Go Big or Go Home

Growing up in the rural countryside near Lafayette, Indiana, Dr. Trent Rogers, the Dean of the School of Biblical and Theological Studies and Associate Professor of New Testament and Greek at Cedarville University, has always embraced the mindset of giving his best or not bothering at all.

Hear his story or join him in the studio on this week’s Cedarville Stories Podcast.

Hailing from a background where hard work was valued, Trent stood out as a high school athlete who always played to win, whether he was on the football field or running hurdles on the track.

Not surprisingly, Trent’s dedication to giving his all spilled over into his preparation for a career in Christian ministry. During his time in college, he delved deep into the study of ancient and classical Greek language and literature, believing that if he was to teach the Bible, he should be able to read it in its original language. This unwavering commitment to his calling drove him to pursue graduate and post-graduate degrees.

Even as he immersed himself in his studies, Trent maintained an active lifestyle and pushed himself to excel in different arenas. He took up powerlifting and went on to break three bench press world records, including an impressive lift of 670 pounds in 2008.

Before finding his way to Cedarville, Ohio, where he has been serving for the past decade, Trent’s unique combination of academic pursuit and strength training led him to work as a personal trainer for professional athletes like Luol Deng of the Chicago Bulls and Devin Hester of the Chicago Bears.

To discover more about how Trent’s unwavering commitment to excellence has been a guiding force in his life and work, tune in to his inspiring Cedarville Story.

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Crossing the Big Ocean in a Little Boat 

How long would it take to row 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean from the Canary Islands near Africa to Antigua in the Caribbean Sea? “Team Foar Brothers,” consisting of Thomas, Trent, and Tim Hamilton along with their nephew, Ben Clark, did it in 37 days, 10 hours, and 55 minutes.  

Discover more about their incredible journey of completing The World’s Toughest Row as Thomas returns for his second appearance on the Cedarville Stories Podcast. Then watch their exhilarating finish line video to get a glimpse of what it was like to row a little boat across the big ocean.
 

During their expedition on the open sea, the team faced numerous challenges, including towering waves, relentless rains, the endless expanse of salt water, continuous physical exertion, and being constantly tossed around. It truly tested their endurance, yet they persevered through their unity, the unwavering prayers of their loved ones, and their faith in the Lord. Despite the daunting obstacles, they managed to cross the finish line successfully.
 

The journey for the Cedarville University alumni was not only a personal accomplishment but also a fundraising initiative, raising nearly $57,000 for Send Relief, a Baptist mission supporting Afghan refugees.

While they found fulfillment in making a positive impact on others, they also reaped personal rewards. They were able to witness the beauty of God’s creation, the vastness of His universe, and the constant presence of His embrace. Even in the isolation of the ocean, without seeing any signs of human life for weeks, they found solace in the knowledge that they were never truly alone. 

Tune into Cedarville Stories Podcast and join them on their journey across the sea! 

Enduring Friendship 

People move, life stages change, interests shift, and friendships fade or slip away. However, every now and then, two individuals develop an unbreakable bond and grow closer despite the ups and downs of life. A prime example of such a friendship is that of Cedarville University alumni Erika Weise and Carrie Holt, who are featured guests on the Cedarville Stories Podcast.  

They first met as singles at their local church and quickly formed a friendship that was infectious. As they both got married, their husbands became good friends, and the couples began having children who also caught the friendship bug.  

This portrayal of lives intertwined in the beauty of friendship is heartwarming, but the story of Erika and Carrie goes even deeper, revealing how friendships are truly a blessing from God during challenging times.  

Both women have gracefully navigated the challenges of raising a medically fragile child with special needs, leaning on each other for support every step of the way through hospitalizations, surgeries, joys, sorrows, and the unpredictable nature of each day.  

Through it all, they and their families have persevered, and now their eldest children (one of whom has defied all odds) are on the verge of graduating from Cedarville University, just like these proud moms. 
 

Join these exceptional families on their unwavering journey in the Season 11 inaugural episode of the Cedarville Stories Podcast. 

Check out this clip in anticipation of next weeks follow-up episode with Thomas Hamilton as he shares about his rowing journey across the Atlantic Ocean.

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Adventure on the High Seas

Embark on a daring odyssey with Thomas Hamilton on this weeks Cedarville Stories Podcast. Hamilton, along with two brothers and nephew Ben Clark, opt for a glorified rowboat as they seek to conquer the relentless forces of the Atlantic Ocean.

