. and brain sciences profes - Reyad Allie ’11, an undergraduate advi - sor who has taught at - sor, told The Dartmouth that he talks to mouth College for almost students on his floor about available cam - 20 years, said he has grad - pus resources, including the Health Serv - ually seen an increasing ices Department and the Academic Skills number of first-year stu - Center. He also said basic ways to solve dents express concern re - academic stress — including joining a garding their academic study group, consulting a friend or talking careers, their futures, and with a professor — are also helpful. how they will pay for their “Freshmen are asking, ‘Where am I go - education. ing to be in four years?’ and ‘Am I going to “If you look at first-year be able to find a job?’” Allie said. “And students 10 years ago ver - that’s stressing them out because they sus now, I do think we’re think that they have to plan their entire encountering people who four years here with a goal in mind, and if are more stressed,” Pfister their planning is incomplete, they might said. “We’re also seeing not reach their goal.” more students much ear - But the counseling department is not lier talk about the big the only resource for students seeking to ticket items in terms of improve their emotional wellness. In an planning….” interview last year regarding suicide and “When we bring people mental wellness, Dr. Harold Koplewicz, to Dartmouth, we bring re - MD, president of the Child Mind Institute ally high-achievers here. in , said that campus min - When high-achievers get istries are a valuable resource. Three of Emotional health among college freshmen is at its together, they continue to Koplewicz’s children have attended or are lowest point in a quarter-century, according to a hope to achieve higher lev - attending Ivy League schools. recent study. els, so the conversations I While not a substitute for professional have with first-year stu - medical and psychological treatment, car - rated emotional health for incoming dents about double majors or doing three ing for and reaching out in love to fellow freshmen is the lowest it’s been in a quar - [Language Study Abroad programs] are a students is the cornerstone of Christian ter century. According to the survey, 52 consequence of inviting some high-end, campus ministries, which are rooted in percent of students said their emotional high-achieving students here.” building relationships that can last life - health was above average; in 1985, that Deans and undergraduate advisors times. number was 64 percent. have referred an increasing number of “Faith-based ministries provide a sense Dr. Mark Reed, Dartmouth’s Director students to Counseling and Human De - of community, whether someone belongs of Counseling Services, was quoted in a velopment Services, Pfister said. to a church or only participates in a faith- January New York Times article regard - According to the survey, students who based volunteer program,” said Ko - ing the poll. Commenting on the self- perceived themselves to have lower men - plewicz. “It’s the fact that they have a rated nature of the survey, Reed said, tal health were also more likely to report sense of belonging to a group of people “Most people probably think emotional being frequently depressed in high school who care about them.” ■

10 | The Ivy League Christian Observer By Eileen Scott, Senior Writer TRAINING IN RIGHTEOUSNESS Harvard Freshmen Memorize 2nd Timothy

But as for you, continue in what “Their dedication and commitment was were going to cover just four chapters in H you have learned and have be - an inspiration to everyone involved in the an entire semester signaled to me that HARVARD come convinced of, because you ministry,” he said. “Not coincidentally, this course would help me appreciate the know those from whom you learned Kent and James were two of the guys in Bible like never before. The Bible course it, and how from infancy you have known whom I saw the most tangible spiritual did amazing things for my faith.” the Holy Scriptures, which are able to growth and maturity in my Bible Courses. Additionally, the book of 2 Timothy has make you wise for salvation through faith They have been reaching out with great en - also demonstrated the importance of in Christ Jesus. – 2 Timothy 3:14-15 thusiasm to many of their In his second letter to Timothy, the friends and classmates to Apostle Paul exhorts his protégé to be dis - get involved in HCFA.” ciplined like a good soldier, avoid youth - Inspired by the depth ful lusts, cherish and revere the Word of of study in the HCFA God, and teach others to do the same. Bible course, the two This fall, two young men in a Christian made a pact to memorize Union Bible course took seriously the 2 Timothy early in the se - charge to “correctly handle the word of mester. truth” and memorized the entire book of “We made a commit - 2nd Timothy, all 83 verses. At the Harvard ment and held each other College Faith and Action Christmas party, accountable,” Kent said. freshmen roommates James Sun and “We had each other’s back Kent Toland celebrated the season and the through the semester, end of the semester in a unique way when and that showed when we they recited the entire book from memory. recited the book.” Harvard College Faith and Action James said having his (HCFA) is a Christian leadership develop - roommate as a partner in Harvard Freshmen Kent Toland (left) and James Sun ment ministry supported and resourced the endeavor helped to memorized the entire book of 2nd Timothy in the fall by Christian Union. make it all the more pos - semester. “We committed to memorizing the let - sible. ter because we thought it would be awe - “I would not have been able to do it memorizing scripture for the students. “All some to carry the Word of God in our without Kent,” he said. “Having someone Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for hearts and minds wherever we go,” said there to remind me to work on memoriza - teaching, rebuking, correcting, and train - Kent. “For example, I constantly refer to tion through the week was crucial. When - ing in righteousness, so that the man of chapter 1, verse 8: ‘So do not be ashamed ever I fell behind, Kent helped me stay God may be thoroughly equipped for every to testify about our Lord.’” motivated and held me accountable to the good work,” said Sun, citing 2 Tim 3:16. James agrees. “I find myself referring to pact we made.” “Reading and studying scripture is really important for those reasons, but knowing “We committed to memorizing the it so well that you can mentally refer to it does that much more for your faith.” letter because we thought it would be This semester, Toland and Sun, along with fellow HCFA member Dolo Noso, awesome to carry the Word of God in have committed to fasting twice a week as they study the Book of Acts in their Bible our hearts and minds wherever we go.” course. “In our Bible course, we talked about it a lot now, without even thinking about The desire to understand God’s Word postmodern society’s devaluation of en - it,” he said. “If I need encouragement, 2 better is what originally inspired both durance as a virtue and the dangers asso - Timothy 1:7 and 4:7 are there for me.” Sun and Toland to participate in HCFA ciated with immediate gratification,” said Nick Nowalk, a Christian Union min - and the Bible course. Sun. “We hope that fasting will guard us istry fellow at Harvard who directs the “What attracted me to HCFA and its from weakness and train us to endure for Bible course attended by Kent and James, Bible course was how seriously the min - Christ.” noticed a correlation between the memo - istry took the study of God’s Word,” said To see a YouTube video of Kent and rization of scripture and the roommates’ Sun. “Flipping through the course man - James reciting 2 Timothy, visit: www. emergence as leaders. ual and hearing Nick talk about how we Christian-Union.org/HCFA2ndTimothy . ■

Spring 2011 | 11 ON CAMPUS By Catherine Elvy, Staff Writer PASSIONATE ABOUT PURITY New Christian Union Bible Course Tells the Truth about Sexuality

Most college students find in Christian Union’s Bible courses at Har - with unbelievers.” themselves immersed in a cam - vard, Princeton, and Yale universities. The material is especially relevant as pus culture that bombards The Bible courses, taught by academi - college students increasingly are post - them with rampant messages of promis - cally-credentialed professionals who have poning marriage but still need a frame - cuity. Even believers can enter universi - real life experience, are capped off at 10 work for approaching dating and ties ignorant of biblical perspectives on students to insure maximum participa - courtship. sexuality and exhibit behaviors that re - tion and accountability. Much of the coursework – drafted markably resemble those of their secular The Bible course could also be well-re - within a rigorous academic framework – peers. ceived given a trend towards abstinence centers on God’s ideal plan for sexual re - As such, students need to understand among young people. World News Serv - lationships within the context of mar - biblical principles for sexuality. They ices cited a recent study by the National riage. need to be equipped Center for Health “It’s been a great way to reach out to with tools to help Statistics that indi - unbelievers and show them how coherent them navigate the cates a decrease in and beautiful is the [biblical] vision for minefields of dating sexual activity human sexuality,” Nowalk said. “Within on campus. among teens and the proper context, it is to be enjoyed, to “College students young adults. The express love.” are spectacularly largest and most Ultimately, marriage reflects the love of sexually active,” in-depth federal re - Christ for His church. Nowalk said extra - said Nick Nowalk, a port to date on sex - marital sex violates the mystery of that Christian Union ual behavior, exclusive relationship. ministry fellow at sexual attraction, “The Apostle Paul is saying that the hu - Harvard University. and sexual identity man dimension of marriage is based on a “They are not just in the U.S. covered prior design in the heart of God – namely abstractly consider - 2006-08 and in - His pursuit of a group of human beings ing these issues. cluded 5,082 par - who would uniquely become His people, There is no way you ticipants in the and, to whom, He would give Himself can survive unless 15- to 24-year-old without reserve as their God,” Nowalk you have a deep group. According noted in course materials. grounding.” to a USA Today “The worth and meaning of sexuality Just as impor - analysis of the and marriage are bound up in the eternal tant, “college is the Harvard College Faith and Action is report, 12% of purpose of God who makes Himself time of life when conducting a new Bible course this women and 13% of available to us in Christ with self-aban - people come to the spring that focuses on biblical principles men in the 20-24 doning affection and unwavering com - deepest convictions for interpersonal relationships and age bracket said mitment.” that are going to sexuality. The course was written by they have never had Other topics in the Bible course include last the rest of their Nick Nowalk, a Christian Union ministry sexual contact, com - singleness, premarital sex, adultery, lives,” said Nowalk, fellow at Harvard. pared with 8% for pornography, sexual purity, homosexual - who teaches Bible both sexes in 2002. ity, and redemption for past behavior. courses for Harvard College Faith and Ac - Nowalk developed much of the Bible At its heart, all sexual sin is ultimately a tion, Christian Union’s leadership develop - course of sexuality over the last three worship and idolatry problem, noted ment ministry on campus. years when Harvard College Faith and Nowalk. As a result, young people are of - To equip students with the tools they Action offered seminars on the topic. ten left to suffer the emotional, social, and need to make godly decisions, the Chris - Material on sexuality and relationships physical consequences of wrongful sexual tian Union has introduced a new “Sex and is “always widely, successfully received.” practices. Spirituality” Bible course this spring to Likewise, such topics capture consider - Conversely, biblically-grounded dating highlight principles for interpersonal re - able interest for students from both relationships can lay the foundation for lationships, dating, marriage, sexual ac - Christian and secular backgrounds. fulfilling, healthy marriages. tivity, and purity. Nowalk has penned “Once you ‘get’ the campuses and The biblical framework for sexual activ - extensive, scholarly material for the start interacting with the students, it’s ity is “intimately connected to God’s char - course. such a front-and-center issue,” said acter. It’s for our good as well as His The new course material is being used Nowalk. “It’s also a common ground glory,” Nowalk said. ■

12 | The Ivy League Christian Observer INTELLECTUAL ENGAGEMENT By Eileen Scott, Senior Writer SPIRITUAL CAPITAL IN THE MARKETPLACE Grant Funds Study of Companies with Faith-Based Virtues

According to researchers at the islands of free commerce despite what he study explores the significance of the Y Yale Center for Faith and Cul - described as “strict and often corrupt company’s commitment to keeping the YALE ture, true wealth and flourish - state control.” Lord’s Day holy. ing come from more than financial The Spiritual Capital Initiative at Yale According to the company’s Corporate capital; it is the result will publish 24 Purpose, Chick-Fil-A exists “to glorify of a higher commodity case studies that God by being a faithful steward of all that known as spiritual profile companies is entrusted to us [and] to have a positive capital. With a $1.875 and the faith- influence on all who come in contact with million grant from based virtues that Chick-Fil-A.” the John Templeton they embody. Ad - Additionally, Chick-Fil-A’s Closed-on- Foundation, Miroslav ditionally, in co - Sunday policy states, “Since Truett Cathy, Volf and Theodore operation with founder and CEO of Chick-Fil-A, opened Roosevelt Malloch are PBS, the initiative his first restaurant in 1946, he has made leading a new initia - will produce a his Closed-on-Sunday policy as much tive that will take a documentary on a part of the Chick-Fil-A brand as the closer look at spiritual “Doing Virtuous original Chick-Fil-A Chicken Sandwich… capital and its impact Business,” which Cathy’s practice of closing his restaurants on the marketplace. will highlight 12 on Sunday is unique to the restaurant Volf is the Director companies that business and a testament to his faith in of the Yale Center for have been identi - God.” Faith & Culture and fied as exempli- The policy says two important things to the Henry B. Wright fying “virtues to - people, according to the company: “One, Professor of Theology day’s companies that there must be something special at Yale Divinity School. and economies about the way Chick-Fil-A people view Malloch, Research need to thrive.” their spiritual life; and, two, that there Professor for the Spiri - The initiative must be something special about how tual Capital Initiative will publish addi - Chick-Fil-A feels about its people.” and the author of Spiri - Theodore Malloch is the Research tional online and Despite suspicions of what being closed tual Enterprise: Doing Professor of the Spiritual Capital print resources on Sunday would do to the company’s bot - Virtuous Business , de - Initiative at Yale. on spiritual capi - tom line, the company has experienced fines spiritual capital as tal and best prac - sales gains for 41 consecutive years. Cathy “the fund of beliefs, examples, and commit - tices and will work in cooperation with stated that “blessings from the Lord” are ments that are transmitted from generation the European Academy of Business in the reason for the company’s success, and to generation through a religious tradition, Society to host a series of conferences on he called the closed-on-Sunday policy, and which attach people to the transcenden - world religions’ traditions of practical “the best decision I’ve ever made.” tal source of human happiness.” More than simply impacting individ - ual happiness, Malloch contends that More than simply impacting individual spiritual capital overflows into the workplace and ultimately impacts whole happiness, Theodore Malloch contends economies. “Human beings, guided by faith and that spiritual capital overflows into the hope, add value to nature and transform it in powerfully positive ways,” said Mal - workplace and ultimately impacts loch. “This happened in Europe and North America since the 17 th century and whole economies. gave rise to modern capitalism.” Today, explained Malloch, the world wisdom and their implications for busi - And this, according to Malloch, is in - sees the impact of spiritual capital in re - ness. dicative of the influence of spiritual capi - gions such as Indonesia, in off-shore Chi - The first case study conducted by re - tal. In his book, Malloch wrote, “Far from nese communities, the now-burgeoning searchers was done on the fast-food restricting business success, faith dra - economy of India, and in Latin American chain, Chick-Fil-A. Entitled “Chick-Fil-A: matically amplifies our economic poten - evangelical communities that are creating Adding Value by Closing on Sunday?” the tial and enables the free market to create

Spring 2011 | 13 INTELLECTUAL ENGAGEMENT

wealth for us all, ben - viceMaster, Ascen - test,” said Malloch. “Many scholars are efiting everyone.” He sion Health, and now trying to more fully demonstrate the also said, “Virtuous Tyson Foods, among relevance, validity, and potential of the enterprise accom - others. notion that spiritual mores and underpin - plishes two enor - Despite the impact nings demonstrably affect development mously important virtue has had upon and economic behavior from consumer things: it makes the businesses thus far, habits to firm organization to following world in which we Malloch said that ethical practices and standards.” live a better place, spiritual capital is Thus, the cultivation of spiritual vitality and it makes our less developed as a within students and young business pro - business far more component of schol - fessionals has the potential to impact the successful, more arly research and culture in profound ways. profitable than they marketplace growth. As Malloch put it, “The creation of otherwise would be.” Miroslav Volf, the Director of the “The notion of wealth requires capital investment, and Other companies Yale Center for Faith & Culture, will ‘spiritual capital’ is the most essential part of that investment highlighted by the co-lead the school's new Spiritual just beginning to is the spiritual capital with which enter - initiative include Ser - Capital Initiative. pass the so-what prise begins, then flowers and bears fruit.” ■

By Catherine Elvy, Staff Writer ‘A FRONTAL ASSAULT ON THE FREEDOM OF ASSOCIATION’ Attorney Discusses Implications of Hastings Decision

At its heart, the right to the free - another key U.S. Constitutional provision, implications of the court’s ruling. D dom of speech is closely tied to the right to freedom of assembly. “It will come as no surprise to a sophis - DARTMOUTH – and largely dependent upon – That was one of the messages from ticated audience like this, as losing coun - Michael McConnell when the former U.S. sel of the case, I’m inclined to be critical Court of Appeals judge spoke at Dart - of the court’s decision,” McConnell told mouth College about his role in a contro - Dartmouth students. versial case involving a clash between In June 2010, the high court ruled that religious freedom and antidiscrimination the law school did not violate the First principles. Amendment by withdrawing recognition McConnell, a leading authority on free - of the Christian student organization be - dom of speech and religion, recently ap - cause it excluded gay students as voting peared at the Rockefeller Center for members and leaders. Public Policy, where he discussed his rep - The San Francisco-based college ap - resentation in a recent U.S. Supreme plied an “all-comers” policy; student or - Court case involving a religious student ganizations were entitled to financial organization at a public university. assistance, use of meeting space, and McConnell, the director of the Stanford other resources as long as they permitted Constitutional Law Center at Stanford all students to participate in their activi - University, also received recognition ties, according to news reports. within legal circles when his name was The local chapter of the Christian Legal floated as a potential nominee to the Society forbid students from becoming Supreme Court during the administration voting members or assuming leadership of President George W. Bush, Yale ’68 positions unless they affirmed orthodox and Harvard Business School ’75. Christian beliefs and disavowed sexual Though his recent client, a student immorality. The association disapproved Attorney Michael McConnell spoke to chapter of the Christian Legal Society, lost of “sexual conduct outside of marriage Dartmouth students about a Supreme its case against the University of Califor - between a man and a woman.” Court decision that affects freedom of nia’s Hastings College of Law, McConnell At the heart of its case, the Christian speech and freedom of assembly. paused to highlight some of the potential Legal Society argued the school’s policy

