VOLUME I, ISSUE I SEPTEMBER 2010

A CALIFORNIA BAPTIST UNIVERSITY CAMPUS PUBLICATION

BRETT VOWELLVOICE OF THE LANCERS

The Bible encourages Christians to pursue many virtues such as: excellence, Godly character, faith, wisdom, justice, to love kindness, humility, righteousness, peace, to please the Lord, rejoice, give thanks, pray and love. However, above all of these we are called to pursue God and to do so wholeheartedly.

Pursuit Magazine celebrates life at CBU as students, faculty and staff work toward achieving goals, missions and our purpose as Christians. We are founded on the belief that we must…

“…acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. If you seek him, he will be found by you…” 1 Chronicles 28:9

At CBU we are called, challenged and encouraged to find our purpose, to pursue God’s will and to share His love with others. CBU believes that each student has been created for a purpose. It is CBU’s goal to aid students in understanding and engaging this purpose by providing a Christ-centered atmosphere during each student’s education. Students are driven to refine their skills, integrity and sense of purpose to glorify God and to distinguish them in both the workplace as well as in the world.

Pursuit Magazine will reveal the journey in which every Christian is engaged. We want to address issues and obstacles that seem to stand in the way during this journey. We want to share the joys, fellowship and the trials that come with the pursuit of Christ. We want to take you through stories of strength, heartache, hardships and triumphs. We are called to something greater, to a purpose and we want to join you in the pursuit.

God has called us to pursue many things. However, He has not left us to face this journey alone. Instead, we stand by one another and help one another along the way. God has brought us all here and we can be a blessing to one another during this time. It is our goal, our hope and our prayer to share this journey with you as we pursue the Lord and His will for our lives.

EDITOR’S NOTEKATHERINE SEIPP

EDITOR’S NOTE

02 | PURSUIT

Roommate Wars

Connections Through Competition

Eating on a Budget

What Should I Wear?

Clarity

Choosing a Church

Simplicity in a Complicated World

Brett Vowell: Voice of the Lancers

Meet the Staff

Remembering Wendy Rice

CONTENTS

PURSUIT | 03

Katherine SeippEditor in Chief

Jenny MinerSpiritual and Features Editor

Shayna MorenoTrends and Culture Editor

Mike SampsonPhoto Editor

Krista GoodmanDesign Editor

Andrew ThillDesigner

Ruth RichardsDesigner

Zachary MullingsDesigner

Clint HeinzeDesigner

Sandra RomoCo-Advisor

Mary Ann PearsonAdvisor

Michael BergerDesign Advisor

Trever HoehnePhotography Advisor

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Pursuit Magazine is a student produced campus publication of:California Baptist University8432 Magnolia AvenueRiverside, CA 92504

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So you’ve had a long stressful day in the world of being a grown-up. You spent all morning in class and took a test that you had forgotten about, went to eat but realized you were out of meal swipes, called the bank to wrestle for the $32.47 you have in your account, sufficiently refereed two fights between your friends and still face an enormous amount of homework.

You head back to your dorm, apartment or town house ready to relax and take a few minutes to catch your breath. As you walk in, you realize that your roommate has the stereo bumped up again, dirty dishes cover your counter and you have to jump over the mountain of “stuff” to get to the couch. A faint smell of last Tuesday’s instant lasagna molding on the stove fills the air.

After deciding to look past the mess you’ve become accustomed to living in, you lean back to close your eyes when your roommate comes in wanting to chat. You listen to 15 minutes of ranting and are then plagued by the new “Jersey Shore” episode.

Sound like the beginning of an epic roommate brawl? I agree. Here are a few simple ways of dealing with the situation in order to gain some peace in your life, strengthen your bond with your roomies and avoid the dangerous territories of roommate wars.

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ROOMMATE WARSKATHERINE SEIPP

Sometimes things aren’t always as they seem.

PURSUIT | 05

Living with new people for the first time or even with good friends you’ve known for awhile can be a difficult transition full of new adventures, pointless fights and some of the best late night talks. Hopefully, these tips will help with preserving the peace in your dorm, apartment or town house and aid in preventing the very real reality that are roommate wars.

1. Fight it out“Arguments between roommates are inevitable; whether you argue about who will win the series and take the title, whose turn it is to take out the trash or who left the cap off the toothpaste. The arguments will come and they will go, if you let them. However, with each argument the important thing is to fix it then, there, that instant. Sometimes diffusing a situation can be as simple as saying “My bad” or “I’m on it” or even the favored “OK”, as long as it is not in a passive-aggressive tone. Other situations need a little give-and-take. Those arguments usually require patience, thought and follow through. Pray for patience, seek wise counsel if necessary and follow God’s instructions for handling your problem.” - RA Sammy Ramos

2. Common ground“I bonded with my roommates by finding different things that we had in common. For example, with one roommate we talked about soccer and then we just kept talking and moved onto other stuff. With another roommate we bonded through our taste in music as it was similar. Find the common ground and build from there.” - Andrew Twitty

