Beyond the Stars: Lauryn Leslie’s Journey From Cedarville to NASA

For Lauryn Leslie, the stars were never just distant lights in the sky — they were a destination. As a child, she’d look up and wonder what it might be like to explore the universe God had spoken into being. Today, that childhood dream is blazing into reality.

A 2024 Cedarville University graduate, Lauryn now works at NASA, helping design communication systems that will connect astronauts on future missions to the moon and beyond. Her work is part of Lunar 3GPP — a groundbreaking project to bring mobile communications to space.

But Lauryn’s story isn’t just about rockets and research. It’s about faith, perseverance, and the kind of courage that steps forward even when the next move isn’t clear.

At Cedarville, Lauryn juggled a demanding engineering program with collegiate sports — first softball, then tennis. When an injury sidelined her, it felt like her plans were collapsing. Instead, it became a launchpad. While playing in a local tennis league, she met two female NASA engineers who encouraged her to apply for an internship. Despite her doubts, Lauryn took a leap of faith. “God opened that door,” she said, “and I walked through it.”

That leap led to two NASA internships — opportunities awarded to just a few — and eventually, a full-time role advancing space technology. “At NASA, we face challenges bigger than any one person,” she shared. “There are moments I’ve prayed, ‘Lord, give us wisdom.’ And He always provides.”

Now pursuing a master’s in communications and electromagnetics at Purdue University, Lauryn continues preparing for her ultimate dream of becoming an astronaut. Yet she keeps her heart anchored where her dream began. “I’d love to go to space,” she said, “but more than anything, I want to be where God wants me.”

From the fields of Cedarville to the frontiers of space, Lauryn Leslie’s journey is a reminder that when faith fuels our dreams, not even the stars will hold us back. Hear more from Lauryn on the Cedarville Stories podcast.

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Saying Yes to Water and the Gospel: Dr. Pete Savard’s Journey

Dr. Pete Savard, a 1990 graduate of Cedarville University, never imagined his life would be defined by clean water and the Gospel. A nurse educator and medical innovator, Pete once designed mobile hospitals for the U.S. government. But when that chapter closed, God began to stir something deeper in his heart. What started as a broad vision to improve healthcare around the world soon narrowed into a single, life-sustaining mission: providing clean water to those in desperate need.

Years ago, Pete faced a personal “Nineveh moment.” India — a hot, rice-laden, unfamiliar place — was not where he wanted to go. But God had opened the door. Pete said yes. He took that first trip with his daughter and an engineer, not knowing it would change everything. What he saw there was heartbreaking: children sick from sewage-filled water, mothers unable to work, fathers out of jobs due to typhoid.

Every hour in India, 171 children under five die from dirty water — over 4,100 every day. Pete couldn’t unsee that. He had to act.

That first water purification project in India took three years to fund. Pete, by his own admission, is a “terrible fundraiser.” But God provided through unexpected gifts — even a check from a widow who had just lost her husband. The water plant opened, and lives began to change. Illnesses disappeared. Children returned to school. Parents returned to work.

From that humble beginning, Global Water Consortium (GWC) has grown to serve over 4 million people through projects in India, Nepal, Honduras, and soon, Kenya. Each GWC site produces and sells clean water sustainably — millions of liters annually — while opening doors for Gospel conversations.

In Kenya, Pete spoke to high schoolers about health, respect, and the love of Jesus. After two days, 416 students accepted Christ — and asked that a pastor visit their homes to share the Gospel with their families.

Pete doesn’t see himself as a preacher. “I know health,” he says. “God uses that.” His ministry’s model is rooted in Romans 12 — using the gifts God has given to serve others. And the results? Physical health, spiritual hope, and communities transformed.

Pete recently shared his story on the Cedarville Stories podcast. He said yes to God even when it was hard. And through his obedience, entire villages now drink safe water — and Living Water.

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From Tragedy to Triumph: Ellie Wyse’s Journey of Hope and Healing 

When Ellie Wyse arrived at Cedarville University as a freshman, she carried more than just the typical college nerves. She brought with her the deep wounds of trauma — wounds inflicted on May 7, 2019, when her high school in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, was attacked by an active shooter. That day changed everything. A classmate lost his life, others were injured, and Ellie, just a freshman at the time, was left to navigate the emotional and spiritual aftermath of surviving something unimaginable. 