Picture this: 3,000 miles from the tip of Africa to the Caribbean Island of Antiqua, facing 20-foot waves, relentless sprays of salt, hunger, and scorching heat. This isn't your typical ocean cruise — it's a test of endurance, perseverance, and faith.

In the heart of the tempest, Thomas and his crew will navigate the unpredictable waters, forging bonds of brotherhood and confronting the raw elements. This audacious journey, set to kick off in mid-December, may stretch up to seven weeks, dictated by the whims of the weather.

For the Hamilton brothers and Ben, this isn't just an adventure; it's a crucible of personal development, sibling camaraderie, and spiritual renewal. Brace yourself for the most impactful voyage of their lives.

Don your virtual life preserver and join us on this podcast as we navigate the treacherous waters of the Atlantic Ocean with Thomas Hamilton. And fear not, the results of their adventure will be featured in season 11 of the Cedarville Stories Podcast!
 

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An Unexpected Job Offer

Jim and Teresa Clark left Cedarville University in the same way they entered it--together.

They retired at the end of the 2023-24 academic year but before leaving they remembered their journey on the Cedarville Stories Podcast.

The Clarks were settled in Fort Wayne, Indiana. They had lived there for 21 years, had just bought their dream home, and were confident this was where the Lord wanted them.

But, although man may have plans, the Lord orders his steps. During a weekend visit to Cedarville University with their daughter during a Little Sibs Weekend, the Clarks got reacquainted with their alma mater. Teresa had often visited Cedarville with her high school volleyball teams that she coached in Fort Wayne.

But this visit took a different turn than the rest.

She was approached by Elvin King, the women’s cross-country coach, following a match, who asked her to follow him to Athletic Director Don Callan’s office. There, Teresa was asked to apply for the head volleyball coach position — which was currently vacant.

Even though she and Jim, were not convinced Cedarville University was where the Lord was leading them, she applied. Teresa even came for an on-campus interview, which she felt went poorly.

But the Lord opened a door for the Clarks. Jim secured a position in the admissions department while Teresa was leading the Yellow Jackets volleyball team. And, now, 27 years later, the Clarks have left quite the legacy. Teresa's final position of service was as the faculty-athletics representative, and Jim ended his career as the assistant sports information director.

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A Man With a Purpose

After leading students at Cedarville University to worship the Lord for 40+ years, Jim Cato has retired. Celebrate his story on this episode of the Cedarville Stories Podcast.

Jim Cato quickly learned as a young man that his skills were better used off the field than playing football. So he tried Bible college, which didn’t work out either, and he eventually dropped out.

But after getting married, he and his new wife learned about this small school called Cedarville College in Ohio. They packed up their belongings and moved to Ohio, before even applying or knowing where they were going to live.

Jim went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in music, still without any clue of what he wanted to do with his life — or how he would use a degree in music. But the Lord began opening doors, including the opportunity to lead a music team on a missions trip to Australia.

Shortly after, a position became available in Cedarville’s Christian Ministries department. The position was focused on training music teams to travel and minister overseas. Even with Jim’s limited experience, he got the job — and he’s never left!

Jim has faithfully served with Christian Ministries for over 40 years, including taking various trips with Global Outreach, including one providing hurricane relief after Hurricane Harvey.

And, instead of solely ministering to the residents in Houston who were affected by the hurricane, in the end, Jim was the one who needed care.

After a few days of working in homes with Cedarville students, Jim began to experience headaches. But these were not his typical headaches, as the pain increased each  day.

Eventually, the pain led Jim to wake up his roommate in the middle of the night and ask to be taken to an emergency room. And the trip to the hospital proved challenging, as neither the driver nor Jim knew Houston well enough to navigate the trip.

After being rushed to the hospital, and doctors performing a battery of tests, Jim learned that he had a brain tumor that needed to be removed immediately.

As Jim outlines, not only did he find a hospital to care for him, he went to the hospital best known in Houston for brain surgeries. Only God could direct Jim’s path this perfectly.

After several days in the hospital, Jim returned to Ohio, and the Lord used that time to strengthen his faith and reinforce his purpose — to worship God and teach others to worship Him.

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Dick Walker: A Cedarville Legacy

Dick Walker, the father of Getting Started Weekend, passed away on February 9, 2024. Remember his legacy with this episode of the Cedarville Stories Podcast.

Dick Walker served at Cedarville for 42 years, arriving at the University in 1970. His first job at Cedarville? Assistant food service manager. But he is best known for his 40 years in student life and campus activities, serving as a resident director, Dean of Men, Director of Campus Activities, and finally in the Office of Alumni Relations.