14 | The Ivy League Christian Observer violated its First Amendment rights to campus, the Christian Legal Society’s sex - the content of their speech by excluding free association and religious freedom. ual-purity policy “ran afoul of Hasting’s those who do not share their central pur - Nonetheless, Justice Ruth Bader Gins - nondiscrimination policy,” McConnell poses and beliefs from voting and leader - burg, Cornell ’54 and Columbia Law ’59, told Dartmouth students. ship roles.” said it was constitutionally permissible “Hastings said that their actual policy McConnell told Dartmouth students for public universities to require official was that all groups were required to ac - that freedom of association should not be student organizations to accept all stu - cept all students – and even let them vote simply “collapsed” into freedom of dents. Such a policy was sufficient to and participate in leadership – even if speech. overcome First Amendment concerns, es - pecially in the interest of bringing to - “The freedom of association necessary gether individuals of diverse views, news reports said. includes the freedom to limit your At Dartmouth, McConnell countered that freedom of speech, especially for an association to people who share your organization, is dependent upon the abil - ity to “gather with other likeminded peo - values and beliefs. Were it not so, outsiders ple… We cannot communicate as a group unless we can gather as a group.” and even adversaries could have the power McConnell warned that a wide variety to alter or distort your message.” of organizations, including the National Association for the Advancement of Col - —Michael McConnell ored People, Jews for Jesus, and the Democratic National Committee, need to they did not share and even if they openly “Diversity of opinion is spread through be able to meet with likeminded mem - opposed the purposes and beliefs of the diversity of groups,” he said. bers. group. If actually enforced, this would Likewise, McConnell warned that the “The freedom of association necessary mean that groups of all sorts would lose debate over homosexual marriage could includes the freedom to limit your associ - control over their identity.” extend beyond cultural issues and into ation to people who share your values and In response, the Christian Legal Society matters of civil liberties. beliefs. Were it not so, outsiders and even contended that the “all-comers” policy Ultimately, “all Americans, even those adversaries could have the power to alter was a “frontal assault on the freedom of who dissent from the currently prevailing or distort your message,” he said. association for every student group.” majority, have a right to speak, form “The NAACP is not discriminating In a legal filing, the organization said, groups, and conduct their lives in accor - when it refuses to allow a racist skinhead “All noncommercial, expressive associa - dance with their own beliefs without for - to sit in on its planning meetings.” tions, regardless of their beliefs, have a feiting their rights to share in the benefits However, as viewed on its California constitutionally protected right to control of public life.” ■

By Eileen Scott, Senior Writer WHAT IS MARRIAGE? Ivy League Alumni Give Imperative Definition

A paper that defines marriage about marriage such as what physically union, which is achieved “when a man H clearly and unapologetically as constitutes a marriage; what impact in - and woman coordinate to perform an act HARVARD the union of one man and one fertility has on the marital union; how of the kind that causes conception.” woman was published in the Harvard civil “marriage” would impact society; The Ivy League alumni explain that Journal of Law and Public Policy this and why marriage isn’t just whatever we “any union of two people that did not in - winter. say it is. volve organic bodily union would not be Princeton Professor Robert George “Marriage is distinguished from every comprehensive—it would leave out an im - (Harvard ’81), Notre Dame Ph.D. Candi - other form of friendship inasmuch as it is portant part of each person’s being.” date Ryan Anderson (Princeton ’04), and comprehensive. It involves a sharing of Bearing and rearing children together Princeton Ph.D. Candidate Sherif Girgis lives and resources, and a union of minds is also a component of a marriage and is (Princeton ’08) co-wrote the paper, enti - and wills,” according to the paper. based upon the biological ability to phys - tled “What is Marriage?” Additionally, the writers contend that ically consummate the marriage and pro - The writers address common issues real marriage requires an organic bodily create, according to the paper. However,

Spring 2011 | 15 INTELLECTUAL ENGAGEMENT

the writers also point out that childless “In other words, a mistaken marriage claring war” on same-sex marriages, the couples, by the very nature of their ability policy tends to distort people’s under - paper is also “demeaning to opposite sex couples that do not produce their own off - spring.” On the contrary, George and his collab - orators clearly state: “To form a real mar - riage, a couple needs to establish and live out the kind of union that would be com - plete by, and be apt for, procreation and child-rearing…Any act of organic bodily union can seal a marriage, whether or not it causes conception.” To further bring home their point, the three writers respond to Yoshino’s rebut - tal in the Public Discourse , and address his claim that their paper “declares war” on same-sex marriage. “Then has Yoshino ‘declared war’ on the (according to Newsweek ) 500,000 polyamorous U.S. households, by failing to support a policy that would ratify their romantic commitments as civil mar - riages? By this standard, no policy that proposed standards for which arrange - ments could be legally recognized as mar - riages—in other words, no marriage (L-R)) Sherif Girgis (Princeton ’08), Princeton Professor Robert George (Harvard policy, period—would pass muster,” they ’81), and Ryan Anderson (Princeton ’04) co-wrote the paper entitled, “What is write. Marriage? ” Further, they said, “Professor Yoshino’s rhetoric is thus, to all appearances, de - to consummate the marriage, also share a standing of the kind of relationship that signed to exploit caricatures of conserva - marital bond, even though they may be spouses are to form and sustain.” tives as mean-spirited bigots out to infertile. Not surprisingly, the article received thwart those not like themselves.” For those married couples who do bear criticism from those advocating same-sex In February, the marriage paper was children together, the benefits to the off - “marriage.” listed on the Social Science Research Net - spring are great. In a New York Times editorial, gay work’s Top Ten download list for jour - “According to the best available socio - logical evidence, children fare best on vir - tually every indicator of well-being when “Marriage is distinguished from every reared by their wedded biological par - ents,” they write. other form of friendship inasmuch as it Beyond the family unit, the authors contend that redefining marriage would is comprehensive. It involves a sharing have a negative impact upon society: “In redefining marriage, the law would teach of lives and resources, and a union of that marriage is fundamentally about minds and wills.” adults’ emotional unions, not bodily union or children, with which marital norms are tightly intertwined. Since rights legal scholar and former Yale Pro - nals. It’s apparent that many people emotions can be inconstant, viewing fessor Kenji Yoshino, Harvard ’91 and remain interested in pondering the ques - marriage essentially as an emotional Yale Law ’96, takes issue with the authors’ tion “What is marriage?” Thankfully, it’s a union would tend to increase marital in - contentions. question men like George, Anderson, and stability….” Yoshino claims that in addition to “de - Girgis remain ready to answer. ■

16 | The Ivy League Christian Observer By Kevin Plybon, Columbia ’11 DECIPHERING A NOT-SO-COMMON DENOMINATOR New Book Examines Changing Role of Religion in American Culture

A new book by two Ivy League Additionally, the authors say, while Further, the authors point to research I authors chronicles the trends Americans “overwhelmingly” identify with showing “the rise of the new nones closely ALL IVY in religion in the United States a religion, they don’t necessarily act upon corresponds to the visibility of the Reli - during the past five decades. American it. “Not all who identify with a religion fre - gious Right in the public media, suggest - Grace: How Religion Divides and Unites quently attend religious services or engage ing that the rise of the nones might be Us, by Robert D. Putnam, Yale Ph.D. ’70, in religious behavior,” they observe. some sort of backlash against religious and David E. Campbell, Harvard Ph.D. There is also a striking difference be - conservatism.” ’02, is an epic volume chock full of in - tween the way evangelicals and non- Their research reveals that while politi - sights about the state of religion in the evangelicals view what is good and evil, cal conservatives who were raised evan - United States. the authors say. According to their 2006 gelicals retained that faith, political The book reveals the religious impact of Faith Matters survey, liberals who were raised the tumultuous 1960s and the resulting “three-quarters of evangelical changed “aftershocks.” The authors also discuss evangelicals said that their religious affilia - the ebb and flow of religious affiliation ‘there are absolutely tion. Political liberals among Americans and the influence, or clear guidelines as to raised in other faith tra - lack thereof, of secularism. Like the title, what is good and evil,’ ditions changed their the book highlights apparent contradic - while a majority of affiliation to none. tions in the American religious experi - non-evangelicals said “Somewhat surpris - ence and attempts to answer the question instead ‘there can ingly, this pattern of of why such a pluralistic religious field never be absolutely switching suggests that does not breed contempt. clear guidelines as to people whose religious American Grace has received critical what is good and evil.’” and political affiliations attention and acclaim for its depth, However, while are ‘inconsistent’ as breadth, and relevancy. In the New York Christians can’t always judged by today’s parti - Times, Robert Wright stated that the agree on what is good san alignments—that is, book is “urgently relevant to the recent or evil, there does ap - liberal churchgoers and surge in interfaith tension” and “intellec - pear to be one common un-churched conserva - tually powerful.” Further, Martin E. influence upon how tives—are more likely to Marty of The Christian Post calls Ameri - Americans, particularly resolve the inconsis - can Grace “the religion and culture block - young adults, choose to tency by changing their Robert D. Putnam, Yale Ph.D. buster book of the season.” worship – politics. religion than by chang - ’70, and David E. Campbell, Based upon the extensive Faith Matters “A growing number Harvard Ph.D. ’02, have ing their politics,” the surveys, as well as several other studies of Americans, especially authored the comprehensive authors conclude. “It and surveys, including Gallup Polls and young people, have book, American Grace: How seemed implausible the Pew Religion and Public Life reports, come to disavow reli - Religion Divides and Unites Us. that people would haz - the book gives credible insight into the re - gion. For many, their ard the fate of their ligious lives of Americans. Putnam and aversion to religion is rooted in unease eternal soul over mundane political con - Campbell’s conclusions go beyond the su - with the association between religion and troversies.” perficial reporting of data, delving into conservative politics,” the authors state. But while Americans have trouble toler - the substance—and, at times, contradic - Specifically, they report the period ating politics in their religious experience, tions—intertwined with the data. from 1991 to 2008 showed an increasing they apparently are accepting of others For example, the authors note, “Today, objection to the influence of religious with differing religious beliefs. According America remains, on average, a highly re - leaders in political matters. One cited sur - to the authors, Americans cultivate many ligious nation, but that average obscures a vey indicates that young Americans came relationships with nonbelievers and mem - growing secular swath of the population.” to view religion as “judgmental, homo - bers of other religions. Yet, they don’t anticipate the seculariza - phobic, hypocritical, and too political.” And it is through those relationships, tion of America to equal that of Europe “In the mid-1980’s, evangelicals had the authors say, Americans have “solved any time soon. outnumbered ‘nones’ (those without reli - the puzzle of religious pluralism.” It’s “While recognizing the slow genera - gious affiliation) among American twenty- been done, they write, “by creating a web tional decline in American religiosity over somethings by more than 2:1; but by 2008 of interlocking personal relationships the last half century, we are skeptical those proportions were almost completely among people of many different faiths.” about bold assertions of secularization in overturned, as young nones outnumbered And that, they conclude, is “America’s America,” they write. young evangelicals by better than 1.5:1.” grace.” ■

Spring 2011 | 17 MEDIA AND MINISTRY By Eileen Scott, Senior Writer

REDEEMING HOLLYWOOD Dartmouth Alumnus Directs Movieguide

In Hollywood, where swans are black, vampires are ro - mantic, and wives are desper - ate, celebrating faith and values might appear to be in vain. However, for the last 19 years, Ted Baehr, Dartmouth ‘69, has bestowed awards on positive, redemptive films, and released industry facts that contradict popular opinion as to what moviegoers really want to see. Baehr is the founder and publisher of Movieguide and chairman of the Christian Film & Television Commission min - istry. Movieguide is “a family guide to movies and entertain - ment” that rates new releases according to standards be - yond PG, PG-13, and R. During the annual Faith and Values Awards Gala and Report to the Entertainment Industry, Baehr presents awards to the films, actors, and television shows that are most family- friendly. He also presents a bevy of research that shows that faith and values do play in Holly - wood. Simply put, “Movies with faith and moral values do better at the box office,” said Baehr.

18 | The Ivy League Christian Observer Photo courtesy of Movieguide In February, more than 450 top Hollywood executives attended the 19 th Annual Movieguide Awards at the Universal Hilton in Hollywood. The event targets the upper echelon of executives be - cause they are the ones who drive the industry. Harvard alumnus and author Dr. William Jeynes ’92 began the evening with an opening prayer, and Christian Union Founder and President Matt Bennett (Cornell ’88, MBA ’89) gave the benediction. “As the philosopher Peter Kreeft once said, in terms of influ - encing culture, ‘it comes down to Harvard and Hollywood, ’” Bennett said, pointing out that there is an affinity between Chris - tian Union and Movieguide. “We are both ministries that focus on a narrow, unreached segment that has a disproportionate in - fluence on the culture.” Photo courtesy of Movieguide The winners of Movieguide’s 2010 Awards were Chronicles of Actor Kevin Sorbo, his wife Sam Sorbo, and Ted Baehr, Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (Most Inspiring Dartmouth '69, at the Movieguide Awards. Movie), Toy Story 3 (Best Movie for Familes), and Secretariat (Best Movie for Mature Audiences). “It’s about an agenda,” Jeynes said, explaining why he believes Baehr presented research analyses of 270 movies from 2010. Hollywood continues to produce films with liberal worldviews, His report revealed that despite popular belief, the good, the despite the more conservative preferences of audiences. true, and the beautiful are quantifiably preferred over the bad, “If you can’t make movies to the audience, then change the vile, and the ugly—by a significant majority of moviegoers. the audience. If you blast people with a liberal worldview, people According to Baehr, “people want to see their religious faith re - will be changed,” he said. spected and celebrated.” Baehr is not alone in his mission. He says despite contrary Baehr also noted that since the inception of the Movieguide opinion, there are Christian actors, producers, and executives Awards and Report to the Entertainment Industry, “the number who care about the industry and about honoring God. of movies with positive Christian content and moral, biblical val - In an interview with the Christian Post , actor Kevin Sorbo ues has more than quadrupled.” (: The Legendary Journeys) , the host of the 19 th Annual However, despite the consistent positive increase, Baehr cau - Movieguide Awards, said he has turned down roles that were tions that the minority of gratuitous, and morally perverse films contrary to his values. Sorbo won Movieguide’s Grace Award for targeted toward young people are still being touted by some crit - his performance in What If . ics and are having a negative impact on viewers. In the recently-released Soul Surfer , the inspiring true story of “Our children and grandchildren, therefore, remain at risk a teen (Bethany Hamilton) who survives a shark-attack, Sorbo from the filth and toxic ideas emanating from some people in the joins Dennis Quaid, Helen Hunt, and other A-list actors in a film movie and television industry,” Baehr wrote in his summary let - that unashamedly glorifies God. However, like Jeynes, Sorbo is con - cerned that the Hollywood agenda of - “Our children and grandchildren, therefore, ten circumvents what is true. remain at risk from the filth and toxic ideas “Hollywood likes to put out their own message...If you keep saying two emanating from some people in the plus two equals five over and over again, then that is what people are go - movie and television industry.” ing to think. Maybe it does equal five if we keep changing the definition of —Ted Baehr what’s normal and what’s right and what’s wrong.” ter to the entertainment industry. Young people spend roughly Therefore, said Jeynes, standing for the truth amidst the lies is 75% more time interacting with media than they do with their vital in changing the moral course of the culture. “If we’re to see parents or churches, studies show. this nation turned around for Christ, we need to identify the as - Therefore, it’s Baehr’s mission to show Hollywood executives pects of society that mold our country the most and intervene for that there is an audience for quality movies void of the promis - the sake of the gospel,” he said. cuity and gratuitousness, and that faith and values fiscally pay Through Movieguide and its report to the entertainment in - off at the box office. dustry, that’s exactly what Baehr and other Christians in Holly - However, William Jeynes, who works with Baehr on several wood are striving to do. research projects, cautions that the danger from Hollywood To read Movieguide online, visit www.movieguide.org. The comes not just from immoral content, but from audience manip - 19 th Annual Movieguide Awards Gala will be aired on the Hall - ulation and distorted truth. mark Channel on May 16. ■

Spring 2011 | 19 MEDIA AND MINISTRY

‘CULTURE MAKERS’ Ivy League Alumni Influence Tinseltown

David Alan Johnson, a writer and producer for televi - Ivy League education and pedigree, he explained; those who are sion and film, estimates that at least half of the gate - Ivy alumni have a great affinity for others coming into the indus - keepers in Hollywood are Ivy League alumni. try from those schools. An entertainment media veteran who has worked with compa - Johnson said many Hollywood insiders see themselves as nies such as Disney, Sony, Warner Brothers, and DreamWorks, “culture makers.” Johnson was the co-creator of the television series DOC and Sue “People come to Hollywood because of ideology, not just to Thomas F. B. Eye. His analysis of Hollywood gatekeepers is right make money. They come with a strong sense of their perception in line with a Christian Union white paper that shows how a dis - of what should go on. Many of them think it’s a higher calling,” proportionate percentage of our nation’s most influential leaders he said. Sadly, however, Johnson says his opinion of the so-called gate - keepers, is that “almost none have a Christian worldview,” he said. John Seel, Ph.D., president of nCore Media in Los Angeles, also sees the tremendous potential for impact that Christians can have on the media and subsequently the culture. “The academy, media, and entertainment (sectors) are collec - tively the culture industry, creating the taken-for-granted as - sumptions of reality for most people,” said Seel. “Whoever shapes the imagination of a society establishes the frames through which all other facts are filtered. Consequently, there is no arena more important for kingdom influence.” However, having that influence as a Christian can be difficult in an industry where openly discussing faith is uncommon and expressing that faith is usually frowned upon. Executives don’t want their names associated with Christian - ity, Johnson said. “People keep it quiet.” The main considera - tion seems to be the reaction of response by one’s peers in an industry that is pro-same sex union, pro-abortion, etc. However, Johnson said he does believe that those who are Christian and who have Ivy degrees are more accepted into the Director David Alan Johnson (right) on the set of Sue Hollywood fold. Thomas F.B. Eye “If you come in with an Ivy League credential you are ab - solutely more welcome and less scrutinized than someone else,” in business, media, medicine and politics come from just eight Johnson said. “When a Christian [alumnus] does come in he’s leading universities. That number can be as high as 50% in some going to be less scrutinized and more accepted instantly because fields. of that; which is great because you can have impact.” According to the white paper, “an Ivy League alumnus is 173 Thus, after years of working in Hollywood and in the enter - times more likely to hold a position of leadership such as media tainment industry, Johnson sees his work, and that of other company CEO, or editor of a large newspaper or magazine.” Christians who choose to work in Hollywood, as not just being “There’s definitely a pipeline from the Ivy League to the halls creators of media but also as being missionaries in a field that is of positions of power in Hollywood,” said Johnson, an alumnus ripe for sharing the gospel and for impacting the culture for of Arizona State University. Executives in Hollywood value the Christ. ■