3. Remember your manners“It’s always important to be overly polite, ask permission to use everything; even the smallest of things. Don’t assume it is OK to use something unless they have specifically told you that it is OK. This develops trust and helps to prevent future conflict.” - Greg Smith

4. Bonding time“I think the biggest thing that kept my relationship with my roommate strong was the fact that we wanted to make each other happy. We took time to get to know each other and really took to heart the advice from each other. I learned so much about myself through her; She understands why I do things and I understand her too. This made dorm chores or other conflicts insignificant.” - Holly Mctaggart

5. Time out“Time away from each other is good. If you’re both constantly in the room sitting in awkward silence, it can cause problems. Learn to use the time away from each other to blow off steam. That way, when you need to hash it out it won’t get nasty.” - Bonnie Jean Koenn

6. It’s not all about you“Everyone is different and it’s all about learning to live with different people. Everyone adjusts a little and everyone sacrifices! Living with girls can totally bite, but hey you’ll have a story to tell your kids one day.” - Laura Grace Manimtim

7. You don’t have a maid“Guess what, it’s not just your room. If you want to keep your side of the room messy that’s one thing. However, shared spaces such as the bathroom, kitchen area or living room are different. Keep your things contained and picked up.” - Bonnie Jean Koenn

Loud cheers from California Baptist

University fans are not only heard inside

the Van Dyne Gymnasium. You might

find yourself being overwhelmed by

the thunderous applause and shouts

of excitement at a flag football game

on the front lawn. Intramural sports are

an integral part of the CBU student

experience.

Flag football (aka Fortuna) is the most

popular intramural sport on campus.

There are many activities that are offered

to students in recreational sports and

outdoor adventures. In the fall, rec sports

offers intramural flag football, volleyball

and bowling leagues. Small tournaments

are also held for games such as over-the-

line, ultimate Frisbee and spikeball.

J.J. STEELE

CONNECTIONS THROUGH

COMPETITION

With no official CBU football program, students get their fix for the gridiron on the intramural field. Students play flag football games on the front lawn of the campus during the first few months of the school year. With each team made up of classmates and roommates, students are provided the opportunity to bond and grow on the field of competition. Participants are in charge of naming their own teams and creating team uniforms. The more creative students even add designs to their T-shirts to show their true dedication to the team.

“Fortuna is huge,” Chris Hofschroer, director of community life, said. “Something new this year that we are really excited about is that we just purchased some light towers and we are going to do Monday Night Football. It will be featuring one guy’s game and one girl’s game each week under the lights.”

The lights will also provide more safety to the earlier games that are finishing as the sun sets. Every team will most likely have one opportunity during the season to play a night game, depending on their schedule. There will also be giveaways along with delicious food each week at the night games.

After the intramural football season ends, the top teams are given the chance to compete in the intramural playoffs. The top two teams of the playoffs then meet face to face in the championship game called “Fortuna Bowl.” This is named after the Fortuna fountain located at one of the entrances to the field. It would be an understatement to say that Fortuna Bowl is a big deal on the CBU campus.

“It’s the biggest final in intramural sports,” Andrew Twitty, who is a three time participant in Fortuna Bowl, explained. “It feels like a real football game.”

Stands are brought onto the lawn, lights are put up and students, staff and faculty crowd the field every year for Fortuna Bowl. The dorms are emptied and apartments are vacated to get to the front lawn on the night of the big game. The participants not only receive official Fortuna Bowl T-shirts, but also are given the opportunity to hoist the championship trophy in front of their classmates and professors.

“Even though it is just a sport, it doesn’t feel like it’s just a sport,” Twitty said.Rec sports provide an outlet for students on campus to participate in athletics without the

commitment of being on the CBU varsity teams. Many students participated in athletics in high school and find intramural sports to be a good way to compete in the sports that they played in high school. Students get the chance to connect with other each other in a way that they can’t in the classroom. It also provides an opportunity to build character, learn to work as a team and maintain physical fitness.

“It could be their workout for the week,” Hofschroer said. “I think it’s a good and positive way to let loose, get rid of some stress, have some fun, build some character and a lot of other things with it.”

“Something about competing with a team makes stronger bonds than just hanging out with people,” Twitty added.

Funded partially by the student activities fee, the Campus Activities Board (CAB) does its best to offer the activities that they feel the students want to participate in. The fee also helps to pay for T-shirts, equipment and referees.

The school’s outdoor adventure program, led by Graduate Assistant Jeff Couto, organizes extreme sports and outdoor trips during the school year.

The most popular trip is the Mammoth snowboarding trip. For around $200, students are given the opportunity to travel up to the mountains for three days of shredding the slopes and enjoying the beautiful scenery of the California landscape. The cost covers lodging, lift tickets and food. This trip is offered during the spring semester.

“It’s a great opportunity for students to try something different and to maybe go somewhere they’ve never been and enjoy the Lord’s creation,” Couto said.

Outdoor adventure will also be offering Marathon training, paintball games, rock climbing, as well

as a possible white water rafting trip. Sign-ups will be available to students throughout the course of the school year.

