Vol. 9, Issue 1, Winter, 2014 Bringing God’s grace Events usher in to Guatemala Kuyper’s 75th Anniversary

Kuyper’s International Golf Tournament The 2013 Kuyper International Golf Tournament broke all records with the highest attendance and most money raised in the history of the event. Over 130 golfers teed off in support of the Ambassador Scholarship—the fund that provides ministry-focused international students the much needed resources to be equipped to serve Christ in their home country. Gary and Rachel de León with some of their street kids The event sponsors, golfers and dinner guests Gary de León, class of 2010, God’s grace, both of them came helped raise more than $90,000 for the was born in Guatemala. Rachel to Kuyper as students. They met, scholarship fund. Goulart, class of 2009, was born God’s grace A Hidden World Revealed in Brazil. Through the miracle of continued on page 4 “The Fourth World,” an internationally acclaimed and award winning documentary 75th Anniversary Spring which exposes the hidden world of slums, made its West premiere this past Celebration Gala fall. The documentary was produced and Dr. Richard Mouw, president emeritus directed by Kuyper alumnus Mark Volkers, and professor of faith and public life who heads the digital media production and at Fuller Theological Seminary, will be media studies program at Dordt College. the keynote speaker at Kuyper’s Spring Volkers traveled to major slums in Guatemala, Celebration Gala. A philosopher, scholar, Kenya and the Philippines in order to bring and author, prior to his two decades as to light in a personal and empathetic president of Fuller, he served as provost, manner the shocking truth of the plight and as professor of Christian philosophy of people who actually live in the squalor and ethics. Before serving at Fuller of slums—approximately one sixth of he served for 17 years as professor of philosophy at Calvin College. the earth’s population. Dr. Richard Mouw The Gala will take place at the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park on Wednesday, April 16th. For questions or more information, please contact Teresa at 75th Anniversary continued on page 11 [email protected] or 1-877-229-0940. Watch your mailbox for an invitation to arrive this spring. Letter from My objective the president as athletic When a person has been part director of something special that not By Christine Moran only has touched her heart and mind but has reached down into With the goal of her very soul, we note in her encouraging students in character and speech a certain their spiritual walk and “depth of experience.” It comes helping them excel in sports for God’s glory, the out in an intimate, almost sacred Kuyper College intercollegiate athletics program is way as she expresses wisdom an integral part of the school. The program began and wonder over an awareness that came through God’s in 2006 when Kuyper fielded men’s and women’s Word, an encounter with others, or a revelation of insight basketball teams and became a member of the that “just made sense” out of a multiplicity of things she had National Christian College Athletic Association been thinking about. The “depth” in that experience is both (NCCAA). Since that time, the program has grown to emotional and liberating, a nigh-unto spine-tingling peek into a include men’s soccer, women’s volleyball, and men’s world where Truth actually becomes tangible in her spirit. This and women’s cross country. From the very start, is the wonder of a close encounter coming from being in tune Kuyper has been represented at the NCCAA National with the Spirit of God and the vision He opens before a person. Tournaments, had several athletes recognized as I felt this way about the “witnesses” whose stories you All-American players, as well as recipients of All- will read about in this issue of The Kuyper News. Theirs is a American Scholar Awards, plus one of our coaches witness to a depth of experience that came from their seeking received the NCCAA Midwest Coach of the Year God’s will and being open to the leading of His Spirit. What Award in 2012. their stories witness to me is that God is ever-active in a Intercollegiate athletics at Kuyper provide person’s life, though we don’t often recognize it until a series of a Christian educational experience within the events lead us to discover the perfect timing and provision God framework of competitive sports. By focusing on a had prepared for us. A person going through an experience like holistic learning practice, we provide players with this is often left incredibly humbled and much more sensitized avenues for spiritual, physical, emotional, social and to the reality of the spiritual realm that pervades our lives, intellectual growth. In addition, coaches and Kuyper’s drawing all things together “for the good of those who love athletic chaplain offer counsel and encouragement Him.” When things like this happen to you, they can indeed be helping athletes honor Christ through the pursuit of nigh-unto spine-tingling! excellence in academics and sports. I know many of you readers of The Kuyper News personally, During a recent conversation with Taylor Way, a and I know your stories—which likewise reflect a depth of Kuyper student athlete, she said to me: “I decided experience that gives evidence to your incredible walk with to come to Kuyper College because of the volleyball God. You are kindred spirits with the students and alumni of program and knowing that I would be able to Kuyper, with its trustees and employees. You have gained a continue playing the sport I love. Since being here I wisdom that uniquely developed out of the intimate, almost have learned the value of this community and have sacred way you have discovered and embraced the Truth of gained the skills I needed to be a leader within the God dwelling in you richly. I hope that you will continue to athletic program as well as being spiritually involved share these stories with us—stories that inspire, encourage and off the court.” And, speaking on the relationship bring expectation into the lives of those who are still seeking, between athletics and faith, freshman Derek still yearning, still learning to experience God’s guiding DeRuiter said that the work he has put into soccer presence as you have. Also, let this be a reminder to you to reminds him how he ought also to approach his faith. revisit those times when God spoke so clearly to you so that “I need to treat every day as if it is the Champions you may be encouraged in your life and witness. League Final,” he said. Aside from blessing students who are directly involved in a sport, Kuyper athletics have also helped to foster a spirit of unity and pride shared by students, faculty, staff and alumni, as well as Dr. Nicholas V. Kroeze the extended Kuyper community of friends and President supporters of the College. Go Cougars!

