Cedarville Stories

From Egypt to Cedarville: A Miraculous JourneyWelcome to a touching episode of the Cedarville Stories Podcast, where we bring you the inspiring journey of Caroline Abdelmassih, a student in Cedarville University's Doctor of Pharmacy program.  Home for Caroline has always been in Egypt, but her pursuit of education brought her across the world to Cedarville University. This wasn't just any journey — it was a miraculous one. In this heartfelt conversation, Caroline reveals the challenges she faced, from the distance from her family to the daunting cost of the doctoral program. With uncertainty looming, prayers were lifted, and just two weeks before the academic year in 2023 began, the Lord intervened with a miraculous full-ride scholarship from an anonymous donor, complete with housing and food. Passport and airline ticket? God provided those, too, just in time for her to come to the United States. Now, having completed one of her eight semesters, Caroline reflects on the cultural adjustments and the daily reliance on the Lord's strength, which, true to form, He continues to provide.  Join us this week as Caroline shares her remarkable journey of faith, resilience, and the divine orchestration that brought her to Cedarville. Learn how she plans to use her education to make a meaningful impact back home in Egypt after graduation.  Caroline’s story is one of miracles, perseverance, and the unwavering belief that God can make a way even when it seems impossible. Tune in to be inspired by Caroline's incredible Cedarville story. https://share.transistor.fm/s/776901f3 

Bob and Jenny Czerniak In the heart of the village of Cedarville, Bob and Jenny Czerniak embarked on a heartfelt journey to transform an ancient schoolhouse into a haven of cherished family memories. Dating back to the 1800s, the schoolhouse stood as a relic of bygone eras, untouched for decades. Yet, with determination and love, Bob and Jenny envisioned a new chapter, crafting a cozy family abode with a special space for Jenny's mother — which never happened, as she suddenly passed away. This one-year project, according to Bob’s timeline, extended into three, but every moment was steeped in nostalgia and joy. Bob fondly recalls working with his father, salvaging aged floorboards from an Indiana home to grace their sunlit sanctuary in Cedarville — now known as “Dad’s Room.” Together, they laid each plank, a testament to their shared love and labor. Tragically, Bob's father passed away a few days later, leaving behind memories etched in the wood and Bob's heart. Throughout the journey, Jenny's father, battling Alzheimer's, found solace in witnessing the transformation, his joy fresh with each visit, even if he couldn't remember the last. In moments of sorrow and setbacks, the schoolhouse stood as a beacon of hope and resilience for their family. As the project nears its end, amidst both tears and triumphs, the schoolhouse stands as more than just a building — it's a lighthouse of love, legacy, and the enduring bonds of family.  https://share.transistor.fm/s/51ef8a13 

Former Supreme Court Clerk addresses Criminal Justice ReformIn a remarkable journey from accounting to advocacy, Matt Martens has defied the traditional narrative. Initially anticipating a career in law, Martens never envisioned becoming an author, let alone one recognized with awards. His accounting degree, initially viewed as a safeguard for legal success, unexpectedly became an asset. This expertise empowered him to adeptly cross-examine accounting experts, turning potential setbacks into triumphs for his clients. Completing his Juris Doctorate at the University of North Carolina marked the inception of Martens' legal journey. A pivotal clerkship under former Chief Justice William Rehnquist of the United States Supreme Court set the stage for his impactful career. As he thrived in the legal realm, encouragement from friends and biblical leaders led Martens to explore his insights into the criminal justice system, a subject he intimately understood from his experiences in D.C. courtrooms. The result was Reforming Criminal Justice: A Christian Perspective, a book that not only reflected Martens' intellectual depth but also earned accolades. Recognized as the top book in the "first-time" author category by The Gospel Coalition, it underscored the relevance of Martens' Christian perspective on criminal justice. Today, Martens travels the country, engaging with students from diverse educational backgrounds. From renowned institutions like Harvard and the University of Michigan to Cedarville University, he shares his experiences, speaking to those intrigued by history, politics, and criminal justice.  Matt Martens' journey exemplifies the transformative power of unexpected paths and God’s profound impact on one individual who is helping reshape conversations in justice and the law. https://share.transistor.fm/s/6e3457c0

