PRESIDENT'S PEN | JIM J. ADAMS, ED.D. Dr. Richard Mouw’s Wisdom On Civil Discourse

Perhaps no theme has dominated no cost to them; it was our gift to Mouw’s book, Christian Leadership and Western culture in the past 24 help resource our churches. Uncommon Decency: Christian Civility in months like the subject of civil an Uncivil World. discourse in America. Americans struggle to find common ground -- places where difficult A fascinating irony reveals that our Dr. Richard Mouw, longtime subjects can be discussed honestly, secular counterparts look to the friend of Life Pacific College and and Dr. Mouw offered biblical church for a path to civil discourse. distinguished president emeritus examples to resolve the divide. The sad reality is that the church at Fuller Theological Seminary, has “So few can write more wisely or sometimes does not demonstrate spent a lifetime building bridges a healthy response to those who between people of differing faith disagree with us. perspectives. We invited Dr. Mouw At Life Pacific, to address our graduate students we take seriously our task Dr. Mouw also accepted our during the Master of Arts in Strategic as a biblical university in invitation to meet with our college Leadership (MASL) Lecture Series the making by equipping senior leadership to discuss the and to tackle the tough question, and resourcing Christian future of biblical higher education “Can Christians act like Christians and how LPC can contribute to when we disagree?” leaders who welcome God- better-informed civil discourse honoring civil discourse. in the future. His presence on The lecture series welcomed a campus was, indeed, an honor for returning cohort and the largest our community. The wisdom he first-year MASL cohort to date. The helpfully than Mouw does here about imparted from years of healthy new cohort of 26 students includes how we can communicate with people interaction among people of the Foursquare national leader who disagree with us on the issues divergent faiths will help shape our from New Zealand, a lead pastor that matter most,” says InterVarsity wholesome, redeeming interactions from Canada, credentialed leaders Press, publisher of Dr. for generations to come. from the Pacific Southwest District, a former judge, a member of the Foursquare board of directors, two nurses, nonprofit leaders, an educator, two engineers, and two LPC alumni.

These Christian leaders recognize that the church has a great responsibility to step up to the plate as we engage tough questions today. Local pastors and leaders were invited to join the lecture series, which was provided at

1 | Spring 2018 FACULTY SPOTLIGHT | DR. JIM W. ADAMS PROFESSOR, BIBLE AND THEOLOGY

By Aby Cardoza, Student Writer We have been blessed to know Dr. Jim student under, and others a professor W. Adams ('95) as a revered professor to. Above all, he is especially thankful at Life Pacific. However, among that he met his wife Audry at Life students, he is affectionately known Bible College while receiving his as “J-Dub.” Biblical Studies major bachelor's degree. Audry and Jim now Jordan Gunnet ('16) says, “He invests have three kids together, with whom so intentionally in his students and he enjoys surfing and skateboarding. makes learning (very, very hard Dr. Adams recieved his M.A. in things) fun, easy, and memorable. Biblical Studies from Azusa Pacific His encouragement during my time University, and a Ph.D. in Theology as a student helped me strive to be with an empasis in Old Testament the best I could, and lessons I learned from Fuller Theological Seminary. from him continue to influence my life and ministry today.” Before continuing his education at APU and Fuller Seminary, and When asked about his before he ever authored a book and favorite aspect of several articles, Dr. Adams worked as working at Life Pacific a janitor at The Church On The Way College, Dr. Adams said, in Van Nuys, Ca under Pastor Jack “There’s something special Hayford. He recalls, “I was carrying about LPC students that a bag of trash across the parking makes it a real privilege lot when God said, ‘I’m calling to be able to teach them you to teach.’” and be with them.” Aside from being an After beginning his M.A. program alum of LPC (which at APU, Adams was given the was Life Bible College opportunity to become a professor at then), Dr. Adams Life Pacific College. Twenty-two years enjoys being able of teaching later, Adams says: “When to work with staff I was asked to go back [to LPC], I felt and faculty, some like I was coming back home. God led of which he had me back home." the privilege of being a

ON THE COVER

Alumni Jim ('68) and Linda ('68) Hibdon were on campus for New Student Orientation and took advantage of eight tons of snow brought in for the day. Assisting our sledders is LPC student Anna Roberts.