“We are also going to bring back the marathon event. We will do a marathon training group this

year. People will have the opportunity to run the full or half marathon,” Hofschroer explained. “Most likely we will be doing the LA Marathon.”

With so many activities and sports to try on the CBU campus,

students are given a variety of ways to have fun and stay in shape. The CBU community life is a substantial part of what makes the university different from other schools. Through competition in athletics, students are able to observe how they react to stressful situations. They are able to compete in an environment where the love of Christ is expected to be exemplified through the participants. Intramural sports and outdoor adventures allow students to put their faith into practice and make connections with their fellow classmates.

“I think more than anything it creates connections with students who may not normally connect. They could be from two different worlds,” Hofschroer said. “One could be in engineering, one in business and one getting their teaching credentials and sports becomes a common ground that can bring everybody together.”

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“Rec sports provide an outlet for students on campus to participate in athletics without the commitment of being on the CBU varsity teams.”

Other sports on campus include:Ultimate Frisbee: Tuesday and Thursday 10 p.m. - 12 a.m. on the front lawnSoccer: Sunday at various times on the front lawnOver The Line: Various timesSlack lining: Various timesCampus Disc Golf: Various timesCampus Golf: Various times

EATING ON A BUDGETSHAYNA MORENO

08 | PURSUIT

You are what you eat. You become what you study. How do you wisely invest your money to get the best of both worlds?

You are finally on your own. No more

parents making chore lists or telling you

to stay in for family time. This new found

freedom certainly offers perks. However,

there is also something most students

seem to forget about; stocking your own

pantry to supplement your meal plan. It

is now up to you to find your own food.

In Riverside, grocery stores are

almost as common as churches in the

south. How does one sift through and

find the best deals on groceries vital to

every college student such as Cheez-Its

and instant Mac N Cheese?

Start with the weekly ads. I know it’s kind of crazy, but those pieces of “junk mail” can actually be useful. Don’t have ads mailed to? That’s OK. A majority of grocery chains now place their weekly ads online and, for us who spend hours online anyways, this could be the most convenient way to get a hold of some great savings.

Before you go out and buy your weekly necessities, take a few minutes and check for the best deals. It makes no sense to pay more for something you’re going to buy anyways. However, if the difference is 25 cents and the store is the farthest away, save gas and buy it at the store that is closer.

There are numerous markets, such as Albertsons, Fresh n Easy, Stator Bro’s and Vons, located close to campus. Fresh n Easy is my personal favorite store. The produce is indeed very fresh, and being vegetarian, there are a variety of excellent meal choices. The prices are the other reason I choose to shop there. But if you just want a deal, compare ads and hit the market.

“Food for Less is where I shop because it’s way cheaper than Albertsons and Ralphs. They have a good selection,” Malyna Valentin said.

Another student explained the deals he finds at Stater Brothers “I think it is one of the cheapest. And Costco is like heaven; they have everything,” Danny Canales said.

Also, there are a couple things to watch out for when you take your trip to the market now that you are in total control of your diet.

First, don’t buy too many salty foods. The “freshman fifteen” is something real, not just a saying. Be careful about how much “bad” food you consume. Go for crackers instead of potato chips sometimes; you can get you salt fix with fewer Calories.

Second, don’t forget your fruits and veggies. While being in a dorm room it can be hard to keep fruit fresh, there are other ways to get your essential vitamins. V8 Fusion is a delicious way to get both a serving of fruits and veggies in a single drink.

The last and probably most difficult area for college students when it comes to food is the ever trying struggle of dining in verses eating out.

For around $6 you can go to a fast food joint and get a full meal including a main entrée, side and drink. However, you can only enjoy the food for one meal.

However, for around $6 you could go to a grocery store and get more food that will last several meals. Let me explain. You can buy Ore-Id fries in a bag for $1.99, which will last you for at least four servings. You can buy bread and condiments for $3.99 or frozen chicken nuggets or hamburgers for the same price. All of these provide you with more than one meal, for the same price. Not only will your wallet be happy, but you will have food and will spend less money on gas.

PURSUIT | 09

“The “freshman fif teen” is something real, not just a saying. Be careful about how much “bad” food you consume.”

10 | PURSUIT

In a world where style changes as fast as the weather, how does one decide which fashion trends to buy into and which ones are good investments? Sadly, it really is a gamble.

Who would have thought scarves and skinny jeans would stay around even more than a month? Yet these pieces have become staples for numerous wardrobes.

“With fashion changing so rapidly, I never throw away my clothes, because you never know when they are going to be back in style,” Pilar Orellana said.

Aside from the trends that thankfully didn’t stay, here are a few key items that, no matter what the hottest trend is, will always be in Vogue.

For men, a plain white shirt is essential. Now this doesn’t mean you have to have a Hugo Boss tailored dress shirt, just a simple cotton V-neck or cropped shirt will do.