On the Cedarville Stories podcast, Ellie bravely shared her journey. She recounted the fear and confusion of that lockdown, the painful realization that one of the shooters had been a friend, and the long, winding road of healing that followed. Her struggles with anxiety and depression were real and raw, compounded by the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic. But through biblical counseling, the support of her family and church, and eventually, the nurturing environment at Cedarville, Ellie found hope again. 

Now a senior majoring in psychology, Ellie is preparing to graduate in May. Her time at Cedarville has strengthened her academically and spiritually, helping her reconcile with God and rediscover His faithfulness. 

Ellie’s passion is clear: She wants to help teens and children walk through trauma with the care and compassion she once needed. Whether the next step is a doctoral or master’s program, her goal remains the same — to be a counselor who listens first, leads with empathy, and gently points others toward healing, forgiveness, and hope. 

Photo by Stephen Swofford, Denver Gazette

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The Unseen Sibling: Rebecca Robinson’s Journey Through Love, Loss, and Hope

Rebecca Robinson grew up in a home marked by both deep love and quiet sacrifice. Her older sister, Kara, was born with severe Cerebral Palsy. From the beginning, Kara required round-the-clock care, medical equipment, and endless patience — needs her parents met with unwavering devotion and compassion. Their home was filled with the tenderness of a family bound together by something far stronger than circumstance: love.

But amid the visible weight her parents carried, Rebecca faced an invisible burden of her own. As the younger sibling, she often felt the pressure to be “the easy one.” She learned not to complain, not to need too much, and not to add stress to her already overwhelmed parents. This quiet phenomenon, known as Glass Child Syndrome, left Rebecca feeling transparent.

“I didn't want to be a burden,” she shared in a recent episode of the Cedarville Stories podcast. “My parents were doing everything they could for Kara. I just didn’t want to take up more space.”

Now a 2025 graduate of Cedarville University, Rebecca has taken her story and transformed it into a gift for others. Her children’s book, Penelope Panda’s Peculiar Family, gives voice to the complex emotions that siblings of children with disabilities often experience — grief, love, confusion, and resilience. With warmth and whimsy, it helps families talk about what often goes unsaid.

Rebecca’s heart for ministry doesn't stop at home. Her book is being translated into Japanese to address a culture where disabilities often remain hidden in silence. She hopes it will open doors for compassion, healing, and Gospel conversations.

Though Kara has since passed, Rebecca holds fast to her faith. “She’s with Christ now,” she says. “And while my past shaped me, my identity is in the hope of what’s to come.”

From the quiet corners of her childhood to the global impact of her words, Rebecca’s story is one of grace woven through pain — a light shining through even the most delicate glass.

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Serving the Score and the Savior: Sean Kisch’s Hollywood Calling

When Sean Kisch moved to Los Angeles, he wasn’t chasing the spotlight — he was answering a call to serve.

Sean works as a music copyist at JoAnn Kane Music Service, one of the top music preparation firms in the film industry. If you’ve seen a big-budget film in the last decade, there’s a good chance JoAnn Kane had a hand in it — and Sean might have too.

So, what exactly does a music copyist do? “I get asked that a lot,” Sean laughed during a recent episode of the Cedarville Stories podcast. “My job is to serve composers so they can serve the picture.” That means prepping sheet music, formatting parts for musicians, and making sure every note is ready for recording sessions — sometimes with just hours to spare.

It’s high-pressure work, but also high-impact. Sean has worked on films like The Minecraft Movie, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, and Avatar: The Way of Water, collaborating with legendary composers like John Williams and Alan Silvestri. For a lifelong music-lover, working with his heroes is still a little surreal.

But for Sean, Hollywood isn’t just about career milestones — it’s about calling.

In a city where many arrive hoping to build a platform and chase personal success, Sean is focused on something different. His goal is to serve — his colleagues, his community, and ultimately Christ.

Sean graduated from Cedarville University in 2017, and his time there helped shape his mindset. There, he not only developed his musical skills but also deepened his understanding of how faith and vocation intersect. The University’s focus on excellence and biblical integration gave him the tools to pursue his craft with purpose. Those values now guide his work in every studio session and industry interaction.

