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Edwin Thomas

By: Noelle Beans

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Edwin Thomas

Edwin Thomas graduated from Indiana Wesleyan University in December 2008 with a Master of Business Administration with a specialization in Health Care Management. Thomas once read that John Maxwell served on the Board of Directors of the university. He thought to himself, “If John Maxwell was on the board, it has to be a great university!”

While at IWU, Thomas enjoyed the professors. He also enjoyed the opportunity to associate with other professionals pursuing an MBA as well. His masters education included focus on leadership, which led to a lot of introspection about how to lead people. Thomas said, “I believe that focus allowed me to examine the spiritual aspects of leading and influencing people.”

Currently, Thomas works for the American Legion of the United States and Bradthom-Diaz Corporation. With the American Legion, he is an assistant director of health policy. His job entails conducting on-site evaluations of hospitals managed by the Department of Veterans Affairs/Veterans Health Administration. Throughout the year, he travels around the country to at least eight or nine VA/VHA hospitals in an effort to improve the quality and delivery of health services to the nation’s veterans.

His work at Bradthom-Diaz Corporation is more of an entrepreneurial pursuit. Bradthom-Diaz Corporation develops account management training modules for pharmaceutical and managed care organizations. The company also offers health planning and development services to various companies. For instance, BDC worked with a client in the Dominican Republic to develop that country’s first and only air ambulance service.

Through Thomas’ academic and spiritual journey at IWU, he has gained different career positions and a mindset to help him succeed within these positions. Thomas said, “With my MBA credential and educational background, the world of business opened up and presented great opportunities.” One of these opportunities was as a consultant and senior project manager for Otsuka Pharmaceutical USA assisting with managing a $70 million portfolio of strategic projects for two of the company’s divisions. In regard to Thomas’ mindset, he has adopted a spiritual posture of “Let Go. Let God.” This keeps him focused and determined in the world of health care, and business in general, that can be very frustrating and stressful. Thomas shared that when he cannot meet the challenge of a situation, he puts it all in God’s hands. Through this act of surrender he has never been abandoned or led astray.

Before Thomas’ IWU education and career accomplishments, he could not tie his shoes until the 9th grade. He never learned, and his sister would tie his shoes for him, even in public. Other fun facts about Thomas include his love for singing romantic ballads in Spanish (Luis Miguel specifically), entertaining guests in his home and watching movies.

Lastly, Thomas sends encouragement to students regarding their ideas: “Believe in yourself even when others abandon you or your ideas. ONE positive idea can change your life.” To the university, Thomas adds, “Keep up the great work producing world changing leaders at IWU! The world needs more leaders ready to change the world!”

 

 

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Written by Noelle Beans, a writer for the Alumni Center. Noelle is a freshman Nursing and Honors Humanities double major at Indiana Wesleyan University in the John Wesley Honors College.

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Pastor of the Week: Matt Aukerman

By: Dezaray Barr

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Matt Aukerman and his family

Rev. Matthew Aukerman and his family serve with Global Partners on missions team in Durrës, Albania in a church called Kisha e Shpreses (The Church of Hope). He graduated from Indiana University in Bloomington in 1989 with a B.S. in secondary education. “Before beginning service with Global Partners, I taught seventh-grade math for 16 years,” Aukerman said. “Since beginning to serve with Global Partners in 2006, I have been ordained, having completed my coursework through the Wesleyan FLAME program.”

Although Aukerman nor his wife, Caryl, attended Indiana Wesleyan University, their son, Noah, is a freshman at IWU. “Though I did not attend a Christian university, my time at Indiana University (IU) played a vital role in moving me forward in my walk with Christ and preparing me for ministry,” Aukerman said. “It was a time in my life when my faith faced challenges that it had not directly encountered as I grew up in a Christian family that was in church every time the doors open. At IU, my faith truly had to become my own as I sorted through the challenges that popped up in the forms of Darwinism and humanism in my freshman honors seminar and through interactions I had every day with people whose perspectives on life and faith were far different from mine.”

