A publication for alumni and friends.

Vol. 2, Issue 4, Winter 2007

The rays of the late afternoon sun and purchased one and brought it to the bathed the Phnom Penh riverfront in a embankment above the river where he warm, golden glow. A welcome, cool released it, believing that his transgressions breeze blew in from across the wide would be borne away on its wings. Families expanse where the Tonle Sap and Mekong unrolled their mats on the lawn in front of rivers converge. Down below in the river, the Royal Palace and unpacked their picnic fishing boats were putting in for the night baskets. As a boy ran by, unwinding the while freighters plied up and down the vast string of his kite as it rose higher into the inland waterway. Back up on the shore, a air, an elephant, followed closely by its crowd began to grow as Khmer families handler, lumbered along as it made its way arrived for a relaxing evening out. A group from Wat Phnom after a day of giving rides Serving Him of saffron-robed Buddhist monks walked to tourists. After the sun had set behind Serving Him along the road, returning from their the Royal Palace, silhouetting its distinctive afternoon prayers. Near the riverside architecture against the darkening blue sky, allall overover thethe pagoda, women sold joss incense sticks and a full moon rose over the river and took its lotus flowers to be used as offerings to the place. Another day had come to an end in world!world! ancestors. A young man sat next to a cage of small birds as an older fellow walked up Serving Him The Royal Palace in Phnom Penh continued on page 4 From every tribe and every nation! Sports history made Students from Thailand, Guatemala, commit suicide. “I was very depressed. Life at Kuyper South Korea, Nepal, Sierra Leone, Japan, had no meaning; it did not make sense,” Brazil and Outer Mongolia he said. It was then that he recently shared their picked up that old Bible with opinions on a variety of the intention of throwing it topics with the Kuyper away; but instead of throwing College News staff. it away, he started to read it. OnOn coming Coming to to “I read the entire Bible four times in one week,” he said. Knowknow Christ To say that there was standing room “After that I read it again For Satya Maharjan, only would be a great understatement. By eight times over the next two an interdisciplinary studies all standards, the Boonstra Center had weeks. I read about the death, major from Kathmandu, never hosted so many people. On Tuesday, resurrection and ascension of Nepal, it was a divinely October 30, the gym’s floor perimeter was the Lord. I cried…it was for arranged meeting with an Javier, Joseph and Tom in some places three deep. To accommodate walk to the dining hall me he lived and died.” After old Bible that brought VIP guests, the refs gave the ok to place a almost one year of reading the him to Christ. Satya was few folding chairs close to the playing Bible, Satya gave his life to Christ. born into a nominally Buddhist family. floor—right next to the bleachers. The For Gary de Leon, a media and Bible “Growing up, I really had no interest in music, loud and rhythmic, made the walls major from Guatemala, it was the God,” said Satya. “I had heard the Gospel shake, while the students, in a section persistence of a Christian friend who from British missionaries but rejected it. reserved just for them, were on the edge repeatedly invited him to his youth group I also rejected Buddhism, and any other of being legally riotous. Casey the Cougar form of religion.” During a difficult period Every Nation Sports History in his life in the late ‘90s, he tried to continued on page 6 continued on page 3