In LA, Sean is part of a strong community of believers quietly making a difference in the entertainment industry. He attends Reality LA, a solidly biblical church, and supports local ministries working to share the light of Christ.

“There’s more light in Hollywood than people think,” Sean said. “God is doing amazing things here.”

Even in an industry known for glamor and competition, Sean sees Hollywood as a mission field. He continues to invest in the city and its people — through his church, his work, and his quiet, faithful presence behind the scenes.

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Little Leaders: Big Faith From a Small-Town Dreamer

Brad Silvius, a 1992 graduate of Cedarville University, was shaped by a foundation of faith built in the Village of Cedarville — a faith that continues to guide his life and ministry today. That deep-rooted love for Jesus has laid the groundwork for Little Leaders — a vibrant multimedia platform that helps children grow in biblical truth while building motor skills, learning language, and mastering early education basics.

Little Leaders is more than a show — it’s a hands-on, faith-filled learning experience. The platform blends colorful animation, music, movement, storytelling, and language lessons. Each piece works together to fully engage kids — mind, body, and spirit. It’s fun, interactive, and rooted in Scripture.

Brad shared the heart behind the project on the Cedarville Stories podcast. “We just have to be willing and faithful,” he said. “Then we let God grow what He wants to grow.”

His whole family is behind the mission. Brad’s wife, who has Brazilian roots, brings her business and finance experience from the University of Michigan into the work. Together, they’ve built Little Leaders not just as a platform — but as a calling.

Living in Ann Arbor, Michigan — a hub of global culture — has expanded their vision. The Silvius family has formed close friendships with people from India, Pakistan, and South America. That diversity has shaped the content and widened its reach across cultures and continents.

Little Leaders helps children grow through structured play, engaging visuals, and Christ-centered messages. Every video and activity is carefully crafted to raise up the next generation of confident, faith-filled young leaders.

Want to see it in action? Visit littleleaders.com and discover how big faith starts with little steps — and a whole lot of love.

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A Life Scripted in Cursive and Grace

Catie Holt’s story reads like a favorite chapter book — warm, engaging, and full of purpose. A 2006 Cedarville University alumna, Catie’s years on campus gave her more than a degree; they gave her a biblical lens with which to view the world. That foundation became her anchor as she traveled across continents, teaching in China and later in the heart of Chicago’s bustling Chinatown.

Catie’s influence and heart for young learners have had an impact far beyond the classroom. She played a creative role in developing the Cedarville Cursive Google font, a handwriting style that has gained widespread popularity for its charm, readability, and nostalgic beauty. It’s now used in everything from educational materials to digital design, becoming a small but meaningful part of how ideas are shared.

Today, Catie lives along the peaceful lake shore in southwest Michigan, where her days revolve around faith, family, and a lifelong love for books. With her young children in school, she’s turning her energy toward expanding her collection of online lesson plans — offering thoughtful resources shaped by years of hands-on experience.

In a recent appearance on the Cedarville Stories podcast, Catie reflected on her time at Cedarville and how it equipped her to engage the world with confidence and conviction. Whether in overseas classrooms, urban neighborhoods, or as a mom, her passion for education and truth has remained steady.

Catie Holt’s journey is a quiet testament to the power of faith, creativity, and lifelong learning — written in cursive and lived with grace.

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Religious Liberty Hits Home: Randall Wenger

Religious liberty isn’t just a topic for scholars or lawyers — it’s something that touches everyday life. It matters when a business owner faces pressure to go against their faith. It matters when a worker is told they have to choose between their job and their religious convictions. And that’s exactly why the work of Randall Wenger, Chief Counsel at the Independence Law Center in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, deserves attention.

On a recent episode of the Cedarville Stories podcast, Randy shared how his legal work — and his deep personal commitment to religious freedom — have shaped not only court decisions but the lives of ordinary Americans.

Take the Conestoga Wood Specialties Corp. v. Burwell case. A family-owned woodworking business in Pennsylvania faced steep fines for refusing to provide abortion-inducing drugs in their employee healthcare plan — something that went directly against their Christian beliefs. Randy helped take their case all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. The ruling in their favor didn’t just protect one family — it affirmed that people of faith don’t have to set their convictions aside when they run a business.