“A white V-neck shirt is easy to wear and can be worn anytime,” David Helms said. Whether you are waking up with just enough time to dig through a pile of clothes on the floor

and run to class or you have carefully selected your outfit for tonight’s date, the white shirt is your wardrobes MVP.

Boys will be boys when it comes to pants and most likely don’t own a whole closet full. So, when investing in a pair of jeans that may go days without being washed, which prove to be the best investment?

When it comes to a good trouser, straight legged and boot cut is the way to go. Pair these cuts with a dark wash and even after numerous washes they will keep their color and still be acceptable to wear when you meet the parents.

While the white T-shirt may be the guy’s wardrobe MVP, nothing beats the camisole when it comes to girl’s clothing. You can spruce up your outfit with splashes of color from the variety of choices that come with choosing camisoles. Not only are they cute, but they’re also easy on the wallet.

“My camisoles are my life-savers. They’re perfect for layering as well as keeping a low-cut or short top modest,” Alexx Lommori said.

Now for the denim. Ladies, buy pants that fit. I know that may seem a little harsh, but it is the truth. Yes, tops are very important, but they are easier to buy and make fit right than a pair of pants is. Sure, it may be difficult to find that perfect pair, but isn’t the pay off of a lasting and good investment worth it? Spend the extra time and look to purchase a good pair of jeans. This pair should not only be a good fit, but a pair that you could wear with a T-shirt or dress up for a night out. One of the keys to finding a good pair is to know what fit looks and feels great on you.

“My favorite pair of jeans is by Almost Famous, they are super comfy and very versatile,” Bethany Pearson said.

Aside from finding a great fit, find a color and shade you love. You’re the one who is going to be wearing them, not your best friend who loves the color purple on you. Most importantly make sure they are the right length. Frayed pants don’t look good no matter what the occasion. If you have a hard time finding a pair that fit your height, you can easily get them tailored. Tailoring cost around $4.00 if you go to a dry cleaner or free if you are good with needle and thread. If you are of a taller stature, GAP and Goldsign are great brands to invest in.

There are many resources online as well, such as www.whowhatwear.com and www.lookbook.com, that can help you with your quest for the perfect trends and styles of all clothes. These sites, and others like them, give you ideas of different styles and fashion sense that people have around the world. With these ideas you can incorporate it and make it your own.

PURSUIT | 11

“Boys will be boys when it comes to pants and most likely don’t own a whole closet full.”

“You’re the one who is going to be wearing them, not your best friend who loves the color purple on you.”

CLARITY

12 | PURSUIT

Kenton Jacobsen, New York, New York Summer 2010.

Cayla Ames

Lisette Nichols

Kenton Jacobsen

Trever Hoehne

Lisette Nichols, Japan UPS Trip.

Aaron Kim

Trever Hoehne

Mike Sampson

PURSUIT | 13

Clarity: (n) Clearness or lucidity as to perception or understanding; freedom

from indistinctness or ambiguity.

Aaron Kim

Chris Hardy

Mike Sampson

Bonnie Jean Koenn

Kenton Jacobsen, New York, New York Summer 2010.

Mike Sampson

Bonnie Jean Koenn, Another look at the Kugel.

Lisette Nichols, Huntington Beach, Calif.

Deciding which church to attend is hard. When I graduated from high school, I was not only moving to the next level of education, I was moving to the opposite side of the country.

Like many students moving on from high school to college I had a mixture of emotions. I was excited about the possible adventures that were before me, but I was also mourning the loss of a life with which I was already satisfied. A major reason this stage of life was so wonderful was because I was surrounded by a church family that really showed me the love of Christ and grounded me in the fundamental truths of His Word. Even though I knew I would miss my current church family desperately, I figured I would find another one soon after I arrived in California.

This search proved to be harder than I thought it would. First, because I did not have a car at school and second because my expectations isolated me.

I did not realize it at the time, but I compared each new church I entered to the church of my youth. I wanted it to be the same size, have the same style of worship; really, be the same church. It was hard to move on.

Needless to say, this was a long and frustrating struggle. If only I would have decreased my rigid expectations and made my one goal to find a church where the people truly seek to honor God by following Biblical precepts; life would have been a lot easier.

In his book “Stop Dating the Church”, Joshua Harris tells us exactly what the purpose of the Church is. He says, “The church community is where we learn to love God and others; where we are strengthened and transformed by the truth from the Word; where we’re taught to pray, to worship, and to serve; where we can be most certain that we’re investing our time and abilities for eternity; where we can grow in our roles as friends, sons and daughters, husbands and wives, fathers and mothers. The church is the earth’s single best place—God’s specially designed place—to start over, to grow and to change for the glory of God.”

This should have been my standard in selecting a church.So, if you are new to campus or have yet to decide on a church, here are the five most highly

attended churches according to California Baptist University students.

CHOOSING A CHURCHJENNY MINER

14 | PURSUIT

College students seem to gamble with a lot of things. Christian college students even throw their spiritual growth in the mix. Where will you end up?