2 In My Words: A retrospective Dr. Paul Bremer—Professor—1975-2006 As I reflect on my years at the College, I could highlight many people who played a significant role I have many memories. My parents in the history of the school. I choose one. I am amazed at the attended evening classes in the Holland- impact Dick Walters had. He taught courses on campus and Zeeland area taught by Rev. Dick Walters in other locations and traveled to many areas to represent the in the early years of Reformed Bible school. At one board meeting he mentioned that he visited 41 Institute. They had a friendship with schools in a number of different states spreading the news about him and respected him highly. They often mentioned him with the Institute! While he served as president, some churches appreciation as I was growing up. I remember going with them extended a call to him to leave the Institute and become the to Grand Rapids on one occasion and visiting Rev. Walters at the pastor of the church, but he declined the invitations and 1869 Robinson Road campus. He gave us a tour of the building; I continued his work at the school for the rest of his life. was impressed by his cordiality and kindness. Little did I realize In the 1960s he developed health problems and reluctantly that I would return there years later as a faculty member! I think had to resign as president but continued to teach at the school. it was that memory that prompted me to respond to a faculty He died on his 60th birthday as he was preparing to go to the opening that was posted in the Banner in 1975. school and carry on his work. As I look over the 75 years of history of the school, I have I give thanks for him and many others like him who helped been impressed by the devotion that board members, faculty the Reformed Bible Institute they formed become the College members, staff members and loyal supporters of the school we know today. It is a story of their hard work and passion and displayed. They trusted God—and worked very hard. God’s blessing on the institution. They gave leadership to an institution that had no history and no permanent home; they, however, perceived a need and “In My Words” is a feature of The Kuyper College News developed a vision of what had to be done to meet it. Although highlighting first-person stories by Kuyper College faculty some people did not share their vision for such an institution, and staff. they worked hard to establish it and trusted that God would bless it.

Stewardship: Student scholarships Though Kuyper College costs are 30% less than guidelines from Kuyper’s Scholarship Committee, allowing comparable Christian colleges, most of our students still for the scholarship to benefit students continually into the need additional financial assistance. Many are preparing future. The donor has the option to add to the scholarship for ministry-related fields (read the cover story in this issue) at any time, which will enable the balance to grow and more which could be hindered if they become encumbered with students to benefit in the future. excess educational debt. At Kuyper, student scholarships help to offset the cost of tuition and enable students to be Annually Funded Scholarships propelled into ministry quickly after graduation. Non-endowed, or annually funded, scholarships can also Endowed Scholarships benefit students, though they do not have the longevity of an endowed fund. The donor specifies a dollar amount ($1,000 Endowed scholarships can be established for as little as minimum) to be awarded each year to students meeting $10,000 and are often able to be awarded within the first specified criteria. The scholarship is only available as long year of funding. The donor chooses a name for the fund as it is funded by the donor. and may specify criteria such as grade point average and area of study that will determine eligibility of students to If you would like information on how to become a scholarship receive the scholarship. Only the interest portion of the donor, please contact Teresa Janzen at 616.988.3653, or e-mail endowed fund is used for student awards in accordance with her at [email protected].

There are many special events that take place at Kuyper College. There is also an e-Newsletter. If you would like to receive event information and the e-Newsletter online please send your e-mail address to: [email protected].