Kuyper College equips students with a biblical, Reformed worldview to serve effectively Christ’s church and his world. LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT Students develop As this edition of the News was getting ready to go curriculum for to press, one of our students, Anamaria Campean, succumbed to a short-term illness. Her death on Kosovo children Thanksgiving Eve was deeply saddening. It was very As part of the TESOL program, apparent, though, that Ani’s friends were well-aware Curriculum and Materials Development of and impacted by the vibrancy of her faith and her students for ESL/EFL (English as a certain hope in Jesus Christ. As an international student Second Language/English as a First from Romania, Ani brought a fresh and exciting Language) contributed to the mission effort in Kosovo. “Since people going perspective on our relationship with Christ and how we overseas often ask for ideas to help teach live that out in the world. She was a character—fun and English, it occurred to us that Kuyper enjoyable to be with—as we shared in her journey to see and be like Christ in students could provide a service by whatever situations the Lord led her into. We will miss her for she graced and creating materials and in the process blessed our lives with her smile, her energy and her love for Jesus. experience the reality of planning a We are grateful that Ani’s mother, Elena, was able to be here for several curriculum,” said Teresa Renkema, weeks. I am also thankful for and proud of the Kuyper community that associate professor of intercultural surrounded them both with prayer and care during this difficult time. In Ani’s communication. The curriculum, named life, throughout her illness, and in the body of Christ that surrounded her, it is “Oh, the Places We’ll Go” as a takeoff truly amazing how we saw the tangible expression of God’s love come alive. on the Dr. Seuss book, provides lesson The witness that was given impacted hospital staff, members of the Romanian plans, games and activities ideal for use community in west Michigan, and her friends. Ani came to Kuyper because she in overseas camp situations. wanted to guide people to Christ and she did so, even beyond her last breath. Professor Renkema approached This edition of the News goes on to highlight the lives and ministry calling Crossworlds, a mission agency supporting ongoing ministry in Kosovo, to inquire of other international students. You will be inspired by their stories of their as to their interest in the project. They backgrounds, coming to know the Lord, journey to Kuyper College and their responded enthusiastically and provided vision toward the future. Like Ani, they are here because they want to bring the answers to students’ questions regarding love and grace of Christ Jesus back to their countries. In the meantime they too context, children’s needs and the grace us with their lives, teaching us new and different things about the body objectives for the curriculum. Then the of Christ around the world. They sensitize and alert us to better ways to Kuyper students went to work. The end communicate the gospel message cross-culturally as we learn from them during result was impressive. their study with us. It is a wonderful blessing to have these students with us and The curriculum covers three hours I am very grateful to the many of you who, through your prayers, encouragement of classes on two levels for seven days. and gifts have given these students the ability to respond well to God’s call in Since the classes are for children in a their lives. Ani’s life is proof of that. camp situation, the focus is on fun as well as learning. Dr. Nicholas V. Kroeze “The students were surprised by the amount of work curriculum planning President required,” said Renkema, “yet they were very pleased to hear from the missionaries who used the program that it not only was a hit, but that it also continues to provide new and fresh ideas.”

2 IN MY WORDS The Story of God and the body of Christ Carol Hochhalter together, sang and read the Story of God, and heard from a Instructor of Music and Worship and missionary about God’s work in eastern Asia. That evening, we Worship Coordinator worshiped in an entirely different setting: a coffeehouse in Hamilton, Ontario, known as “The Freeway.” We were welcomed Our worship tour took place in May, so we into the fellowship of this Salvation Army outreach ministry, and focused on the ascension of Christ. To fully challenged by their plans to live as a true community. understand the full glory of the ascension, we On Monday we visited Smithville District Christian High remembered the life, death and resurrection of School where we led an upbeat worship service that again focused Christ. To recognize our need for a savior, we on the life, death, resurrection and ascension of Christ. The looked to Moses, focusing on God’s self-revelation technicians were marvelous, the students were delightful, and the —and Moses’ response—in Exodus 33 and 34. staff and faculty made us feel at home. The “Nutrition 9” class With our context in place, our worship told the Story of God: served us lunch and sat down to eat with us. While we enjoyed “the LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, the good food, we enjoyed the company even more. slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.” (Exodus 34:6). Monday evening was one of the high points of the worship The Story of God was shared by our 14-member team in tour for me. We led worship at Shalom Manor, a retirement churches and schools in Michigan, Ontario, New York and New community. As we read the Word and sang the good news, tears Jersey where we experienced the incredible diversity of the body rolled down the faces of senior saints. Following the worship of Christ. One Saturday morning, in downtown Toronto, we service, a retired pastor encouraged me: “You tell your students ministered alongside local churches in “Kids’ Worship.” As that’s what it’s all about: that’s the good news!” modern day Pied Pipers, we walked through the housing projects The Story of God, shared with the body of Christ—from the leading children to worship through drama, songs and stories. youngest to the oldest, of every tongue, tribe and nation—thanks Sunday morning found us still in downtown Toronto, be to God for including us in his story. gathered in a storefront with All Nations Christian Fellowship, a CRC church plant of about 40 believers from 14 different nations. “In My Words” is a feature of The Kuyper College News What rich fellowship we shared as we confessed our faith highlighting first-person stories by Kuyper College faculty.