“People come to Hollywood because of ideology, not just to make money. They come with a strong sense of their perception of what should go on. Many of them think it’s a higher calling.” —David Alan Johnson

20 | The Ivy League Christian Observer By Eileen Scott, Senior Writer FOX SPORTS: JOHN 3:16 AD IS NOT SUPER Fixed Point Foundation Commercial Rejected for Television’s Biggest Stage

A baby crashes into a glass window. A woman physi - “The network’s rejection of a 30-second spot centered on John C cally assaults her husband. A scantily-clad septuage - 3:16 is just one example of an advertising culture that can be al - COLUMBIA narian is shameless. This content was just a sample of lergic to expressions of faith,” wrote Mark Oppenheimer, reli - the television ads Fox Sports deemed acceptable during Super gion columnist for . “Sports are infused Bowl XLV. But when it came to a spot that fea - with religion,” noting that “fans hold signs, tured a man looking up John 3:16 on his phone, coaches lead prayers, and the players kneel or the network said the commercial was an illegal cross themselves after touchdowns.” procedure. Additionally, Big Hollywood.com called Fox John 3:16 has been seen on the sidelines, in the out for its policy of not promoting specific end zones, and in the eye black of football players agendas. The ad was linked on the Big like Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow for Hollywood.com Web site as well as other media years, but Fox rejected the ad for its Super Bowl sites, enabling readers to view the ad while read - lineup because it contained “religious doctrine.” ing about it. The ad was produced by Fixed Point Founda - Ultimately, the John 3:16 commercial served to tion, a nonprofit organization with the mission to bring attention to God’s Word, but it also “promote a confident Christianity in the public prompted discussion and debate within the cul - square by fortifying the minds of Christians and ture and among skeptics, which is what Fixed challenging the faith of skeptics.” Point is all about. Fixed Point Associate Director Bill Wortman, As a former atheist, Wortman knows some - Columbia MA ’95, said he wasn’t surprised the thing about skepticism. While a cadet at the U.S. ad, which contained no reference to Fixed Point Bill Wortman, Columbia MA Air Force Academy, Wortman was known as “the or even Christianity, was not aired. In today’s so - ‘95, is the associate director guy who picked on Christians.” He saw Christian - ciety, he believes, public discussion of Christian - of the Fixed Point ity as a commercial venue people used to make ity is treated like a bad habit. Foundation. money. “I didn’t see much intellectual gravitas in “Christianity in the public sphere is treated like it. I didn’t take it seriously.” smoking,” he said. “People are annoyed that you do it. However, But his Christian roommate did take it seriously, and chal - if you insist on doing it, there are places to do that in private.” lenged Wortman to look at the evidence of Christianity. In ac - But Wortman and Fixed Point Foundation don’t believe in cepting that challenge, Wortman found the truth and became a keeping faith private. Fixed Point openly challenges critics like Christian in 1988. atheists Christopher Hitchens and Peter Singer by sponsoring Wortman left the Air Force Academy and finished studying at public debates where the truth of the Gospel can be examined. the University of Minnesota, where he majored in the classical Two years ago, Fixed Point joined Christian Union in hosting a languages. He went on to work in the translations department of debate between Peter Singer and Di - nesh D’Souza, Dartmouth ’83, at . “Christianity in the public sphere is Realizing that John 3:16 was already treated like smoking,” he said. “People present in the football arena, Fixed Point President Larry Taunton set out are annoyed that you do it. However, if to create an ad to help people under - stand what it means. you insist on doing it, there are places to “Fox treated us very well,” Wortman said. But, when they submitted the do that in private.” storyboard to the network, it was re - —Bill Wortman jected. That put John 3:16 in the same “rejected” category as commer - the International Bible Society and also taught Latin and Greek. cials submitted by such provocative organizations as Ashley Subsequently, he joined Taunton at Fixed Point. Madison, which is an online dating service catering to adulterous Through debates and other initiatives, Fixed Point strives to affairs. create forums where the relevancy of Christianity is brought to Ironically, the Fixed Point ad may have garnered more media light, even if it isn’t accepted by everyone. attention by being rejected than if it had aired during the football The John 3:16 ad is one example. The organization’s attempt game. Perplexed by Fox’s decision, media outlets like the New to reach a worldwide audience with the Gospel message illumi - York Times and Huffington Post questioned whether Fox might nated a bias in the media and also brought into the public square have been out of bounds. a discussion about the relevance of Christianity. ■

Spring 2011 | 21 MEDIA AND MINISTRY By Kevin Plybon, Columbia ’11 NO LONGER A ‘SPECTATOR’ English Major Enjoys Challenging Editorial Position

Rebekah Mays, BC ’12, only partially knew what she But instead of feeling weighed down by a lack of community C was getting into when she signed on as the new co-ed - with believers, Mays found herself welcomed and included into a COLUMBIA itor of The Columbia Spectator ’s editorial page. She caring, supportive, tight-knit group of friends—a family. “One of felt strongly that God had called her to be part of the organiza - the things I’ve assumed is that outside of Christian circles, strong tion, and that as a consequence, her spring semester would be community doesn’t really exist,” she said. “Even though at much busier and full of late nights. Looking back, Mays, an Eng - Columbia a community like The Spectator is really rare, it’s lish major and a member of Intervarsity (www.columbia.edu/ opened my eyes to the need to have deep non-Christian friend - cu/ivcf), said although the semester was indeed busy, she would - ships and relationships.” n’t trade her time at Columbia’s newspaper for anything. One example of this community in action is the level of support The Columbia Daily Spectator is an independent, student-run she received when her grandmother passed away earlier this year. newspaper that publishes five days a week and features articles “My editors said, ‘Don’t even worry about The Spectator right on the greater Morningside area of New York City as well as stu - now, you need to go home and be with your family,” she said. dent news and is - Of course, Mays has also experienced challenges. Despite sues. As Mays making a number of non-Christian friends and doing work that describes it, the she feels is her calling, she has found it difficult to negotiate the paper is a massive intense party scene that exists at The Spectator . “I’ve had to operation that in - make decisions and think really hard about them,” she said. “Be - corporates the ing so close with non-Christians has made me examine my faith hard work of over in a way that I haven’t before.” two hundred stu - The result, Mays said, is that the “kingdom work” she was ex - dents. For many, pecting God to accomplish in the people around her has actually the task is almost been going on in her own heart. Mays said she has “come to grips a full-time job. with a lot of her shortcomings and places where she is afraid, and Mays’ responsi - has been able to ‘re-approach scripture’ in a fresh way.” bilities are numer - Mays said it has also been exciting to be part of a general rise ous, from final of the Christian presence in the media. “I’ve been talking with reads of opinion someone who used to work for The New York Times who page pieces, to co - has been praying for Rebekah Mays, BC ’12 and a member ordinating with years for Christians in of InterVarsity at Columbia, is the columnists, op-ed the media,” she said, co-editor of The Columbia Spectator ’s writers, and writ - “and I get to be a part editorial page. ing staff editorials. of answering that As co-editor of the prayer.” opinion page, she manages the work of seven columnists, as well But it is the trans - as cartoon and comic artists. The junior also helps run a twice- formation of her own weekly meeting of the editorial board, and directs all the opinion faith, and her ideas of content on Spectrum , The Spectator’s online blog. what Christian com - Mays said that when she accepted the position, she thought of munity is and could it as “kingdom work.” be that Mays will al - “I knew that I wouldn’t be able to spend as much time with my ways remember: “It’s Christian friends in Intervarsity, and I thought that it was going interesting, because I to be difficult being in a new environment with people who dis - thought that I would agreed with me on some pretty fundamental things,” said Mays, go in [to The Specta - who was eager to be a strong witness for Christ and impact the tor ] and change peo - culture of The Spectator . ples’ lives. I don’t Working on the editorial page for a semester, however, has ir - think that’s impossi - revocably changed her view of non-Christian and even Christian ble, and I think God is work environments and community. Prior to her work with The doing amazing things Spectator , Mays had few close, non-Christian friends, and lived there, but I realized primarily in what she calls a “Christian bubble.” At The Specta - that from what I can tor , she experienced the exact opposite—she had few, if any, in - see, God is using this teractions with other believers, while simultaneously spending opportunity to change large chunks of time at the office with her fellow editors. me. ” ■

22 | The Ivy League Christian Observer

IN PERSON By Angela Lu THE HEART OF A WARRIOR Former Harvard Basketball Star Overcomes the Odds to Make NBA

Editor’s note: The following tens of thousands of Asian-American ance. In a summer league game, with H story is reprinted with permis - youngsters. dozens of scouts looking on, Lin out - HARVARD sion from WORLD Magazine That hope took a hit two months after played No. 1 overall pick John Wall and (www.worldmag.com). Lin’s debut, as the Warriors demoted him put the NBA world on notice. Suddenly to the NBA Development League for more teams such as the Mavericks, Lakers, and Jeremy Lin, Harvard ’10, is no blue work on his game. For Lin, 22, the move Warriors were interested in the Harvard chip. College basketball programs over - amounted to just one more challenge in a grad. looked him out of high school. And NBA trying basketball journey that has en - “So many times I went through a tough scouts overlooked him out of college. countered doubts from coaches at every situation and God turned it into a mira - level. cle,” Lin said. “He took a bad thing and Lacking the explosive athleticism of turned it into a good thing.” many players at the guard position, Lin is Lin credits his Christian faith for pro - often underestimated—typically to the viding balance amid vocational uncer - detriment of opposing defenses. At Palo tainty. With over 30 NBA games now Alto High School, he filled up stat sheets under his belt and a Golden State coach - en route to a state championship. Receiv - ing staff convinced of his talent, Lin ing no Division I scholarship offers, he appears headed for an extended profes - “Every time a tough situation comes around, I don’t need to question if God is with me, but I do need to see how I can best glorify Him and if there’s anything I need to grow in. Everything happens through His perfect plan— so much of my life has confirmed it.”

shipped out to Harvard and promptly sional basketball career. He is conscious shattered school records as the first Ivy of the mantle his ethnicity brings and in - League player ever to record 1,450 points, creasingly comfortable in carrying it. But 450 rebounds, 400 assists, and 200 his ultimate hope is to leverage the atten - steals. Such numbers made him one of 11 dant public platform and financial afflu - Former Harvard basketball standout finalists for the Bob Cousy Award, given ence of an NBA stint to effect urban Jeremy Lin ’10 is a member of the to the nation’s top collegiate point guard. renewal. Golden State Warriors. But the accolades did not translate to an Lin plans to create a nonprofit founda - NBA draft selection, as Lin was over - tion that helps children in inner-city com - Nevertheless, when the Bay Area native looked again. munities get their high-school diplomas, came off the bench for the first time in a The frustration taught him nothing if while also introducing them to Jesus. Af - Golden State Warrior jersey this past fall, not perspective: “Every time a tough situa - ter basketball, he has entertained the idea the crowd inside Oracle Arena erupted. tion comes around, I don’t need to ques - of attending seminary and becoming a The haven’t stopped since. With tion if God is with me, but I do need to see pastor. every catch of a pass, every made basket, how I can best glorify Him and if there’s In the meantime, he says that no mat - every dribble drive, NBA crowds across anything I need to grow in,” Lin said. ter how much his career may mean to the country bulge in volume. It’s as “Everything happens through His perfect Asian-Americans, he is learning to resist though Lin’s very presence represents plan—so much of my life has confirmed it.” making sport ultimate and “to have the something bigger than basketball. And it In the post-draft malaise of self-doubt, humility to admit that nothing I do on the does. As the first Asian-American in the Lin’s divine confirmation came by way of basketball court will make God love me league since 1947, Lin embodies hope for one explosive and unexpected perform - more.” ■

24 | The Ivy League Christian Observer PRINCETON ALUMNUS GUIDES APOLOGETICS PROGRAM AT OXFORD Center Mixes Evangelism and Academic Grounding in Scripture

A Princeton alumnus is playing Currently, there are 19 stu - P a key role in shaping an emerg - dents from nine countries, in - PRINCETON ing Christian training program cluding one Princeton alumna, affiliated with Oxford University. enrolled in the apologetics cen - Vince Vitale, Princeton ’04, is serving ter’s one-year program. RZIM as a key scholar at The Oxford Centre for runs the program, which is ac - Christian Apologetics, a partnership be - credited via Wycliffe. tween Ravi Zacharias International Min - Wycliffe is a “permanent pri - istries and Wycliffe Hall, an independent vate hall” at Oxford, meaning it theology program within the University is one of six, independent semi - of Oxford. naries within the university. Vitale, who is completing a doctorate in In all, Oxford consists of 38 from Oxford this spring, is the self-governing colleges and six first full-time academician at the apolo - halls that relate to the university getics center to also hold a full-time post in a federal-type system. Sepa - within Wycliffe. In September 2009, Vi - rate denominations founded tale started in a newly created position each hall, one of which dates designed, in part, to help apologetics stu - back to 1221. dents to earn an Oxford-accredited cer - The goal of the apologetics tificate. center is to offer Christians To receive accreditation, the apologet - both solid academic grounding ics center needed a scholar with creden - in Scriptures and vibrant evan - tials within one of the university’s gelistic tools. Officials seek to established academic divisions, in part, to “train Christians so that they help guarantee the assessment and qual - not only have a strong academic ity of student writing assignments. grounding of Scripture, but they also are passionate to share Vitale, who completed a master of the - their faith,” said David Lloyd, ology degree from Oxford in 2006, spent vice president of international the 2006-2007 year lecturing part-time development with RZIM. in Princeton’s philosophy and religion de - “One of the big problems we partments. identify in the West is that many Through his new role, Vitale serves as academics are very learned but an academic tutor at the apologetics cen - don’t have the passion to share Vince Vitale, Princeton ’04, is a key academician ter and as a tutor in evangelism and their faith – and some evangel - at The Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics. apologetics at Wycliffe, in addition to ists are enthusiastic, but not serving as a speaker with Ravi Zacharias able to argue their faith with a deep un - anthropology major from Maryland. International Ministry (RZIM). Within derstanding of the credibility of the It also may provide a framework for a the British university system, a tutor is an Gospel.” potential legal career specializing in hu - academic who teaches and advises a To accommodate a variety of schedul - man rights. “I’m looking at how humans group of students. ing needs, the apologetics center offers are given certain inalienable rights The apologetics center began in the single-day sessions, one-week courses, through our creator,” she said. “We can 2004-2005 academic year with the goal eight-week courses, and one-year base the understanding of human rights of offering in-depth evangelism training courses. through our God.” in an academically rigorous environment. The one-year course targets individuals Likewise, former Christian Union in - It has a “full and equal commitment to with a bachelor’s degree and offers a cer - tern Adrian Mullings, Princeton ’04, com - academic excellence, to the spiritual for - tificate. Rebekah McCallum, Princeton pleted the eight-week course in 2008. mation of its students, and to sharing the ’10, is among this year’s class. “We’re looking both for people who Christian faith with conviction, compas - “I really felt compelled by God to apply have a very strong academic background sion, and cultural relevance,” said Vitale, for the program. The certificate is practi - and a passion for apologetics and evan - who grew up in Central New Jersey. cal in so many ways,” said McCallum, an gelism,” Vitale said.