He had a huge impact on the lives of hundreds of students. One of his most enduring contributions was the creation of Getting Started Weekend, which is a signature weekend of events on campus each year.

Driven by his desire to see new students welcomed and feeling at home at Cedarville, Dick began Getting Started Weekend, now one of the most highly anticipated events on the campus calendar.

On Commencement weekend, 2018, Dick was surprised with a very special honor: a new university residence hall would be named in his honor. Walker Hall is located across from the Doden Field House and Fitness Recreation Center.

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Cyclones and C-Sections

It was a whirlwind morning for Allison and Brandon Williams when they awoke on Wednesday, February 28. They knew this was the day they would meet their third child, but what transpired leading up to Allison’s delivery was totally unexpected.  

In fact, to this day, they realize it was a blur, a story they recount on the Cedarville Stories Podcast. 

The couple was anticipating an early-morning cesarean section. However, chaos ensued when a tornado blew down their street, delaying their trip and turning a 15-to-20-minute drive into an hour-and-a-half journey to the Springfield hospital.  

In the predawn hours, the couple sought refuge in their basement, praying for the safety of their neighbors and nearby family as the tornado wreaked havoc on their countryside neighborhood.  

Once the storm passed, Allison and Brandon ventured out amidst the chaos to find a route to the hospital, experiencing a roller coaster of emotions at seeing the damaged houses that filled their neighborhood.  

These emotions turned to joy later in the day when they welcomed their third daughter, Darcy — or, as her grandfather would call her, “Dot,” short for Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz. 

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Unexpected Blessings 

Life is filled with unexpected blessings, a reality not lost on Cedarville University rising junior Viv Wheeler. 

Originally from Guatemala, Viv was born to a mother who was unable to care for her, leading to her being put up for adoption. She was quickly selected by a couple who began the process of making her their own, only to encounter difficulties that once again left Viv alone. However, each of these hardships were part of God’s great plan to shower her with blessings and opportunities. 

Viv was ultimately adopted by the Wheelers, a loving family in Portsmouth, Ohio, who had been praying for the child destined for them by God. She grew up being loved by her parents, fishing with her dad, and preparing for a bright future, one that was again directed by the unexpected. As a junior in high school, she received a college mailer from Cedarville University that would guide the next steps of her journey.
 

Intrigued by the campus community and the school's mission to glorify Jesus Christ, Viv felt drawn to pursue a degree in primary education and speech pathology. 

Driven by her desire to impact children's lives positively, Viv volunteered for an international mission trip to Guatemala to teach English. Little did she know that this trip would result in a profound reunion with her birth family thanks to God's intricate plan. 

Meeting her birth family for the first time was both thrilling and nerve-wracking for Viv. However, she discovered a family that cared deeply for her, especially her birth mother, who had fervently prayed for her every day. With the joy of being embraced by two loving families and the assurance that God had been guiding every step of her journey, Viv feels grateful for the unexpected twists and turns that have led her to where she is today. 

Join Viv as she shares more about her extraordinary journey and her aspirations for the future on the Cedarville Stories Podcast. 

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From Graduation to Google: Building Through Technology and Testimony

From the land of Legos to the world of cutting-edge technology, Josh Thomas, a recent graduate of Cedarville University, has always possessed a keen interest in the art of building. This inherent trait led him to begin a career as a software engineer with Google.

Josh's journey into the realm of technology began at a young age, when he started constructing robots out of Legos and implementing computer-operated electronics to bring them to life. Even in the sixth grade, Josh recognized that his passion for engineering was a gift from God.

During his time at Cedarville University, Josh received guidance and mentorship from professors who instilled in him the importance of maintaining high standards and adopting a humble, lifelong learning mindset. These invaluable qualities equipped him for prestigious summer internships with both Amazon and Google.

Through his experiences during these internships, he discovered not only his ability to create advanced technological tools for data extraction and innovative applications for smartphones but also his unique position to foster meaningful relationships for the advancement of Christ's Kingdom.

As he joins the staff at Google's headquarters in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where he will collaborate with leading scientists and technicians, Josh is steadfast in his belief that faith and reason are not mutually exclusive. He aims to build bridges with individuals who may harbor doubts about faith and Christianity, using his own life as a testament to their compatibility.

To delve deeper into Josh's inspiring journey, his groundbreaking technological endeavors, and his aspirations for establishing impactful relationships, tune in to the Cedarville Stories Podcast.

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