A Symbiotic Relationship Welcome to another episode of Cedarville Stories, where we explore the unique initiatives and stories that make Cedarville University stand out. Today, we dive into the inspiring collaboration between two seasoned professors, Dr. Ruth Sylvester and Dr. Lori Ferguson. Dr. Sylvester, originally from sunny southern Florida, and Dr. Ferguson, from nearby Xenia, Ohio, both brought rich teaching backgrounds to Cedarville University. Despite their distinct paths, they've forged a powerful partnership with a shared mission. In this episode, we unravel the story behind "Symbiotica," a groundbreaking plan and curriculum crafted by Dr. Sylvester and Dr. Ferguson. Symbiotica is more than an academic venture; it's a dynamic approach to preparing the next generation of educators at Cedarville. Focused on the unique realm of homeschool education, Symbiotica aims to equip early childhood education majors with real-world experiences. Simultaneously, it provides homeschooled students with a classroom experience infused with biblical teachings, extending beyond the confines of their homes. Join us as we explore the inception, goals, and potential impact of Symbiotica. Less than a year old, this innovative program already holds promise to serve as a national model for colleges and universities seeking to blend academic rigor with practical, biblical, and real-world applications. For Dr. Sylvester and Dr. Ferguson, Symbiotica embodies a win-win scenario, creating a symbiotic relationship among themselves that benefits students, educators, and the future of education.  https://share.transistor.fm/s/46014863

A Humble Journey of Love: The Adoption of Little Joey In the realm of social work, Melissa Brown faces the complexities of life head-on, witnessing struggles that occasionally touch her heart. Yet, it's her servant’s heart and unwavering faith in Jesus that serve as guiding lights, leading her to care for others through simple gestures — a conversation, a hug, or a prayer. A few years back, a unique opportunity knocked on Melissa and her husband Tom's door — a chance to care for a young Chinese boy bearing severe burns from an unfortunate accident. Seeking treatment in the United States, the boy needed more than medical attention; he needed a home and a family. Without hesitation, Melissa, Tom, and their three children welcomed Joey into their lives. Originally planned as a short visit, circumstances unfolded, extending Joey's stay amidst the global chaos of COVID. As Joey eventually returned to his parents in China, the need for ongoing medical care brought him back to the United States. Faced with the challenge of his living arrangements, Joey's biological parents turned to Melissa's family, not just for temporary care during treatments but to ask a profound question— would they officially adopt Joey? After heartfelt conversations within the family, not everyone initially favored the idea of adoption. With prayerful consideration, Melissa and Tom sensed a divine calling to embrace Joey into their family permanently, initiating the adoption process. Now, Melissa, Tom, and their expanded family of four children navigate the nuances of life together. It's not always a smooth path, but Melissa, with an unwavering trust in Jesus, believes that, over time, the hand of God will be evident through this remarkable journey. https://share.transistor.fm/s/08371417

Faith on Film Welcome to a captivating episode of "Faith on Film," where we delve into the heart of Christian storytelling with our dynamic guest, Scott Mills. Get ready to be inspired as we explore the transformative power of the new wave in Christian filmmaking. In this energizing conversation, Scott takes us on his journey from Cedarville University graduate in broadcasting to CEO of Engage Media Partners, a prominent player in the Christian film marketing realm. We uncover Scott's pivotal role in marketing blockbuster hits like Fireproof and Courageous, witnessing the surge of interest in Christian films. Discover the behind-the-scenes magic as Scott shares the inside story of Journey to Bethlehem, the groundbreaking Christian musical by Affirm Films and Sony Pictures. Tune in to learn how this film exemplifies the evolution of Christian storytelling, incorporating realism and nuanced messages, setting new standards for faith-based cinema. As Scott reflects on the impact of Christian filmmaking, he emphasizes the potential for students, especially those at Cedarville, to shape the future of the industry. Unveil the secrets of storytelling that honor God and leave a lasting impression. Don't miss this compelling episode that celebrates the art of filmmaking and the profound influence it has on hearts and minds. https://share.transistor.fm/s/63a19ac9

Play Ball with Faith: The Fred Greetham Story In the heart of Cleveland, Ohio, where the battle cries of sports echo through the city, Fred Greetham learned early on to cherish two words: play ball. Growing up in the shadows of Cleveland's iconic teams— the Browns, the Guardians (formerly Indians), and the Cavaliers —Fred's love for sports became a defining chapter of his life. As a college student donning the Yellow Jackets' baseball jersey at Cedarville University, Fred aimed to be more than a player on the field. His playbook included deepening his faith in Jesus and laying the groundwork for a career in the sports arena. The dream? Professional baseball. Fred's college stats spoke volumes — finishing with a remarkable .407 batting average and stealing 86 bases in 90 attempts. These numbers, usually a ticket to the pros, earned him a different recognition: a spot in Cedarville's Athletic Hall of Fame. Post-graduation, Fred's journey took unexpected turns. From the baseball diamond to the classroom, then pivoting to financial planning, he remained vigilant, seeking opportunities to leverage his communication skills in the realm of sports commentary. Today, he's a regular voice on Cleveland radio stations, covering the NFL Browns. Life, however, also threw him some curveballs.  Facing his own battle with cancer, Fred's resilience mirrored his stolen bases — swift and unyielding. Yet, his daughter's health crisis, in his eyes, eclipsed his own struggles. Through the trials, Fred's unwavering faith in Jesus sustained him, guiding him through each day, and inspiring his commentary on the Browns' relentless pursuit of a Super Bowl victory. In the grand arena of life, Fred Greetham embodies the fusion of sportsmanship and faith, where every play is a testament to perseverance, and every challenge met with an unwavering trust in a higher purpose. https://share.transistor.fm/s/90f78419