Spring 2011 | 25 IN PERSON

On a personal level, Vitale plans to re - played in his decision to pursue theol - I had committed to living life with Jesus main in England for the foreseeable fu - ogy. Christ and to sharing the life He makes ture as his wife, Jo, who is English, is “I played varsity soccer at Princeton possible with others.” pursuing a doctorate at Oxford in theol - and was first exposed to a living, dynamic Ultimately, center leaders “want to ogy. Christian faith through the ministry of equip bridge builders – individuals with “One of the big problems we identify in the West is that many academics are very learned but don’t have the passion to share their faith – and some evangelists are enthusiastic, but not able to argue their faith with a deep understanding of the credibility of the Gospel.” —David Lloyd

“Our excitement about the potential of Athletes in Action,” he said. “There I was one foot deep in the Bible and the other [the apologetics center] will be a strong challenged to consider the central claims foot in the culture of the day and who pull to keep us here longer,” Vitale said. of Christianity. I did, and over time, I know how to engage people,” Lloyd said. Nonetheless, Vitale looks back with found myself increasingly impressed with “What we’re trying to do is produce fondness on his undergraduate days at how intellectually robust Christian faith proper evangelists who can give good rea - Princeton – and the role they ultimately could be. By the end of my freshman year, sons for their faith.” ■

Christian Union’s Activities at Princeton Reunions 2011

SATURDAY, May 28 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. – Alumni Panel Discussion McCosh 28 “How I am Living Out My Christian Faith Today” Panelists: Paul Birkeland ’66, Brook Hazelton ’96, Dr. Stacy (Thurber) Whitelock ’96 10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. – Annual Brunch Celebrating Christian Life at Princeton NEW Location: Frist Campus Center, Multipurpose Room B-level SUNDAY, May 29 11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. – Worship Service featuring Major Class Reunion testimonies Nassau Christian Center (corner of Nassau and Chambers Streets across from Holder Hall) Speakers: Thomas Donnelly, Jr. ’61, Abigail Bach ’81, Stephen Edwards ’01

For more information contact [email protected] or visit www.Christian-Union.org/reunions

26 | The Ivy League Christian Observer REACHING OUT By Eileen Scott, Senior Writer LOVING PROVIDENCE Brown Students Spend Spring Break Serving the Poor

A group of Brown University other outreaches. The soup kitchen feeds Overall, students said they were B students received a close-up as many as 800 guests per day, making it blessed by their time of labor, fellowship, BROWN view of the complexities of one of the largest in Rhode Island. Amos and interaction. poverty during spring break. offers permanent and transitional hous - In particular, Jen Kao said she was Nearly a dozen students from Campus ing, job-training programs, literacy amazed by how much she learned about Crusade for Christ’s ministries at the uni - classes and other social services. poverty and appreciated the opportunity versity spent their spring break working The students also fixed a special lunch - to serve in Providence’s troubled inner with organizations that serve the home - eon for 100 or so guests at the Providence core. less community in Providence, Rhode Is - Rescue Mission and prepared several “It was amazing to chat with people land. hundred dinners for “Our state, and particularly Provi - the organization’s dence, has one of the highest unemploy - soup kitchen as well ment rates in the country,” said Lorenna as another area soup Ellis, an intern with Crusade at Brown. “It kitchen. has a sizeable and growing homeless pop - In addition, the ulation.” students spent a day The students and staffers from College performing odd jobs Hill for Christ and Athletes in Action par - at Crossroads Rhode ticipated in the spring-break venture, Island, which offers which was dubbed “Love Providence.” a variety of services Ellis organized the local outreach, including emergency which was sponsored by a Christian shelter and transi - Union grant, to give students key insights tional housing. into the complex issues of homelessness On Sunday morn - and poverty in Providence. As part of that ing, the team from effort, Ellis arranged for students exclu - Brown worshipped sively to use public transportation during at Faith and Hope their spring-break activities. Students Baptist Church, an spent time praying for troubled sections inner-city church of Providence during their bus journeys. that serves Provi - “Brown University is located in the most dence’s impover - affluent section of Providence, and even ished residents. The our regular experience of the public trans - students returned portation system reflects that,” said Ellis, three days later to Brown ’09. “To get off ‘the hill’ and ride help work in the Students with Campus Crusade for Christ at Brown spent the buses with regular folks, while praying church’s community their spring break serving the local homeless community in for the spiritual and physical needs of the garden and to assist nearby Providence, RI. city, is eye-opening and fruitful.” with setting up a Likewise, Ellis planned many of the classroom for students who want after- everywhere and hear their life stories. week’s activities with the goal of illumi - school tutoring. While understanding their situations bet - nating opportunities for future service. “I The students spent one day relaxing on ter make the issues seem so much harder wanted the students to learn how we can a visit to nearby Newport, where they to ‘fix,’ it makes it easier for me under - jump on board and offer a long-term studied one of Christ’s seaside sermons. stand how to help the individual in the commitment to service,” she said. Also during the week, the students immediate,” she said. Among the highlights of the week, the paused for some bonding activities, Likewise, “I didn’t want to be in Provi - Brown students spent a day serving with including bowling and worship at the dence for four years and stay on my col - the Friendship Café, a restaurant oper - Judson House, the Christian Union’s lege campus not seeing the hardships ated by a leading social-services provider ministry house in Providence. people in the inner city go through,” she in Providence. Amos House operates “We really wanted to emphasize the said. “I wanted to understand the way the three businesses, including the café, to team aspect of getting to know one an - poorer class of Providence lives and learn support its massive soup kitchen and other,” Ellis said. how to better serve them.” ■

Spring 2011 | 27 REACHING OUT By Catherine Elvy, Staff Writer SPRING BREAK ROAD TRIP Students Share the Gospel on the Beach in Panama City

Like thousands of college stu - bustling, neon-glowing strips. him,” said Austin Malach ’13. “Also, wor - P dents across the country, un - During Big Break, students lodged in shipping twice a day really got me PENN dergraduates from Penn the Edgewater Beach Resort, where they hooked.” Students for Christ recently road-tripped received evangelistic training and partici - Other Penn students also expressed to the spring-break mecca of Panama City pated in worship and Bible studies. In the gratitude for the practical training tips Beach, Florida. afternoon, they engaged vacationers in they received in evangelism. “The talks However, the nine students and seven spiritual conversations and offered God’s helped dispel some of the lies that tend to staffers did not trek 19 hours one-way for plan of salvation. prevent me from evangelism,” said Wes - a week of frolicking on the sun-drenched The experience was challenging but ful - ley Skold ’13. “Overall, I was encouraged sands. Rather, their mission was to share filling for the students from Crusade’s to be much more proactive in witnessing – making the most of every opportunity.” The students said they had to rely upon the Holy Spirit for guidance on how to handle a few challenging situations, in - cluding interaction with intoxicated spring breakers. “During Big Break, God really gave me a peace and compassion for these people, and it was amazing to see God working in those conversations,” said Elizabeth Schopfer ’13. Overall, about 3,000 students partici - pated in Crusade’s Big Break. They initi - ated approximately 10,000 spiritual conversations and shared the gospel mes - sage about 4,500 times. More than 450 beachgoers prayed to accept Christ as their personal savior. “Panama City Beach is the spring- break capital of the world. All of them, in Students from Penn Students for Christ participated in the evangelism efforts a small way, are trying to escape their re - that took place at Panama City Beach, Florida during spring break. ality by coming here,” said Glen Nielsen, a program director with Crusade. “Today’s Christ’s gospel with some of the thou - ministry at the University of Pennsylva - generation is living in a dark world. When sands of youthful – and mostly rowdy – nia. they are exposed to the truth of the beachgoers who descend upon the so- “Almost all of the students had not gospel, it’s amazing how quickly they re - called spring break capital of the world. (previously) shared their faith. Many of spond.” Overall, the trip “really encouraged stu - the students were pretty apprehensive, Campus ministries from other leading dents in their evangelistic motivation and though they wanted to step out in faith,” universities, including Princeton Faith overall ability. They came back to campus said Young. and Action, also participated in Big with greater vigor to reach the lost and to “By the end of the week they were con - Break. Dan Knapke, director of the Chris - train other people to do evangelism,” said fident enough to do it themselves. They’ve tian Union’s undergraduate ministry at Andy Young, a staffer with Penn Students come back to campus with a new passion Princeton University, said students grew for Christ. for sharing the gospel with friends and in their desire and boldness to share The Penn team participated in Campus people they don’t have a relationship Christ’s gospel. Crusade for Christ’s Big Break Experi - with.” “I don’t know of any better place to go ence, an annual outreach to spring break - Penn students echoed those com - and get practice approaching people and ers from late February through March. ments. “God became a lot bigger – much initiating conversation,” Knapke said. “By The event offers believers the opportunity more the focus of my life. After spending day four, there is utter transformation.” to minister to the estimated 250,000 stu - a week talking to people who didn’t Ultimately, Crusade leaders simply dents from across the East and Midwest know [God], I am so much more grateful want students to “take the message of who flock to the festivities that span the that he is in my life and I am really com - hope back to their campuses,” Nielsen area’s famed sugary, white shores and pelled to live more earnestly towards said. ■

28 | The Ivy League Christian Observer By Larry Lin, Cornell ’11 LIGHTING THE WAY Annual Event is a Night of Praise, Exhortation, and Prayer for Missions

The Student Volunteer Move - a missions’ trip to Nicaragua in the sum - “so that we could be comfortable?” C ment 2, a nationwide move - mer of 2010. Graduate student Henry He challenged the audience to consider CORNELL ment of prayer for the nations, Wen, from Chinese Bible Study missions seriously and personally, in light came to Cornell in the fall of 2004. Cam - (www.rso.cornell.edu/cbs), talked about of the fact that Jesus had given his life for pus On A Hill, the networking hub be - his journey of being convicted about go - mankind. He suggested that this could tween ministries at Cornell, sponsored a ing on a missions trip to actually going in mean committing one year to be a mis - Student Volunteer Movement sionary overseas, or it could also mean 2 event every year up until committing 10% of one’s future income to 2007. It served as a prayer for missions. the nations night, with the The night concluded with an hour of hope that hundreds of thou - prayer for the nations. Students were en - sands of American college couraged to go to different stations students would commit them - around the room, where seven poster selves to be overseas mission - boards with information about regions aries. around the world were placed. Informa - Meanwhile, the Korean tion concerning a few selected countries Church at Cornell had also in each region, including the religion de - created an annual missions’ mographics and some relevant prayer re - mobilization event called CU quests, were on the poster boards. Straight Ahead, which was It seems that LIGHT 11 was nicely highlighted by exhortations timed. A week after this event, Cornell from invited pastors or students left for mission trips in huge alumni. In 2009, leaders from numbers. A team with the Navigators Campus On A Hill collabo - served in Washington, D.C., with Little rated with members from the Lights Urban Ministries; the Korean Korean Church at Cornell to Church at Cornell took its annual trip to combine the two events into a Inner City Missions in Philadelphia; stu - new missions-minded annual dents from Chi Alpha Christian Fellow - event called LIGHT, a night of ship went to the Dominican Republic; praise, exhortation, and ex - Dr. Michael Oh, Founder of Christ Bible Seminary and Campus Crusade for Christ at Cornell tended prayer. in Japan, spoke at Light 11 at Cornell . sent people to Guatemala and Panama In March, LIGHT 11 drew City Beach in Florida. close to two hundred Christians from dif - the midst of family opposition. Henry Wen, who did his undergraduate ferent ministries and churches. Dr. Next, Michael Oh delivered a powerful work at Cornell and is now in a Ph.D. pro - Michael Oh, founder of Christ Bible Semi - message about being a nobody for Christ, gram at Cornell, mentioned how God has nary in Japan and member of the Lau - citing John 3:30. He shared about how, slowly snowballed missions into the Cor - sanne Executive Committee, was the despite the hatred many Koreans have to - nell landscape in recent years. “I think the invited speaker. Be hzad Varamini, who re - ward the Japanese, he, as a Korean Amer - fruit of the Student Volunteer Movement ceived a Ph.D. from Cornell in December 2009, was the emcee. The night started off with a combina - “Did Jesus die so that we could be tion of worship and video testimonies. comfortable?” Through video, Grace Lee ’11 from the Ko - rean Church at Cornell shared about her —Dr. Michael Oh personal struggle with the possibility of long-term missions in light of a pre- ican, had given his life to be a missionary 2 was providing a forum for the Spirit to planned career. David Bjanes ’12, of Chi in Japan because his life was not his own. convict students to consider summer mis - Alpha Christian Fellowship, shared about It had been bought with a price. Then he sions projects and also laying the spiritual being challenged and amazed at the su - encouraged his audience to consider the groundwork for God’s move in the subse - pernatural work God did through him on call of Christ. “Did Jesus die,” he asked, quent years.” ■

Spring 2011 | 29 REACHING OUT By Eileen Scott, Senior Writer PENN STUDENTS MAKE TIME FOR RECESS Philadelphia Program Helps Improve Quality of Playtime in Schoolyards

Recess might be the favored behavior and focus in the classroom. and ultimately encouraged her to take P “subject” among elementary However, a summary of the Gallup even more of a leadership role. PENN students, but it also has re - findings released by the Robert Wood “Once I got to know a lot of the stu - ceived a thumbs up from school princi - Johnson Foundation, which sponsored dents, I became motivated to make their the poll, also includes a caveat: school experience more enjoyable. That “Because it is often disorgan - motivation forced me to think of creative ized and difficult to manage, re - ways to get students involved at recess, cess is the time when principals and I joined the leadership board,” she encounter the vast majority of said. their school’s disciplinary prob - That commitment to the children and lems.” rising above what would otherwise be a That’s where the Penn volun - chaotic time during the school day is what teers and the West Philly Re - makes the Recess Initiative so important. cess Initiative come in. “By stepping in to help resolve fights According to Natalie Feigen - and ensure a safe environment, kids are baum, Penn ’11, director of the able to return to class unscathed by their program, the goal is to create a time at recess,” said Feigenbaum. “Be - positive environment in the fore, students would have more conflicts lunchroom and recess yard. and then return to class upset about what As a student, Carolyn Miller, they had experienced.” Penn ’10, was a member of the But the students aren’t the only ones to Newman Center, Penn’s benefit from the program. The volunteers Catholic community, and vol - also gained from the experience. unteered with the Recess Ini - “I realized how blessed I was to have tiative. As a volunteer, she been able to attend good schools and pur - witnessed first-hand how the sue my passion for sports through club lack of structured recess can and traveling team,” said Miller. “It was impact students. nice to go to college and find a program “I came from a very struc - like Recess, where I could, in a small way, tured Catholic school educa - share my passion with other students.” tion, and it was often very Volunteering for the program with frustrating to be in a school other members of the Newman Center Natalie Feigenbaum ’11 and students from the that was significantly less or - also helped Miller to share and grow in Penn Newman Center volunteer time to assist ganized. Yet, I could tell that a her passion for Christ. with the West Philly Recess Initiative. lot of the students were also “Being a part of a group of students frustrated. They were frus - who openly celebrated and discussed pals and volunteers from the University trated that they often had to sacrifice their faith was extremely helpful through - of Pennsylvania. their lunch and recess periods because of out college, and gave me great strength, In the Philadelphia area, the volunteer other students’ behavior,” she said. especially when I inevitably hit some road program is known as the West Philly Re - Miller said that during her initial pe - bumps.” cess Initiative and involves local volun - riod working with the students she had She added: “Being a part of Recess gave teers donating their time to develop and participate in structured recess activities designed to strengthen skills among stu - “Because it is often disorganized and dents in low-income communities. difficult to manage, recess is the time when A Gallup Poll released last year re - vealed that “elementary school principals principals encounter the vast majority of overwhelmingly believe recess has a posi - tive impact not only on the development their school’s disciplinary problems.” of students’ social skills, but also on achievement and learning in the class - the challenge of being a disciplinarian me responsibility beyond my role as a col - room.” Additional research also has indi - while at the same time promoting fun. lege student. With younger students tak - cated that more recess is linked to better However, that challenge motivated Miller ing my example, I was forced to evaluate

30 | The Ivy League Christian Observer how I conducted myself as said. “In this way, I am living [out] my a Christian. Through these Christian faith. Education in America is a experiences, I grew signifi - problem that needs to be rectified, and cantly more comfortable as contributing my limited skills to Recess is a representative of my my small contribution to this larger goal.” faith.” And so, through the efforts of Feigen - For Feigenbaum, who baum, Miller, and the other volunteers, was the community service recess in West Philly is more than child’s chair for the Newman Cen - play. It’s serious fun that is having a dra - ter for two years, Recess is matic impact on the young students also a way for her to live out learning to play cooperatively, and a time her faith. “The main lesson of growth for the volunteers who are Penn students are volunteers with the West Philly I take from my faith is to learning to reach beyond themselves and Recess Initiative, which improves the school help others and work to live out the Lord’s commandment to love experience for children in low-income communities. correct inequities,” she others. ■

By Catherine Elvy, Staff Writer SHARING THE GOOD NEWS IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS Adventure-Oriented Outreach Grows at Cornell

An emerging ministry at Cor - tions, including fraternities and dormi - Lifelines began more than a decade ago C nell University is helping to in - tory groups, on adventure outings such as with a few students in Maine wanting to CORNELL troduce hard-to-reach students whitewater rafting, canoeing, hiking, and take their non-Christian friends on raft - to the Gospel through outdoor activities. paintball. In the fall, the ministry plans to ing trips. Today, the experiential ministry Adam Simpson launched a pilot chap - add rock-climbing to its activity list. has several dozen full-time guides, an ter of Campus Crusade for Christ’s Life - Simpson, who operated with an intern outdoor curriculum, locations in a hand - lines ministry in the 2009-2010 academic during 2009-2010, recently added sup - ful of states, and a variety of summer pro - year and is adding staff to grow the fledg - port from two couples, Nic and Christy grams. ling initiative into a full outreach in the fall semester. “One of the things that really drew me Crusade’s Lifelines is an adventure-ori - ented outreach that uses the outdoors to to the ministry was the opportunity to help students grow in their relationship with God and each other, and to develop find common ground with students by character and leadership skills. Through rock climbing, whitewater taking them on outdoor trips and let rafting, mountain biking, and the like, Lifelines teaches students to take physi - them experience different aspects of the cal, emotional, and relational risks while Gospel.” growing in spiritual principles. The min - istry also focuses on leadership develop - —Nick Brenner ment. “It was my passion to start Lifelines Brenner and Wes and Meghan Wright. As staffers take students on activities, here. We’ve really seen God use it,” said Together, the team handles outreach at they look for segues to introduce spiritual Simpson. “Our mission statement is to Cornell, as well as Ithaca College and the topics. “We use experiential learning to bring the Gospel to those who are not State University of New York at Cortland. spiral out to spiritual topics,” said Simp - seeking it.” The ministry benefits from natural re - son. “They don’t seem to mind talking Simpson said the program targets stu - sources surrounding the Hudson River about God and relationships.” dents who do not regularly attend campus and Finger Lakes region. One recent trip targeted residential ad - ministries. “Eighty percent of the people “It’s really a staff-dependent ministry,” visers from a Cornell dormitory. How - who come on our trips are not believers.” said Simpson, who also receives assis - ever, as a result of inclement weather, So far, the Lifelines chapter at Cornell tance from his wife, Tracy. “You need only two – a Christian and a Hindu – has taken a variety of student organiza - people with the certifications.” showed up for a day of snowshoe hiking.