PURSUIT | 15

A student’s point of view“The two main things I like about this church are: one, they encourage and make a way for everyone to be involved in at least one ministry, and two, The Grove welcomes ethnic diversity, which is encouraged by the head pastor, Tom Lance.” - Kevin Naylor

The Grove Community Church

Location and Proximity to campus19900 Grove Community Dr. Riverside, CA 92508 (8.9 mi)

Service timesSaturday - 5 p.m. Sunday - 9 a.m., 10:45 a.m.

Web Addressthegrove.cc

Mission StatementBeing changed by God to reach all people.

HighlightsThe Grove Community Church has a unique ministry called “The Celebrative Arts” ministry. This ministry allows creative people (musicians, dancers, filmmakers, etc.) to collaborate and make weekend celebrations “the best they can be,” says their website.

Harvest Community Church

Proximity to campus6115 Arlington Ave. Riverside, CA 92504 (1.37 mi)

Service timesSunday - 7:45 a.m., 9:45 a.m., 11:45 a.m.

Web Addresswww.harvest.org/church

Mission StatementKnow God and make Him known.

HighlightsSince 1990, Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Community Church, has presented the gospel at Harvest Crusades. These crusades are evangelistic events held each year in various settings around the world.

A student’s point of view“At first I was very apprehensive about going to Harvest because of its size. What I love most about Harvest is that even though the church may be large, the people who go there have larger hearts. They want you to feel loved when you walk in and that’s eminent.” - Amber Lang

Sandals Church

Location and proximity to campusSunday Morn, Arlington Seventh Day Adventist Church 8778 Magnolia Ave. Riverside, CA 92503 (1.04 mi)Sunday Eve, Magnolia Avenue Baptist Church 8351 Magnolia Ave., Riverside, CA 92504 (0.26 mi)

Service timesSunday Morning - 8:15 a.m., 10 a.m.,11:45 a.m.Sunday Evening - 5:15 p.m., 7 p.m.

Mission StatementReal with ourselves, others and God.

HighlightsSandals calls itself a “group-based church,” meaning they put a huge emphasis on small groups and see them as important for spiritual growth.

A student’s point of view“I love Sandals because the church is all about being real. Real with ourselves, others and God. They also have great worship music. I feel very welcomed every time I go.”- Andrew Buchholz

Magnolia Avenue Baptist Church

Location and Proximity to campus8351 Magnolia Ave. Riverside, CA 92504 (0.26 mi)

Service timesSunday - 8 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m.

Web Addresswww.magonline.com

Mission Statement“Leading people to become authentic followers of Jesus Christ.”

HighlightsThe original aim of Magnolia Avenue Baptist Church was to “undergird” the spiritual lives of California Baptist College’s family and “meet the challenge of [Riverside’s] growing city,” says their website.

A student’s point of view“The thing I like most about the church is probably just the fact that I’ve gone there since I was 5 so I know everyone and it feels like a family, which creates a great setting for fellowship.” - Jessica Tracy

First Baptist Church of Norco

Location and Proximity to campus 1417 6th St. Norco, Calif. 92860 (12.96 mi)

Service timesSunday - Devotions & Donuts 9:15a.m., Service 10:00a.m., Sunday school 11 a.m.

Web Addresswww.fbcnorco.com

HighlightsEach year, First Baptist Church of Norco hosts an event called “Java and Jazz,” in which Pastor Jeff Mooney, who is also and Old Testament professor at CBU, uses his jazz skills to raise funds for missions.

A student’s point of view“I love Norco because there I feel like we are the church. People talk about “doing” church all the time, but at FBCN, I’m a part of the “being” the church. And it feels amazing.” - Michael White

*For an extended list of churches in the Riverside area visit: http://www.usachurch.com/california/riverside/churches.htm

“But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.” 2 Corinthians 11:3

Karl Barth gained a reputation as a great theologian who wrote a study on the book of Romans which revolutionized theology only a few decades ago. He was once asked, “What is the greatest theological thought that has ever crossed your mind?” One would expect a very long, in depth, complicated answer, but his was this: “Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so.” That is the simplicity that is in Christ.

If you look around, it is evident that God displays His simplicity in just about every aspect of His creation. Ray Stedman has used the example before of “He builds the year around four seasons that repeat themselves and never fail. Yet that simple pattern of four seasons contains within it all the possible variations of weather. Look at a flower and see how simple the pattern of its makeup is and yet what an infinite variety God produces in a field of flowers. You can see this everywhere. God basically is simple. When religion becomes complex, it is a sign that it is departing from Christ.”

It is easy to lose this simplicity in the midst of Christian activity or Bible studies. One can become so involved in the captivating aspects of Scripture and give themselves over to a lifetime of Bible study only to end up losing the simplicity they have in Christ. Titus 3:9 warns followers against getting lost in such ideas. So many great theologians have lost this concept of simplicity and that of Christ is with you and that is enough.

A. W. Tozer states in his book “The Pursuit of God”, “God will not hold us responsible to understand the mysteries of election, predestination and the divine sovereignty. The best and safest way to deal with these truths is to raise our eyes to God and in deepest reverence say, ‘O Lord, Thou knowest.’ Those things belong to the deep and mysterious profound of God’s omniscience. Prying into them may make theologians but it will never make saints.”