3 God’s grace about salvation. My answer was always continued from cover the same: ‘I am not ready.’ ” Time passed, married, and now minister together in and one day after boarding a bus and Guatemala City. This is their story. paying his fare, the driver gave Gary his ticket with a printed advertisement on the Gary de León’s story back. “I read it and noticed it was a Bible verse,” he said. “Ephesians 2:8-9: ‘For it Gary de León was born in Guatemala is by grace you have been saved, through City. His father worked in accounting and faith—and this is not from yourselves, it his mother, as he describes it, “has always is the gift of God— not by works, so that been a teacher.” In 1982, when he was 9 no one can boast.’ All of a sudden it all months old, Gary’s father disappeared. made sense—what my friends had been “The 1980s were the most violent period telling me. I also remembered they said of the Guatemalan Civil War which raged that whenever I was ready to accept Christ for 36 years,” said Gary. “During this time as my savior, I should pray to God and thousands of individuals who opposed the confess my sin and ask for forgiveness. government vanished. My father was one Gary de León preaching about the church’s I got out of the bus, went home, and did social responsibilities of them; he was somehow involved with just that.” the revolutionary rebel army which was Gary joined the church and began to fighting against the government—to this perfect fit for me because it offered work with the youth group. He also began day we do not know what happened to a collaborative film program with to work for a Guatemalan ministry— him. My mother spent two years . So I applied and Liderazgo Juvenil (Youth Leadership). searching for him. She finally gave went back to Guatemala and waited,” “This ministry called and said they needed up and went back to teaching full time he said. A year passed and Gary began someone to produce videos, so I worked so she could take care of me.” to wonder if God truly was calling him full time for two years making videos While Gary attended a Catholic primary to ministry. “Then I was contacted by throughout Central America,” he said. school, that was not the case for his Kuyper telling me that they were offering Gary also worked as a coordinator helping secondary education. “I attended a non- me a 95% scholarship,” he said. “No short-term mission groups longer was there any doubt in my mind. from U.S. churches. “I This was confirmation that God wanted enjoyed working in ministry me in ministry.” back then, but I was not Gary said that Kuyper became not sure it was what God wanted only the instrument that God used to put me to do with my life,” he his heart and mind back into ministry, said. But according to him, but also the place he learned how to do God was sure, and started kingdom work. He explained: “I will to orchestrate a series of always be grateful for professors who were sequential events in his patient and not only taught me how to life that have brought him write English correctly, but who helped to where he is today. He me understand, use and apply Scripture. Gary de León visiting street friends explained: “A friend and As a foreign student I felt supported by mentor connected me with religious high school,” he said. “During the Kuyper community who offered their Compass College of Cinematic Arts in this time I decided not to be involved in friendship and invested time in me. I downtown Grand Rapids which offered any religious activity and even questioned would like them to know that they have me a three-month scholarship. A pastor God in view of the problems I had in my been a great blessing in my life and that from Christian Reformed World Missions life and the problems throughout the I’m thankful for them. Yet, the biggest paid for my plane ticket to Michigan, and world.” Gary said that these were the blessing from Kuyper was meeting Rachel, a family from Fourth Reformed Church, most difficult years of his life. “Yet, I my wife, who shares the same vision for in the middle of the city, hosted me for the realize now that it was also a time ministry and is my best friend in ministry three months I was at Compass. It was a when God brought into my life the and life.” little overwhelming to see how God was friend that would eventually lead me putting all this together.” to Christ,” he said. Rachel Goulart’s story After he finished his classes at This friend belonged to a church and Rachel Goulart, class of 2009, grew up Compass, Gary felt led to pursue invited Gary to his youth group. “His in a Christian family in central Brazil. She higher education in the U.S. Friends friends became my friends,” he said. was the youngest of four siblings. When recommended Kuyper. “It seemed a “And they would always speak to me she was 2 years old, her parents moved

4 She said it was easy for her to fit into the “I hope that many more can have the same opportunity Guatemalan culture, learn the language, Kuyper gave both Gary and me, and that they will use it and get to know better the youth at-risk. for God’s glory.” “Serving in that ministry was like seeing my life come full circle: as a child seeing —Rachel de León, Class of 2009 the need to help at-risk kids living in the streets, pursuing a degree in that area, to West Africa to serve as missionaries. who they were, but I went ahead and and now being on the field serving God “It was a life changing experience,” said contacted Professor Teresa Renkema and and helping at-risk youth in Guatemala be Rachel. “I grew up among the nationals, applied for an international scholarship. restored,” she said. ate the food, played with the kids, I’ll never forget the day I received an shopped at the local market, learned to e-mail from her informing me that I was speak French and English, and absorbed approved for a full-ride scholarship! It everything about the culture. That was was a wonderful feeling knowing that where my passion for at-risk children someone who knew little about me was began. After seeing many children living giving me a once in a lifetime opportunity in horrible conditions, I knew one day I and investing in my life,” said Rachel. would be able to help them.” “What a gift! Kuyper was actually the only After 9/11, just at the time Rachel was place I applied, and it was exactly what I entering high school, her family left their was looking for—a small Christian college home in West Africa and moved back to that would offer a dual theology and social Brazil over security concerns. “It was a work degree with a TESOL certificate. And tough transition, but my parents helped us that’s exactly what I earned at Kuyper. settle back into the Brazilian lifestyle,” she God is amazing! I’m very blessed and am said. “Right after finishing high school and forever grateful for having the opportunity knowing deep in my heart that I wanted to be part of the Kuyper family.” Rachel Gary and Rachel de León to help at-risk children, I began looking said the time she spent at Kuyper helped into college scholarship opportunities, her discover more of who she was in specifically in the U.S. I still was uncertain God and what she wanted to do with her Gary and Rachel of what career I wanted to follow, but life. “The great education and support I de León’s story I knew God would lead me to what He received at Kuyper helped me become In 2012 At Risk No More became part had planned for me.” Rachel remembers who I am today,” she said. “The social of AMG (Advancing the Ministry of the sitting at her computer at home and work professors allowed me to do my Gospel). Gary de León is the network looking at a map of the U.S. “I saw these internship overseas, which was something & alliances coordinator nurturing like- beautiful lakes and knew that I wanted to I wanted so much since my focus was minded organizations and churches study at this place called Michigan,” she international social work. Even the work in Guatemala to work together. He said. She remembers typing on Google: experiences at Kuyper helped me quickly also serves in the communications “social work, Bible college, TESOL,” mature and become a leader, and working department using media to transmit and the first option that popped up was alongside great staff that guided me to others the reality of life for children Reformed Bible College. “I had no idea helped me achieve more. My best friends and teens at-risk in Guatemala. to this day are friends I Rachel serves as the church-based made at Kuyper.” foster care coordinator connecting the After Kuyper, Rachel local Guatemalan churches with the enrolled in graduate government’s foster care program to school and received a care for at-risk children in need of a Master in Social Work loving family. “As I look back,” said degree (MSW). Shortly Rachel, “I can now see God’s purpose thereafter, she moved to for each stage of my life. Childhood Guatemala. She explained: in Africa—opening my eyes to see the “My then fiancé Gary de need; teen years in Brazil—searching León was working with At for my calling; adulthood in the United Risk No More, a ministry States—being equipped and matured to street youth. I moved for my calling; and now in Guatemala— in with his mom and grandmother and began God’s Grace Rachel de León visiting homes in the community working alongside him.” continued on page 11