GIVING OPTIONS

Joe and Anna have been faithful supporters of Kuyper College. with family, but we also have the ability to be generous with charity.” Both of them have visited the campus several times and have fond After talking it over, they decided to leave a bequest in their memories of those visits. They believe it is important to support will. Their attorney took the simple language available from and encourage young people. Kuyper College and included a bequest. “We are delighted that we According to Joe, several years ago, he and Anna decided to visit will be helping future students at Kuyper College,” said Joe. Kuyper College. “We liked the campus and believe that the teachers To discuss charitable gift annuities and other giving options, are truly helping many students. We think that it is important for please contact Ken Capisciolto (616.988.3676) in Kuyper’s students to have a good education today. For that reason, Anna Advancement Office. and I have made gifts over the years to help students,” said Joe. However, Anna indicated that they wanted to do more than Kuyper College is unable to provide tax advice regarding your to just make gifts. “Joe and I,” she said, “have been careful over the contributions. We recommend you contact your tax consultant with years and have accumulated some resources. We plan to be generous any questions regarding your specific situation.

Sports History jump ball at center court inaugurated the Kuyper continued from cover College intercollegiate sports program. Grace patrolled his domain, shaking hands, slapping Bible College was the opponent on a night where backs, and reveling in the loudspeaker’s blaring the Cougars ended up splitting the double bill. “ROARRRR” that acknowledged and confirmed The women’s team battled all the way and scored his presence. Speeches were made, “The Star- first, getting also the first official points in Kuyper Spangled Banner” played, and after prayer, history, but came up short on their debut. The something that had never occurred before in the men’s team notched their first victory and the 78-year- history of the College happened—a first-ever win for a Kuyper College team.

3 What is a Closed Country? The freedom to worship is central to the following excerpts from the executive states which exhibit marked hostility America's character. Our founding fathers summary of the U.S. Department of State’s toward minority religions, a wide range established religious liberty as the 2007 Annual Report on International of abuses and repression takes place at cornerstone of America's constitutional Religious Freedom. the hands of state agents. In other states, system by enshrining it in the First While the vast majority of the world's where there are appropriate legal Amendment of our Bill of Rights. Many people have religious beliefs, which they provisions for religious freedom, we of our nation's early settlers fled religious hold dear, global trends, regional nevertheless may see state agents persecution to come to America; hence, distinctions, local preferences, and neglecting to uphold these legal they vividly understood the importance personal histories often lead to significant provisions by investigating and of religious freedom. Yet today, there are overlap between religious identity and prosecuting instances of societal many places where what we take for ethnicity, class, language group, or discrimination. In yet other cases, states granted in the United States is not the political affiliation. As a result, the right may have certain discriminatory norm. These places are called “closed to religious freedom is abused in many legislation that favors majority religions, countries” because they limit or prevent countries both blatantly and subtly. or may pass legislation or enact policies religious ministry by expatriates as It can be helpful to recognize that that discriminate against a small number missionaries. In order to describe the abuses of, or restrictions on, religious of religious groups that the state identifies extent of the limits on religious freedom freedom can take many forms. In as cults. worldwide, we have included in this article totalitarian/authoritarian regimes, and The first and most stark category of

