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A WORK OF HEART

Meet Trevor and Erin Seeburger, two new students from Washington state at New Hope Christian College this year. They weren’t exactly sure how they were going

to get here, and they may not be 100% sure where they’re headed afterward, but they’re here.

It was around Christmas time of last year that the Seeburgers began to sense a call to New Hope but wondered if it would even be financially feasible. As they began prayerfully considering the direction God would have them take in life, it seemed that while other doors were closing, all the doors here at New Hope were opening wide. Within a few months, the Seeburgers began transitioning out of their ministry roles at their home church in Spokane, Wash. where they were highly involved and had recently completed the Master’s Commission program.

Trevor, who has a passion for leading worship and a heart for men’s ministry, is majoring in the Worship Arts, while his wife Erin, who desires to work with children as a school counselor or teacher, is taking the Christian Counseling track. Both Trevor and Erin are interested in using their education and experience to lead short term mission trips in the future. They feel like God will use their experience here at New Hope to prepare them for the ministry He has in store for their lives.

In regard to their experience here so far, the Seeburgers say they’re settling in well. Although they have gone through many changes in the last couple of months, they have felt very supported by the New Hope community.

“Everyone here has been so nice,” Erin noted as she recalled the help they received moving in, finding employment, and getting oriented with the campus and the city.

Beyond being involved in school and ministry, Trevor and Erin enjoy hanging out with friends, watching movies, and spending time in the outdoors.

On behalf of the faculty, staff, and students here at New Hope Christian College, the Ignite welcomes Trevor and Erin Seeburger, along with each and every incoming student this semester!

The Ignite StaffEditor: Laura Adams

Cover Art: Ryan BluebaughWriters:Krista Goecker, Andrew Fish,

Courtney Tschyama, Kylie Saito, Gwen Fielder, Jim Degroot

Photographers: David Delaney, Derrick Miyahara, Kent Glazier

theignite@newhope.edu© 2010 New Hope Christian College

Fresh Faces New Students on Campuswords: Kent Glazierphotos: Gary Hisaoka

Campus

“We are all wounded in some way and God wants to redeem us.”

Good CounselInterview with Vicki Silverthornewords: Gwen Fiedlerphotos: Gary Hisaoka

The new school year opened with new paint, new students, new fixtures, new classes, and yes – new instructors. One of the new faces on campus this fall is Vicki Silverthorne. This semester she is teaching Counseling Theories.

Silverthorne is currently a therapist and feels as though counseling has been her calling all her life. “I had a friend that mentored me when I was young who happened to be a professional counselor. I think God wired my brain to do this job,” said Silverthorne. She majored in psychology a few years ago, then received a teaching certificate and taught 5th- 8th grades. From there, she went to Young Life staff and attended Fuller Theological Seminary.

After she and her husband, Sandy Silverthorne, director of New Hope International, were married, she began studying for her masters in counseling at Azusa Pacific University, but after becoming pregnant, dropped out to take care of their daughter. She eventually went back to school at George Fox University and earned a counseling degree.

Mrs. Silverthorne’s passion for counseling is clearly evident in her teaching style, bringing the theories and class goals alive by giving assignments that help students understand more about themselves in order that they may better help others. Her overall goals for the class are “to help students learn to integrate their faith with the counseling process,” she said.

“The more I work as a therapist, the more I see how God comes alongside us wanting to heal us and draw us closer to Him. We are all wounded in some way and God wants to redeem us. It is such a privilege to share with my students what God has been teaching me.”

words: Andrew Fish photo: Derrick Miyahara

Meet three of the college’s new Deacons; Cameron Fry (Point Guard), Mike

Miranda (Point Guard) and Felix Wilson (Point Guard and Shooting Guard). Each student is here because he feels God called him to serve and to learn as much as he can about the Bible while using the gifts God has blessed him with to make our basketball team the best possible for His glory.

Cameron Fry, from Arlington, Wash., was contacted directly by Coach Jim DeGroot who offered him a scholarship to play basketball for the Deacons. Fry decided to follow God’s call and attend the college. Fry mentioned that one of his major goals while here is to be able to play in the National Tournament. Fry also has stated

that his favorite part about the newly reformed college is the wonderful loving atmosphere. He loves the ability to create close relationships with people.

Mike Miranda and Felix Wilson, both from Fairbanks, Alaska, said that a few months ago A. J. Vanderhoff, a mutual friend of Miranda’s, and relative of Wilson’s, contacted them about possibly playing basketball in Eugene, Ore. While visiting Vanderhoff, they met Coach Jim DeGroot who offered them an opportunity to play for New Hope. Both men felt that this was where God was calling them so they gathered their families and made the journey. Miranda and Wilson both came to this college with goals that they hope to fulfill. Miranda wants to finish school because no one in his family has ever finished school, and he also is very passionate

about teaching so he would like to work towards a teaching degree.