So, maybe you’re not a “great theologian” and maybe you haven’t surrendered your life to studying

SIMPLICITY IN A COMPLICATED WORLDKATHERINE SEIPP

16 | PURSUIT

enough to do it. You become so anxious and worried about the future, you pack your schedule leaving barely enough room to breath and you fill your life with things that are simply not lasting. All of these can contribute to the loss of the simplicity and knowledge that Christ is with you. Have you lost the simplicity of Christ? Have you lost the simplicity of your faith which Matthew 18 calls for? Is Christ the central point of your life? Really?

This is exactly what Paul is talking about in Corinthians. He is talking about keeping the simplicity of Christ, which when you look throughout the Bible is explained time and time again as being daily companionship with Jesus Christ.

“This is the beautiful, ‘simplicity that is in Jesus,’” Barth continued. “In Corinth they were assaulted with these teachers who were exposing them to things that caught their attention, but they were drifting from that central point. They were involved with fascinating philosophies based on the Word of God, but which went off on sidetracks and rabbit paths of thought. They were being challenged with certain ego-appealing experiences, which if they could just grasp would make them feel so great, so wonderful, so God-possessed -- just like people today who are invited to explore strange and wonderful mysteries all involved with Christian faith -- but which tend to move them away from the simplicity that is in Christ.”

Before closing I would like to make one thing clear: I am by no means suggesting that Christ is simple- He is far from it and I don’t for a second pretend to understand Him completely. What I am saying though, is there is a certain simplicity that we have in our relationship with Him that so many people seem to be losing sight of today. I think Barth put it well when he stated that child-like simplicity. As did Tozer when he said, “Let the seeking man reach a place where life and lips join to say continually, “Be thou exalted,” and a thousand minor problems will be solved at once. His Christian life ceases to be the complicated thing it had been before and becomes the very essence of simplicity.”

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“But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.” Titus 3:9

JENNY MINER

BRETT VOWELL

“I still blush at that. I mean, I love

to be the ‘Voice of the Lancers’, but

it sounds like a much more significant

thing than I could live up to.” Brett

Vowell still isn’t acclimated to the

nickname given to him by the staff and

students at his beloved workplace.

VOICE OF THE LANCERS

Humility. Brett Vowell is a humble man. This became evident as we conversed in his nearly brimming office chock-full of memorabilia from ISP and USP trips he has led during his seven years at California Baptist University. A replication of the Mona Lisa portrait from France, a trinket in the form of a musk ox from Alaska and a carved box from East Africa are among the mementos.

Growing up on a small farm just outside of Thomas, Oklahoma, Vowell was destined to be “tied to the land” like his parents. His mother was a florist, so were her parents, and his father taught industrial arts at the local school. You could say Vowell’s humility may be attributed to his down-home upbringing.

“I was big time into livestock,” he said. Although he doesn’t look like a farm-boy now, in his standard work attire—blue dress shirt and khaki pants—Vowell said he was “very active in 4H and FFA” and participated in county and state fairs.

In 1985, Vowell and his younger brother, Brian, “swept” the Livestock Show at the State Fair of Oklahoma with their grand and reserve champion show pig, comically named “Pimple.”

“The ribbons were displayed all along the ceiling of my room,” he said. “Most of the trophies, with little golden pigs and sheep on the top, we kept in the living room.”

If that doesn’t say country, I don’t know what does. After high school, Vowell didn’t venture far from his rustic roots. He stayed local and attended

Oklahoma State University where he did one semester of journalism and five semesters of architecture before transferring to Oklahoma Baptist University. It was there he received his Bachelor of Arts in Church Music in 1994. Though his degree is in music, to this day Vowell still writes with a ruler guiding his pencil, one of the few skills he retained from his architectural studies, and he only uses a pen as a last resort.

So what caused Vowell to cut the cord to his likely fate as a perpetual Oklahoman and become the Director of Chapel and Compassion Ministries at CBU? The answer is not so simple. But when asked if he feels like God directed him here, he replied “No doubt.”

It all began with an offer from Odus Compton to intern with the Baptist Collegiate Ministry at the University of Hawaii. Actually, Compton offered four times before Vowell accepted. Obviously Vowell had some reservations. A few being, “this Oklahoma boy was so content with Oklahoma” and “the thought of flying over the ocean” was unsettling to him. By the fourth offer, even though he already had two internships nailed down in Oklahoma, Vowell said yes. The land of palm trees and surf boards had finally lured him to its enchanting isles.

After a year abroad, which included ukulele lessons from a local, Vowell returned to Oklahoma, again thinking this was his final destination. However, there was one problem. His seminary studies were looming in the future. After three years of working with the Baptist Collegiate Ministry at Oklahoma State University, Vowell packed his bags again. This time, his plane landed in California.

Vowell’s seminary studies took place at Golden Gate Baptist Seminary, located in the San Francisco Bay area.