Spring 2018 | 2 M.A. in STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP | FOURSQUARE PRESIDENT

By Carrisa Amonette, Student Writer Theo Nayagam begins his day early by investing in the first priority in his life: spending time with the Lord. Then he spends time with wife, Manju, over breakfast. They share a cup of coffee, talk about the day ahead, and spend time in prayer. Later, Theo begins his work day. As the national leader for the Foursquare churches in New Zealand, Theo has many responsibilities. From connecting with pastors, to organizing council meetings, or preparing sermons, Theo serves his nation and family with love and intentionality.

When sharing his heart for New Zealand, Theo said, “My goal and my heart’s desire is to serve God effectively, by fully being led by His Spirit and trusting that what He has said, He will bring about, and what He has planned, He will do. God had to melt and mold me until I was ready to equip the churches, disciple and raise up young leaders for the future, and accomplish new church plants.” But aside from being a national leader, Theo is also enrolled in the Master of Arts in Strategic Leadership (MASL) program at Life Pacific College.

The MASL is online and able to offer a degree program serving leaders who have a bachelor's degree and desire to pursue further specialized education and develop additional skills in leadership and ministry. It is designed to provide an integrated experience that blends leadership, management, and organizational theories with practical theology. Theo explained that the THEO NAYAGAM MASL program has been practical and beneficial

This year was Life Pacific’s second annual Love-A- LOVE-A-DONOR DAY Donor Day, and it was such a success! Not only do By Crystal Quintero, Student Writer we celebrate Valentine’s Day, we also take time to thank the people who have donated to Life Pacific. This year, students were familiar with the new tradition here on campus. After chapel, they were met with tables full of notes ready to be signed, sealed and delivered to our generous donors. As notes were being filled out, it was overwhelming to see so many students participate and extend appreciation to those who make Life Pacific what it is today. Some students personally knew the donors they were writing to, which made those notes of gratitude extra special.

Saying “Thank you” wasn’t the only thing students loved about Love-A-Donor Day…treats 3 | Spring 2018 OF NEW ZEALAND DONOR SPOTLIGHT | LEE SIMONSON TURNS 101 By Kaitlyn Merced, Student Writer because he is able to maintain his workload while Lee Simonson has done a lot during his time on earth. With his 101st immersing himself in the curriculum that he can birthday happening this March, we honor and recognize his role in apply to his ministry. The MASL has taught him a facilitating the move of L.I.F.E. Bible College to San Dimas in 1991. lot about himself and his disciplines as a spiritual His generous donation helped to provide for the current campus and leader, and it has also been an opportunity to teach includes Simonson Hall, named in his honor, which is the home for the leaders in New Zealand. the LPC library, chapel, and administration offices. The path to is paved by supporters like Lee, whose early vision Theo obtained a degree in India, climbed the social and heart for our mission built our foundation in San Dimas. ladder in Sri Lanka, and eventually, was called to New Zealand through a prophetic word. In New Lee’s connection to Zealand, Theo began by leading a connect group, LPC (L.I.F.E. Bible which grew, and in just two years, evolved into a College at the time) church plant. Eventually his dedication and heart were his two children, earned him a unanimous vote to promote him to his LaVonne ('79) and current position. Lee Ann ('66), who attended the college. As Foursquare family, we have plenty of ways to Lee believed that partner with Theo and his ministry in New Zealand. the school needed to Because Foursquare has been recently introduced relocate and expand to New Zealand, there are many needs in the 11 to continue producing Foursquare churches and throughout the nation. missionaries. He had Theo shares that the most pressing needs are a a vision for his alma building or space for a more efficient headquarters mater, and wanted to see it flourish– in a new location. workspace, and an effective way to equip pastors and leaders who are willing to invest their time and His passion for mission work began when Lee was young. His hearts into the work that is happening there. Please grandparents immigrated from Europe, and his parents were first- keep Theo, his leadership, his family and New generation Americans who farmed in the Vancouver, Washington Zealand in your prayers! area. Lee also worked with his father as a logger. During that time, an evangelist visited the logging camp and the Simonson family has been For more information about MASL admission, go to: on fire for God ever since. Inspired by the evangelist that visited his lifepacific.edu/master-arts-strategic-leadership family, Lee later pledged to always give a sizable amount to missions.