Serving Him Christian family. “I grew up in the at Western Michigan University. After continued from cover ‘Triezenberg Mini-Farm’ where we had becoming involved in the campus this vibrant and fascinating land known as goats, chickens, rabbits and a whole ministries of the CRC and RCA, he found Kampuchea, or as we know it in the menagerie of creatures. My parents basically himself headed for Nicaragua to work with west—Cambodia. let me keep just about any animal I wanted,” Habitat for Humanity. He decided to go Currently serving with English said Jim. Electronics also played a big part for, as he put it, “a chance to see the world, Language Institute/China (ELIC)*, in his life. “I pretty much knew how to what serving overseas was all about and, teaching English at the Royal University wire up a circuit before I knew how to tie partly, to feel good about doing my part for of Law and Economics in Phnom Penh, my shoes,” he said. His father helped him world poverty.” Yet, what he says he didn’t Cambodia’s capital city, Jim Triezenberg, set up an electronic lab in the basement realize when he embarked on this trip was class of 1997, shared stories of his life which Jim filled with junked TVs and the profound influence it would have on which, over the last 15 years has found radios. “Even as a pre-teenager,” he said, his life and walk with Him. Upon arriving him serving all over the world. “I already had the reputation of being able in Nicaragua in the summer of 1991, he The second of three children, Jim grew to fix things and found many people was immediately struck with the country’s up in Kalamazoo, Michigan, in what, enlisting these services. I also spent a lot poverty. “I had grown up living a sheltered according to him, was a wonderful of time walking the trails, communing life and did not realize how the majority of with nature and hearing His people on this planet lived,” he said. The voice in the creation.” trip was a real wake-up call for Jim. “I was According to Jim, it’s moved by the many living in cardboard difficult to say exactly when and tarpaper shacks and the number of he became a Christian. He malnourished children roaming the does not recall a dramatic streets,” he said. Jim returned a changed conversion experience. “For person “with a deep understanding of how me,” he says, “My walk has He requires us to live if we are to truly be been one of gradually coming His people.” to have a deeper relationship In the spring of 1992, Jim returned to with, and a desire to follow Nicaragua and spent the following summer and live for Him. I am in Mexico. It was while he was in Mexico more like Timothy, rather that he began to realize that cross-cultural than a Paul.” service was the Father’s calling for his life. Jim’s first overseas trip After returning from Mexico, Jim left Jim and the members of the Geography Club came while he was a student WMU and participated in a short-term

4 abuses is seen in totalitarian and ideology, which results in the intimidation nongovernmental entities or local authoritarian regimes, which seek to and harassment of certain religious groups. law enforcement. control religious thought and expression. Yet a third kind of abuse stems from A fourth category encompasses abuses Such regimes regard some or all religious a state's failure to address either societal that occur when governments enact groups as enemies of the state because of discrimination or societal abuses against discriminatory legislation or implement their religious beliefs or their independence religious groups. In these countries, policies that favor majority religions and from central authority. Some governments legislation may discourage religious disadvantage minority religions. These are hostile towards particular groups, often discrimination and persecution, but circumstances often result from historical identifying them as “security threats.” officials fail to prevent attacks, dominance by the majority religion and a A second category of abuses occurs harassment, or other harmful acts against bias against new or minority religions. with state hostility toward minority or minority religious groups. Protecting Finally, the practice of discriminating non-approved religions. These governments religious freedom is not just a matter of against certain religions by identifying implement policies designed to demand having in place laws and policies which them as dangerous cults or sects is a that adherents recant their faith, to cause in written form seem to uphold religious common type of restriction on religious religious group members to flee the freedom. It requires active work by a freedom, even in countries where country, or to intimidate and harass government at all levels to prevent religious freedom is otherwise respected. certain religious groups. In addition there abuses. Some governments have failed to are instances where governments use an prevent violations of religious freedom, or For a country-by-country report on individual's religious devotion as a proxy do not respond with consistency and religious freedom, go to www.state.gov. In the for determining his or her political vigor to violations of religious freedom by search box enter Religious Freedom Report.