Spring 2011 | 31 REACHING OUT

college and joined staff in 2001. I’ve always had a passion for the out - doors,” he said. “When I heard there was a way to be involved in the out - doors and be involved in the Great Commission, I said, ‘Sign me up.’ ” More importantly, Simpson and his team are enthused about op - portunities for the fall. “We finally have most of the gear we need and, more importantly, we fi - nally have a staff team,” Simpson said. “This se - mester has been about building a solid founda - tion for our ministry so that next fall we can move forward in big ways and trust God to use us to expand His kingdom here at Cornell.” Staffers receive both spiritual and practical training before joining Lifelines, adding to the start-up time for a Life - lines ministry. “All of our staff are Wilderness First Respon - Lifelines ministry at Cornell is reaching out to students ders,” Simpson said. “I’m through outdoor activities. a New York rafting, camping, and hiking “We had a great time, and our discus - guide and a Colorado rafting guide. sion on God was really encouraging,” Whatever the activity, we are certified to Simpson said. “After the discussion, the the state level for safety.” Christian [residential adviser] came up to Nic Brenner, who joined Crusade as a Nic and expressed how awesome it was to campus staffer in 2006 and Lifelines in have a spiritual discussion with his fellow the spring, echoed Simpson’s excitement. [residential adviser] who didn’t have a be - “One of the things that really drew me to lief in Jesus.” the ministry was the opportunity to find For now, many of the students who common ground with students by taking have served as leaders in Lifelines activi - them on outdoor trips and let them expe - ties are also involved in Crusade’s campus rience different aspects of the Gospel. It ministry at Cornell. Eventually, the team creates open doors for further conversa - wants to build its own base of student tions,” he said. leaders. Approximately 100 undergradu - “We do a lot of hands-on, experiential ates have participated in Lifelines activi - activities. We’re able to help students to ties this academic year. gain the experience of different aspects of A native of Colorado, Simpson said he the Gospel, including trust. We have was energized when he learned of Cru - some great things planned for the fall. sade’s Lifelines outreach. Our hope is to really be a blessing and “I came to Christ through Crusade in serve the campus.” ■

32 | The Ivy League Christian Observer PRAYER POWER By Eileen Scott, Senior Writer MOMS INTERCEDE FOR PRINCETON, YALE Parents Use Technology to Connect in Weekly Prayer Sessions

Groups of mothers of students dent in Manna Christian Fellowship our Heavenly Father will answer our I at both Princeton and Yale uni - wanted to form a new prayer group for prayers.” ALL IVY versities are doing their part to Princeton that would include students Bark said her desire to help launch the seek God for both spiritual vitality among from several campus ministries. new prayer group grew out of similar in - their children and for outbreaks of revival “So, although, I initially wasn’t sure volvement with a prayer team for her on their campuses. how this new Princeton prayer group younger children’s high school. While parents have joined in small, in - would fit into my schedule, I was excited “I meet with moms to pray for my other formal prayer chains for Princeton for the to know that moms want to pray for two children in high school here in Baton last five or so years, some parents of stu - Princeton…I immediately responded,” Rouge, and [I] did not want to neglect dents who participate in Princeton Faith Jennifer Super - doing the same and Action, Manna Christian Fellowship, dock said. “God for Brandon in and Princeton Evangelical Fellowship has so graciously Princeton,” she started a new group in fall 2010. Princeton carved out the said. “The Lord Faith and Action is Christian Union’s lead - time for six of us calls us to pray, ership development ministry on campus. to meet regularly and He has put it In December 2009, a prayer group con - now.” in my heart to sisting of parents, alumni, campus minis - Likewise, Jen - pray without ters, and others formed to intercede for nie Tam, a Man - ceasing for all of Yale. hattan architect, my children and Many of the mothers said they partici - said her desire to each of the pated in prayer groups for their children’s get involved in a schools that they Barbara Schoenly is passionate about high schools, and they were thrilled to prayer group for praying for , where her son are attending.” find similar groups emerging on univer - Princeton was a Emery is a freshman. The Princeton sity campuses. Both the Yale and Prince - natural extension group recently ton groups meet via telephone conference of the prayer team for her daughter decided to operate as a chapter of Moms calls on Fridays. Stephanie’s high school. in Touch International, a California- Barbara Schoenly of Salisbury, Con - “I belong to the Princeton community based prayer outreach. necticut, said she was delighted to learn through Stephanie’s enrollment in the Observers note the growing involve - of the prayer group for Yale, where her university,” said Tam. “I believe in the ment among mothers is tied, in part, to son Emery is a freshman. power of prayer, and it is my responsibil - the wave of technology – namely cell “We are praying for Yale because we be - ity to pray for my communities and my phones, e-mail, and instant messaging – lieve that academia needs to be reclaimed children.” that keeps parents keenly aware of the for Jesus,” Schoenly said. “Christians need “Our Lord Jesus instructed us to always spiritual issues on campus. to be in the center of academia, helping to pray. The Bible also says to ‘pray continu - Rhonda Walker, mother of Shannon shape culture and return us to our Christian ally.’ Prayer is the only one power avail - Walker ’11, said a visit to a student prayer session on campus in spring 2010 fueled “We are praying for Yale because we her interest in praying for Princeton. “What sparked me was the heartfelt sin - believe that academia needs to be cerity of that noon prayer time, just crying reclaimed for Jesus.” out for revival,” said Walker of the Prince - —Barbara Schoenly ton Faith and Action prayer meeting. As for the parents’ group, “it’s great to heritage as a university and as a nation.” able to the mothers far away from the have other mothers wanting to unite to Parents of Princeton students echoed Princeton campus and community to help pray for all of the ministries on the entire similar sentiments. them and to make a difference to them.” campus,” said Walker, who lives in Jennifer Superdock, of Bryn Mawr, Not surprisingly, Leslie Bark, a key or - Northern Virginia. Pennsylvania, also said she was involved ganizer of the prayer effort at Princeton, That same fervor also is evident among with prayer teams for her children’s mid - has high expectations for a spiritual parents of Yale students. Like other par - dle and high schools through Moms in awakening on campus. ents, Barbara and Newton Schoenly are Touch International. Her son, Matt Su - “The Lord hears us, so it is absolutely committed to praying for spiritual awak - perdock ’13, provided his mother’s con - making a difference,” said Bark, a regis - ening at their son’s campus. tact information to the Christian Union tered nurse in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. “We’re praying for revival, and may it after he learned that the mother of a stu - “I await in hopeful anticipation at how begin at Yale,” Barbara Schoenly said. ■

Spring 2011 | 33 PRAYER POWER By Eileen Scott, Senior Writer FERVENT PRAYING THAT CHANGED HISTORY Clapham Circle Sought God Wholeheartedly

With the increase of 24/7 prayer the first time in history, and the world has Rather, prayer and faith in Jesus Christ I rooms and the palpable pres - never been the same.” were the foundation for those goals. ALL IVY ence of the Holy Spirit at min - According to Richard Gathro, who wrote According to the book by G.R. Balleine, istry retreats, students at several of the Ivy the article, “William Wilberforce and His entitled A History of the Evangelical Party League Universities are seeking God Circle of Friends,” the Clapham Sect wor - in the Church of England, members of the through prayer as they seek to become in - shiped privately and corporately and gath - Clapham Society prayed three times per struments to change the culture for Christ. ered twice a week at the Clapham church. day for one hour. They prayed from 5:00 to And as these believers and ministry leaders The group was characterized by, among 6:00 in the morning, noon to 1:00 in the pursue God wholeheartedly, they do so in other things, a common commitment to afternoon, and 5:00 to 6:00 in the evening. the shadows of other Christians like the Jesus Christ, a clear sense of calling, and a This dedication to fervent prayer has 18 th century Clapham Sect who brought commitment to lifelong friendship and been inspiration to Christian Union their faith to bear in everyday ways that ul - mutual submission. Founder and President Matt Bennett timately transformed society. “The group made no claim to be theolo - (Cornell ’88, MBA ’89), who has sought to Perhaps best known as the circle of be - gians, yet they were people who regarded facilitate a seeking God culture at Chris - lievers from Clapham, England, that was prayer and Bible study as serious matters. tian Union and in the Ivy League. associated with parliamentar - “[The Clapham Sect] prayed three ian and abolitionist William times a day for an hour each time, and Wilberforce, the Clapham Sect look what the Lord did through them,” consisted of individual mem - said Bennett. “This is further inspiration bers who were, in their own for me to pray two to three times per day.” right, citizens of prominence, Additionally, Wilberforce and the other including authors, philoso - Clapham members approached prayer, as phers, businessmen, and par - well as time, with a level of stewardship liamentarians. that is often associated with money or tal - The Clapham Sect was re - ents. For example, Balleine wrote that plete with influential, wealthy Wilberforce accounted for nearly every members of society. Many hour of his day in what were basically could be likened to the distin - ledgers of time. A record was kept of the guished alumni from this na - time devoted to business, rest, prayer, tion’s leading universities who and even that which was “squandered.” have gone on to lead govern - Although the Sect’s members were ments, corporations, and so - mostly considered prominent and afflu - cial movements. But at the ent, they lived their lives in an austere, or - center of this circle of believers derly manner. was a devotion to Christ and Balleine described it as an “almost dedication to lives of prayer. monastic self-discipline by which these The Clapham Sect played a well-to-do Christians ordered each day of major role in making England their lives.” a more civil society, according William Wilberforce and the Clapham Sect And through those ordered daily lives of to author Eric Metaxas, who regarded prayer and Bible study as serious uncommon men and women of prayer, wrote the Wilberforce biogra - matters, according to writer Richard Gathro. other lives were touched, souls were saved, phy, Amazing Grace . and a culture transformed as they led the In his essay, Does God Want Us to The Clapham Sect believed that they were movement to abolish the slave trade in Change the World?, Eric Metaxas, Yale representatives of God’s kingdom on England, and continued to engage the cul - ’84, writes, “Far beyond abolition, Wilber - earth and the faithful stewards of all God ture as they tended to their professions. force and his friends had a monumental had given them,” Gathro wrote. Gathro summed up the Clapham Sect impact on the wider British culture, and Therefore, the members lived out an all- in words that may, by God’s grace, some - the world beyond Britain, because they encompassing faith that saturated all ar - day be used to describe those who gather succeeded not only in ending the slave eas of their lives. There was no separation in prayer throughout the Ivy League: trade and slavery, but in changing the en - between their faith and their everyday du - “The love of God was the very center of tire mindset of the culture. The idea that ties. And despite the success attained in the group’s reason for being together and one should love one’s neighbor was their chosen professions, they did not sac - what became their legacy. From this love brought into the cultural mainstream for rifice time in prayer to achieve their goals. sprang a group that changed history.” ■

34 | The Ivy League Christian Observer Application deadline for the Spring 2012 term: Sept. 29, 2011 For more information, visit www.johnjayinstitute.org or call (215) 987-

(215) 987-3000 • www.johnjayinstitute.org ABOUT MINISTRY By Catherine Elvy, Staff Writer IGNITING THE FLAME Students Intercede for Ivy League Campuses at Conference

Nearly 50 students from Ivy eight Ivy League campuses plus the Mas - transform their culture for Christ. I League schools gathered in sachusetts Institute of Technology partic - “The conference was powerful,” said ALL IVY January to fervently seek God ipated in the conference, along with a Warn. “God worked tremendously. This for revival on their campuses during a handful of ministry staffers and eight des - conference, prayerfully, was a tributary first-ever conference by Collegiate Impact ignated intercessors. stream of what God wants to do in the Ivy that focused exclusively on the nation’s Donors covered the cost of meals, lodg - League.” top universities. ing, and registration for students who at - Students echoed those comments. Re - “The vision was to see another Great tended the conference on the C.S. Lewis becca Wu, Dartmouth ’11, said she was Awakening through the eight Ivy League Foundation’s campus. The nonprofit re - touched by how many Ivy League stu - schools,” said David Warn, director of Colle - cently acquired the former property of the dents fervently interceded for their cam - giate Impact (www.collegiateimpact.com). Northfield Mount Hermon School—a puses. “We prayed a lot,” said Wu, the The Ignite Ivy conference was held Jan - boarding school launched by evangelist chair of Agape Christian Fellowship at D.L. Moody—as a Dartmouth. “I had never seen so many in - site for a new college telligent students who were really on fire to open in 2012. for God 100 percent.” Key speakers in - Wei Wu, Dartmouth ’14, said she “re - cluded Warn, a ally came out of the conference believing 20-year veteran of in the revival to come … God is moving. I campus ministry; as can feel it. There have been too many well as Jonathan things happening for it to be coincidence and Keeli Fawcett, or chance – it can only be Him.” founders of Some - William Poon, Cornell ’13, echoed those thing More Min - sentiments for his campus. “I sense the istries; and Jerry Lord is on the move and there’s definitely and Judy Ball, something happening [at Cornell]. Stu - founders of Breaker dents from different ministries are com - of Dawn Ministries. ing together every week to pray for God to The conference move on this campus,” he said. “Cornell is also featured three among one of the schools on the verge of guest speakers who an awakening.” encouraged students Alina Kim, Penn ’12, also was touched to honor their faith by the fervent prayers for the Ivy League David Warn, director of Collegiate Impact, has a vision to in all aspects of life. at the conference. “God’s been placing see another Great Awakening within the Ivy League. John Beckett is prayer for our campus on many Penn stu - chairman and chief dents’ hearts for quite a while,” she said. uary 13 to 17 at the C.S. Lewis Foundation executive officer of R. W. Beckett Corp., a “It was extremely encouraging to see stu - campus in Northfield, Massachusetts. manufacturing firm in Ohio. Beckett, the dents from all the Ivy League campuses Collegiate Impact, a division of Life Ac - author of Loving Monday: Succeeding in come together with the same heart to in - tion Ministries, Something More Min - Business Without Selling Your Soul, tercede for the campuses and seek revival. istries, and Breaker of Dawn Ministries serves on the board of directors for Cam - And, it was even more awesome to know co-sponsored the invitation-only event. pus Crusade for Christ International. Jay that there are people who are not stu - Local ministry leaders recommended Bennett, Dartmouth ’71, is a corporate at - dents who have a heart for the Ivy League students for the conference who have torney and entrepreneur and the founder campuses and they’re interceding for us. demonstrated passion in their commit - and chairman of The Twin Cities Chris - How encouraging is that?” ment to Christ and to sharing His Gospel tian Foundation, an organization that “It was so refreshing to be at the confer - message. seeks to help believers give wisely and ence for the weekend, meet this amazing “We went off those recommendations,” generously to God’s kingdom. Stephen community, and fan the flame in us so said Warn. “We wanted students ready to McDowell is the co-founder of the Provi - that we can come back and be the revival jump into the deep end of the pool. We dence Foundation, an educational organ - on our respective campuses. Having been wanted to see igniters raised up.” ization that trains and networks leaders back, I can already see God moving in so In all, 46 students from seven of the of education, business, and politics to many ways at Penn.” ■

36 | The Ivy League Christian Observer By Kevin Plybon, Columbia ’11 A MIGHTY MOVEMENT Columbia Ministry Leader Encouraged by Conference’s Unity

At the Ignite Ivy Conference in would be coming out of here,” she said. C January, Yasmin Kahan-Groves, “Before falling in love with academics, I COLUMBIA CC ’11, was delighted to pray fell in love with the idea of revival here, with likeminded students who share a pas - that people would be coming to know God sion for unity and revival. through coming here.” Held at the at the C.S. Lewis Founda - It was in sharing the “spiritual status” tion campus in Northfield, Massachu - of Columbia’s student body that Kahan- setts, the event was sponsored by Groves felt exciting new possibilities for Collegiate Impact, Something More Min - revival emerging. “One of the things I istries, and Breaker of Dawn Ministries. shared was that relationships, friend - Kahan-Groves, the only undergraduate ships, and so forth, are a need,” she said. from Columbia at the conference, said “People are committed to their time at one of the most encouraging things about Columbia, but there’s a very independent the gathering was how quickly the differ - mindset. There is always that focus on ent representatives became friends and your life and where you’re headed.” The got to know one another, creating a new other students and leaders at the confer - network of leaders in the Ivy League. Stu - ence responded by praying for flourishing dents from each Ivy campus, along with relationships at Columbia, and for stu - some from Massachusetts Institute of dents to trust one another more and de -

“Before falling in love with academics, I fell in love with the idea of revival here, that people would be coming to know God through coming here.” —Yasmin Kahan-Groves, CC ’11

Technology, shared prayer needs from pend on each other in healthy, life-giving Yasmin Kahan-Groves (above), CC ’11, their schools. friendships. worships at the Ignite Conference, “The goal was to get us together in a Kahan-Groves said the conference con - which was sponsored by Collegiate place where we could be empowered and firmed what she has been feeling this year Impact. encouraged so a movement of God could in particular, that God is moving on Co - happen and be sustained,” said Kahan- lumbia’s campus and drawing more stu - and be more willing to accomplish His vi - Groves. dents to himself. This semester she has sion and be witnesses to their friends on As the large group coordinator for Co - felt convicted to start two new prayer campus. lumbia’s InterVarsity, the senior organ - meetings, one focused on revival and one “I’m carrying back to Columbia the idea izes the chapter’s weekly worship service for the senior class. that God can inform absolutely any inter - (also called Ignite ) that has seen a dou - The organizers of Ignite Ivy hope that the action for his purposes,” she said. bling in attendance over the past year. For new connections and commitments made “I was excited to see Christians come her, this conference could not have come there will not fade, and that God will use together with a heightened sense of at a better time. them to spark new movements on campus. prayer. I know God wants to see Chris - “Before I came to Columbia as a fresh - Kahan-Groves said students on all tians re-awakened to that vision of bold - man I felt excited that world leaders eight campuses need to rely on God more ness and faith.” ■