“At the time, I thought I was coming to California for three years of cool California experience to take back to Oklahoma, but now it’s been 12 years,” he said.

While at seminary, Vowell was also a youth pastor and music minister at Orangeburg Avenue Baptist Church in Modesto, Calif.. As his incumbency reached five years, Vowell received another phone call. This time, the voice on the other end was Guy Grimes, who was then the Dean of Spiritual Life at CBU, and the offer was for a position as the Director of Campus Ministries.

In 2003, Vowell took the job as Director of Campus Ministries.“It was kind of love at first sight with the opportunity, the campus and the students here,”

Vowell explained.That “love at first sight” mentality has not waned since then, even as his roles on campus shifted

slightly over his seven years at CBU.

The Office of Spiritual Life has expanded, therefore Vowell focused his energy on two branches of campus ministries, chapel and compassion ministries. He oversees the programming of chapel in the Van Dyne gym, the alternative chapel through Blackboard and the international student chapel program.

Vowell participates in all of the various Compassion Ministries which he described as “opportunities to serve the community for the students; to use that arm of discipleship throughout Riverside, Inland Empire, and to some of the urban cities.”

Throughout his time at CBU, Vowell has impacted many students.

“That’s why I do what I do, out of love for the students,” he said. “A good day involves as many students as possible.”

He even took the time to show me a photo album that his graduate assistants made him. Smiling, he said the album was “really unexpected.” People obviously mean a lot to this modest people-person.

The last thing Vowell expected was to become the school’s mouthpiece. From hearing him do announcements before chapel or commentating during a sporting event, most people would assume Vowell’s booming sportscaster-like voice was a natural talent. However, the talent was even hidden to himself until a former CBU employee asked him to announce for “a few games.”

Vowell’s first reaction was, “I wouldn’t begin to know what to say.” Then, “Are you sure?” Now, four years later and fully rehearsed on the GSAC Public Address Announcers Code of Conduct, Vowell is a seasoned speaker, announcing for water polo, basketball, volleyball, wrestling, softball and baseball. Though, if speaking engagements could be classified as some kind of portable firearm, Vowell could be labeled a little bit gun-shy.

“I get nervous before every chapel announce-ment and definitely before every game,” he said.

I guess one could say, Vowell’s experience at CBU has been profitable in more ways than one and the mementos in his office uphold that truth.

PURSUIT | 19

Katherine Seipp, Editor in Chief(Front row, second from left) I am quite possibly one of the most graceful klutz you will ever meet, I think it’s fun to create awkward situations and will instigate a prank war out of boredom. I love Disneyland, Audrey Hepburn and naps. I believe swing dancing is one of the best ways to relieve stress and am daily seeking God’s will for my life.

Jenny Miner, Spiritual and Features Editor(Front row, third from left) I am a learner. My whole life, I have been learning. Sometimes learned things are a by-product of everyday life and sometimes learned things are pursued. My pursuit while at CBU is to know Christ better and figure out a way I can serve Him.

Shayna Moreno, Trends and Culture Editor(Front row, fourth from left) God, sports (Go Yankees!!) fashion (Chanel), PR and busyness (three jobs) are how I keep sane.

Mike Sampson, Photo Editor(Back row, fourth from left) I’m an engineering student who takes pictures. That about sums up my life.

Krista Goodman, Design Editor(Front row, floor) The majority of my time is spent doing homework, reading, and nerding around on the computer. I have an abnormal love for Dr. Pepper, Italian food, and watching movies. I also have the sincere belief that hot sauce tastes great on just about anything!

Clint Heinze, Designer(Front row, first from left) I am a lover of God, piano player and published poet. I am 110% optimistic, and you can hear my sneeze from miles away. I am a pursuer of all that is good and right in the eyes of my Savior.

Mary Ann Pearson, Advisor(Back row, second from left) I serve as faculty advisor for “The Banner” newspaper and “The Angelos” yearbook. I love magazines and I am so excited about “Pursuit.” The hard work demonstrated by the team is incredible. I look forward to seeing “Pursuit” take its place among the other award winning publications at California Baptist University. Go Lancers!

Sandra Romo, Advisor(Back row, third from left) As co-advisor for “The Banner” newspaper and “The Angelos” yearbook, it is amazing to see God’s work through “Pursuit.” To see this magazine emerge from imagination to publication is incredible. With the quality of work put into to this issue, I am excited to see what comes next!

Micheal Berger, Design Advisor(Back row, first from left) As Director of the Graphic Design Program I am pleased with the collaboration and involvement of “Pursuit Magazine.” The knowledge and experience gained through this process is invaluable to the students finding their voice and I am glad to be part of that process.

Trever Hoehne, Photography AdvisorThe conversation of social awareness and context starts in endeavors such as these. For me, imagery is a tool to express ideas and beauty. Inspiring the students to grow to make an impact is what we strive for.