Then there’s Groff v. DeJoy. Gerald Groff, a postal worker, had faithfully kept Sundays as a day of rest and worship. But the Postal Service kept scheduling him anyway — until he felt forced to resign. With Randy's help, that case also reached the Supreme Court. The Court sided with Groff, strengthening the right of all workers to seek religious accommodation on the job.

These victories are more than legal milestones — they’re reminders that religious liberty is not an abstract principle. It protects real people in real situations across the country.

On the podcast, Randy spoke not just as a lawyer but as a father — one who’s seen his own children grow in faith at Cedarville University. His message was clear: If we want to pass on a country where faith is free to flourish, we need to defend it now.

Because religious liberty isn't just a legal issue — it's a human one.

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Walking by Faith, Training With Purpose

From Cedarville to the Indianapolis Colts and now the University of Kansas Jayhawks, Kyler Conn’s journey is one stitched together by purpose, perseverance, and a deep-rooted faith.

A recent graduate of Cedarville University’s rigorous BA in sports medicine and Master of Athletic Training five-year program, Kyler's path has never been just about tape and treatment tables. It’s been about serving others through athletic training while staying grounded in his walk with Christ. He recently shared his story on the Cedarville Stories podcast, reflecting on the power of mentorship, faith, and family in his life.

Kyler’s hands-on experience began with high-level internships at Baylor University, where he worked with both the football and men’s basketball programs. From assisting in sideline emergencies to supporting long-term rehab for elite athletes, Kyler’s experiences gave him a close-up view of what it takes to perform under pressure at the highest level. Then came the NFL — an internship with the Indianapolis Colts where Kyler worked alongside seasoned professionals in one of the most competitive sports environments.

It was during his time in Indy that he connected with a strength coach who recognized Cedarville’s name and faith foundation. He eventually invited Kyler to College Park Church, which became a spiritual home during that season.

While sharpening his skills on the field, Kyler also invested in the classroom. His academic research centered on Emergency Action Plans (EAPs) — the critical blueprints sports medicine teams follow during catastrophic injuries or athlete collapse. He examined how preparedness, communication, and clearly defined roles can save lives in high-pressure moments. For Kyler, EAPs aren’t just paperwork — they’re lifelines, and he’s passionate about equipping teams to respond with precision when seconds matter most.

He’s also a strong advocate for mentorship, crediting much of his development to those who invested in him. “I wouldn’t be where I am without the guidance of those ahead of me,” he shared.

Now, Kyler is preparing to join the University of Kansas as the athletic trainer for men's basketball and baseball. With his faith as his compass and a heart for service, he’s ready to make an impact in Lawrence — one athlete, one rep, one moment at a time.

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Trusting God Through Tragedy: Melissa Harris

As a Cedarville University graduate in athletic training, Melissa Harris '02 believed she had a clear calling — serve student-athletes and be a light for Christ through her profession. But God had an unexpected direction in mind, calling her instead into recreation ministry — a shift she hadn’t planned but embraced in faith.

That same willingness to trust God when life took an unforeseen turn would become crucial when tragedy struck years later. During what was supposed to be a peaceful family hike in Hocking Hills State Park, a horrific accident nearly claimed the life of her youngest daughter, Mia.

In an instant, the joy of the outdoors turned into a nightmare. As emergency crews raced to respond, Melissa and her family were left clinging to prayer, unsure if Mia would survive. Yet even in the chaos, Melissa describes a peace that defied logic. “There’s no explanation for it,” she shared on the Cedarville Stories podcast. “It was Jesus — He calmed my fears and reminded me of eternity.”

The months that followed were filled with recovery, reflection, and raw faith. Melissa realized that their story wasn’t just about surviving trauma — it was about surrendering control and trusting God in every unknown. The same God who redirected her career path years earlier had now walked her through the darkest valley of her life.

It was during this healing season that Melissa felt a quiet but clear prompting from God: Tell the story. Melissa wrote her book, Rewrite This Tragedy, not to spotlight tragedy, but to proclaim God’s presence during it. “Even if He hadn’t saved Mia,” said Melissa, “He was still with us. That’s what carried us.”

Her story reminds us that faith isn’t about having a perfect plan — it’s about trusting the One who does.

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Rooted in Truth: A Story of Two Shepherds and Their Book

It wasn’t over coffee or during a conference that the idea for Rooted in Truth was born — it grew slowly, quietly, over years of shared ministry. Drs. Jon Wood and Trent Rogers have been walking alongside college students for a long time, answering the same honest, heartfelt questions about faith, life, and purpose.