Kisha e Shpreses

Kisha e Shpreses is structured differently than the model most North Americans are used to. “Our structure is small-group focused, with a monthly celebration service at which about 30-40 Albanians worship and discuss the Bible. That particular service is Albanian-led, and the discussion at the weekly home fellowship we facilitate is also usually led by one of two Albanian men in the group. Up until about 20 months ago, everything was directed by missionaries, so it has been exciting to watch Albanians take on more of the leadership role as the missions staff catalyzes and encourages them in ministry. Especially to our home fellowship, I function in some ways as a pastor-shepherd, and particularly to the men, with whom I also try to spend time individually each week over coffee. In the months ahead, we hope to see this group divide, move out of our home into Albanian homes and reproduce as Albanians apply the disciple-making movement principles that we are emphasizing on our field,” Aukerman explained.

In addition to overseeing this home fellowship, Aukerman’s family hosts two weekly kids clubs in Aukerman’s home (in partnership with Child Evangelism Fellowship) and currently has a weekly Bible study in another home. “I am our missions team leader, facilitating our weekly team meeting and monitoring the work, relational and spiritual life of the missionaries on our team. We also continue to spend significant time building relationships in our neighborhood for the purpose of finding others who are interested in reading God’s Word with us and/or with whom we can share the gospel. For me, this means spending quite a bit of time in the local coffee houses where men congregate and drink their morning or evening espresso. I really don’t like coffee, but I care about Albanian men, so most days will find me visiting a couple of coffee shops, steeling my taste buds to suck down a cup of espresso, and diving into conversation with the local men before tackling the rest of my day,” he said.

As missionaries, the biggest sacrifice for Aukerman and his family have been leaving their family, church family and close friends. It’s also been hard for them to accumulate to a new culture and speak a language that was not their own. “God has blessed us with great friends here, and we have done well with the language, but we still miss the facility of communicating in English, our way of life in America and regularly seeing those that are dear to us in America,” Aukerman said. “One great difficulty we find in ministry in Albania is the pervasive universal-ism that we encounter. From 1967-1991, all religious practice was outlawed in Albania, which declared itself the world’s first officially atheist nation. For all of the government’s efforts, they never succeeded in convincing people that there is no God, but Albanians came out of communism very confused spiritually and, in this land where most call themselves Muslim, about 20% claim to be Orthodox Christians and about 10% Catholic, most believe that all roads lead to God and that it doesn’t much matter in what you put your faith. There is little urgency or concern on the part of most Albanians to seek out, determine and follow the Truth. That makes it difficult to challenge Albanians to a real faith commitment.”

A fun fact about himself is that Aukerman has been on TV three times, “—for a grand total of 2 seconds!  In Albania, I was filmed once as part of a crowd at a city council meeting and another time giving blood at the hospital after a disaster. As a teacher in the US, I won (or maybe lost!) a contest in a Riley Children’s Hospital fundraiser, in which students voted with their pocket change for which teacher they would most like to see kiss a pig, which got me on the local news.”

In addition to their service in Albania, Caryl and Matt (before children) also served a year as volunteer missionaries with GP in Ryazan, Russia.

 

 

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Written by Dezaray Barr, PR Specialist for the Alumni Office. Dezaray is a junior Strategic Communication, Journalism and Honors Humanities triple major at Indiana Wesleyan University in the John Wesley Honors College. Visit Dez’s website at www.dezaraybarr.weebly.com.

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President of the Alumni Association: Luke Singer

By: Noelle Beans

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Luke Singer graduated from Indiana Wesleyan University in 2014 with a double major in Finance and Entrepreneurship. As a kid, he dreamed of both becoming a farmer and attending a Big 10 school. His dream of becoming a farmer dissipated over the years, while his love for agriculture has remained. His dream of attending a Big 10 school dissipated when he walked onto IWU’s campus.