5 Favorite Memories

Ronald Bouwkamp Gerry Koning Rob Wondergem Class of 1964 Class of 1980 Class of 1995 There is still a special letter included RBC was THE place to meet some My favorite memory while attending with our important papers. It is the interesting students and faculty. Reformed Bible College, as ordinary as letter of acceptance from RBI. My start While at RBC I met a student from this may sound, would simply have to be at RBI is now history, but the story goes Thessaloniki, Greece. His name was the time I spent in the classrooms. I had on. My favorite memories of RBI are Phedon Kaloterakis, and we were in struggled all my life with academics and those which broadened my knowledge, Greek class together. I learned a lot barely graduated from high school. relationships, and God’s purpose for my about contemporary Greek culture from So I was shocked in the summer of 1991 life. My understanding of the Scripture him, and I would occasionally stop by to receive my acceptance letter from RBC. grew through Bible doctrine classes and his apartment and have a glass of Greek I was not shocked, however, to read that the memorization of God’s Word. It was Retsina wine with him.We enjoyed talking because of my poor grades, I would be also broadening to have Mr. David Villa about politics. Phedon was a member of put on academic probation. Classes at open our class with prayer in Spanish, the Communist Party back in Greece. He RBC were so different than anything I his native language. Miss Katie Gunnink did not have a sterling view of the U.S. He had experienced before. The classrooms shaped an appreciation for the gifts God often reminded me of the “defeat” of the were small, and the teachers knew me. has given to women. Mr. Van Laar formed U. S. in Vietnam, the Watergate Scandal, Furthermore, they were opening God’s an appreciation for music. This was not and the Iranian Hostage Crisis, which Word to me. I was an open book and only a time of formal education, but also was a present reality in 1979. Partially eager to learn. From Dr. Bierma’s amazing a time of inter-generational friendships because of his influence, I enrolled in a lectures on doctrine, Dr. Shelley’s teaching that have lasted for years. I also have very summer course with Dr. William Shell on spiritual formation, Dr. Hertel’s fond memories of many classmates from on communism. Dr. Shell had significant captivating lessons, Mrs. Tigchelaar’s love different backgrounds, including some experience living in communist countries, of good books, and Dr. Kroeze’s command from Navajo and Zuni tribes. Canadians and I thought this would be an interesting of the Scriptures, I was blessed to be added their richness to my life. (After and helpful course. It indeed was—with under their and others’ tutelage, and I graduation, we served a mission church his multicolored outlines, Dr. Shell began to excel academically. When I think in Alberta, Canada.) There were also gave us plenty of helpful information. I back on all these amazing classes led by students from India, Africa and Japan was so interested that I wanted to read faithful, loving professors, it really is not who so enriched me and gave me much more and would often buy the Socialist very ordinary at all. Indeed, this was an more of a world perspective of God’s Workers Weekly, available at the Grand extraordinary time for me. When I entered work. There are many memories, but Rapids Public Library. In the paper there RBC, I had spent the prior two years as the best came in my last year at RBI— was the opportunity to order books on a builder. I became a builder because I my first date with Marlene Compagner communism. I ordered and read “The thought it was the best real job I would (class of ‘62) on Thanksgiving Day. After Paris Commune” by Karl Marx. A month ever get—I certainly was not cut out for that night I knew she would be my wife. later a package from the J. Edgar Hoover higher education. I have now been an I didn’t know at that time about our Foundation arrived at my Minnesota ordained minister in the Reformed Church almost 50 years of marriage, the four home. It contained two anti-communist of America for fourteen years after having children, and the sixteen grandchildren. books. I guess Big Brother was looking out earned a Master of Divinity degree. If it That story would unfold throughout the for me! Phedon got a real laugh about it. were not for my experiences at RBC, years of mission work, further study for RBC might have been a small school, but I do not believe any of that would have ordination, and ministry. What a blessing it had broad horizons and introduced me been possible. to “fish in a good pond!” to a bigger world.