After hearing “What should I do with my life?” and “Can I really trust the Bible?” for what seemed like the hundredth time, they both realized that maybe it was time to write a book.

So, they did.

On the Cedarville Stories podcast, the two men — friends, colleagues, and fellow shepherds — talked about the journey of writing Rooted in Truth, which was released on July 8. With a dose of humor (and some playful teasing), they shared how the project took shape. Rogers joked that he only wanted to co-write with someone smarter, which led him straight to Wood. In turn, Wood credited Rogers for bringing structure and depth to the project.

But beneath the laughs was a serious and heartfelt purpose: helping young adults become spiritually grounded.

The book tackles 20 of the most common questions they hear from students about identity, relationships, vocation, and why truth still matters. Drawing on Psalm 1, they use the imagery of a tree planted by water to show what happens when a life is rooted deeply in God’s Word. Whether it’s used as a devotional, a small group guide, or a resource for a high school senior on the edge of adulthood, Rooted in Truth was written to steady the hearts of young believers in a world that often feels unsteady.

What sets this book apart? It’s clear, concise, and full of Gospel hope. It’s not lofty theology for scholars — it’s real answers for real students written by two men who first spent years listening.

“We want them to know they’re not just the future of the Church,” Dr. Wood said. “They are the Church.”

And with Rooted in Truth, Jon and Trent are handing them the tools — and the truth — to live like it.

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Side by Side: Ari and Julie Tompkins 

There’s something special about the bond between twins — but Ari and Julie Tompkins take it to a whole new level. This week, the small-town sisters from Mogadore, Ohio, began their 1000 Days™ at Cedarville University, walking into college hand-in-hand — just like they’ve done with most things in life.

Faith-filled and full of heart, Ari and Julie are joining the track and cross-country teams, ready to give it all they’ve got. But they’re not just here to run races. They’re here to grow, serve, and walk closer with Jesus every step of the way.

On a recent episode of the Cedarville Stories podcast, Julie described Ari as “quiet, aggressive, and humble,” while Ari grinned and said Julie was “talkative, energetic, and loud.” The sisters are two halves of a whole, different in their own ways but always cheering each other on.

Their journey hasn’t been easy. They’ve stood on podiums and wiped away tears after photo-finish losses and struggled with personal family issues. But through every high and low, they’ve clung to prayer and each other. “Our sport doesn’t define us,” Ari shared. “God still loves us whether we win or lose.”

Raised in a home where faith was lived out daily — especially after their father quit drinking and began reading the Bible with them — Ari and Julie learned early what it means to grow through grace. “It changed everything,” Julie said. “We finally understood what it meant to follow Jesus for ourselves.”

That’s why Cedarville stood out. It was a place where they could not only compete at a high level but grow in a community that shares their love for Christ. “We didn’t want to just bring others to faith — we wanted to be surrounded by people already walking it too,” they said.

Julie dreams of becoming a pro sports physical therapist. Ari’s heart is set on becoming a firefighter and EMT. Their paths may someday lead them in different directions, but for now, they’re running this race side by side — spiritually grounded, joyfully competitive, and ready for whatever the Lord has next.

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Shaping Christ-Centered Leaders

After nearly four decades in banking — culminating in a role leading over 7,000 employees across 1,000 Huntington Bank branches—Jon Greenwood knows a thing or two about leadership. He didn’t just climb the corporate ladder; he built the culture beneath it, rooted in trust, consistency, and hard work. A self-proclaimed “overachiever,” Jon thrived by showing up, outworking everyone around him, and staying grounded in who he was in Christ.

Now, he’s bringing that lifetime of experience back to where it all started — Cedarville University.

Jon’s path to Cedarville wasn’t exactly planned. As a high school senior in Springfield, Ohio, he was bound for Taylor University — just like many of his family members. But through a series of unexpected twists, including a last-minute golf tournament and his pastor father’s connection to Cedarville University, he became a Yellow Jacket.  That seemingly small pivot shaped everything that followed — from his marriage to his professional life — and taught him to trust God’s guidance, even when it didn’t make sense.