Visits to Big 10 schools just didn’t feel right to Singer. Around the same time, he had a family friend tell him to go and visit Indiana Wesleyan University, so he and his parents made the long trip down from Chicago. Singer said, “The admissions team wanted to pray with me and the professors talked about helping me find my God-given calling in the work I wanted to do. But most of all, at the core of every conversation it was not about a mascot or a sports team or even academics it was about Christ and finding what my role in [the] Kingdom looks like.” This blew him away and settled all his questions – he was attending IWU.

When Singer got to IWU, he realized he had become numb over the years. He grew up in an amazing Christian home, went to church and even attended a Christian school. His faith had become more of his cultural norm than the foundation of who he was or the purpose of his life. Through a series of people impacting Singer’s life, God tugging at his heart and a personally impactful night service of Spiritual Emphasis Week, Singer recommitted his life to Christ. After this point his faith became, as he puts it, “my own, my fire and my lifeblood.”

Today, Singer is an Engagement Manager at Heidrick & Struggles, the world’s premier leadership advisory firm. He spends his days strategically advising, assessing, and developing the most influential people and organizations across business, government, education and sports, with an emphasis in Global Media, Digital and Sports Practice. Outside of his day-to-day, Singer is part of a team that is launching a global church planting ministry with the goal of planting 1000 churches in the next 10 years.

When asked how Singer’s time at IWU has influenced and affected his life, he answered, “How has it not!” Singer coalesces his career and faith by being honest and open with his coworkers. When asked what he did over the weekend, he tells them he went to church, he carries his bible to work every day and places it on his desk, and he writes a verse at the top of his planner to meditate on each week. On the train to his office every day, his prayer is “Lord, set my heart on your ways and make me good soil so that the seeds of your Kingdom may grow.” More than defining his career path, the professors and mentors at IWU helped to shape his thinking around what roles he should pursue, how to pursue them and then how to succeed in them as a Christ-follower.

Fun facts about Singer include that Gordon Ramsey once baked him chocolate chip cookies, he’s had dinner with Carol Burnett and he’s played catch with Terry Bradshaw. His absolute favorite fact about himself is that he is married to “the most amazing woman.” He gushes that she is his rock and the best partner that God could have given him, making him a better man each and every day.

Singer urges students to graduate college, pursue their dreams and never lose them, but to focus on becoming “good soil.” God will use you if you let Him, and Singer iterates that sometimes we forget that He needs to prepare us before we go to battle.

In most recent news, Singer has been given the opportunity to serve as the President of the Alumni Association, and he looks forward to leading this incredible organization to represent the tens of thousands of alumni. He would like to let them know: “Our mission is to serve you! I want this group to be the conduit for alumni to know that IWU is and always will be a support for you throughout life. This is a family and that aspect is what drew me to this school and what keeps me coming back. Know that we as a board are actively praying for you and seeking out ways we can better serve you.”

 

 

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Written by Noelle Beans, a writer for the Alumni Center. Noelle is a freshman Nursing and Honors Humanities double major at Indiana Wesleyan University in the John Wesley Honors College.

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Marion Housing Authority: Steve Sapp

By: Dezaray Barr

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Steve Sapp

Steve Sapp graduated from Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) in 2010 with his BSM. He was led to attend IWU because of it’s “good reputation, quality program, adult studies program and location.”

Sapp said that his time at IWU was challenging, but rewarding. “I worked full-time, helped raise our son and volunteered extensively at my church,” he explained. “I couldn’t have achieved my education and degree without the flexibility of IWU’s program!”

During his time at IWU, Sapp’s spiritual knowledge and life grew extensively. “Aside from learning more from the Old and New Testament courses than I had previously known being raised in church all my life, my thought patterns were consistently challenged throughout my studies which allowed me to see God in different ways than formerly known and strengthened my foundational beliefs in Him!” Sapp said.

After graduating in December of 2010, Sapp was promoted to Executive Director of Marion Housing Authority. That same month, he and his wife celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. Sapp is now the CEO of Marion Housing Authority. “I have the honor of working with great-hearted people that have compassion to make a positive impact in the lives of the people we serve and in our community. To support our main mission of providing housing and housing assistance to low and median-income families in our community, we are now involved in the purchase and redevelopment of commercial properties in downtown Marion, which I believe is making a positive impact and contribution to our city,” Sapp said.