Wilson has several goals; to get the best grades possible, learn and grow in God’s Word, and to know everyone at the school by name. So far both players love it here. Like Fry, they both love the loving atmosphere and all the friendly people.

We here at New Hope are all so excited that so many great young men have followed God’s call to come to New Hope Christian College and bring the Deacons to a great victory. So D-Crew make sure you attend all of their games to cheer on your fellow classmates as they strive for excellence on Corderio Court.

Freshman Mike Miranda goes for the basket during a demonstration game at NHCC.

We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us,

because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.” Romans 5:3-5.

A newly-formed twelve member Cross Country team represented New Hope Christian College at the Prefontane Memorial in a 10K race against 2000 other runners. The run took the students over 6.2 miles of grueling hills of asphalt in Coos Bay, Ore. These streaking deacons ran hard throughout the race representing God and this college well in their second race ever. This hard working team did not have to convince me that they also have a lot of fun running and just taking time to fellowship with one another.

Three coaches are heading the team this year; Coach Sean, Coach Laurie and Coach Dennis. “We have a phenomenal team that is full of eager and enthusiastic runners who make it such a blessing to be a part of,” said Laurie.

One of her goals for this team is that through their unity she hopes they build long lasting relationships. The coaches love running and love the team are reasons Laurie wanted to help pioneer this team is to glorify God with her God given gift and passion to run. Laurie’s running goal for the team is that they see growth because although they are an independent team she hopes they qualify for the races in the same league as Northwest Christian University and University of Oregon in the near future. Laurie encourage anyone who is interested to come and run to develop healthy habits, travel to throughout the Northwest to run and reach the community.

Athletics

Top: NHCC student Isaac Frank runs in the

Prefontaine Memorial race in Coos Bay, Ore.

Bottom: This year’s Deacon Cross Country Team

Running Full Speed Ahead words: Courtney Tsuchiyama photos: David Delaney

“It really is an incredible social sport, and I love to run, but more that I get to build real and long lasting relationships with people,” said runner Caleb Esburg. “The team has an opportunity to run in unique places surrounded by inspiring scenery and it is either during my run that I have my best time with the Lord.”

“We have unity and enthusiasm. I believe we are a team of perseverance. Cross country has really taught me to persevere even when it’s hard,” commented Christina Brown.

She too believes that this is her time with God. “Even though we all have our different strengths, it seems as though everyone loves each other so much that we will help to improve each other no matter what,” she explained.

Soft-spoken, wise, and loving. These are just a few of the words used to describe Carolyn Poetzl as a leader, counselor and woman of God. Raised in an Episcopal church in Colorado, she knew her faith to be a very serious and intense one. Although she knew she loved Jesus, and desperately longed for a personal one-on-one relationship with him, she didn’t even know it to be a possibility.

As Poetzl got older, her faith began to diminish and transform along with the changing philosophies of the 1960s. During this time, she leaned towards a universal approach to faith (that there were many ways to God). Nonetheless, she never discounted Jesus; and unexpectedly still longed for a personal relationship with Him.

It was during the Jesus movement of 1975 where Poetzl and her husband Steve both came to know Christ as their personal Savior. Total havoc wrecked the life of one of Carolyn Poetzl’s dearest friends whose marriage fell apart and her children were in an immense amount of emotional turmoil. Providentially, while seeking medical assistance, Poetzl and her friend came upon a few doctors who shared with them the Gospel of Jesus. Poetzl admits that it was only by the grace of God that the emotional healing and spiritual transformation that took place in the friend’s life not only changed her friend’s life, but also the lives of the Poetzls.

Within six months of coming to Christ, they started a Youth for Christ ministry together. At that time, they both felt a call to youth ministries. Later, however, that call would change to reach out to families. The Poetzls both felt the burden to minister to the whole family; and not to just segments of one. In 1983 they dove into full time ministry, and by 1984 had planted their first church in Colorado. Her husband Steve was public school teacher before ministry, and their children were pretty small when they planted the church.

“Our first time in ministry was in church planting. All our children became involved (with chairs or sound). It was like a big family event. Our first church was planted in our living room,” said Poetzl. “They felt natural. They grew up with it. They bit into the joys of ministry. It really did affect our

Blessed to be a BlessingAn Interview with Carolyn Poetzlwords: Kylie Saitophoto: Gary Hisaoka

It’s not about the high places

or the low places (in your

relationship with Jesus). Look

for the steady places.”

family positively; we thought of ourselves as a team and a family in one.”

Originally, from Colorado, then in 1990, the Poetzls moved to Iowa to work in Open Bible Missions. Steve was an assistant to the director, Paul Canfield. After doing that for several years, they felt called to plant another church in Des Moines, Iowa. Four of their children went to Oregon for school, while one daughter remained in Iowa for high school.