6 News Events Class Notes • Professor of English Dr. Lisa Christian Perspectives on Garvelink’s article, “The Nature of the End of Life: Holding On Life of the Artist in Willa Cather’s The Marriages: and Letting Go Song of the Lark,” was selected to be Kyle Kotrch (2013) and Courtney published in the November issue of Tuesday, February 11, 3:00 p.m. Hoekzema (2013) were married on The Critic. in the Vos Chapel. For more information, visit www.kuyper.edu/ September 13, 2013. • Dr. John Rottschafer, adjunct professor christianperspectivesonendoflife. of psychology, was a contributor Kyle Wellendorf (2010) and to the new book compiled by Georgia Blood Drive Sandra Fox were married on Shaffer entitled “Coaching The Coach— Wednesday, February 12, 11:00 a.m. – September 21, 2013. Life Coaching Stories and Tips for 2:00 p.m. in the Boonstra Fitness Center. Transforming Lives.” Births: Singing the Whole Dr. Richelle White, associate professor • Jeff (2007) and Kristi (Lyman) of youth ministry, recently made a Story Hymnfest Kruithoff (2007), along with big presentation—“Black Music, Black Sunday, February 23, 3:00 p.m. in the Vos Youth and Christian Education in the Chapel. If you would like to participate or sister Annabelle, welcomed baby girl Black Church”—at the Black Doctoral need more information, visit www.kuyper. Clara Hope into their family on Network Conference in Philadelphia. edu/hymnfest. August 13, 2013.

• Greg Scott, social work program Spring Break Marcus (2012) and Jodie (Gazan) director and professor of social Monday, March 3 – Friday, March 7. DeBoer (2009) were blessed by the work, made a presentation—“Dual birth of a daughter, Evelyn Ruth, on Relationships, Sexual Misconduct and Honors Convocation October 6, 2013. Boundary Crossing”—at the NACSW Friday, April 11, at 9:30 a.m. in the conference in Atlanta, Georgia. He also Vos Chapel. Melvin and Amber (DeVries) led a CEU workshop—“Ethics in Social Eledge (2009), along with big Work Practice: Management of Dual Student Scholar Day Relationships, Sexual Misconduct Friday, April 11, at 9:30 a.m. in the brother Tripp, announced the birth and Boundary Bending”—at the Vos Chapel. of a baby boy, Abbott Clarence, on Michigan Association of Baccalaureate November 22, 2013. Social Work Educators Meeting at Spring Choir and Michigan State University’s School Ensemble Concert Michael and Emily of Social Work. Friday, April 11, at 3:00 p.m. (Goedegebuure) De Leeuw in the Vos Chapel. (2008), together with big brother Dr. Branson Parler, associate • Adam, were blessed by the birth professor of theological studies, made 75th Anniversary Spring a presentation—“The Polemics of the of baby girl Haidyn Sandra on Coexist Bumper Sticker: The Myth Celebration Gala December 4, 2013. of Religious Violence”—at the Kaufman Wednesday, April 16, 6:30 p.m. at Frederick Interfaith Conference. Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park. David and Laura (Quist) For details or to register online, visit Geldersma (2011) announced the • Dr. Kai Ton Chau, associate professor www.kuyper.edu/gala2014. birth of a baby boy, Ezekiel David, of worship studies and Jack VanLaar on December 4, 2013. endowed chair of music & worship, Join Us for Chapel recently contributed the chapter Monday, Wednesday and Friday at entitled “Computers and Music 10:10 a.m. in the Vos Chapel. Professional Pedagogy” to the book Digital Developments: Da Vinci: Computers in Music. The book is to be published in February Sports Schedules John Blom (2013) recently 2014. In addition, in late February, accepted a position as direct care he will be making a presentation— • Women’s basketball schedule provider at David’s House Ministries can be found at “The Church Choir Reimagined”— in Grand Rapids, MI. at the Central Divisional Conference www.kuyper.edu/womens_basketball of the American Choral Directors • Men’s basketball schedule can be found Association (ACDA). at www.kuyper.edu/mens_basketball