“Going back to college later on life with a full-time job and family, I learned how to work hard and not give up to attain something that was important to me. Things that are worth having or not usually given to you. It takes hard work, dedication and perseverance!” Sapp said.

Sapp’s son is currently a junior at IWU studying business and psychology. Sapp would encourage current IWU students to persevere! “Life will always be challenging regardless of what path you choose or find yourself in,” he said. “Not forsaking your faith in the Lord, He will always work all of your efforts and circumstances for your good if you continue to seek Him! Your true reward is not in the receipt of material things, but it’s a faith and character that has grown and drawn you closer to Christ.”

 

 

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Written by Dezaray Barr, PR Specialist for the Alumni Office. Dezaray is a junior Strategic Communication, Journalism and Honors Humanities triple major at Indiana Wesleyan University in the John Wesley Honors College. Visit Dez’s website at www.dezaraybarr.weebly.com.

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Pastor of the Week: Braden & Jenn Petersen

By: Noelle Beans

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Braden and Jenn Petersen, lead pastors of Resurrection Life NYC, are both currently pursuing master’s degrees at Wesley Seminary here at Indiana Wesleyan. Braden is pursuing his Master of Practical Theology, and Jenn is pursuing her Master of Divinity. They express that Wesley Seminary has been great for both their personal growth and the ministry in which they find themselves in now. The Petersens feel that the professors have taken a personal interest in them as pastors and as people and have been willing to invest themselves into their students. They have also met fellow seminarians who have become life-long friends.

Before Wesley Seminary, the Petersens’ ministry journey began in worship ministry in Dallas, TX with Braden having a bachelor’s degree of Music in Jazz Studies and Jenn, a bachelor’s degree of Music in Voice, both from the University of Northern Iowa. But while on vacation in New York City in the summer of 2014, shortly after Braden’s completion of his master’s degree of Business Administration from Oklahoma Wesleyan University, they felt called to pastoral ministry.

Three years ago, after 17 years of ministry in the Dallas, TX, area, the Petersens sensed God calling them into this completely new chapter in their lives. The Petersens call it “a series of providential events” that led them to plant a church in NYC which began with an innocent question, “Why are there no Wesleyan churches in Manhattan?” This question blossomed into a passion and emerging vision to plant churches that plant churches in the most influential and one of the most secular cities in the United States. In August 2015 Braden, Jenn and their children, Aidan (15) and Emma (13) moved to NYC to begin the process of planting Resurrection Life NYC in center-city Manhattan.

After nearly two years of living in the city and building their launch team, the Petersens launched Resurrection Life NYC on the Upper East Side of Manhattan on April 9, 2017. ResLifeNYC transformed into a multi-cultural and multi-ethnic congregation with 14 countries represented in the congregation. The Petersens say, “There is a groundswell of church planting happening in the city right now, and Resurrection Life NYC is participating in a move of the Holy Spirit to see churches planting in all five boroughs of the city, which we believe will influence a multiplication movement across the country and around the world.” They also state that living in the city is difficult and uncomfortable. They brought Resurrection Life NYC into existence to connect city dwellers with the resurrection power of Jesus to transform lives, families, neighborhoods, and cities amidst the busyness of the city.

The Petersens both shared a quote and a verse that shed light on their experience and mission. In his essay, Here is New York, E.B. White says, “By comparison with other less hectic days, the city is uncomfortable and inconvenient; but New Yorkers temperamentally do not crave comfort and convenience—if they did they would live elsewhere.” The Petersens wholeheartedly agree with this. Their biggest obstacle to living in NYC has been raising funds to do ministry because the growth is slow. Like White expresses, New Yorkers do not choose to live in NYC because they crave comfort and convenience, but they chose the chaotic life for other reasons, just as the Petersens have chosen NYC as their mission field regardless of the constant pressures on their ministry and family because they trust in God’s faithfulness.