“My walk has been one of gradually coming to have a deeper in the bush in a small recording studio which he ran off solar panels. At first Jim relationship with, and a desire to follow and live for Him. I am taught and shared the Bible. Later he more like Timothy, rather than a Paul.” added video production of programs for educational use throughout the country. — Jim Triezenberg “Despite its difficulties, bush life had its perks,” said Jim. “Notably, being able to go cross-cultural program in Belize. It was almost like having a continual Bible for long walks in a peaceful environment there that he learned of the need and study,” he said. Academics at Kuyper such a setting affords. Plus, I was able to opportunity for a longer term assignment challenged him to the point that he raise pigs, goats and chickens.” Jim says with IDEA Ministries’ Training and studied harder than he ever did at WMU. that his time in Nigeria had a profound Service Corps (TASC). It was the need for “Getting a high grade on an exam or paper impact on his personal and spiritual training prior to that assignment that first required a lot of work, but in the process development. He spent his first three years introduced Jim to Kuyper, where he spent my biblical knowledge and faith increased in Nigeria in the remote village of a semester during 1994. His work in Belize immensely,” continued Jim. “The faculty Serving Him taught him much. “First I discovered was outstanding, knowledgeable and continued on page 7 that effective service entails a long dedicated to their work. I commitment,” he said. “Second, I realized appreciated how supportive that if I was going to be an effective worker, of my cross-cultural work they I needed further academic preparation.” were. It is wonderful to be Leaving Belize, Jim returned to Kuyper able to walk into one’s alma and cross-cultural studies. As part of his mater a decade after field education requirements, he became graduating and still be involved with Guiding Light and Mel remembered and welcomed Trotter in Grand Rapids. “Through my on a first-name basis.” involvement with these ministries, He After graduation, Jim opened my heart to serve in any traveled to Busan, South setting, either remote or urban,” he said. Korea, to teach English at Furthermore, at Kuyper, Jim says he found Kosin University. After two an environment that cared about the years of teaching there, he students’ lives and ministry. “I liked how felt called to Nigeria where, Jim and students get ready to enjoy an international feast the classes, being biblically based, were for over five years, he worked