7 Kuyper athletes To say that Kuyper students are engaged be a good leader today,” he said. “And life. Morgan broke her neck in a car accident is a quintessential understatement— through those games where we needed to at the age of 16 and will never be completely attending classes, completing assignments, keep playing when the score was not at all in pain free. However, “With God’s help and fulfilling internships, studying, ministering, our favor, Kuyper athletics taught me how strength, I was able to play at a higher serving, working and participating in to persevere in life.” level at Kuyper,” she said. “I learned how Bible studies and other campus activities Cross country runner Breanne Bishop to overcome adversity, the joy of working are just a few of what being part of the said that “Being a student athlete at Kuyper together toward a common goal, how to Kuyper community is about. However, is like being an athlete anywhere; however, be unselfish, the value of hard work and for some students there is discipline, the correct way to another dynamic that, if not handle disappointment and managed properly, can be all- loss, as well as how to win consuming—athletics! graciously.” Morgan said that Alumnus and former being an athlete at Kuyper gave basketball player Justin her confidence. She explained: Christensen explained that “I succeeded and failed in front not only do athletes spend of audiences on a weekly basis four years working hard and playing against opponents who building themselves mentally outmatched me in every way, and intellectually as they go so I’m not intimidated easily. I through the academic process, learned mental toughness and they also give a large portion perseverance, traits that benefit of their most valuable resource—time—as the difference is that at Kuyper, athletes me now at my job and I know will help for they spend untold hours at practice and have a rock solid support system. My the rest of my life.” games. “To succeed, student athletes must teammates are encouragers, and my coach Derek DeRuiter, a member of the soccer learn effective time management,” he was by far the best coach I have ever had!” team, spoke of the seriousness of being a said. “They must balance school, ministry, According to her, faculty and staff would ask Kuyper athlete and ultimately whom they a social life, and often a job along with her about her races and “some even came to represent when he said: “When I take the sports.” But according to Christensen, who watch. It is so encouraging to know that our field, I’m always aware that I am held to a is now a youth director leading a team of 20 professors care about each aspect of higher standard because I represent not adults, the lessons he learned playing ball at our lives.” only my team, but also Kuyper, Christianity Kuyper made it all worthwhile. “If I didn’t Alumnus and basketball player Amanda and God Himself.” learn how to be a teammate, then I wouldn’t Morgan said that sports teach much about

Sports Chaplain athletic director, announced that Michael World Cup of Soccer and World Cup Wozniak has been appointed as Kuyper’s of Cricket. Prior to joining Community sports chaplain. Wozniak has been at the Sports Group, Wozniak spent 10 years forefront of sports ministry for over 15 with the National Basketball Association, years. He currently serves as executive opening the NBA office in Japan and director of Community Sports Group, a managing their business operations of TV, nonprofit organization which provides sponsorship, licensing and events. biblical resources to build character, As chaplain, Wozniak is serving leadership, and transform lives through athletes, coaches and sports sports. Community Sports Group is the administrators. He is available to provide home for KidsGames, a youth sports a word of encouragement, motivation, program which has held events in over and counsel on life disciplines. He is 150 countries. presently leading a Discovery Bible Study. Wozniak is a board member of the Through his on-campus presence and the Mike Wozniak International Sports Coalition, a network Bible study, Wozniak has begun to build In order to improve the services the that seeks to advance sports ministry relationships, gauge spiritual needs, and athletic department provides to its student around the world and which trains and determine the best way to serve those athletes, Christine Moran, Kuyper’s appoints the chaplains for the Olympics, needs during 2014.

8 Fall sports recap Soccer, volleyball and cross country delivered another exciting year of fall sports! In both a rebuilding year as well as one plagued with injuries, the Kuyper College men’s soccer team finished their season with a record of six wins, 10 losses, and one tie. Yet, one of the biggest highlights of the season was defeating cross-town rival Grace Bible College in a 1-0 shutout. For three senior players, Zach Ellens, Matt Peterson and Ty DeJong, who have been a part of the team for the last four years, this was their last season. In terms of team awards, Luke Carrig was voted Most Valuable Soccer Team Player, Andrew Johnson received the award for Most Improved Player, and Andrew Zokoe was recognized with the Kuyper Christian Athlete Award. According to Coach Matt Smith, these men represent the spirit of the team through excellence, diligence, leadership and Christian heart. With a top 20 national ranking, the Kuyper volleyball team had a very successful season. “The Lady Cougars volleyball team was excellent,” said Coach Michael Wiggers. “Everywhere we went I was often approached by someone who had something good to say about the girls, and the team’s performance this year was nothing short of extraordinary.” The team ended the year by being ranked 17th nationally among NCCAA teams. The team was honored this year to have two players— Abby Proctor and Taylor Way—recognized nationally. A very successful inaugural season for the men’s and women’s cross country teams saw two Kuyper Volleyball Team runners—Breanne Bishop and Joe Kilmer—compete at the NCCAA Division II National Championship at Cedarville University in Ohio. Both runners had respectable finishes with Bishop finishing 22nd out of 47 competitors and Kilmer 35th out of 58. The two also received the Kuyper award for Most Valuable Runner for the women and men respectively, while Collin VandenBosch received Kuyper’s Christian Athlete Award. The Most Improved Runner Award went to Alan Chupp, who knocked eight minutes off his time from his first to last race of the season. With a commitment to disciplined training during the offseason, the team’s goal is to qualify the entire team for next year’s national championship. Cross Country Team

Students be equipped and even providing me the people and teach young pastors, I will continued from page 12 opportunity to minister to the youth at never forget that I will be able to do so who made it possible for him to come African Community Fellowship CRC in because of the training and the love I to Kuyper. He explained: “God has been Grand Rapids. While I’m looking forward received here.” so good in allowing me to come here to to returning to Kenya to serve young