Secondly, their verse for living in New York City comes from Jeremiah 29:7, written for God’s people who find themselves in exile. It reads, “Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.” They hold fast to this verse because they truly believe that they are called to bring hope and peace into NYC. The Petersens said, “…as God blesses a movement of church planting in the city–that as NYC prospers–so will the Church in our country and around the world.”

The Petersens would like to share with current IWU students five things. 1) Consider helping a church plant wherever you end up living after graduation “If that happens to be New York City, please look us up!” they added! 2) Give yourself grace because it truly takes time to discover God’s personal vision for your life. 3) Live a life of surrender, generosity and mission. 4) Get out of debt quickly and 5) Learn to ask good questions. Be a life-long student wherever you go!

To connect with the Petersens please visit reslifenyc.com.

 

 

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Written by Noelle Beans, a writer for the Alumni Center. Noelle is a freshman Nursing and Honors Humanities double major at Indiana Wesleyan University in the John Wesley Honors College.

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IWU Students Participate in Grant County Rescue Mission Walk-A-Mile

By: Noelle Beans

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On February 17th, Grant County Rescue Mission (GCRM) held their annual Walk-A-Mile. As the name states, participants walk a mile for this fundraising event. Funds are raised by generous donations from organizations and companies. These groups will often sponsor a team of walkers for $500. This year, Indiana Wesleyan students themselves donated over $300.

Over 70 IWU students walked in the event. IWU professor and president of the GCRM board, Jim Lo, disclosed that they secretly hope for it to be cold on the day of the walk. This may sound like an odd hope, but it is wished because it gives walkers the chance to understand and empathize with the homeless of Grant County who bear this every day. Along with the IWU students who joined the walk, 670 people in total participated in the event. This number is more walkers than past years.

Along with the Walk-A-Mile, IWU students are involved in a variety of missions in Marion and Grant County. Student chaplains go to Mission Mart. Dakota Davisson, an IWU student and resident chaplain of Reed Hall, shared about her experience with GCRM: “My experience volunteering at GCRM was eye opening, because I was able to truly see the needs of our community. One specific need being a warm cooked meal. Often times I take for granted my meal plan at school, but yet there are community members who would do anything for a single meal even if that means walking a mile. Working in the kitchen at GCRM allowed me to truly serve my brothers and sisters in Christ. GCRM does a great job at not only giving the community members a warm meal but they equip men and women to be able to get back on their feet. As I served meals I realized that I wanted to have the attitudes of those who had nothing. Because in the end it’s not the stuff in our lives that will bring us joy but rather those in our lives.” Jim Lo emphasized that he is so impressed by the actual involvement of IWU students and the ownership of the community they are in.

 

 

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Written by Noelle Beans, a writer for the Alumni Center. Noelle is a freshman Nursing and Honors Humanities double major at Indiana Wesleyan University in the John Wesley Honors College.

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Lauren Carpenter: HVAF of Indiana

By: Dezaray Barr

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Lauren Carpenter

Lauren Carpenter graduated from Indiana Wesleyan University in 2017 with a bachelors degree in Convergent Journalism. Carpenter always wanted to attend a Christian college. Her brother, Travis, was two years older than her. “When I was a freshman in high school and he was a junior, he was looking into going to Indiana Wesleyan,” Carpenter said. “I looked on the website and loved everything I saw. The first time I stepped on campus was the end of my sophomore year of high school for a visit, and instantly I knew this was the college I was supposed to attend.”

As a journalism student in the Division of Communication & Theatre, Carpenter spent most of her time in Elder Hall. “I was super involved with The Sojourn and 94.3 The Fortress,” Carpenter shared. “I was even on-the-air my first month of college! Many hours were spent on the air, out on campus or in the community interviewing people, leading story idea meetings and writing articles.”

“Whenever I look back on my time at IWU, I always think about all of the amazing opportunities I had with the journalism department,” Carpenter said. “I feel so blessed I was able to be the Editor of The Sojourn, travel to different states with my fellow classmates to attend journalism conferences, make lasting friendships with my fellow communication majors and write some incredible stories.”