Spring 2011 | 37 ABOUT MINISTRY By Catherine Elvy, Staff Writer ‘THE COMEBACK’ Impact Conference Urges African-American Students to Rebuild Communities, Families

Leaders of Legacy, the Chris - Penn, where he studied applied science. tend events when surrounded by their P tian Union’s outreach to After graduation, he joined Crusade over own culture. PENN African-American students at an offer from IBM. In 2009 at Princeton University, Chris - Princeton University, ventured to Atlanta Today, Impact has touched more than tian Union established Legacy as an out - over the holiday break to participate in 20,000 African-American participants, reach to African-American students and The Impact Movement’s annual national and has a presence on about 70 college students of African descent. Ministry Fel - conference. campuses. Likewise, Gilmer, the president low Quincy Watkins, Wharton Business A Princeton contingent of four joined of Impact, travels extensively across the School ’95, directs the ministry. nearly 1,000 students from across the country speaking to college students, Watkins described the recent Impact country who gathered to partake in Im - churches and business leaders about topics conference as “four to five days of high-oc - pact’s 10 th conference, entitled “The Come of African-American heritage along with tane speakers and enrichment. The pres - Back!” Another 9,000 or so young adults apologetics, missions, and ecclesiology. ence of God was evident and tangible.” participated in live broadcasts via the Gilmer described the emergence and The theme of the event was centered on ministry’s Web site. growth of The Impact Movement in a Nehemiah 4: 19-20. As the Israelites The Impact Movement, which is Campus memoir entitled A Cry of Hope, a Call to faced opposition to their efforts to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, the prophet pro - claimed, “The work is extensive and spread out, and we are widely separated from each other along the wall. Wherever you hear the sound of the trumpet, join us there. Our God will fight for us!” Likewise, conference organizers en - couraged students to rally together in their commitment to Christ and in their efforts to help rebuild their communities, churches, and families. The messages resonated with the Prince - ton students and others from across the country. “Many of the students were touched, refreshed, and empowered,” Watkins said. “You could sense a lot of them were fatigued. Christ is their panacea.” Main speakers included Rasool Berry, midwest team leader for Impact and di - rector of its music ministry, and Priscilla Shirer, a Bible teacher based in Houston. Christian Union Ministry Intern Eddie Appeadu, Princeton ’10 (left), Ministry Other top speakers included Pastors Fellow Quincy Watkins, Wharton ’95, and Princeton Students Charles Wright ’11 James White of Cary, N.C., Keith Battle and Meko McCray ’11 attended the Impact Movement Conference held during of Bowie, Md., and Jason Barr of Pitts - the Christmas break. burgh, Pa. Francine Saunders, Princeton ’08, Crusade for Christ’s sister ministry aimed at Action. The book makes a compelling case served as one of the event’s emcees along African-American students (www.impact - for the biblical place for race and culture in with Christian hip-hop artist Sho Baraka. movement.com), began as a conference for today’s society and highlights the critical Another highlight of the conference college students in 1991. After more than a need for leadership development among centered on the evangelistic efforts. At - decade of incubation under Crusade, Im - African-Americans while in college. tendees “hit the streets” of Atlanta, minis - pact incorporated as an independent, non- Gilmer explained how ministries, in - tering to the homeless and sharing the profit organization in 2002 under the cluding Crusade, historically reached out Gospel with passersby. leadership of Charles and Rebecca Gilmer, to minority students, but African-Ameri - Christian Union intern Eddie Appeadu, Penn ’81 and ’80 respectively. can students often avoided meetings Princeton ’10, said he especially was en - Reaching African-American college where they felt numerically or culturally couraged by a message from gospel students has been the passion of Charles out of place. While working at Howard, recording artist Kirk Franklin during a Gilmer since his undergraduate days at Gilmer observed that students would at - men’s session.

38 | The Ivy League Christian Observer “Without reservation and formality, he men to establish proper relationships seniors from Legacy who attended the shared his personal struggles and testi - with women, maintain humility, and conference were inspired and encouraged monies and personally exhorted the men avoid the pitfalls of a “world that wants to by smaller breakout sessions, especially one on biblical dating and marriage rela - tionships. “I thank God for giving me the Charles Wright ’11 said the conference’s opportunity to attend the conference emphasis on godly relationships helped him rethink how he interacts with women. because it brought me closer to him and “I realized that, as men, we are supposed to protect the hearts of women and be helped me apply his word to my life.” leaders in relationships,” he said. “I thank God for giving me the opportu - —Charles Wright, Princeton ’11 nity to attend the conference because it brought me closer to him and helped me to a life of pursuing God, seeking disciple - destroy progress in all those areas, espe - apply his word to my life. I have never been ship, and abstaining from youthful pas - cially for young men of African descent,” around so many young people who were sions,” Appeadu said. Appeadu said. focused on glorifying God. It recharged my Franklin also encouraged the young Appeadu said he and the two Princeton faith and set me on fire for God.” ■

By Catherine Elvy, Staff Writer SKIING AND SEEKING Harvard, Princeton, and Yale Students Have Memorable Ski Trips

Princeton Faith and Ac - tion and Harvard College Faith and Action, Chris - tian leadership development min - istries supported and resourced by Christian Union, held winter ski trips that were true “mountaintop” experiences. Students and staff alike returned to campus re-ener - gized after the presence of the Lord enveloped the events. “The retreat was very refreshing and a great way to start off the second semester,” said Kenny Whitescarver, Harvard ’13. “God re - ally met us during our worship times at night, and a lot of the peo - ple there were called closer to him over the course of the weekend.” “The ski trip had a huge impact on Princeton Faith and Action as a whole. We had been praying for the retreat for months, and God so faithfully answered us,” said Libby Bliss, Princeton ’11. The Harvard College Faith and Action winter retreat was held February 4-6 in “God really showed up on the re - Bridgewater Corners, Vermont. treat and worked in hearts and minds in big ways…The ski trip close friends and as the unified body of ticipated in the Princeton Faith and Ac - filled us up with so much love and passion Christ.” tion trip on January 23-28. That number for God and also brought us together as Bliss was one of 96 students who par - also included members of Legacy, Chris -

Spring 2011 | 39 ABOUT MINISTRY

tian Union’s leadership development “We emphasized that the fear of God is Likewise, Teaching Fellow Chuck Het - ministry to Princeton students who are primarily positive, not negative, and that zler described the presence of the Holy African-American and of African descent. it is the natural, derivative response to Spirit as strong. “I really felt like He never Harvard College Faith and Action valuing God more than anything else,” left,” Hetzler said. “It was really great how (HCFA) took 57 students on its trip, said Ministry Fellow Nick Nowalk. the Lord came early on.” which was held February 4-6, and in - Another session showed how God “There was so much unity there; so cluded Chris Matthews and Chad Warren, blesses, cares for, and feeds his people, much unity for a revival at Princeton.” Christian Union ministry fellows at Yale, connecting Jesus’ miracle of loaves and During the Princeton retreat, Ken and four Yale undergraduates. fish in the Gospel of Mark, the attributes Jasko, Princeton ’78, pastor of Mon - Both ski trips were held at Ot - of the good shepherd in Psalm 23, and the mouth Worship Center in Marlboro, New tauquechee Farm in Bridgewater Corners, Last Supper. Jersey, discussed principles of knowing about ten miles from the pristine slopes For Princeton students and staffers, and seeking God, the importance of hu - of Killington. one of the highlights was a powerful mility, and the power of God-sized dreams. He also spoke about the need to agree with others in faithful prayer for “God really showed up on the retreat God to do great things in and through us. Rev. Jasko knows the impact Princeton and worked in hearts and minds in big students can have when they seek God fervently. He is the author of “God at ways…The ski trip filled us up with so Work: Religion and Revival at Princeton University 1746 - 1979,” a paper which much love and passion for God and also chronicles the Christian foundations of the University: brought us together as close friends and Founded as a result of the Great Awakening, [Princeton] has ed - as the unified body of Christ.” ucated many notable men of God amidst numerous campus —Libby Bliss, Princeton ’11 revivals. Princeton students have had a great impact on American Christianity, for they Don Weiss, Christian Union’s ministry movement of the Holy Spirit early in the have been responsible for start - director at Harvard, said, “God really week. ing the American Bible Society, showed up and met us… Almost every - “Tuesday night was the night when the American Tract Society, In- body, in an unhindered way, seemed to be Holy Spirit really descended on us, and tercollegiate YMCA, Student sincerely engaged in worship.” that was the night when a number of peo - Volun teers Movement, and The trip was especially meaningful for ple first truly believed,” said Phil Miller, many other Christian works. the Christian Union ministry fellows and Princeton ’12. “The Spirit did many mira - students at Yale, who embarked on their cles that night.” Events such as these winter retreats, first winter retreat. Staffers echoed those comments. which incorporate times of extended Rodney Evans, Yale ’14, called the “The worship time on Tuesday night was praise and worship, prayer, and exhorta - event, “one of those mountaintop experi - a powerful time of experiencing God and tion, help Christian Union foster a seek - ences one has every so often.” encountering God,” said Dan Knapke, di - ing God lifestyle among leaders at some During the Harvard retreat, Weiss and rector of the Christian Union’s undergrad - of the nation’s leading universities. Harvard Ministry Fellow Nick Nowalk led uate ministries at Princeton. “The agenda “God did many amazing things in me,” the sessions, which included an examina - for the evening had to be thrown away. We said Evans. “I was very glad to take away tion of fear of God through the lens of had five hours of praise, worship, confes - some very practical precepts for living out Scripture. sion, weeping, and prayer.” my faith on campus.” ■

40 | The Ivy League Christian Observer By Eileen Scott, Senior Writer FINDING THE LOVE OF GOD Catholic Community Students Feel the Lord’s Presence on Retreat

The world is waiting…for new Spirit could be felt. “For 24 hours I can put everything on B saints, ecstatic men and “There was this presence among us, a hold and just pray, meditate, and grow BROWN women who are so deeply feeling of comfort and protection,” he said. closer to God,” he said. rooted in the love of God that they are Crapanzano agrees: free to imagine a new international or - “Sometimes when I find der. Henri Nouwen. myself caught up in the Students with Brown-RISD Catholic hustle and bustle of life at Community took time this February to Brown, I forget God’s mis - become more deeply rooted in God’s love sion for me and the and explore how it is present in their lives greater purpose of the during a retreat held in Watch Hill, mundane things I may be Rhode Island. doing. Getting away on a The theme of the retreat was “Agape: retreat is always a wonder - Finding the Love of God in all Things.” ful opportunity to re-cen - According to sophomore Pete Fernandez, ter myself and find God’s “The idea was to discuss and reflect on presence in my life.” God’s love for all of us, where we have Fernandez said he seen it, and how we can start to recipro - learned something new: cate that love.” “This retreat, while deal - Several students served as speakers for ing with God’s love for the retreat, sharing testimonies of where us, developed into a dis - they have seen God’s love in their lives. cussion on how we, as Joseph Cadabes ’14 spoke about how imperfect and flawed be - music has helped him better understand ings, can improve our - God’s agape love in his own life, and selves to be able to fully Jenny Sparks ’15 shared how her personal receive God’s love, and struggles have brought her closer to God how we can love God and created a deeper love within her. back, even if we cannot For junior Lauren Crapanzano, hearing fully love God as He testimonies from freshmen and sopho - loves us.” mores was particularly edifying. Students with Brown-RISD Catholic Community took Fernandez said his in - “As an ‘older’ student on the retreat, it time to focus on God’s love during a retreat in Watch volvement with the was great to hear such personal stories Hill, Rhode Island. Catholic campus ministry from newer students to our community. It has helped him grow served as a great way to get to know and A Mass led by Fr. Henry Bodah, the deeper in his faith and as a Catholic. understand them better, but was also a Catholic chaplain at Brown, was held at “I feel more comfortable embracing my challenge to my own ideas about what ex - the conclusion of the retreat. faith and I truly feel like I am a part of actly love can mean,” she said. This is Fernandez’s third retreat with something greater than myself,” he said. “The best part is that I know I am not “For 24 hours I can put everything on alone and that there are people both here at Brown and in the world that I can share hold and just pray, meditate, and grow this with.” The retreat also inspired him to devote closer to God.” more time to God; he continues to “re - treat” from the stress of Brown and focus —Pete Fernandez ’13 on God’s presence. “I make sure that I spend at least a The students spent time in small group the ministry and he has come to appreci - small portion of my day to turn away from discussion of scripture. Additionally, they ate what the time in prayer and fellowship school and whatever else is going on to paused for times of reflective prayer; dur - with other believers has done for his rela - just reflect or pray and feel that wonder - ing those times, Fernandez said, the Holy tionship with God. ful gift of agape, God’s love,” he said. ■

Spring 2011 | 41 ABOUT MINISTRY By Catherine Elvy, Staff Writer ‘A BREAKTHROUGH YEAR’ Princeton Faith and Action Rejoices with Donors

Students and staffers with something very, very profound at Prince - student, but donors are made aware of P Princeton Faith and Action, ton.” the individual’s gender, graduation year, PRINCETON Christian Union’s leadership Donors also expressed praise for the and home state. development ministry on campus, re - fruit being manifested from the Christian Additionally, a portion of the dollars cently paused to celebrate some mile - Union’s outreaches at Princeton, Har - from outreach sponsorships are pooled to stones and to thank the donors who make vard, and Yale universities. fund broad evangelistic outreach, which possible their accomplishments. Among them, Jennifer Superdock of includes public debates and speakers, dis - “This year has been pretty incredible,” Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, submitted a tribution of relevant books, and expres - said Dan Knapke, director of the Chris - letter to be read at the celebration that sions of Christian kindness. tian Union’s undergraduate ministry at highlighted the spiritual growth in the life Christian Union also offers donors the Princeton. “It’s very possible this year is a of her oldest son, Matt Superdock ’13. opportunity to sponsor specific Bible breakthrough-type “We have seen courses on the campuses of Princeton, year… It’s almost as firsthand the way Harvard, and Yale. if something has that our son has In another letter, Andy Kurtz of Prince - taken on a life of its grown in his faith, ton explained why he is enthusiastic own.” been mentored and about what Christian Union is doing. Knapke made his discipled, and been “I support Christian Union because it comments during a given opportunities fits very well into the Gospel to help sponsorship celebra - to lead through young adults grow in faith, even as they tion held February Christian Union,” are growing intellectually and in many 18 at McCormick Superdock said. “We other ways,” said Kurtz ’76, a chemical Hall during Prince - see that it is also a engineer and manufacturing executive. ton Faith and Ac - place where students “It also makes sense to support a ministry tion’s regular “802” can come who are that is so well-aligned with my own experi - Friday night lecture seeking to know ence, having been very active in campus series. more about Jesus, Christian activities in the mid-’70s.” “It’s the first time in and they will be Sang Ahn, co-founder of a pharmaceu - my ministry life that loved and cared for tical development company and an entre - I can begin to envi - in a Christ-like way.” preneur, agreed. sion something pretty Dan Knapke, Christian Union’s Several donors “Princeton is really special because it is director of undergraduate ministry crazy happening on connect with Chris - where I came back to meet the Lord at Princeton, said “God is doing Princeton campus,” something profound” on campus. tian Union by partic - again,” said Ahn. “Princeton also has a Knapke said. “We’re ipating in growth special place in my heart because it’s beginning to see the sponsorships and where I met my best friend, who later be - seeds [of revival] percolate around us.” outreach sponsorships. In the growth came my wife.” Among the highlights of this academic sponsorship program, donors pray for a Ahn ’97 experienced considerable spir - year, Knapke mentioned unprecedented specific student and give $100 a month, itual and personal growth while at Prince - hours of prayer and fasting by students which helps provide the undergraduate ton. He encouraged students to be and staffers alike. “We prayed for the [en - with mentoring, Bible courses, and other faithful in their service to Christ while tire] freshman class by name four times resources. they also are working out key career and in the beginning of the year,” he said. The donors also have the option to con - personal endeavors. “How are you loving In addition, in just the first week of the tact their individual student, and some your family, neighbors, and community?” fall semester, 35 male and 39 female have formed friendships. Both students he asked. freshmen enrolled in the Christian and sponsors are allowed to select their Overall, Ahn said he came away from his Union’s Bible Courses. Overall, there are personal level of anonymity or openness, visit to “802” struck with the dedication of currently 270 students enrolled in Chris - and they are matched accordingly. the students to both Christ and PFA’s out - tian Union’s Bible courses at Princeton. In outreach sponsorships, donors give reach on campus. “I was really impressed PFA has also seen an increase in atten - $20 per month to help a specific student with the level of energy,” he said. dance at its weekly lecture series, from and also pray for that individual. In addi - Ahn and his wife Felice remain active approximately 80 students last year to tion to prayer, the student is the benefici - supporters of the Christian Union, in 110 in this current academic year. ary of book distributions and other part, because “those four years can be in - “It’s been amazing to see the numeric outreach initiatives. There is no commu - credibly formative years. The Christian growth,” Knapke said. “God is doing nication with the anonymous sponsored Union’s mission is very necessary.” ■

42 | The Ivy League Christian Observer PRAAYY WIWITH US FORFOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF CHRISTIAN LEADERS WHO WILL TRRANSFORMANSFORM CULLLTURETURE

At Christian Union, we are prayerfully seeking God for transformation at Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth, Harvard, Penn, Princeton, and Yale. Each year, thousands of students pass through the halls of these institutions and move out into positions of leadership in our society. Unfortunately, over 90% have had no regular Christian in uence in their lives during these critical college years.

Christian Union recently launched a monthly email that describes the key prayer needs of the ministry. Campus-specic prayer emails are also available for Harvard, Princeton, and Yale.

Will you join us and pray regularly for the development of Christian leaders at some of our nation’s leading universities?

