In forming this list, I have always been pretty limited in my focus, meaning that I'm interested in jobs that are "secular." It wasn't that I thought ministry-related careers had less value but rather that I thought it was important to demonstrate to those outside "the Church" that Christian colleges can produce successful alumni. Just to name a few:
- Linda Maricle, a 1969 graduate of my new employer, Taylor University Fort Wayne, is the executive director of the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, a not-for-profit organization fighting breast cancer.
- Ted Strickland (Asbury College '63) was elected governor of Ohio in 2006.
- After suffering a life-threatening injury that resulted in an intracranial brain hemorrhage and a partial hearing loss, Joyce Bender (Geneva College, ’75) launched Bender Consulting Services, Inc., a for-profit company that places computer experts—most of whom are people with disabilities—for on-site work with clients. For her years of service to professionals with disabilities, Bender was honored by President Clinton with the 1999 President’s Award, the nation’s highest award for achievement in furthering the employment and empowerment of people with disabilities.
- Trinity International University's 1973 grad, Tim Simonec, who has written music for more 40 movies and television shows, including Happy Days. He also has orchestrated the soundtracks for TV and movies, including Alias, Lost, The Incredibles and Mission Impossible 3.
Scott Derrickson, a 1989 Biola University graduate, co-wrote and directed the 2005 movie The Exorcism of Emily Rose.
The collection is pretty impressive (and kind of a strange hobby to have). My intent in targeting those in secular careers was never to devalue those in full-time Christian service, obviously. It really was just to make a point (particularly aimed at those who probably wouldn't care about anything except the worlds of business, entertainment, politics and so on) about the value and viability of Christian higher education. A little while ago, I read an article that reminded me that those who dedicate their lives to Christian service are indeed doing something as important or more important than those in government or who lead large companies or who have achieved fame.
The article was entitled "My Way of Escape" in Message, the magazine of the Association of Baptists for World Evangelism. It was by Shoko, a young lady in Japan. She writes, "I was involved in many distressing situations and had been lied to so many times that I was emotionally exhausted. Antidepressants and sleeping pills helped me get by. I had no dreams, no hope, and no light in my life. I couldn’t trust anyone and couldn’t even laugh anymore. One day I cried out, 'I don’t want this struggle anymore! I don’t want the pain!' With that, I decided there was no better time than on my birthday, July 15, 2002, to commit suicide."
She goes on to describe a series of "coincidences" that kept her from taking her life time and time again. Eventually, Natalie Beck, a missionary and graduate of my alma mater, Corban College, invited her to a Bible study. She writes, "I cringed at first, but since I was constantly looking for new insights to my problems, I thought a Bible study might actually be a positive thing in my life. Throughout the study, Natalie explained that I am a sinner and that Jesus gave His life for me. She asked me if I wanted to believe. It took awhile, but I finally answered, 'Yes, I believe,' and an unusual peace swept over me and made my heart at rest." 
Shoko goes on to say, "I felt like a puppet whose strings were finally cut. I kept asking Natalie, 'Are you sure my sins are forgiven?' She would answer, 'All of your sins are forgiven and today is your new birthday.' Even when I chose death, God was working through my friends to save me."
To read the whole article, go to: http://message.abwe.org/vol55no01/My-Way-of-Escape.html
Today, Aaron and Kim Knapp drove away from Klamath Falls, bound for Mexico with their two young sons. Aaron was the interim youth pastor at our church this past year and very impactful
in Jordan's and Phillip's lives. They are an amazing couple. When they get to Mexico, they will spend about 18 months mastering Spanish and then will move into a tribal village, living in the mountains with an indigenous people who have no written language and little knowledge of the outside world. They will spend four to six years there mastering this language and putting it into written form, then teaching the people to read. They'll also help them learn new ways of earning a living, provide basic medical care, etc.As we prepare for our move to Indiana, we think it's a huge step (and so do others). What we're doing is nothing compared to what the Knapps are moving on to. We will have a comfortable house, a nice job, a good school for our kids and be only 2200 miles from our roots. They are stepping off the precipice, doing what they believe God has called them to do, while knowing it will be years before they will see any results from their efforts.
Rethink #4
Less than 36 hours from now, I'll be leaving for Boise and then on to Indiana. I've traveled a lot over the last 23 years and even came out here for several weeks before bringing the family out to join me. For some reason, I think this is going to be different. I'm looking forward to getting started on my new job but I am not looking forward to three and a half weeks away from the family.
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