Attending IWU was the beginning of Carpenter making her faith her own. She had grown up in a Christian home, so she said this journey was easier for her. “I remember my junior year, in one of Dr. Greg Fiebig’s classes, we were talking about beliefs. I remember after hearing people speak, that the reasons I had my certain beliefs were because of what I learned growing up. I realized they weren’t my own, so I spent time figuring out what exactly I believed in. IWU definitely taught me to think more about my faith and take it seriously,” she shared.

Carpenter and her TV News class in the Division of Communication & Theatre

After graduating in April of 2017, Carpenter spent five months as a reporter for a newspaper in  Martinsville, Indiana. Last summer, she realized that she wasn’t loving what she was doing. “I started a social media page for my reporting and thought about how much I loved doing that and wished I could more. Also, I wanted to feel like I was making a difference, and I didn’t feel that way with this job. About one week later, I went to dinner with my parents’ small group and I met Brian Copes, who was in my parent’s small group. He found out more about me and asked if I was looking for a job, and proceeded to hand me his business card,” Carpenter explained.

Copes is the President and CEO of HVAF, an organization that assists homeless at-risk veterans and their families, and they were looking to hire someone who would handle their social media and PR. “I thought it sounded like the perfect job for me,” Carpenter said with enthusiasm. “The next month, I had my interview and started in October!”

As the Advancement Coordinator for HVAF, Carpenter runs all of HVAF’s social media accounts, sends out press releases, make contacts with local media, attends networking events, creates a monthly newsletter, assists with fundraising and more. She said, “I make sure people know HVAF’s story and what all we are doing to serve our veterans.”

 

 

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Written by Dezaray Barr, PR Specialist for the Alumni Office. Dezaray is a junior Strategic Communication, Journalism and Honors Humanities triple major at Indiana Wesleyan University in the John Wesley Honors College. Visit Dez’s website at www.dezaraybarr.weebly.com.

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Brian Copes: HVAF of Indiana

By: Dezaray Barr

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Brian Copes

Brian Copes is the President & CEO of Hoosier Veterans Assistance Foundation (HVAF), which helps homeless veterans return to self-sufficiency and engages at risk veterans to prevent them from becoming homeless by providing supportive housing, case management, food, hygiene and clothing, as well as other essential services.

Copes graduated from Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) in 1993 with a bachelor’s degree in management and in 1997 with a master’s degree in management. “I received the peer-selected Outstanding Professional Award from both my cohort groups and was recognized by the IWU Alumni Association with Outstanding Achievement Awards in 2003 and 2010,” he shared. At the time, Copes didn’t select IWU for it’s faith-based aspect, but because it met his needs as a busy adult who was working and raising a family.

As a commuter, Copes had no traditional campus-life experience. “My student experience in the LEAP program(s) was rewarding, enjoyable and very satisfying. The course work was relevant to my life and work goals, the facilitators were experienced professionals and my fellow students were all people of accomplishment and ambition,” Copes said.

Although he didn’t come to IWU for it’s religious affiliation, it made an impact on Copes that forever changed his life. He said, “My two degree programs with IWU, particularly my Master’s program, were critical and integral parts of my journey to salvation. I did not profess a saving relationship with Jesus the Christ until November 1997 at age 38 following my IWU Master’s graduation in August 1997.” After completing his master’s degree, he surprised his family and asked for a study Bible. “Since then (November 1997), I have stayed in the Word daily using a variety of devotionals and studies,” Copes said. “My original Bible has been my constant companion, prayer journal and travelogue as I traveled in the United States and overseas while serving in the military. It weathered a long hard year in Afghanistan as well as duty in Kyrgyzstan, Kuwait, Egypt, Bosnia, Kosovo, Germany and the Slovak Republic.”

Copes retired in August 2015 after 38 years of service in the Indiana Army National Guard. In April 2016, he began serving as the President and Chief Executive Office of HVAF. HVAF of Indiana is the largest nonprofit provider of comprehensive veterans’ services in the state of Indiana.