To receive Christian Union’s prayer email each month, sign up online at www.Christian-Union.org/prayer or send an email to: [email protected].

240240 Nassau Street l Princeton,Princeton, NJ 08542 l 609-688-1700609-688-1700 l www.Christian-Union.orgwww.Christian-Union.org NEWS-IN-BRIEF

CHRISTIAN UNION Radiate Retreat is Refreshing Features Love and Fidelity Network Passionately Praying Christian Union staff members Dan and Laurie Knapke attended Campus Crusade for Princeton The Love and Fidelity Network for Christ’s annual winter conference, (www.loveandfidelity.org) received Christian Radiate 2010. The event, for Crusade national news coverage for its Union staffers who serve in the Mid-Atlantic Valentine’s Day advertising campaign in Founder and region, was student newspapers within the Ivy President held December League and seven other universities. Matt Bennett, 28 - January 1 The organization garnered attention Cornell ’88, at the Christian Union Founder from outlets, including Fox News, for its MBA ’89, and Baltimore advertisements and President Matt Christian Bennett, Cornell ’88, Marriott reminding col - Union MBA ’89, and Teaching Waterfront in lege students of Teaching Fellow Chuck Hetzler the city’s Inner Campus Crusade for their inherent meet biweekly to pray Fellow Dr. Harbor. Christ held its annual dignity and the with pastors from Chuck Hetzler “We were winter conference, need for healthy Princeton, New Jersey. are hosting refreshed and Radiate 2010, at respect and Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. biweekly enjoyed the boundaries in prayer meetings with pastors from sharpening that relationships. Princeton, New Jersey. comes from being with the other ministry As well, Love The Love and Fidelity The pastors and leaders, who prima - staff members,” said Dan Knapke, and Fidelity, Network sponsored an rily gather at the Christian Union’s Christian Union’s director of undergradu - which is based ad campaign in student newspapers that ministry headquarters on Nassau Street, ate ministries at Princeton University. in Princeton, emphasized human began meeting in spring 2010 to pray for Laurie Knapke is a volunteer women’s New Jersey, spiritual transformation in their town dignity and the need for Bible course leader. Penn Students for received more healthy relationships. and adjacent Princeton University. Christ also participated in the conference. than 25,000 “As spiritual gatekeepers, pastors and hits on its Web site on Valentine’s Day. ministry leaders need to come to ALL IVY With support from the Christian Union together,” Hetzler said. (www.christian-union.org), the organiza - Ivy Education, Prosperity Link tion ran ads that suggest sexuality has Harvard Students Minister Examined more dignity than is represented through in NYC A recent article in the New York Times campus pop culture. Twenty-five students from Harvard, asks the question, “Is going to an elite including a majority from Harvard college worth the cost?” According to the Hundreds Attend Crusade College Faith and Action, a leadership article, a paper by the RAND Winter Conference Corporation and Brigham Young and development ministry resourced and Students from five leading universities Cornell Universities, reveals that “strong supported by Christian Union, took a were among 358 individuals who partici - evidence emerges of a significant eco - spring break missions trip to New York pated in Campus Crusade for Christ’s nomic return to attending an elite City this March. Boston Winter Conference. private institution, and some evidence Undergraduates from Brown, Cornell, Students and suggests this premium has increased Dartmouth, Harvard, and Yale attended the staffers with over time.” Harvard College annual conference, which was held January However, regarding whether this suc - Faith and Action 1 to 4 at the Sheraton Boston Hotel. cess and affluence makes for greater spent spring Guest speakers included three mem - happiness, the article states, “That’s a break serving bers of Crusade’s national staff: Bret the poor in New question for another day.” Ogburn, Holly Sheldon, and Darryl York City. According Smith. The event also included a popular to an article dating workshop. The students worked with a variety of and paper by Students from programs and ministries, including the the RAND Brown, Cornell, Bowery homeless shelter, Brooklyn Teen Corporation, Dartmouth, Brigham Challenge, and after school programs. Harvard, and Yale Young Additionally, nearly half of the students attended Campus University, ventured into Central Park for evangel - Crusade for and Cornell University, there are economic Christ’s annual ism and to conduct spiritual surveys. benefits of attending an “elite” private winter conference institution. in Boston.

44 | The Ivy League Christian Observer BROWN Crusade Sends Relief Life without God? Veritas Explores Religious Team to Haiti The nationally organized Center for Pluralism Students and staffers from Campus Inquiry, founded by Columbia Ph.D. Paul Crusade for Christ’s ministries at Brown Kurtz ’52, has launched a national multi - The Veritas Forum (www.veritas.org) at University were among a group of 30 media ad campaign stating, “You don’t Brown examined the myths of pluralism. need God—to hope, to care, to love, to Held on March 8, the forum was enti - live.” The overall mission of the campaign tled, When Tolerance Is Not Enough: is to convince people that, “it is possible Confronting the Myths and Challenges to live a fulfilling life without God.” of Religious Pluralism. The speakers Ads were featured on buses in Brown Professor Washington, D.C. and billboards in Kenneth Miller Indianapolis and Houston. These cities moderated the were selected to represent the nation’s Veritas Forum at capital, a heartland city, and a major Brown this spring. Members of Campus Crusade at Brown traveled to Haiti in January to help with “Bible belt” city. Other cities may be tar - relief efforts. geted in the future. A Web site connected to the campaign was also created.

individuals from the Northeast who flew The Century for to Haiti in early January to assist in a were Vinoth Ramachandra, the secretary Inquiry, a national relief trip. of Dialogue and Social Engagement organization founded The team, which also included partici - by Paul Kurtz, PhD, (Asia) for the International Fellowship of pants from Crusade’s ministries at Columbia ’52, has Evangelical Students, and Professor Cornell and Harvard universities, trav - launched a media Nathaniel Berman, professor of campaign with the eled between January 5 and 14 to work International Affairs, Law, and Modern message: “You don’t with Campus Crusade’s humanitarian Culture at the Watson Institute for need God.” arm in Haiti. International Studies at Brown. Kenneth “During our stay, we made ourselves Miller, professor of biology at Brown, available around-the-clock Catholic Community Hosts moderated the event, which, according to to serve Haitian children and families, its coordinators, sought to “expose and Lenten Talks American missionaries, and elevate the Christian worldview to the On Sunday evenings from March 13 to the Haitian Campus Crusade team,” said entire Brown academic community.” April 17, the Columbia Catholic Lorenna Ellis (Brown ’09), a ministry Community hosted the Sunday Series of intern at Brown. College Hill for Christ Lenten Talks 2011. The reflections were Tableslips Scripture presented by Friars from the Dominican COLUMBIA House of Studies in Washington, D.C. College Hill for Christ conducted a scrip - Catholic Ministry Presents The series included a variety of topics ture “tableslipping” initiative to relating to the Passion of Christ, includ - expose Brown students to Bible verses. Peter Kreeft Lecture ing, What Happened on the Cross? In The outreach involved printing select On March 30, the Columbia Catholic this reflection, Fr. Joseph Alobaidi biblical passages from the Gospel on Ministry (www.columbia.edu/cu/ offered a meditation on the depiction of small handouts that were placed on din - earl/ccm) hosted a lecture by Boston the crucifixion narrative in the Gospel of ing hall tables during seven meals each University Professor Peter Kreeft entitled, Luke. Other reflections included week. Students were then able to read Walker Percy and Christian Wondrous that Tree: The Cross in the passages upon entering the dining Existentialism. Kreeft, who is also a pro - Poetry and The (Other) Good Thief , hall, resulting fessor of philosophy at The King’s College which was described as “a theological in an esti - in Manhattan, has authored numerous reflection on the life of a modern day mated 2,500 articles and books including Handbook of ‘Dismas.’” exposures to Christian Apologetics and Fundamentals scripture of the Faith . The Friars from each week. A the Dominican grant from Philosopher and author Peter Kreeft spoke House in to the Columbia Washington, Christian Catholic D.C., participated Union was College Hill for Christ Ministry on the in the Lenten used to help initiated a tableslipping topic, “Walker Talks hosted by subsidize the effort to give students at Percy and the Columbia initiative. Brown more exposure to Christian Catholic scripture. Existentialism.” Community.

Spring 2011 | 45 NEWS-IN-BRIEF

CORNELL Christian Fellowship (CICF) is to provide Annual MLK Awards, Panel Chesterton House Event fellowship and encouragement to Discussion Held Christian internationals at Cornell. The annual Martin Luther King Social Addresses Christian Recently, a grant from Christian Union Environmentalism Justice Awards and Panel Discussion helped to underwrite the ministry’s efforts. were held January 28 at Collis Common “Why Tree Frogs Need Believers: Ground. This year’s recipients were Christian Concern for the Environment” Festival of Black Gospel Holly Sateia, MALS ’82; Jan Tarjan ’74; was the topic of discussion by Rev. Peter Features Byron Cage Michael Dorsey, assistant professor of Harris who spoke at the Graduate The 34 th Annual Festival of Black Gospel environmental studies; Gregorio Millett Christian Fellowship Roundtable concert (www.festivalblackgospel.com) ’90; and the Dartmouth chapter of (www.rso.cornell.edu/gradcf) at Weill in March included a performance by Habitat for Humanity. Hall at Cornell on March 9. Grammy-nominated and Stellar Award- The annual Christian winning performer Byron Cage. The Martin Luther conservationist Rev. event also showcased university choirs King Social Peter Harris spoke on from the Upstate New York area. This Justice Awards the topic, “Why Tree year’s concert also marked the first time and Panel Frogs Need Believers,” Cornell musical groups collaborated with Discussion were during the Graduate held this January Ithaca College to produce events for the Christian Fellowship at Dartmouth. Roundtable at Cornell. Festival of Black Gospel (FBG) weekend. Harris, an Anglican minister, is the The 34th Annual Festival of Black founder and president of A Rocha, a Gospel Concert The awards ceremony honors mem - Christian conservation organization. He was held at bers of the Dartmouth and Upper Valley is also a prolific writer on the topic of Cornell in March. community who have significantly con - Christianity and environmental concern. FBG highlights included the concert tributed to social justice, peace, civil According to author and environmentalist on Saturday evening, as well as a Sunday rights, education, public health, or envi - Bill McKibben, “No one has done more morning church service. Co-sponsoring ronmental justice. than Peter Harris to help Christians organizations included Cornell’s chapter understand that the Word lives outdoors of the Impact Movement, Higher Call, A Worshipful Experience as well as in, and no one has written more Cornell’s Chosen Generation Gospel tenderly or insightfully about the process Four students from ’s Choir, and Ithaca College’s Amani of building community.” Agape Christian Fellowship attended the Gospel Singers and Awaken. International House of Prayer’s International Christian A grant from Christian Union helped Onething 2010 Conference during their Fellowship Provides Fellowship, underwrite the concert. holiday break. The conference was held Encouragement December 28 - 31 at the Kansas City DARTMOUTH Convention Center. Thousands of young Approximately 40 students with Cornell adults came together for the event. International Christian Fellowship Dartmouth Responded to Haiti “I really appreciated their emphasis on (www.cornellicf.org) come together for Earthquake prayer, worship, and intimacy with God,” dinner, fellowship, worship, and Bible According to a recent review, Dartmouth said Rebecca Wu ’11, chair of Agape. study each Friday evening at 6:30 p.m. Haiti Response sent 40 tons of medical “Their worship was the most genuine Additionally, once a month, ministry supplies to the impoverished country fol - I’ve ever experienced.” members gather for Agape Night and lis - lowing the massive earthquake in ten to a guest speaker while enjoying a January of 2010. Additionally, 3,414 pairs potluck dinner. The ministry also of crutches were among the supplies and remains active $1.5 in monetary donations and in-kind during the win - medical supply donations were also ter and summer given. Manpower from Dartmouth Haiti breaks by Response also played a key role, as 51 bringing stu - medical professionals went to Haiti to dents together assist the sick and wounded. to listen to a A review of guest speaker Members of Cornell Dartmouth’s aid to International Christian or watch a earthquake stricken Members of Agape Fellowship at Fellowship come movie. The Haiti shows significant Dartmouth attended the Onething together each Friday for goal of Cornell contributions from the Conference held at the Kansas City dinner and Bible study. International university community. Convention Center.

46 | The Ivy League Christian Observer HARVARD Harvard Participates in Philadelphia as well as the greater Harvard President Is Descendant Day of Prayer Philadelphia area as a whole. of Jonathan Edwards Students from Harvard and other cam - puses across the nation participated in Wharton Students Volunteer at Harvard University President Catherine the National Collegiate Day of Prayer on Soup Kitchen Drew Gilpin Faust has a notable family February 24, a day set aside for prayer history. Faust, who received an honorary Members of the Wharton Christian that seeks a move of God on campuses Group volunteered at the Penn Hillel According to the across the nation. At Harvard, the Soup Kitchen this February. The volun - New England Winthrop I-entryway attic was converted teers served food Historic into a temporary prayer room with sta - to the homeless Genealogical Society, Harvard tions. The room was open from 6:00 from the sur - President Drew a.m. to 11:00 p.m., so that students from rounding Faust, Penn MA ’71 the different campus ministries would community and and Penn Ph.D. ’75, have time to participate. also spent time is a direct descendent of Jonathan engaging in Edwards. conversation PHOTO CREDIT: iStock doctor of laws from Princeton in 2010, is with those they served. In Volunteers from the a direct descendant of Rev. Jonathan Wharton Christian addition to Edwards, Princeton’s third president and Group served with the a spiritual leader behind the Great meeting the Penn Hillel Soup Kitchen Awakening of the mid-eighteenth century. physical needs this February. The New England Historic Genealogical of the soup Society outlined the extensive genealogy kitchen’s guests, the weekly activity is of Harvard’s first female president in a also designed to build enduring relation - Harvard students joined students through ships. 2008 article for American Ancestors . the United States in participating in the Faust, Penn Ph.D. ’75, is the daughter of National Collegiate Day of Prayer. McGhee Tyson Gilpin, Princeton ’42, a Penn For Jesus Promotes Unity The event had been a mainstay on breeder of thoroughbred horses. In the spring semester, Penn for Jesus campuses for a long period, but lost par - (www.pennforjesus.com) hosted a vari - ticipation during the past hundred years. Students Study Mere ety of events aimed at encouraging unity In 2010, the Collegiate Day of Prayer was Christianity, Proverbs among ministries on campus and at brought back to campuses. sharing the Gospel. The events included Students involved in Harvard College a weekly inter-ministry meeting by the Faith and Action have been gathering for PENN Penn Fusion Group, which is designed to additional enrichment and fellowship. A Full Measure facilitate prayer for the Penn campus Harvard College Faith and Action is a and to build closer inter-ministry rela - leadership development ministry sup - tionships. The Love Café, A Night of ported and resourced by Christian Union. Worship & Testimonies was held Female students spent parts of the fall February 27 and included worship and and spring semesters studying Mere personal testimonies from students. This Christianity by C.S. Lewis, taking the year’s event also incorporated a service opportunity to discuss the implications of focus, which was to encourage students the Christian faith “in their lives in the to minister to the homeless in the com - classroom, dorm room, and other social munity surrounding the campus. spaces,” said Joanne Wong ’13, organizer. Full Measure, an a cappella group at Penn, Kent Toland ’14 led a study of Proverbs uses music to worship God and reach over the holiday break via Google Groups. people with the Gospel message. “It was a good way to The Penn continue to pursue the Full Measure, Penn’s premiere Christian Fusion Lord over such a long a cappella group, held its Fall 2010 Group hosted a break,” he said. Concert in December. The concert, which consisted of 10 songs as well as a coordi - weekly nating skit, sought to encourage inter- ministry This winter, students believers and share the Gospel with non- with Harvard College meeting Christians. Additionally, the concert PHOTO CREDIT: iStock Faith and Action studied this spring to facilitate Mere Christanity by reached out beyond the Penn campus. It prayer for the campus and encourage C.S. Lewis. targeted students from other colleges in inter-ministry fellowship.