“All our kids really liked it here (Oregon). So they settled here and the grandchildren were born very fast. One time we came out here, and we had three grandchildren within six months.”

In 1996, their oldest son Nathan, was a graduate of NHCC (formerly EBC) and was also the college pastor at Eugene Faith Center. The college ministry (that Nathan was leading) was meeting in a very small place, and he wanted to expand the vision.

“During his freshman year of college, he walked around the University of Oregon and showed me his amazing vision and drive to reach the students of the University of Oregon,” she recounted. “In 1996, he was walking near the

campus and saw this big sorority house. It had been sold and it was empty. After Faith Center purchased the house, our son moved his family there, and that’s how we became involved.”

“It gave us a great love of college students. I love college students. I love their energy. It reminded me of how much they seek truth and God, and the answers in Truth. It’s just an amazing age group to be around.”

Last Spring break, the Poetzls lead a joint mission trip with some of the NHCC and New Hope students. “It was one of the most dynamite mission trips ever. At first we were nervous, because there were two separate groups, and it just didn’t seem like there was anything that was going on between them, but suddenly they merged. They inspired each other and us. They were dynamic, supportive and encouraging to each other.”

Mrs. Poetzl shares advice for NHCC students. “Be steady. Walk every day at a time. Persevere in your relationship with the Lord and in your devotional life. Jesus will lead you in the everyday things of life. It’s not about the high places or the low places (in your relationship with Jesus). Look for the steady places.”

Student Life

A SparkThe idea for a disc golf course started with student Chris Huntoon, a student and avid Disc Golf player. “Although I have been dreaming about a course on campus for a year, Mike Sharpe gets the credit,” says Huntoon. New Hope Christian College staff member, Micheal Sharpe, and Jim DeGroot, athletic director, researched the idea and took it to the Directional Team.

DesignThe course was designed by three individuals. Chris Huntoon had a lot to do with getting the three on campus as his dad Ralph Huntoon not only helped with the design, but he and DeGroot helped install the course. Chris’ father-in-law, Gene, along with a professional disc golf player, Nate Sexton, helped design the course, and they also played it on that day. Watching Nate play, like with most pros, was amazing. Not only could he throw it a long way, he was very accurate. Ralph, Gene and obviously Nate play in a lot of disc golf tournaments, have a passion for the game and we are planning on having them come on campus. Coach players who have an interest. Gene, Ralph and Chris play for a club of “Folfers” who wear t-shirts that say, “Disc Golfers for Jesus!”

How it’s PlayedDisc Golf is played with a very hard round plastic frisbee-like disc. Unlike a frisbee, you don’t want to play catch with it, nor do you want to be hit by it. A disc can knock tree limbs off of trees. Therefore, the course is designed to keep the disc from hitting windows and buildings, but please watch out for cars and pedestrians.

Disc Golf can be played with one disc, however, more experienced or serious disc golfers many times carry a bag full of discs. Some fly further, some bend right, some left, some are for mid range shots, some for long shots, called

drivers. There is actually a disc called a putter, for the close in shots to put in the basket.

The game is played from tee to basket, for 18 holes, but the New Hope course only has nine holes. A player starts from the tee like regular golf and throws his or her disc, unless they get a hole-in-one, they go and find their disc, hopefully in the fairway, or grass and not the brush. A player must keep one foot down at the point the disc landed and then keep throwing until they get the disc into the basket.

ScoringOn the NHCC course, every hole is a par three. There are some risk reward holes out there, and birdies, one under par, a two, should be available, along with bogies, one over par, a four, and hopefully not too many more. Like all sports, it does take practice, and like golf, it can be frustrating at first. A player can keep score in their head or write down their score after every hole played. We do plan on having some tournaments and will be playing it within the intramural curriculum. If there is an interest, it is possible that a team could be formed. The University of Oregon’s disc golf team won the national championship this past year. CommunityDisc golf is a very popular sport in Eugene. In fact as the staff was building the course, a lady came over from next door and wondered if she could play it during her lunch hour. She said her husband just played in a tournament in Roseburg, Ore. The course is open to the public.

Disc golf is a great way to have fun and get some excercise all the while enjoying the great outdoors, and it can be played in the rain. It is also a very inexpensive sport as most discs range from $8 - $12 at your local sporting goods store.

A Hole

in One

words: Jim DeGrootart: Laura Adams

New Hope Christian College students help to put on the Fire by Night service held at Willamette Christian Center on the first Friday of every month this fall. “It was great,” said Sandy Silverthorne, director of New Hope International, “I felt like it built on the momentum of the summer series Radix--and surpassed it.”

Attendance was a little less in September because of Labor Day, around 780, and West 18th Avenue was blocked off because of construction so many people arrived late.