5 Every Nation a place to learn how to live a biblical upon in their countries. “In my country,” continued from cover worldview “since here all things meet and said one student, “children are respectful of that made the difference. “I was an are integrated through the Bible,” he said. their parents. We may disagree, but we still atheist—did not think much of the things “My professors not only teach me that but respect.” Another student said that in her of God,” said Gary. “But my friend kept also model it for me. Kuyper is a very special country young people, while very much asking me to come to his church. One day place with very special people.” looking to the future and to more I did. From that point on I began to build OnOn the the United United States States technological advances, do not discard-but relationships with the other young people rather embrace-the traditions of their “Culture shock” is how many who of the group. It took one year, but I could parents. Yet another spoke of how, in this shared described their first experiences in not resist God’s call.” country, we seem not to care for the elderly. the U.S. Javier Mata, an international “In my country parents and grandparents OnOn coming Coming to to Kuyper business major from Guatemala, was are welcomed into their children’s home To Tsutomu (Tom) Matsumoto, a amazed at the wealth in this country. when they cannot care for themselves,” pre-seminary major from Hokaido, Japan, “Here everything seems to be new and said the student. Finally, another student it seems very natural that he is at Kuyper. bigger,” he said. “The largest supermarket said that although wealth is one of the His parents are missionaries in Indonesia, most striking differences between the U.S and he had spent time in the U.S. prior to and other countries, it seems to be taken his coming here. “Kuyper made sense to for granted. “The amount of food I see me because of their strong pre-seminary thrown away in any given day, even here program,” said Tom. “Wanting to be a at the College, would feed a small village pastor, many suggested that Kuyper was where I come from,” concluded the student. the place to come in order to get a high On a Word for College President quality academic and biblical education.” On a Word for College PresidentKroeze Kroeze Prasha Maharjan—wife of Satya—also found out about Kuyper halfway around When asked if they had the opportunity the world. After coming to know the Lord to offer a word of advice to President as a student at the University of Oklahoma, Kroeze, what would they like to say— Prasha returned home to Kathmandu, several students made comments, including those who said: Nepal. She knew that she wanted to shift Prasha, trying to make a point with a her course of studies but did not know to skeptical Yeomyeong • “I am grateful for the opportunity to what or where. It was then that she met study here. Please continue to offer Arbin Pokharel, a graduate of Kuyper who in Guatemala would fit 10 times inside a scholarships so that more international ministers in Nepal. “He encouraged me to Meijer store. In my country the majority students can experience what I’ve study the Bible and to come here to of farmers use hand-driven plows. Here I experienced here.” Kuyper, rather than go back to visited a farm where one farmer, with his • “Keep growing because worldwide, Oklahoma,” she said. “That advice has combine, was harvesting in one day crops society needs the type of students that made all the difference in the world.” that would take one week and 100 people in my country to harvest.” come from Kuyper.” OnOn Kuyper Kuyper CollegeCollege To Nikon Chaocharoenpon, a • “This is a theocentric institution. I pray “A very spiritual place” is how secondary education major from Thailand, it never changes.” Erdenetuya (Tuya) Tserev, a media studies it is the diversity of people that struck him • “Stay with the vision to educate so major from Outer Mongolia, describes as different. “In Thailand we are all Thais,” God’s grace can be spread throughout Kuyper. According to her, Kuyper is a he said. “We’re a homogenous society. the world.” “healthy college.” When asked what she Here, there are people from every race, meant by this, Tuya said, “It is a healthy ethnic background and country. Here • “Since the name change, I’ve seen a College because here, God is first. As a everyone has opportunity regardless of new dynamic on this campus. I’ve heard result, the students, the professors, and the where they come from. There is absolute a lot of positive comments from the whole college family functions as it should. freedom in this country.” outside as well.” We value knowledge, we value friendships, Yet, not all impressions of America TheThe Future Future we value respect, we value prayer, and are positive. Many of the students see a Yeomyeong Jeon, a pre-seminary major above all else, we value the Word of God.” “moral” decay in this country expressed by from South Korea, will continue on to To Joseph Marah, a communications the disintegration of families and flaunting major from Sierra Leone, Kuyper College is of lifestyles and behaviors that are frowned Every Nation continued on next page

6 Scholarship Dinner The annual Kuyper College their stories and future dreams with the Scholarship Dinner was held on campus assembled guests. in the Walters’ Dining Room on Kuyper’s scholarship program plays a Thursday, October 11, 2007. Over 160 vital role in helping our students not only people were present to celebrate the study at the College, but also do so without growth of this endowed scholarship having to worry about how they will pay program. During the 2007-2008 academic for their education. Through the Social Work major Rachael Lefeber, year, 248 awards were given to 180 students scholarship program, we offer our students enjoys conversation with scholarship contributor Ken Knoll for a total of over $450,000 in awarded tuition assistance helping to minimize scholarships. Kristeen Lanning, a pre- their burden of debt as they go out into about establishing a family scholarship, seminary student, and Camren DeWaard, the world to serve God and his people. please contact Ken Capisciolto, vice president a cross-cultural studies student, shared If you are interested in learning more for advancement, at 616.988.3676.

Serving Him hosting students at his house for various continued from page 5 extracurricular clubs. These include a Kamfani—referring to his time there as his cooking club, a science/geography club and “40 months in the wilderness.” Jim a video production club. “These clubs have explained: “I was pretty much cut-off from been a good venue for getting to know other expatriates during that time. Yet, He students and, especially in the case of used that period of my life to teach me the science club, to show them the total dependence on Him. My time in complexities of the universe and natural Kamfani was more of a time of His working world which ultimately point towards the on my heart than me actually serving Him. creator of all things,” said Jim. “I am Even though I left the ‘bush’ more than thankful that He has led me here. Many A barge at Phnom Penh’s Water Festival, two years ago, many of the things I learned events have been put in place by His hand celebrating the reversal of the Tonle Sap River’s direction there are still coming to light.” that have led me and made my life what it Jim says that his first year in Cambodia is. I only hope, that by His grace, I will be *This article was written using editorial guidelines set went very well. Part of his service involves found faithful and ready to do His will.” by ELIC