That trust became the foundation of Jon’s leadership style. Throughout his banking career, he focused on building cultures where people could thrive, trust mattered more than titles, and integrity trumped efficiency. Even to this day, he believes “culture eats strategy for lunch.”

Now, Jon is pouring that wisdom into CU Lead, Cedarville’s new leadership initiative. It’s more than a program — it’s a movement. CU Lead will help college students and business leaders discover how God wired them. It reaches across disciplines — welcoming pastors, pharmacists, engineers, and teachers alike — because every field needs leaders who are anchored in character.

CU Lead also opens doors to the marketplace through conferences, a speakers series, and practical partnerships with businesses. The goal? To produce graduates who are not only professionally competent but spiritually grounded — leaders who can be trusted with influence.

Jon Greenwood’s story is a testament to what God can do with a life fully surrendered. And now, he’s helping others write their own stories — starting with who they are in Christ. He recently shared more about this journey on the Cedarville Stories podcast, offering listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the faith and leadership that have defined his path.

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Fighting Infectious Diseases: Rachel Burgoon

Rachel Burgoon didn’t just choose pharmacy — she chose a mission. As an infectious disease pharmacist, her work is ministry through medicine. Every treatment she recommends is driven by a deep desire to serve others and honor Christ.

Her journey began in Maryland but found clarity and calling at Cedarville University, where the integration of faith and science in Cedarville’s Doctor of Pharmacy program shaped her purpose.

“It wasn’t just about becoming a pharmacist,” Rachel explains. “It was about becoming someone who could serve the Lord by serving patients — especially the most vulnerable.”

Today, Rachel works in the high-stakes world of infectious diseases, tackling complex cases involving antibiotic stewardship and life-threatening infections. Her work demands both clinical precision and heartfelt compassion.

“This is critical work,” she says. “If we don’t use the right therapies in the right way, we risk resistance and harm. It’s a space where science must be excellent — and so must our care.”

Beyond her clinical responsibilities, Rachel invests deeply in mentoring students and residents — a passion born from her own experience.  She recalls Cedarville faculty pouring into her life as a student, and she desires to mirror that service with the people she interacts with each day.

Recently, Rachel shared her story on the Cedarville Stories podcast, offering listeners a glimpse into the heart behind her profession — a heart committed to glorifying God through healing and hope.

Through every patient she treats, every student she mentors, and every advancement she makes in infectious disease research, Rachel Burgoon is faithfully living out her calling to reflect Christ by caring for the sick with excellence and compassion.

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Rocket Science and Redemption: Dr. Joe Miller

In a quiet town just outside Dayton, Ohio — where the history of aviation runs deep — Dr. Joe Miller’s journey took flight with a love for airplanes and a desire to serve God. As a high school student, deeply moved by the courage of missionary aviators and the powerful message of Elisabeth Elliot’s Through Gates of Splendor, Joe began to ask a bold, life-shaping question: How can I use engineering to glorify Christ and serve the world?

That question became his compass, and God used it to guide him to Cedarville University — first as a student, then, years later, as a professor.

After nearly two decades in aerospace — collaborating with the U.S. Air Force on advanced innovations and leading elite engineering teams — Joe had no plans to leave the field he loved. But when Cedarville called and God stirred his heart, he recognized a higher calling.

“I had no desire to leave,” he recalls. “But I was called to something bigger — training the next generation of Christ-centered engineers.”

For Dr. Miller, teaching is more than a profession — it’s a mission. He sees engineering not just as a discipline of problem-solving but as a calling to serve people, protect life, and steward creation. His classroom hums with purpose: a place where technical rigor meets Gospel clarity.

His vision is clear: to mentor engineers who are technically excellent, spiritually grounded, and passionately committed to using their gifts for God’s glory. Through collaborations with organizations like Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dr. Miller helps students connect classroom theory to real-world innovation — always with Christ at the center.

“The Gospel,” Joe tells his students, “isn’t something we tack onto our careers — it’s the foundation. Everything flows from that.”

Dr. Miller isn’t just instructing engineers. On this week’s episode of the Cedarville Stories podcast, hear how he’s shaping disciples — leaders who will carry light into launchpads, boardrooms, and beyond.