“I heard from more than one person who said, ‘I don’t want to leave, I’m sorry it’s over’”

Several students and staff from New Hope Christian College participated in the event. The parking team was mostly students, as well as several greeters, tech team and prayer team members. David Delaney ran the video production and Peter Thourson produced the live streaming on the Internet. Steve Kenny was the music director and some of the worship team and the Momentum dance team were students. ASB president Chris Stites hosted a New Hope in Action video.

In October, Creative Arts Director Steve Kenny worked with Melissa Stock to produce a community choir. Thursday Nov. 4th will be the next service and Dec. 12 will be the Christmas special.

“I would love to see more non-believers come and be exposed to a really exciting presentation of the Gospel,” said Silverthorne, “We also need students to get involved in parking, greeting, ushering, hospitality and the choir. It’s a lot of fun.”

Fire by Night words: Laura Adamsphoto: Randy Landrum

On a High Notewords: Krista Goeckerphoto: Laura Adams

Melissa Stock has been teaching at Northwest Christian College as an adjunct teacher in the Music department for the past eight years. She currently leads four choirs at NCC. One group is touring, so she spends quite a bit of time on the road.

She graduated from Moody Bible Institute in Chicago Il with a degree in Sacred Music. Mrs. Stock said music is her life as well as singing with my husband. She started doing music when she was four years old and has not stopped.Stock has been married for eight years as well. She met her husband while working at the Crystal Cathedral. They have no biological children but she said “we have eighty kids that are all in college.”

Stock is the director of NHCC Community Choir as well as the Select Ensemble. Stock would like to see the choir grow to include at least fifty percent of the college student body. She also wants the group to do a variety of different styles and perform excellent presentations in all aspects. Stock’s dream is “that the groups would be able to tour and become big enough that it requires rocking costumes.”

Corinne Neuschwander, a creative arts freshmen at NHCC, said that “it is nice to meet together with a big group that can sing, to get to interact with other musicians as well as community members.” She also said that it is “super fun, and if you can sing at all, we want you to come.”

Stock also owns and operates Sassy Cupcakes, which is a cupcake company, and Pearlie Girlie which is an online stationary company. She hand drew all the stationery and now is able to mass produce the items.

A Work of Heart“They have already heard that you, O LORD, are with these people … and that you go before them in a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night.” Numbers 14:14

Student Chris Kiriakos and Instructor Cindy Kenny perform a skit for October’s Fire by Night.

Cindy Kenny is a new Creative Arts Director and vocal instructor at New Hope Christian College. She has a heart that is faithful to God’s call in raising up others in Christ through their musical and creative arts gifts. Kenny desires to be more than a teacher but a mentor to students in this area. God has called her to be closely intertwined with the heart of President Wayne Cordeiro from the start of New Hope Christian Fellowship in Oahu, Hawaii and now with a new beginning at New Hope Christian College in Eugene, Ore.

Kenny has been very well equipped by God in her gifting. Her involvement in ministry started in her youth. She graduated from University of Hawaii at Manoa with a bachelor’s degree in vocal performance as well as an emphasis in musical theatre. This is where she had met

Steve Kenny to be not only her partner in life but her partner in ministry. Together they followed God to New Hope Oahu, Tucson, Ariz., Washington and Oregon. Cindy Kenny had done ministries of music, dance, and drama in all these places as God has led her. She has worked with many types of churches in helping them through culture shifts by redeeming the arts to produce a more effectively communicated gospel. God has equipped Cindy to be more than a teacher and a leader, but also a mentor.

President Cordeiro had presented this vision of New Hope Christian College to Kenny and her husband who had immediately supported what God was doing. “The type of Bible college this will be is something more different than this place has ever seen,” she said.

Cindy Kenny wants to give the students not just an opportunity to gain head knowledge, but apply what they learn right here right now. The student-run chapel is what she is helping to provide for so that as graduates who enter into both the ministry and the marketplace as equipped and effective as possible. Kenny is passionate about this college taking intentional steps to seeing excellence brought to the arts. She believes that, “by these gifts being used in the church, they can be redeemed for more than superficial things.”

“I want to see their classroom experience to be more than just a bunch of words on a page. My desire is to inspire passion for Christ, for doing his work and for using their art,” said Kenny.

Her heart for her private vocal lesson students is that they not just sing a song, but that they communicate it. Kenny truly believes that her professorship is a mentorship. Her hope is that those who are being raised up now will become the next mentors. These mentors will make sure that as our college expands wider in student population, we continue to grow deeper in our gifts to glorify Christ. She encourages all of the students to get involved in giving back to the church and the community by seeking and inspiring others to glorify him.

“The supreme goal of worship is to see only the Lord,” she said.

A Work of Heart

“I want to see their classroom experience to be more than just a bunch of words on a page.

words: Courtney Tsuchiyamaphoto: Derrick Miyahara

Worship Arts