Perceived by Glamour; Driven by ChristSierra Bognear, a young woman with a penchant for surprises, astounded her family, excluding her brother Travis, by winning the title of Miss Michigan in 2015. Her decision to vie for the Miss Michigan crown, despite having no prior beauty pageant experience, remained a well-guarded secret. What added an extra layer of astonishment was her covert journey to New York for coaching by a pageant expert, unbeknownst to her family. The revelation of Sierra's victory over the phone left her family in disbelief. Following the initial shock and her mother's dismay at not being present during the pageant, the entire family rallied to celebrate Sierra's remarkable success. For Sierra, the true significance of her achievement went beyond the tiara — she found fulfillment in sharing her faith and offering prayers, even with contestants of different religions. Transitioning from pageantry, Sierra carved out a successful career in modeling with NIKE and the entertainment industry. However, a shift occurred when health challenges within her family prompted Sierra to discern her calling in healthcare. During these health concerns, Sierra noticed people wearing white coats were helping patients and she wanted to be part of the solution as well.  Embarking on a journey that led her to the University of Michigan Medical Center in Ann Arbor, Sierra eventually redirected her path to pursue a four-year degree in Cedarville University's pharmacy program. Her pursuit will culminate in a Doctor of Pharmacy degree in May 2027.  https://share.transistor.fm/s/0552b72d

From Dad's Perspective: Amazing Grace"Amazing Grace" is not just a cherished hymn of the faith, but it’s also the nickname of an incredible athlete, possibly the most decorated one to emerge from Cedarville University. Grace Norman has secured gold, silver, and bronze medals in two recent Paralympics, and in 2024, she aims for the gold in the paratriathlon in Paris. Despite her international athletic prowess, Grace attributes her stability and success to her unwavering faith in Jesus. Born without a right foot and left big toe, she defied all expectations, excelling at Legacy Christian High School and later at Cedarville University. The support of her family, treating her just like her two sisters, has provided a sense of normalcy in her life. Now with the 2024 Paralympics in the coming months, Grace and her family are preparing for another opportunity for Grace to stand on the winner’s podium after the paratriathlon and hear the national anthem of the United States. In this episode, Grace and her father, Dr. Tim Norman, a senior professor of engineering at Cedarville University, open up about their journey, sharing poignant stories of personal development amid trials and triumphs. https://share.transistor.fm/s/baeef356

A Few Good MenStep into the world of courage, commitment, and courtroom brilliance on this week's Cedarville Stories Podcast. Join us as we explore the journey of Col. (Ret.) Greg Thompson, who could be referred to as Cedarville's version of Tom Cruise from the movie A Few Good Men.  In a career spanning two decades in the United States Air Force, Col. Thompson served in the esteemed Judge Advocate General's Corps (JAG) under the leadership of four U.S. presidents — George W. Bush, Barack Obama, Donald Trump, and Joe Biden. While he may not have risked his career in a dramatic trial a la A Few Good Men, Col. Thompson's unwavering confidence and strategic brilliance were a constant presence in the courtroom. But his story goes beyond the confines of the courtroom. When international conflicts loomed, Col. Thompson stood on high alert, providing sage legal advice during critical moments. From navigating increased tension with North Korea to playing a pivotal role in preparing for the fallout of relocating the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem, his commitment to duty shone brightly. Throughout it all, Col. Thompson leaned on his faith in Jesus, guiding him to share wise counsel and stand confidently in the face of challenges. He noticed distinct leadership styles among the U.S. presidents he served under but observed a common thread in military actions. In this episode, we uncover the intricacies of Col. Thompson's courtroom experiences, from litigating and defending clients facing serious accusations to providing crucial legal advice to senior officers during times of international conflict. Today, he has seamlessly transitioned from the courtroom to the classroom, bringing his wealth of knowledge to Cedarville University's criminal justice program. Don't miss this compelling episode of Cedarville Stories. Tune in to hear the captivating narrative of Col. Greg Thompson — a man whose life has been marked by service, faith, and an unyielding commitment to justice. https://share.transistor.fm/s/7854c807