Every Nation missionaries, wants to return to Africa while Joseph plans to start a Christian continued from page 6 to work with refugee children. After radio station in Sierra Leone. And what seminary and then pastor a church in attending seminary, Tom plans to return about Satya? “I want to teach theology South Korea. Rachel Goulart, a social to Hokaido and plant a church. Gary and at the seminary in Kathmandu,” work major from Brazil who grew up in Tuya plan to develop film and video he concluded. Africa where her parents ministered as ministries in their respective countries CLASSNOTES

Anamaria Campean was born Kuyper College staff, faculty and students, in Romania on May 14, 1981. On as well as many in our community, November 21, 2007, after valiant fight especially the nurses and doctors at Saint with cancer, Ani went to rest peacefully Mary’s Hospital. for all eternity in the arms of her Lord The College family is sad in losing and Savior. a sister. Ani is rejoicing at the feet of her Ani came to Kuyper College to study savior—well done Ani, well done! Social Work in answer to the call to help those in need. She hoped to someday start “God is our refuge and strength, an an orphanage in Romania. ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear…” Her joyous spirit, infectious smile, and Psalm 46:1-2 unwavering faith touched the lives of the

7 STUDENTS TO WATCH

Jennifer Policow Ireland, where she spent almost two years ministering to young people. “With all the conflict between Protestants and Catholics,” Hometown: Hudsonville, Michigan she said, “It seems that every teenager I met had a father, or an uncle, a brother or a cousin who had fallen victim to what over Year: Class of 2008 there is referred to as the ‘troubles.’ Because of my Dutch and Polish background, I could tell them that my father came from Major: Music & Worship a Protestant family and that my mother came from a Catholic family—like the Apostle Paul, I became all things to them so Her father is a Smit. Her mother is a Veroski. “So I’m in the end I could be used to win some for the sake of Christ.” Dutch/Polish,” said Jennifer Policow. Born in Hudsonville, In 2003 Jennifer returned to the States and enrolled at Michigan, Jennifer says that she had a wonderful childhood. Kuyper, graduating with an associate’s degree in religious education. According to her, she was encouraged as she grew up to develop While at the College she met her husband, Nicholas (Nick). Ten the gifts God had given her, to work hard and always be truthful. days after their wedding, Nick and Jennifer returned to Kilkeel. “If there was a ‘big sin’ in our home, it was lying,” she said. “But After almost two years of ministry in Kilkeel, Jennifer is back we had fun as a family—it seems that we were always seeing new at Kuyper. “While in Kilkeel the Lord impressed on me that the things and meeting new people—pulling a fifth-wheel trailer to theology of the younger generation is formed by what they sing. all but nine states.” If what they are singing is not sound, their theology, and their life, For Jennifer, high school had its ups and downs. Still, she says, will not be sound,” said Jennifer. So now she is finishing her that through these adverse times and trying circumstances she degree in music and worship. “I’m learning to write congregational learned a lot about leadership. “Those times helped shape me, so music, to praise God in music and worship, and to lead others in that later I would really get to know about God’s grace and doing so. I am so grateful for Professor Hochhalter. She’s pushed mercy,” she said. me to know the foundation of Christian worship straight from the After high school, Jennifer moved to Kilkeel in Northern Bible; how can I go wrong with that?” KUYPER COLLEGE EVENTS • We encourage you to save the date and plan to attend what • “The Beams are Creaking,” a play on the life of Dietrich will most surely prove to be the best Kuyper College annual Bonhoeffer, will be presented by Kuyper College students Spring Celebration Gala yet. Join us on Wednesday, at the Vos Chapel on February 28, 29, and March 1, at April 16, 2008, at DeVos Place as we listen to Cal Thomas, 8:00 pm. For tickets, please call 616-988-3617 nationally syndicated columnist and one of the most insightful voices of the culture wars, deliver the keynote address. We are looking forward to seeing you there.

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