In the 1950s, Lee met his wife in a Foursquare church in Vancouver. Together, the two bought a sawmill that became successful and employed thousands of people. When they decided to sell the sawmill, from Dunkin’ Donuts were available to those their tithe was given to L.I.F.E. Bible College. able to carve some time out of their day to love a donor, and the sweet surprise put a smile on Today, Lee enjoys golfing, hunting, and relaxing in his favorite chair. He the faces of those able to participate and sign is still very involved in ministry and in his church, and loves hearing a card. Not only is Love-A-Donor Day a sweet about what Life Pacific is tradition, it is also one that brings awareness up to and how the college to the generosity and prayer that so many have is doing. We give thanks devoted to our school. As we gear up to move on to Lee for continually to University status, it is important that we take supporting our mission time each year to reflect on those who made this of equipping and training move possible. If you are a donor, Life Pacific leaders for ministry and missions. As we transition College thanks you for your faithful giving and to Life Pacific University, selflessness. We appreciate the generations of we keep the same heart and believers who have sown their seeds into the vision that Lee has always lives of students who study God’s Word. The had for our school. fruit of these seeds will be abundant, because Lee Simonson Dr. Dick Scott ('58) you have sown them with abundant love. Former LPC President Spring 2018 | 4 | UPDATE By Brandon Kinard WARRIORS GO TO NATIONALS The LPC Women’s Volleyball team rode an to Indiana. The Warriors lost against #1 am glad that I was given the opportunity to eighteen-game winning streak to receive an ranked Southwestern Christian University show the country what I am capable of. Could invitation to the National Christian Colleges in the first round, but rebounded in the next not have done it without the few coaches that Athletic Association (NCCAA) tournament in round with a win against Warner to earn a believed in me and the love and support from Florida. Coach Douglas’ team fell short of a #6 national ranking. my family and teammates.” national championship, but they did finish ranked #7 in the nation. This year the team The Warriors were rewarded for successfully Among those who supported Mark’s only loses one senior, and with a strong playing one of the toughest NAIA schedules development was Coach Tim Cook, who recruiting class, the Warriors are poised to in the country with five D-1 NCAA games was recognized as the NCCAA West Region make an impact in 2018 as they begin play in and other elite D-2 and NAIA teams. Senior Coach of the year. Cook, who is the LPC the GSAC conference next year. guard Mark Eden (see bulletin board page 9) Athletic Director when not on the court, is was named the NCCAA Player-of-the-Year. looking forward to adding wrestling, men’s Not to be outdone, for the second year in To go along with this award, Mark was also & women’s golf, and women’s basketball a row the LPC Warriors men’s basketball named a Scholar-Athlete and earned a First- to campus this fall. Nearly 110 Christian- team also made the trip to the National Team All-American selection for the second scholar-athletes will be wearing warrior Blue Tournament. The Warriors won the West consecutive year. Eden averaged 20.0 points and Gold this year! Regional Championship for the second and 6 assists this season. “I feel truly blessed consecutive season to earn their return trip to receive this award,” Mark commented. “I #WARRIORUP #7 #6 Coach Ryan Weisenberg boasts coaching experience ranging from high school to the COACH'S CORNER professional level. Ryan coached for the Los | Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Sparks Life Pacific College has recently welcomed three new head in the early 2000’s. He is one of a small coaches into the LPC community. Ryan Weisenberg (Women’s handful of people to win an NBA and WNBA Basketball Coach and Assistant Athletic Director), Arsen championship in the same year. Ryan brings Aleksanyan (Wrestling Coach), and Jonathan Zimmerman character, commitment to Christ, and a wealth of experience (Men’s/Women’s Cross-Country and Track Coach) will all be to Life Pacific’s Women’s Basketball program. joining Life Pacific’s rapidly expanding athletic department as head coaches starting in 2018. Veteran Coach Jonathan Zimmerman enters Life Pacific with 34 years of coaching After five years as an assistant at experience ranging from high school to the Baptist University (CBU), Arsen Aleksanyan collegiate level. Coach Zimmerman spent will be entering his first season as Head eight and a half successful years at the helm Wrestling Coach at LPC. During his stint at of the Cross-Country and CBU, Arsen coached twenty All-Americans Track and Field programs. During his time at and four individual National Champions. Biola, Jonathan grew the track and field team from 15 student- Coach Aleksanyan wrestled at Michigan State athletes to over 70. The quality athletes Zimmerman recruited University and Moorpark Junior College, where he was a State helped him lead the program to five team conference Champion at the California Junior College Championships. As championships and two national runner-up finishes. an amateur, he was a 1995 and 1998 World Team Member.