9 Timothy Leadership Training Institute His voice rises in excitement as he approximately 80 percent of what a pastor so, after having trained a group of 25 or 30 answers a question about the growth of actually does. And we teach those skills pastors, we come back in six months and the church in Latin America. “First, there’s not theoretically, but through practice.” ask them to report on what each of them been an incredible growth of the Christian Schipper pointed to Caring for God’s did,” he said. “Invariably, they tell us, ‘Look church throughout the world,” he said. People (pastoral care) as one of the seven what God did!’ And then we have a time of “But my focus is Latin America. So in different skills. He explained: “We will wonderful celebration. So we teach a new countries like El Salvador, statistics show teach all the basic functionality of pastoral skill set, we develop a new action plan, we that over 40 percent of the population is care in a very intense two-day seminar. come back and hold everyone accountable Christian, which is very high. In We’ve taken the five or six seminary by the reporting system, and then we teach other countries it ranges from 12 to the next session, and so on it goes. 25 percent.” We do a little bit and the Lord Gary Schipper graduated from takes it, multiples it and blesses Kuyper College in 1976. Today it.” During 2013 TLTI trained he serves as Timothy Leadership over 10,000 pastors in more than Training Institute’s (TLTI) director 60 countries. “When we look at for Latin America. TLTI took root these figures is when we know it is in Africa in the 1990s and has since God doing it because it makes no developed rapidly throughout human sense,” he said. the world. Their mission is to Schipper also gives Kuyper lots of train pastors, evangelists and lay credit for helping to “orient” him. leaders, enabling them to build “The professors there helped me viable and healthy congregations to clearly see what was important and communities in the spirit of 2 in God’s kingdom and that the Timothy 2:2: “And the things you Lord had a plan for my life,” have heard me say in the presence he said. “Even after seminary, of many witnesses entrust to I kept coming back to what I’d reliable people who will also be learned at Kuyper. To this day qualified to teach others.” Schipper Gary Schipper conducting a Timothy Leadership seminar I still do. It is about caring for said that, in very simple terms, that others and bringing biblical truth is what he does. He explained: “We train courses on how to do pastoral care and everywhere—whether to a street corner people who train others who train others. we’ve distilled them down to 14 basic in Grand Rapids or to Mexico’s Our methodology works because it uses the lessons which are taught to pastors with Yucatan Peninsula.” biblical multiplier effect.” the intention that they will put them into Schipper is also grateful that at the According to him, because of the rapid practice and will reteach them to leaders of school he met and later married Rosa growth of the church in Latin America, their congregation.” Maria Elena Dias Cruz Franco—class of the education of pastors and lay leaders According to Schipper, none of this 1976, whom he humorously describes has been poorly managed. “Not that works without accountability, which as having more names than a telephone the traditional seminary model doesn’t he describes as one of the most critical book. “Her story of coming to faith is work; that’s still active. But it’s not nearly components of the TLTI program. “During riveting and a miracle of God’s grace,” said dynamic enough, fast enough, flexible our first course, everyone develops an Schipper. Rosa was born in Mexico, and at enough, and it’s way too costly,” he said. action plan,” he said. “Not to just put it in 4 crossed the border into the States. After “While today, through the Internet, you a file plan, but a ‘This is what I’m going to her mother was killed in a car accident, she can get a good theological and biblical do over the next six months—my activities became a ward of the state of California— education; our methodology is different.” and the results that I anticipate God is years of foster homes and orphanage Schipper said that TLTI starts from going to do through these activities’ type living followed, culminating in a stay at a a different perspective which assumes of plan. We spend a significant amount Christian foster home. Coming to know the that most pastors and leaders in Latin of time developing specific, realistic, Lord at the age of 17 and having a full-ride America, or in the world for that matter, measurable, appropriate, and time-bound scholarship to a public university, Rosa have a decent grasp of basic Bible and individual action plans. After teaching our turned it down, saying, “I am going to go theology. “The critical missing piece which first course, we will return to the same field to a place where I can learn about this we teach and which makes us unique is six times over a three-year period.” During Savior of mine.” Schipper said that both practical skills,” he said. “Our training each visit Schipper will review the progress he and Rosa are blessed to have chosen revolves around seven different skills made over the previous six months and will the road less traveled. “It has made all the that every pastor needs and which cover provide training on a new skill set. “And difference,” he added.

10 75th anniversary commemorative book Paul Bremer taught at Kuyper until we dug into the history of College for 31 years prior to the institution.” retiring in 2006. He is presently While working on this project, working with Kuyper graduate Bremer said that he and Bauman Anne (Bronkema) Bauman, social have been inspired. He explained: media manager at RBC Ministries, “It is an amazing story of God’s to develop a commemorative grace and the diligent effort of the book in celebration of the 75th people who founded the institution anniversary of the College. “This when it did not have a permanent has been a challenging and exciting location and no assurance of regular experience,” said Bremer. “We were income. They shaped it, gave aware of much of our history, but leadership to it, developed a base on a number of occasions, Anne of financial support, and helped and I have discovered stories and it become what it is today. It is a incidents that we were not aware of moving story!” Dr. Paul Bremer Anne Bauman

