Published September 6, 2016
Students and Alumni Make Unique Marks for Christ
Many Christians want to influence the world for Christ. God shows His creativity by gifting people with a spectrum of unique talents. Each of the CSU students and alumni on the following pages is passionate about a specific way to serve others, and in their own way, each of them are changing the world.
Pictured Above
Benjamin Long earned his associates degree while he was still in high school through CSU’s High School Dual Enrollment program. He is using his interdisciplinary studies major to focus on history and media and recently completed a summer internship at Yellowstone National Park. Long aspires to become a park ranger in the National Park Service. He says, “CSU has equipped me for being out here [at Yellowstone] among mostly unsaved people. I have been able to reach out and develop relationships with quite a few of them.”
Dr. Allen Yoder (’74, ’78)
Lives: On the Amazon River, Brazil
Works: Aviation Church Planter, Association of Baptists for World Evangelism
Changes the World: Plants churches in regions only reachable by airplane; involved in Bible training for 14 villages; began two Bible institutes
“I firmly believe CSU gave me the best Bible education available in the country.”
Emily Gehman (’12)
Lives: Lapeer, Michigan
Works: Online Managing Editor, Shattered Media
Changes the World: Breaks down barriers to Jesus through finding, writing and editing stories; oversees online content and social media
“CSU is where I found a passion for writing and a love for people and God’s Word!”
Chris Brown (’96)
Lives: Cleveland, Ohio
Works: Missionary/Director, TechMin
Changes the World: Founded and directs a non-profit ministry that helps ministry leaders effectively use technology to accomplish the Great Commission
“CSU gave me the foundation on which all the things we do in ministry are based—a solid understanding and reliance of the word of God. CSU equipped me with the necessary understanding and philosophy to be in ministry of ANY kind!”
Dr. Charles Ware (’72)
Lives: Indianapolis, Indiana
Works: President, Crossroads Bible College
Changes the World: Speaks internationally; consults on biblical race relations; writes books; leads a Bible college
“CSU taught me the authority of the Word of God and the necessity of rightly dividing the Word along with a passion to serve the Author of the Word, Almighty God!”
Ulysses (Toby) Monday (’03, ’15, pursuing M.Min. at BBS)
Lives: Atlanta, Georgia
Works: Ministry Communicator, InTouch Ministries; Youth Pastor and Worship Leader, Atlanta Bible Baptist Church
Changes the World: Prays with and encourages some of the 113 million listeners who call in during Dr. Charles Stanley’s program
“CSU lifts up Christ and desires to see every student take what they have learned and use it for the glory of God.”
Abigail Wiebe
Lives: West Covina, California
Works: Guest Talent Programs Coordinator, Disneyland Resort
Changes the World: Manages performance groups in Downtown Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure; interacts with park guests
“It was unique to dream of a career outside the traditional Christian ministry path. But I have learned that no matter where you go, God uses you as a bright light in our dark road.”
Tom Coverly (’95)
Lives: Jenison, Michigan
Works: Founder, Holy Wow Ministries
Changes the World: Entertains and challenges audiences as comedian, illusionist and motivational speaker
“CSU has played a major role in impacting my life for Jesus Christ and made me who I am today in Christ.”
Megan Flinn (’05)
Lives: Indianapolis, Indiana
Works: Case Manager, Outreach, Inc.
Changes the World: Loves homeless young people; facilitates heart-changing conversations to point them to Christ; welcomes them into community; hopes for them when they can’t hope for themselves.
“CSU helped me by grounding me in the Word and connecting me with people who are passionate about changing lives with truth.”
Jamie Ellerson (’95)
Lives: Nanticoke, New York
Works: Preparing to be Area Representative, Fellowship for Christian Athletes
Changes the World: Influences coaches and athletes in the Southern Tier of New York
“I could have received book knowledge just about anywhere, but what set CSU apart for me was what I learned from the faculty and staff members about building relationships.”
Leonna Elam (’09)
Lives: Scranton, Pennsylvania
Works: Nanny and foster mom
Changes the World: Cares for foster children (James 1:27)
“CSU helped me learn I can do ministry in various settings, including my own home with my unconventional family as a single woman with foster children. Women’s ministry classes opened my eyes to many unique ministry needs women have; God has opened doors for me to minister to single ladies.”