Brian Copes and his wife

In June, Copes and his wife, high school sweethearts, will celebrate 41 years of marriage. They’re blessed with a son and a daughter, both whom are married, and they have six grandchildren.

Copes wanted to thank those at IWU who helped him get to where he is today. “Thank you to the leadership of Indiana Wesleyan University for providing me with a quality education and for shaping an institution which I am proud to associate myself with. IWU made my professional life possible and helped direct my eternal life toward a saving relationship with Jesus the Christ, Lord of my Life,” he said.

“I first met Brian when he was a Brigadier General with the Indiana National Guard, Army. He is a dedicated Christian who has a servants heart, yet can lead people effectively. Our Alumni Association through Indiana Wesleyan awarded him the distinction of a Distinguished Alumni Award a few years ago. It was my honor to know him, and even today I have a lot of respect and appreciation for his ministry to veterans. He represents well the mission of Indiana Wesleyan University,” Rick Carder, IWU’s Director of Alumni and Church Engagement, said.

 

 

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Written by Dezaray Barr, PR Specialist for the Alumni Office. Dezaray is a junior Strategic Communication, Journalism and Honors Humanities triple major at Indiana Wesleyan University in the John Wesley Honors College. Visit Dez’s website at www.dezaraybarr.weebly.com.

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Pastor of the Week: Todd Whittum

By: Dezaray Barr

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Todd Whittum and his wife

Todd Whittum is the Assistant Pastor at Whiteford Wesleyan Church in Ottawa Lake, Michigan. He graduated from Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) in January of 1993 with a bachelor’s degree in Music Education. After graduating, he completed his Wesleyan course of study program for Pre-Ordination in October 2000. He was ordained in July 2001 in the North Michigan District of the Wesleyan Church.

“As a senior in high school, I applied to a few colleges besides IWU,” Whittum said. “I was very into playing music, especially jazz. I really thought hard about going to a college that specialized in music. The more I prayed about it; however, I sensed that God wanted me to go to the college my parents both graduated from…Marion College (now IWU). Looking back at this decision, I believe that it was the right decision to make.”

After graduating from IWU, Whittum struggled to know what direction God was leading him in. He applied to many school districts, thinking he was going to teach music in a school setting. “However, after several interviews, nothing opened up in that direction,” he explained. “Then, in the fall of 1994, I landed my first music teaching job. My wife and I and our two boys packed up and moved to Michigan, where I started teaching in the Detroit area.”

Shortly after moving, Whittum and his wife visited a church (Dryden Wesleyan Church) she had grown up in. After talking to the senior pastor, they found out that the church was looking for a staff member to lead the youth and music ministries. “A couple weeks later, we were hired!” Whittum explained. “We stayed at Dryden for two years, but during that time, I really struggled with knowing God’s plan for our future. In the spring of 1996, my wife, Terry, and I had the privilege of attending John Maxell’s ‘Church Grow’ conference in Toledo, OH.  While we were there, God spoke to us and confirmed to us that He truly did call us into full-time ministry. After that conference, I started taking classes towards being ordained in The Wesleyan Church, and we have been in full time ministry ever since.”

In 2007, Whittum and his family moved to Whiteford. Whiteford Wesleyan Church is located in southeast Michigan. “Our church is in a rural community. We’re a congregation of around 150 people that is committed to making more and better disciples. We do this through loving, growing and serving. One of the greatest ways that we try to serve our community is through partnering with our local school district. We have over 50 teachers or staff members that are being prayed for by families in our church. Our church also provides an after school program for Whiteford students who need a place to wait for their parents to get out of work. We have also recently partnered with other area churches to help feed Whiteford students that are considered homeless. Backpacks are put together each week to be sent home every Friday with these students to provide them with food for the weekend,” Whittum said.

It took Whittum five and a half years to graduate from college, but, he said, “all the effort, and hard work was worth it. Don’t give up, even when it gets tough. Look to God for your help!”