The new Warrior head coaches are working to bring in highly competitive student-athletes who are ready to continue to grow the tradition of LPC Athletics that has been set in place by the previous sports programs.

For more info about LPC Athletics, visit: lpcwarriors.org.

5 | Spring 2018 HALL OF FAME |

2018 Hall of Fame Inductees 1988 Basketball Championship Team

Team Members | • Steve Abraham ('90) • Les Albert ('89) • Sean Appleton ('89) • Steve Dunbar • Doug Ellithorpe ('88) • Jeff Hamilton ('90) • Andy Lovelace ('92) • Terry Risser ('88) • Bill Scherer ('90) • Corty Temple ('90) • Scott Turner ('88) • Sam Updike

Coaches | • Coach Blake Updike ('78) • Assistant Coach Mike Updike LPC ESTABLISHES HALL OF FAME 1988 NATIONAL BASKETBALL TEAM - INAUGURAL MEMBERS It was one of the most LPC Athletics welcomed the inaugural back-the-clock shooting shirts and their individual class of Life Pacific Hall of Famers at Hall of Fame awards. Athletic Director Tim Cook said, glorious days of our a reunion for the 1988 National Bible “Overall, it was one of the most glorious days of our College Athletic Association (NBCAA) athletic legacy here at Life Pacific, and the first national athletic legacy here Champion basketball team from – championship team was a fantastic inaugural class for as LPC was then known – the L.I.F.E. our Hall of Fame.” at Life Pacific. Bible College Vikings. Plans are being made to create a permanent Athletic Hall - Coach Tim Cook Memories were plentiful as Coach of Fame in the lobby of the Hicks Student Center adjacent Updike and most of the team came to Mehl court. to LPC to accept their induction to the newly-established Life Pacific Hall of Fame. It had been thirty years since the “Vikings” had won the national tournament in Dallas, TX, and almost that long since some of the players had seen each other.

After a day of catching up with each other and a Hall of Fame dinner, the team was recognized at the men’s basketball game that evening. In honor of their Former President Jack Hamilton And The Inductees induction, they received turn-

Spring 2018 | 6 COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER | MARY BENNETT

This year, Life Pacific College will confer the Doctor of Divinity her until they became adults and started families of their own. degree, the institution’s highest honor, on alumna Rev. Mary Several have graduated from college because of her influence in Bennett, during its May 12 Commencement at in their lives. Los Angeles, CA. LPC President Jim J. Adams, Ed.D. ('77) was among the first Known as a “Mom to the Motherless” at The Sonshine Children’s Foursquare youth pastors to lead youth mission teams to the Center deep in the Appalachian Mountains of Linefork, Ky., Rev. Sonshine Children’s Center during the summers of 1985 and 1987. Bennett has served as pastor of the Linefork Foursquare He recalls the “deep and abiding work of the Holy Spirit Church for more than 40 years. This was the same in my youth group members as they helped construct church where Mary accepted Christ as Savior when buildings, led church services, played with Mary’s she was a child in the church. kids, and conducted Vacation Bible School for the children in the community.” Following her career as a non-commissioned officer in the United States Air Force, Rev. “The culture and environment of the hollows Bennett received the Standard Ministerial of Appalachia were as exotic and mysterious Diploma ('72) and the B.Th. ('73) from LPC (then to us as any remote mission field,” President L.I.F.E. Bible College). She worked bi-vocationally Adams recalls. “Yet Mary’s constant coaching, as both a minister and a young executive at AT&T mentoring, and leadership left a mark that the in Los Angeles. Although at first resisting the young people in my care - now adults in their 40s return to Linefork, the call of God and the needs of and beyond - have never forgotten.” Rev. Bennett’s mother's health brought her back home. Rev. Bennett will deliver the commencement address during the Rev. Bennett’s friend and former Foursquare Mid-Atlantic District May 12 ceremony where the honorary degree will be conferred. supervisor, Rev. Harriett Mouer, refers to Rev. Bennett as the “Mother Teresa of Foursquare.” Over 100 children call her “Mom” Get details about LPC Commencement 2018 at: because she has taken them into her home and cared for their lifepacific.edu/graduation-ceremonies practical and spiritual needs, many of them remaining with