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A Life of Yes: Dr. Craig and Carolyn Williford 

Dr. Craig and Carolyn Williford, Cedarville University’s 2025 Alumni of the Year, have walked a beautiful path of ministry — one paved with prayer, servant leadership, and steadfast faith. Their journey began in the 1970s at Cedarville, where their deep love for Christ and hearts to serve took root and began to flourish. 

Craig led with purpose and humility, serving as president of several Christian institutions — Denver Seminary, Trinity International University, Multnomah University, and Warner University. In each role, he brought wisdom, courage, and a deep dependence on God, shaping the next generation of leaders. By his side was Carolyn — ever encouraging, guiding, and caring for students and fellow leaders with remarkable grace. Through her authorship of multiple books and her powerful voice as a conference speaker, she enriched their shared ministry with her own godly wisdom. 

Their hearts have always been drawn to students.  

“We always prayed for the students,” Carolyn shared gently. “But we had no idea what many were going through — illness, loss, financial hardship.” Those heartfelt prayers grew into a lifelong ministry of compassion that has followed them from season to season. 

In recent years, their focus has turned toward nurturing weary pastors. Especially after the pandemic, as ministry leaders faced growing stress and burnout, Craig and Carolyn stepped in to offer safe, welcoming spaces for them to rest and heal.  

“There’s loneliness in ministry, even in large churches,” Craig noted. “We help leaders know they’re not alone.” 

Their marriage stands as a quiet testimony to God’s faithfulness — built on trust, mutual respect, and unshakable character.  

“Craig does the right thing, no matter the cost,” Carolyn reflected. “That gift of integrity has been a foundation in our home and ministry.” 

Throughout their marriage, they’ve endeavored to say yes to the Lord and serve Him faithfully. That simple act of obedience has defined every step of their journey. 

Recently, Craig and Carolyn shared their story on the Cedarville Stories podcast — a tender, inspiring reminder of how God’s faithfulness weaves through every chapter of life. Their love for Cedarville, for each other, and for the calling God placed on their lives continues to shine brightly. 

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Spring Break in Maui: A Trip of Compassion and Calling

When wildfires swept through Lahaina, Maui, in 2023, they left more than ashes behind — they left a community in mourning. Homes were destroyed, lives were uprooted, and hope felt fragile. However, during a recent spring break, hope arrived in the form of a team of students and faculty from Cedarville University led by Col. (Ret.) Greg Thompson and Dr. Patrick Oliver.

The idea began in a moment of connection. Greg, who had recently moved to Ohio from Hawaii, met Mark and Dawn Brown — Hawaiian parents of a Cedarville student — during Getting Started Weekend. What started as a conversation about community turned into something much bigger: an opportunity to serve.

“I reached out to the Made In Hope ministry the Browns mentioned and learned they had enough room for our group,” Greg shared. “We slept on cots — five-star location, one-star accommodations — but it was perfect.”

That setting became the base for a week of powerful ministry. The team didn’t just come to rebuild homes or pass out supplies — the needs had shifted. Instead, they got to rebuild hearts. Through prayer, presence, and listening, the students poured into a hurting community.

“It wasn’t just physical work,” Greg said. “It was about being there — about showing the love of Christ in a place that desperately needed comfort.”

What the team gave may seem simple, but it left a deep impact: game nights with families, worship with locals, and heartfelt conversations with those still grieving. It was a reminder that healing isn’t always measured in walls rebuilt but in souls encouraged.

And the work isn’t finished. As Mark Brown shared, “There will be many stages of recovery — prayer, rebuilding, financial support. But God has been faithful.”

Cedarville’s team was a living testimony to that faithfulness. Through simple acts of service, they brought the message that Lahaina is not forgotten — by them or by the God who walks with them.

Learn more about this labor of love on this week’s episode of the Cedarville Stories podcast.

https://share.transistor.fm/s/bc2e13a7

https://youtu.be/p_17V2TPdGg

Cedarville’s Connection to Maui’s Healing

When wildfires tore through Maui in August of 2023, they left behind a trail of devastation — homes lost, lives uprooted, and hearts heavy with grief. For Mark and Dawn Brown, longtime Maui residents and faithful servants in their local ministry, the fire hit close to home — literally and spiritually. But even in the darkest smoke, God’s light came shining through.

Mark and Dawn, who both have deep roots with Cedarville University, shared their experiences during the 2023 Maui fire on this week’s episode of the Cedarville Stories podcast.