Spring 2011 | 47 NEWS-IN-BRIEF

PRINCETON included a private meeting with U.S. Chicago Divinity School for 15 years. Anscombe Panel Addresses Supreme Court Justice John Roberts, a Tanner is the author of Christ the Key and worthy investment in the campaign to Economy of Grace , among other books. Dating and Religion oppose abortion. Just in time for Valentine’s Day, The Bartlett Lecture Examines Anscombe Society hosted a panel discus - Women’s Wellness the Prophetic sion to probe approaches to dating About 75 students participated in among different faiths. The Bartlett Lecture at a joint-ministry event for female Rev. Bill Boyce, director of Princeton Yale Divinity School undergraduates at Princeton University. Evangelical Fellowship, and Imam was presented by Eddie Sohaib Sultan, Princeton’s Muslim Life Staffers from various Glaude Jr. Glaude, Coordinator, served as the panelists for Princeton ministries Princeton Ph.D. ’96, is participated in the event, which was held February 11 in the William S. Tod Women’s Wellness Robertson Hall. Professor of Religion Day, a joint-ministry and African Boyce reminded students that marriage event geared toward Eddie Glaude Jr., American Studies is not a human invention. Rather, it is a undergraduates at the William S. Todd divine institution and one that should be Princeton. and chair of the Professor of approached slowly and thoughtfully. Center for African Religion and African Female staffers with Manna Christian “Use this as a period of discernment,” American Studies American studies at Fellowship (www.princeton.edu/manna), the Princeton, gave said Boyce, Princeton ’79. “I urge people at Princeton Princeton Evangelical Fellowship, and the Bartlett Lecture to go slowly and seek to know the other University. Princeton Faith and Action (www.pfanda. The lecture, presentation at Yale person better.” Divinity School. com) held Women’s Wellness Day on which was held in The Anscombe February 26 in Whig Hall to highlight Niebuhr Lecture Hall on January 25, Society at issues of particular interest to female stu - Princeton examined John Dewey’s view of imagina - hosted a panel dents. The staffers covered topics tion “not in its traditional setting, but as a discussion including: individual identity in Christ, locus for a certain view of the prophetic.” about achieving a balance of work and rest, The lecture was also open to the public. approaches to nutrition and body image, and male- dating among female relationships. Metaxas Talks Bonhoeffer different faiths. The students “appreciated hearing with Bush more of the women’s voices from the Best-selling author Eric Metaxas recently Students March for Life staff and hitting on topics very relevant visited former U.S. President George W. to their day-to-day lives,” said Danielle Students from Princeton Pro-Life were Bush to discuss his newest biography, Sallade, Princeton ’94. among the 300,000-plus activists who Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy . descended upon Washington, D.C., for In February, Metaxas, Yale ’84, met th YALE the 38 annual March for Life. with Bush, Yale ’68 and Harvard The students took part in the pro-life Tanner Named Professor of Business School ’75, at his office in Dallas campaign, which is held January 24 to Systematic Theology to discuss Metaxas’ account of Dietrich mark the anniversary of the U.S. Kathryn Tanner, Yale BA ’79, Ph.D. ’85, Bonhoeffer, the German theologian and Supreme Court’s decision in the land - was recently named the Frederick spy who was executed in 1945 for his role mark Roe v. Wade case. Marquand Professor of Systematic in a plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler. With support from the Christian Theology by the Yale Corporation. “She “We talked about everything from who Union, about 50 students from Princeton is an outstanding leader in the field and might get the G.O.P. nomination in the Pro-Life journeyed via a chartered bus to we are honored to have her in this next election to writing books,” Metaxas Washington. Though exhausting, the stu - chair,” stated Dean Harold Attridge. said. “It was dents called their venture, which Tanner has previously taught in the a fun and Department of Religious Studies at Yale rambling and at Yale Divinity School. She also was conversa - a faculty member at the University of tion, and I shared much Kathryn Tanner, Yale BA ’79 and Ph.D. ’85, is of my own the new Frederick story.” Marquand Professor of Systematic Theology Author Eric Metaxas ’84 (R) met with Members of Princeton Pro-Life gather for a at Yale. fellow Yale alumnus and former President photo in the nation’s capital during the George Bush ’68 in Dallas to discuss his March for life this spring. biography of Dietrich Bonhoeffer.

48 | The Ivy League Christian Observer CHRISTIAN UNION By Matthew W. Bennett, Founder and President, Christian Union THE MISSION AND VISION OF THE CHRISTIAN UNION

Following is the mission and will occupy 50% of the most influential cally changed in our present day. New ap - vision of Christian Union, leadership roles in the United States. proaches and energy need to be poured printed in each issue of the Ivy Graduates from these schools will also into making it a priority for the Christian League Christian Observer to keep new have extraordinary influence on the inter - Church to see that the lives of these leaders readers informed of the ministry’s pur - national scene. are strengthened with the Gospel of Jesus pose and passion. Currently, these campuses are ex - Christ. Therefore, the mission of Christian tremely secular in their outlooks, repre - Union is to develop Christian leaders at INTRODUCTION senting a slow-motion train wreck that these colleges in order to dramatically America is unusual in the industrialized has been negatively impacting our country change the direction of the nation. world in that it has significant spiritual de - and world for a generation. Astoundingly, votion, but unfortunately lacks Christian 93% of the students on these campuses THREE VALUES OF THE MINISTRY vitality among those who are in posi - In its mission, Christian Union has tions of cultural influence. Many of three values of paramount concern. the most influential people in acade - First, the ministry is organizational mia, the arts, business, education, and engaging in its approach. Sev - government, media, medicine, and eral in the organization have law are decidedly secular in their out - M.B.A.s, providing training for the looks. Unfortunately, the Christian ministry to be strategic and pur - community itself is mostly to blame poseful in its goals and objectives. for this sad state of affairs. Over 100 Every quarter, the ministry com - years ago, large segments of the pares its progress against goals in a Christian community decided that number of key indicators. Jim intellectualism and positions of cul - Collins’ monograph, Good to Great tural influence were to be avoided in the Social Sector, has been a and left those arenas to the secular - tremendous aid in providing direc - ists. Years later, Christians have tion for the ministry. This strategic- lamented that so much of the culture mindedness of the ministry is also is directed and influenced by those reflected in how students are men - with values contrary to the Gospel of tored on campus. They are coached Christ. Of course, this should be no to be dynamic, faithful leaders, mak - surprise. ing an impact for Christ on their sports teams, academic depart - WHY THE MINISTRY EXISTS: ments, social clubs, and extra-cur - Christian Union was founded in ricular activities, such as singing 2002 to rectify this imbalance by de - groups and theatre. veloping Christian leaders to impact Secondly, Christian Union works the larger culture. The ministry is deliberately to engage students, and strategically focused on a very influ - Christian Union Founder and President, Matthew W. in order to have a realistic chance of ential and unreached segment of the Bennett, Cornell BS ’88, MBA ’89. seeing them develop into Christian U.S. population – the portion that leaders in a few short years, min - makes much of the decisions that affect have no regular Christian influence in istry workers of substantial caliber are the daily lives of all Americans. Christian their lives. These campuses include needed to mentor and teach the students. Union focuses on developing Christian Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth, Christian Union’s ministry workers are leaders through events and conferences Harvard, Penn, Princeton, and Yale. called “ministry fellows” and have a throughout the country, but directs most strong educational and experienced back - of its energy toward eight university cam - MISSION ground. Many have advanced seminary puses because of their extraordinary influ - Even with the help of local churches and degrees including master of divinity, mas - ence. Research has shown that just eight godly national campus ministries, the pro - ter of theology, and Ph.D. in New Testa - of the 2,500 universities in the country portion of Christian involvement and ment. Others have years of experience in produce 50% of the most influential lead - strengthening on these campuses has not some of the best companies in the world ers. It’s incredible to consider, but out of changed in 50 years. There is no good rea - including McKinsey and Co. Years of edu - 21 million current American college stu - son to expect that America will substan - cational training and life experience give dents, a small segment of only 100,000 tively change spiritually in the next 50 the ministry fellows the depth and ability students on a small number of campuses years if these campuses are not dramati - to mentor students and teach them bibli -

Spring 2011 | 49 CHRISTIAN UNION

cal depth, theology, Christian worldview, funding Christian speakers to come to to the Bible Courses, students benefit and integration of faith with academic campus, evangelistic outreaches, commu - from one-on-one mentoring, a weekly disciplines and anticipated vocations. nity service projects, pro-life initiatives, Christian leadership development lecture Third, and perhaps most importantly, conferences to help ministries recruit in - series, various conferences, and service Christian Union emphasizes the impor - terns to join their staffs, and many other and training opportunities. tance of seeking God wholeheartedly. initiatives. Though the vast majority of CLDP includes one-on-one mentoring What’s the point of having a Christian in a Christian Union’s spending goes towards of students so that they can be coached to position of cultural influence if his devotion its own programs (see category 3), the live for Christ wholeheartedly, under - to God, faith, and spiritual strength are so ministry is unique in that it devotes so stand the depths and implications of their weak that his values do not significantly dif - many resources to the furtherance of a faith in Christ, and make a godly impact fer from his secularist peers? Daniel of faithful Christian presence through other in their spheres of activity and influence. Bible fame serves as an inspiration. He was organizations. By helping students succeed in affecting extremely organized and focused in his out - Christian Union’s second category of the culture on campus, Christian Union is look, which he had to be as second in com - ministry on campus is the ministry cen - preparing them to impact the culture mand of the most powerful nations in the ters, which are currently in operation at when they graduate. world in his day: Babylon and Persia. He three campuses: Brown, Cornell, and also was known to be ex tremely intelligent, Princeton. These facilities range in size IMPACT which is why he was selected to enter the from 3,600 to 5,500 square feet and are We are grateful to God for the impact he king’s service in the first place, learning the for the benefit of the Christian cause on has had through us on the campuses. I literature of the Chaldeans. Yet, he also the campus. Every semester, hundreds of think the best way to convey to you all had a devotion to God so strong that even small and large events happen in these fa - that has happened, is by sharing a num - under the threat of death, he would not eat cilities. These events are sponsored by ber of quotes from students who have food defiled by idols, would not bow down Christian Union and also by many other participated in the ministry’s various to the golden image of Nebuchadnezzar, ministries, free of charge. The spaces are activities: and would not cease praying three times used for offices, fellowship meals, prayer per day. After teaching the students to be meetings, organizational meetings, small “The Princeton Faith and Action ski good leaders organizationally, and devel - lectures, receptions, Alpha courses, and in trip was the first time I had an en - oping their intellectual knowledge of the many other ways. Christian Union plans counter with the living God. That’s Christian faith, they also need to be taught to have ministry centers on the remaining when I was like, ‘wow, this is for real.’” how to seek God with a whole heart day five campuses in the next several years. “Christian Union’s Ivy League Con - and night: praying fervently, humbling The third category of ministry activities gress on Faith and Action really made themselves, reading the Scriptures often, on campus, and by far the largest and of a very great impact on my life. It repenting of sins daily, and obeying the the most significance, is Christian helped me to be close to Christ and def - Spirit promptly, persevering day in and Union’s Christian Leadership Develop - initely put a sense of meaning in my day out in their love and devotion to the ment Programs (CLDP), which require life. From now on, I can look forward only true God of the universe. full-time staff on campus and are present to being a true Christian.” at three campuses: Harvard, Princeton, ACTIVITIES and Yale, with plans to begin at Dart - “Harvard College Faith and Action Christian Union fulfills its mission on cam - mouth in 2011 (other campuses will be has provided me with a base of Chris - pus through a variety of strategically con - added down the line). tian leaders and friends on campus. At ceived activities. These are divided into The centerpiece of the CLDP consists of Harvard you meet people with a lot of three categories: 1) partnership ministry, 2) Bible Courses containing 8-10 students different perspectives, and if you’re not ministry centers, and 3) Christian leader - each and led by a Christian Union Min - grounded in your beliefs, it’s easy to ship development programs. The first cate - istry Fellow. These are very popular and sway. Having people who can answer gory of ministry activities is active on all there is often a waiting list for students to your questions and who are willing to eight campuses, the second on three cam - join. As of spring 2010, there were 24 wrestle through things with you is in - puses, and the third on three campuses. Bible Courses meeting weekly on the valuable.” The first category of ministry on cam - Princeton campus and five on the Har - “The worship and the messages dur - pus is the Partnership ministry, which vard campus. Students need to be spon - ing 802 (Princeton Faith and Action’s consists of Christian Union partnering sored in order to be able to join a Bible weekly lecture series) taught me about with other ministries for a variety of Course, so there is a great need for more God, both on an intellectual and a spir - Christian related initiatives on campus. sponsors in order to touch the lives of itual level.” The ministry spends $200,000 per year more students (for information, see www. helping other ministries on the eight cam - christian-union.org/sponsorship). Every “PFA has shown me the importance puses. Approximately 50 projects per student sponsored means one more stu - of fellowship and surrounding myself year are sponsored, about seven per cam - dent is receiving the opportunity to de - with believers, and to always make pus per year. Past projects have included velop into a Christian leader. In addition time for prayer.” ■

50 | The Ivy League Christian Observer PRAYER FOR THE IVY LEAGUE By Quincy Watkins EMBRACING AND ERASING DOUBT

Now Thomas, one of the Twelve, called the others. I wonder if we would have responded the same way as Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. Thomas. If we had, I believe people would have ridiculed us as So the other disciples told him, “We have well. However, if our only take-away from this story is for us not seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless to doubt, we are missing the true intent of the narrative. This I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and story is less about scolding Thomas as revealing to us three place my finger into the mark of the nails, poignant truths: and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.” DOUBT IS DOUBT Eight days later, his disciples were inside Doubt must be treated as doubt. Minimizing or ignoring doubt again, and Thomas was with them. Al - will not eliminate it. We must face our doubts head on. Having though the doors were locked, Jesus came doubts reminds us of our human frailty. As believers, we will en - and stood among them and said, “Peace be counter and entertain doubts on many occasions. However, with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put doubts acknowledged and embraced stand a great chance of be - your finger here, and see my hands; and ing transformed. Transparency in areas and commands from the place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.”Thomas an - Lord in which we struggle to accept or have serious questions is swered him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have the key. Thomas should be commended for vocalizing his doubt you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who instead of burying it. have not seen and yet have believed.” John 20:24-29 (ESV) DOUBT IS DANGEROUS Doubts are cantankerous. They poison and hinder the lives of In the church today, believers expressing doubt are often viewed believers. If we refuse to expose our doubts, they will become negatively. Lack of faith insists facts known are insufficient to cancerous, rapidly destroying our faith, relationships, and des - make the leap, and self-reliance rejects experiences or ideas con - tiny. Thomas embraced his doubt, and Jesus was able to trans - tradicting personal belief paradigms. form his doubt to faith. Jesus provided Thomas with the In this passage, Jesus makes a second post-resurrection ap - revelation he needed to move from fear to faith. Thomas’ rela - pearance to the disciples. Thomas, absent during the first ap - tionship and ministry was saved. He would have eventually for - pearance, was unwilling to accept news of Jesus’ resurrection feited us fellowship and his future assignment given to him by based solely on the disciples’ words, and insisted he must physi - the Lord. cally see and touch the wounds of Jesus to believe. From several scriptural accounts of the life of Thomas, his un - DOUBT MUST BE DESTROYED belief appears to be his normal reaction when facing challenging Doubts grow in the dark. We must shed light on doubts by vo - circumstances. Moreover, Thomas probably gained a reputation calizing them to the Lord and to others. We must be honest and among the disciples as a second-guesser, slow to believe. How - hold nothing back. The Lord knows about them anyway. Then ever, Jesus appears to Thomas and grants his request to physi - and only then will we experience the freedom that comes from cally inspect Him to eliminate his doubt. Thomas enthusi- the presence of God. The Lord is willing and ready to transform astically rejoices and calls Jesus “My Lord, and My God.” Jesus your doubt into faith. Pride is our enemy; humility is our life - replies that blessed are those who have not seen and yet have be - saver. If we confess our faults, Jesus is “faithful and just to for - lieved. give us of our sins, and cleanse us from all iniquity.” It’s also Many believers ridicule Thomas for his lack of belief. They are healthy to share them with your Christian leadership. Go ahead baffled how Thomas could discount the testimony from ten other and embrace and discard your doubts. ■ disciples. From the surface, it appears that Thomas was being obstinate. I agree. Thomas should have believed the overwhelm - Quincy Watkins, a teaching fellow with Christian Union, re - ing testimony of the other disciples. However, the other disciples ceived a B.S. in Economics from Temple University and an saw Jesus firsthand and did not have to rely on the testimony of M.B.A. from the Wharton School.

Doubts grow in the dark. We must shed light on doubts by vocalizing them to the Lord and to others. We must be honest and hold nothing back.

Spring 2011 | 51 PRAYER REQUESTS

BROWN HARVARD

■ Athletes in Action has been reaching and influencing both ■ The last issue of The Harvard Ichthus , a journal of Chris - Christian and non-Christian student athletes by having tian thought, was delivered to 6,000 students on campus. former collegiate and professional athletes share their sto - Please pray that God will use this journal to promote dia - ries of faith. Pray that these outreaches will strengthen the logue about Jesus Christ. faith of Christian student athletes and plant seeds among ■ Journey Church, which began one year ago with a desire to non-Christians. reach Harvard students, now has a vibrant growing com - ■ Pray for each ministry leader and worker, as they tirelessly munity. Pray that the grace of God continues to bless this devote their time and energy to spreading the Gospel church. across the Brown campus.

COLUMBIA PENN

■ Pray that discussions resulting from the Veritas Forum ■ As the seniors prepare to leave the academic setting, pray will cause many non-believers to ask questions about that their transition will be smooth and that those who are Christianity. Christians will soon find a vibrant community of believers. ■ Be praying for the Columbia Catholic Undergraduates as ■ New Spirit of Penn Gospel Choir was one of the groups to they seek to strengthen and encourage one another in their perform at the Total Praise Café. Keep these music minis - walk with the Lord. ters in prayer as they continue to reach out on campus and in the surrounding area. ■ Pray for unity among the campus ministries as they work together to reach out to students.

CORNELL PRINCETON

■ Over 200 students attended the Light ’11 missions’ event ■ In January, Princeton University was ranked as a “faith in March. Pray for those who were influenced to make friendly” school in First Things magazine. Pray that the commitments to summer missions and for those who are Gospel would continue to be boldly proclaimed on cam - considering long-term service. pus. ■ Pray that the Easter Celebrations on campus will start peo - ■ Keep in prayer the 30 Princeton students who took part in ple talking about Christ, and that people will share their the March for Life in Washington, D.C., in January. Pray faith and lives will be changed. Pray especially for the that they will be bold in promoting Christ’s message on the Chalking Ministry. sanctity of life on campus.

DARTMOUTH YALE

■ Pray that ministry leaders would be provided for in abun - ■ Lift up the Yale Law Christian Fellowship as they seek the dance so they can meet their obligations and devote their Lord for the emergence of new leaders. Pray that ministry time to the work of the Lord. members will continue to be steadfast in their devotion to Christ. ■ Continue to pray for the nine Dartmouth students who went to Panama City Beach, FL. over Spring Break. Pray ■ Pray for students wrestling with sin, be it related to drugs, that the training, skills and experience gained in evangel - alcohol, relationships, sexuality, sickness or stress. Pray ism would be in operation as they reach out to their peers that they might be transformed by Jesus Christ and dedi - on campus. cate themselves wholeheartedly to Him.

52 | The Ivy League Christian Observer From the bottom of our hearts, “!ank You!” Through your generous giving, Christian leaders are being developed to change culture.

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