CHAPEL | A TRADITION OF LIFE Chapel has stood the test of time here at LPC, whether our campus is on the East Coast, in Echo Park, or here in San Dimas. It is the central gathering of our LPC community, where both individuals and our corporate community are spiritually formed. This year, we look forward to hosting AQUANETTA WARREN Mayor of Fontana, CA a diverse lineup of chapel presenters, who each uniquely contribute to the transformational development of our 4-Apr Walter & Marysol Ramos, Pastors, Iglesia Dios Restaura traditional undergraduate students. It has been a joy to talk 10-Apr Christopher Hayes, D. Wilson Moore Assc. Prof. of Ancient with students about what has been most meaningful to them Near Eastern Studies, Fuller Theological Seminary and to know that God is at work in the midst of us, bringing 17-Apr Esperanza Morphis, Pastor, Cornerstone Christian Center, about healing and calling us to restorative action. South Chicago Heights, IL 24-Apr Heidi Chambers, Pastor, Angeles Temple Hispanic 25-Apr Dr. Enrique Zone ('74), Hispanic regional superintendent of the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel AMANDA HANSEN 1-May ASB Presidential Chapel Campus Chaplain 2-May Presidential Chapel

lifepacific.edu/livestream

7 | Spring 2018 Life Pacific College has recently lost three great alumni. They lived lives of exemplary service to the IN MEMORY | Kingdom of God, each in their own beautiful ways. To attempt to adequately summarize their unique characters, Kingdom accomplishments, and impact in this world is a task far too great for anyone. Thankfully we can rest assured that our loving Father has greeted each of them with open arms and the ultimate words of reward, “Well done, good and faithful servant."

On December 9, 2017, at the age of 89, Garnette Burris (’52) went to be with the Lord.

Sister Burris and her husband, Dr. Glenn C. Burris Sr. ('52), served as a team. The couple married on September 18, 1948. Together they graduated from Life Bible College (now Life Pacific College), and pastored several churches, including a 10 year stretch at the First Foursquare Church of Concord. They also served as district supervisors for 18 years, and directed Camp Courtney in Hendersonville, NC, during this same period of time. Sister Burris and her husband raised three wonderful sons. She loved people unconditionally, lived every moment with integrity, worshiped and praised continuously, gave generously, and followed her Lord Jesus Christ, serving faithfully. She loved all those she came across, and she was loved in return! Her heart and her life were a true testament of God’s love for us!

Sister Burris left behind her three sons, Glenn Jr. ('76), Jeff, and Tim; her grandchildren and great- grandchildren survive her also. She is also survived by her sister and many nieces and nephews. We REV. GARNETTE BURRIS thank God for Sister Burris and for the life of service and love that she lived!

On December 15, 2017, at the age of 80, Paul Risser (‘59) went to be with the Lord.

Dr. Risser was born in Chattanooga, TN, and while attending Life Bible College, he met his wife, Marilee ('59), the daughter of longtime district supervisors Dr. and Mrs. Craig Bigg. Marilee would become Paul’s lifelong partner both at home and in the ministry. Together, Paul and Marilee raised three amazing sons. After graduation, Paul was appointed minister of youth at Lynwood Foursquare Church in Lynwood, CA, before moving to Texas in 1962 to pastor Brownfield Foursquare Church. The church experienced dramatic growth during his decade there, a pattern duplicated in his final pastoral position at Florence Avenue Foursquare Church in Santa Fe Springs, CA. Paul’s tenure there lasted for 26 years. Growing from 200 to 2,000 people by the time he left in 1998, the church became one of the denomination’s strongest. From 1998 to 2004, Dr. Risser would serve as the president of the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel. Dr. Risser served in many roles, including as a trustee on the board of his alma mater, Life Pacific College.