The Browns are proud alumni, and their daughter Lila is a current student. Cedarville has always been more than just their alma mater — it’s part of their extended family. So when a team of 14 Cedarville students, along with professors Col. (Ret.) Greg Thompson and Dr. Patrick Oliver, landed in Maui to help, it wasn’t just a service trip — it was a homecoming of sorts.

The students came with no agenda but love, no plan but to serve.

“We’ll do whatever you need,” they told the Browns — and they meant it. They painted, cleaned, hauled, prayed, and, most of all, stood in the gap alongside hurting people.

Mark, who serves on a federal disaster medical team, has responded to tragedies all over — from New York City to Key West to Saipan. Years ago, his young daughter Lila once asked him why he did it. He told her, “Someday, we’re going to need help too — and I want people to come.”

That moment came. 
And people came — wearing Cedarville blue and gold.

For the Browns, it was a humbling reminder that the body of Christ truly works. God didn’t just send help — He sent family. And in the ashes of disaster, they saw grace rebuild what flames had taken.

https://share.transistor.fm/s/d0d9de26

https://youtu.be/CkVMEG5h1Cc

Engineering Hope: Ken Atkinson and Brian Reiff

In the heart of rural Zimbabwe, where roads often wash away during the rainy season and clean water is scarce, a powerful partnership has formed — one that blends innovation with compassion. Faculty and students from Cedarville University’s School of Engineering and Computer Science have teamed up with Karanda Mission Hospital to tackle these serious infrastructure issues while creating opportunities for ministry.

The collaboration began when former missionary Ken Atkinson, now a Cedarville engineering lab technician, returned from Karanda with a heavy heart and a hopeful vision. The hospital faced severe water shortages and needed help.

Cedarville students rose to the occasion. They engineered a small-scale municipal water treatment plant, creating a system that could purify river water and save lives — especially in a region where wells had run dry.

But the mission didn’t stop with water. Seeing how local roads were often impassable, Cedarville students, including recent graduate Brian Reiff, designed and built a pull grader — a massive earthmover that attaches to Karanda’s tractor. What began as a senior design project quickly became a symbol of how technical skills can serve a greater purpose.

More than just technical accomplishments, these projects are shaping lives. Students who once saw themselves working in labs or offices are now exploring how their skills can be used in missions. Some are even preparing to return to Karanda long-term.

From clean water to better roads, from Ohio to Zimbabwe, this collaboration proves that engineering can be a ministry — solving physical problems while planting seeds of hope.

Listen to this story of hearts and minds united for a cause greater than themselves on this week’s Cedarville Stories podcast.

https://share.transistor.fm/s/81f4fd7c

https://youtu.be/Dy3tcM4bcBU

A Lifelong Song of Service: John and Lou Ann Mohler

John and Lou Ann Mohler’s story began on the campus of Cedarville University, where a Michigan girl met an Ohio boy in concert chorale. What started with a warm February day, a convertible ride to the Indian Mound, and a first date filled with talk of old girlfriends (John’s idea of charm, perhaps?) bloomed into a 46-year marriage built on shared faith, music, and ministry.

After college, the Mohlers began their careers as teachers — John directing bands and orchestras and Lou Ann teaching English and drama. But as their hearts leaned more toward church ministry, God led them to Patterson Park Church in Dayton, Ohio. In 1985, John stepped into a pastoral role, and what began as a small church of about 200 has flourished under their leadership.

For 40 years, John has faithfully directed worship, blending hymns with modern praise songs in a way that draws generations together. With a full choir and orchestra — a rarity these days — the Mohlers have crafted a worship experience that is both reverent and joyful.

Their legacy isn’t just in music or programs — it’s in the people. From small groups to mission trips to Albania, from raising their children in the church to mentoring younger pastors, John and Lou Ann have cultivated community all their lives. Even as retirement nears, John continues to teach future worship leaders, ensuring that what he’s helped build will endure.

In a fast-moving world, the Mohlers have been a steady presence — faithful, humble, and full of grace. And for those at Patterson Park, their legacy is more than music — it’s love lived out loud.

Learn more about this couple’s amazing journey on the Cedarville Stories podcast.

https://share.transistor.fm/s/070bb0da

https://youtu.be/CqDD4krljeE