75th Anniversary continued from cover

The First Part of ’s “Common Grace” is Now Available in English

The first in a series of English gospel message. This work is a result billboards began appearing on West translations of Abraham Kuyper’s of a collaborative project between the Michigan highways in mid-November. most famous work, “Common Grace,” and Kuyper College. They were a companion set to the is now available from Christian’s anniversary tagged radio commercials Library Press. This new translation Kuyper Billboards & which starting airing on November 18. is for modern Christians who want to Radio Commercials Both billboards and commercials will know more about their proper role appear through spring. in public life and the vastness of the Kuyper 75th anniversary edition

God’s grace throughout the nation, I have the education and health care for children continued from page 5 confidence that with all the training, at-risk. However, only six schools out effectively responding to God’s call and experience and support I have received of the 29 schools we work with have accomplishing my dreams through my in the past, I am able, through God’s social workers, psychologists, and a career and ministry together with my leading, to serve with confidence. I hope team to work with families at high husband, Gary.” that many more can have the same risk. We also want to come alongside Rachel added that the knowledge and opportunity Kuyper gave both Gary and Guatemalan churches, motivating them training behind her social work degree me, and that they will use it for to take care of orphans and widows in is being applied every day: “As I go and God’s glory.” their communities. That is Rachel’s and visit the most vulnerable families in “Rachel and I are very thankful to my dream. It is also God’s desire for all slum communities, hear their stories, God because he has expanded our of us as He reminds us in James 1:27: meet local church leaders, connect territory tremendously in a little bit ‘Religion that is pure and undefiled them to the at-risk families, sit down over two years of ministry together,” before God, the Father, is this: to visit with Guatemalan government leaders said Gary. “We are very excited by what orphans and widows in their affliction, and discuss child protection rights and is coming. There is a lot to be done in and to keep oneself unstained from policies, sign foster care agreements, the areas where AMG works. Right the world.’” and initiate awareness campaigns now they are doing a terrific job with

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Bryzon Masiboh through the words of Isaiah 6:8: Then I heard the voice of the Eldoret, Kenya Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I! Send me!” This calling was confirmed Class of 2014 when the elders of his church approved him to attend Major: Youth Ministry seminary. “I left my job and entered St. Paul’s Theological College. In 2005 I was ordained as a parish minister of the It was a sunny day, Sunday, the 22nd of August, 2010, Reformed Church of East Africa and served as a counselor the day Bryzon Masiboh left Kenya. His family and friends to people living with HIV/AIDS,” he said. These counseling accompanied him to the bus for the trip from Eldoret activities led him to co-author a book, “Our Church Has AIDS,” to Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, the beginning of a trip that which, according to him, has become an important tool in the ultimately would take him to the United States. He said that daily life of teenagers in Kenya. However, during this time he his heart was pounding so hard that he could feel it beating was also feeling God’s call to be further trained for additional inside his chest and that his eyes were teary and his hands youth ministry. Knowing several very effective Kenyan pastors were sweating. He was leaving behind his wife, Jael, and who are Kuyper alumni, Bryzon was convinced that Kuyper son, Churchill, as well as his extended family. He said that he was the place that would be able to equip him best. recalled thinking about the call of Abraham which made him “By faith that God would provide funds for my schooling, go to a place God had told him to go in faith. Yet leaving was I completed my application in 2006, but there were no still a very painful experience! scholarships available at that time,” he said. He did not Bryzon was born in western Kenya and was raised in a give up, and every semester, he kept reminding Kuyper’s strict Christian family. After Kenya achieved independence in international student coordinator to review his file. However, 1963, his father (now retired) was among the first pastors of after waiting four years, he and his wife decided to go to what the Reformed Church of East Africa. “However, despite being he calls “their prayer mountain.” After two weeks of prayer born into a Christian home, I did not heed the Word of God,” and fasting during which all they had for sustenance was he said. “Rather, I lived a sinful life and attended church on water and honey, Bryzon received a call from their Synod Sundays solely to please my parents.” After graduating from moderator informing him that Kuyper College had accepted high school, he attended a Christian open air prayer gathering him. “It was like a dream,” he said, “so I asked him to repeat where Peter Pretorius, a preacher from South Africa, was what he had said. God had opened a way where there seemed speaking. “His words challenged me, and I cried to God to to be no way!” save me from my sinful ways,” he said. “Through His grace, Bryzon said that at Kuyper he has found a community I was saved, and my life was transformed by the blood of that embodies the universal love of Christ. “The professors Jesus.” It was then that Bryzon joined the Reformed Church have open hearts and are both understanding and willing of East Africa, “Now,” as he said, “not as a pastor’s son, but as to help students learn with every lesson having spiritual a child of God.” He added: “I became a prayerful person and implications,” he said. “In addition, apart from teaching, I soon was involved in different youth activities—choir, rallies see the College nurturing its students to live according to and camps.” According to Bryzon, through many people who God’s standards.” He added that he is very thankful for those encouraged him to go into ministry, God began to speak to Students him about serving. He said he also heard the voice of God continued on page 9