Whittum said that one of his greatest joys in ministry is being able to work with his wife and children. “My wife and I have served together in many ministry areas over the years, including music, youth and children’s ministries. It has been a joy to see all of our children involved in different ministries as well.  Three out of our four children are married and live close by us. Our youngest is a college student in Nashville, TN. We also have two grandchildren that we have so much fun being with (and one that will be born very soon!).  We are so blessed to have such a great family.”

 

 

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Written by Dezaray Barr, PR Specialist for the Alumni Office. Dezaray is a junior Strategic Communication, Journalism and Honors Humanities triple major at Indiana Wesleyan University in the John Wesley Honors College. Visit Dez’s website at www.dezaraybarr.weebly.com.

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Walking in the Fear of the Lord: Nancy & Darren Campbell

By: Noelle Beans

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Nancy and Darren Campbell

In 2015, Nancy Campbell and her husband, Darren, were chosen as the homecoming chapel speakers to share their unique story of ministry and business as alumni of Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU). Nancy found herself back on campus to speak this semester (February 19, 2018) when she was asked to share on the theme of leadership by the Student Alumni Association.

Nancy graduated from Indiana Wesleyan in 1995. She came in as a freshman in 1992 with passions for veterinary and music. She was biology pre-med for two and a half years but switched to a business major in the end. Nancy’s musical pursuits did not pan out for her at IWU as she had hoped and expected. As a high school student, she had been in a traveling singing group, musicals, show choir – everything that was offered. She did not make a music team at IWU or Chorale her freshman year, but Nancy was encouraged to join University Singers and try out again. The following year she, again, did not make either group. At this time in her life, Nancy considered transferring to Purdue as she was not doing what she thought she was coming to IWU to do. After all, she had ultimately chosen IWU because her mother received a job here during her college decision making process and everything pointed towards it. With the setbacks in her music, Nancy decided to put her love and ability for music “in the attic.” It stayed that way for 20 years and only the faithfulness of the Lord brought it out of the cobwebs.

After graduation from IWU, Darren was called into ministry. Then, they were asked to be full-time pastors in youth ministry. Neither Nancy or Darren expected this to be their post-graduation trajectory, but they were loyal to the Lord’s calling on their life. Eventually, they were not making ends meet and decided to put together a business plan. The closest bookstores for material for their youth ministry programs were in Indianapolis and Fort Wayne. They desired a store closer in proximity, but also one that was friendlier, less delicate and with a coffee shop inside. Thus, Tree of Life bookstores was launched. Thereafter, doors continued to be opened for them to open bookstores all over the country.

In the Fall of 1998, the administration at Indiana Wesleyan came to them, interested in how they were able to sell their materials cheaply. IWU gave them the opportunity to run the campus bookstore. Nancy spoke of the tumultuous and rewarding journey it has been to be the co-owner of Tree of Life bookstores with her husband through their unwavering faith in the Lord. At one point in her life, she found herself working 80-hour weeks and not spending time on what she loved. When she asked herself, “What did God really put within me to do?” she always came back to music. Even as an adult pastor, leading worship in front of her congregation wasn’t something Nancy had felt comfortable doing. She had allowed the lie that she wasn’t good enough to seep into her brain over the years. Through the Lord’s faithfulness and Darren’s encouragement, she is slowly but surely finding her way back to music.

Nancy’s advice for the students centered around walking in the fear of Lord. Without their foundation in Christ, their business plans and success would not have been possible. Furthermore, the joy they have found in their work would not have been possible. Nancy emphasized to have the courage to rest in the Lord, to take risks in the Lord, and to live in the Lord, doing the things you love, because “He’s got it.” She said, “You will jump out of planes you didn’t expect because of the parachute on your back.” This parachute – this safety net – is God.

Currently, Nancy and Darren continue to run the campus bookstore and have even started a software company. In their companies, they uphold the golden rule believing “what is good for ministry is good for business.” Nancy also serves on the Board of Trustees for the University. She and Darren reside in Marion, striving to walk in the fear of the Lord every day.

 

 

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Written by Noelle Beans, a writer for the Alumni Center. Noelle is a freshman Nursing and Honors Humanities double major at Indiana Wesleyan University in the John Wesley Honors College.

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