Dr. Risser had a huge heart for the many nations and people around the world. While growing up, he learned about our numerous Foursquare missionaries and evangelists. He later would travel to 65 nations and preach in most of the major Foursquare mission fields. Some of the moving stories Paul heard as a youngster and on his travels found their way into his book, An Eye for Miracles. Dr. Risser left behind his DR. PAUL RISSER beloved wife, Marilee; three sons, Mike, Brad and Terry ('88); and several grandchildren.

On January 4, 2018, at the age of 79, Fran Rottman (‘61) went to be with the Lord.

Sister Fran was born and raised in the desert community of Southern California. Even when Fran herself was a child, she was working with and for children. By Fran’s early teen years she was given her own Sunday School class to teach. Fran went on to Life Bible College to match her love for children with the wisdom of the Word. During her time at Life Bible College, she continued her work with children at Angelus Temple Foursquare Church. Later Fran worked with Gospel Light Publications (a large interdenominational Christian Education publisher). As she continued working with children, Fran learned a very helpful tool for reaching and teaching children – puppetry. Fran wrote and published two books, still in use today, on puppetry. Fran later left Gospel Light Publishing to become the Director of Christian Education at Angelus Temple. From Angelus Temple, Fran would come to work at Life Bible College in so many roles – each with such a rewarding impact. She first served as the college's Alumni Relations director, and later she worked as a professor serving as the Academic Advisor for the School of Distance Learning. Fran not only taught how to educate children with the word of God, but also continued to seek educating herself. Fran would go on to receive her Master’s Degree from . Fran was one of the pioneers in Foursquare for raising the bar for education and biblical literacy in children. Here at Life Pacific College, there aren’t enough words to express how much Fran’s REV. FRAN ROTTMAN love, kindness and dedication impacted the lives of so many!

Spring 2018 | 8 This little Warrior, Alexander, son to Dr. Michael ('95) & Jonelle Salmeier, is looking sharp! Little Emerson Roy is rocking his Jeff Hamilton ('90), donating his Warrior gear thanks to mom and dad, winning 1988 basketball jersey Phil ('06) & Kiffen (Crites '06) Chance! to LPC!

SPRING PREVIEW ALUMNI PANEL

Zayma Joy is proud to wear her LPC onesie and represent the alma mater of her mom and dad, Jesse ('10) & Hayley (Doyle '09) Millar! Left to Right: Eric Lopez ('03), Grayson Jennings ('16), Cathy Holms ('16), Rebecca Mundt ('17), Nicole Perez ('00), & Basil Cantu ('17)

Baby Ansel, son of Tim ('17) and Nancy Caption Lee, is stepping out in style and repping the LPC Warriors!

Mark Eden has been awarded the NCCAA National Player of the Year Award! Hall of Fame Inductees

Celebrating the 1988 Basketball This little Warrior, Alexander, son to Championship Team to our Hall of Fame! Dr. Michael ('95) & Jonelle Salmeier, is looking sharp! We proudly welcome RJ to our Advancement Office, and congratulate Ryan ('08) & Melissa (Hayashi '12) Rufener!

Miss McKenna Edler, daughter of Jake Cousins Reid, son of Ryan ('07) & Melissa (Nigro ('12) and Chantal (Johnson '13), is all '06) Clouse, and Bonnie, daughter of Peter ('05) Charolette Romelle Davidson, smiles in her favorite onesie! & Jill (Clouse '06) Henderson have teamed up to granddaughter of Steven Davidson show their LPC Warriors spirit! ('74), is dreaming big and bold!

LPC trustee Jessie Cruickshank (co-written with with her newAlan book, Hirsch) 5Q: A User’s Guide Activating dives into the five-foldEphesians ministry 4:11. described in

Chapel speaker and alumnus Justice Coleman (’09) encouraged students to embrace the big waves that God sends their way. 1100 West Covina Boulevard San Dimas, California 91773

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