PURSUIT | 21

*Not photographed: Ruth Richards

Zachary Mullings Andrew Thill

Trever Hoehne (Photo Advisor)

Photo Credits:Photgraphers: Mike Sampson - pgs. 01, 02, 06, 08, 18Kenton Jacobsen - pg. 04Joshua Tant - pg. 10Lisette Nichols - pg. 14, 17

Retouching:Andrew Hochradel - pg. 02, 11, 14, 20.

Models: Alyssa Young, Jessica Branham - pg. 04Robert Maystrovich - pg. 06David Helms, Bethany Pearson - pg. 10Katie Kopitzke, Michael Turel - pg. 14Tyler Jones - pg. 17Brett Vowell - pg. 18

Wendy Rice was beginning her third

year as California Baptist University’s

head cheer leading coach when during

a voluntary trip to take the Cross Country

team to their high altitude training in

Mammoth, Calif. her van was struck by an

oncoming SUV that swerved into her lane

accidentally. Rice perished in the crash.

In her two years at CBU, Rice proved herself to be a valuable asset to the athletic department, while working on her bachelor’s degree in human development and taking care of her family. Under her leadership, the cheerleaders competed two times in the National Cheerleaders Association College Nationals in Daytona Beach, Fla. In 2010, the Lancers had six first-place finishes in 10 events.

“She was very passionate about her girls and her program. It’s comforting to know that she knew the Lord - had a personal relationship with Christ Life is also unfair, but so is God’s grace. Wendy will be missed until we all see her again in heaven,” Micah Parker, athletic director, said.

Rice is survived by her husband, Jason, and two children, Joseph and Caitlyn, as well as a team that adored her. Here is what a few of the cheerleaders had to say:

“Wendy Rice was a great coach and mentor. She not only cared for her girls as athletes and cheerleaders, but as people. She has helped me through some tough situations with my family and personal issues. She has always encouraged me to be myself, to love God over everything and to strive to reach for my goals athletically, spiritually and academically. Cal Baptist was blessed to have her as part of the CBU community. I was blessed to be coached by her for two years. There will be no one who could take her place as a not only an amazing cheer leading coach, but as a spiritual leader.” - Camille Crites

“She really impacted my life in many ways. She never let us give up on each other and encouraged us to encourage our teammates. She always made it so important that we come together as a family and to love one another.” - Brooke Malone

REMEMBERING WENDY RICE

22 | PURSUIT

*In this photo: Kristin Fruh and Wendy Rice

JENNY MINER

“Wendy did an amazing job and always worked to her best potential. I loved watching her dance a little to the music at practice! She helped me become more mature and responsible and I will never forget her.” - Aaron Scott, Mascot

“Personally, Wendy meant a lot to me. I lost my mom over summer in 2008, two weeks before cheerleading and school started. Wendy right away was there for me and comforted me, as if I were a daughter. Wendy treated all of us like her daughters, she wanted to see us succeed in school, cheer, spiritually and in every other aspect of life as well. I want to thank Wendy for bringing our team so close together, especially through this tragedy we are able to see the close family our cheer team has become, and we have Wendy to thank for that.” - Aryn Stegemiller

“We all became sisters and Wendy was the driving force that brought us together. As a coach, she was motivational, determined and would always make sure that we never gave less then our best. She never asked us to give her more than 100%, as she would always remind us that its impossible to give more than that, but she also knew exactly what each one of us was capable of and always strived to never let us fall short of that. Wendy had a big heart. She gave me the courage to go beyond what I ever thought possible for myself, and I am a better cheerleader and person because of it. She is truly missed.” - Angela Browne

“Wendy was extremely caring and insightful when you talked with her. Wendy did not have an unauthentic bone in her body. She stood up for what she believed in with conviction and determination. She fought for what she believed in and, she fought for us. Something happened last year that I will never forget and is a perfect example of the kind of person Wendy was. It was in February and I had received a call from my Dad that my Mom was in ICU due to unforeseen complications after undergoing surgery for Breast Caner. Of course I was a mess and had to cheer at a basketball game that night. I showed up at the gym, saw Wendy and couldn’t help but burst into tears. She took me to her office hugged me and prayed with me and for me. We prayed and talked for almost four hours. She was a voice of comfort, she genuinely cared. Wendy told me that she felt she was my mom away from home, and she was. Sometimes I could get mad at her, but I always loved her, just like my mom. I don’t know why and I don’t understand why the Lord would take her home so young but, I trust God. I can’t imagine her glory with the Lord right now, but it’s so sad for everyone she has left behind. I know I was blessed to know her as a coach, friend, sister in Christ and surrogate mother this side of heaven.” - Hannah Gurney

“I miss the closeness I got to share with her. I want people to know this about her; she loved the Lord, she loved us and she fought for us no matter what. She made us athletes and she taught us how to focus so much on our sport, that what other people thought didn’t matter. I loved my coach. However, I understand now that she felt no pain. She is with God, having better days and worshiping her heart out. I want people to know how much she adored Jesus, and because of that we can celebrate her life and place in heaven. I wish I was as strong as she was, because my Coach always knew what to do.” - Amanda Brown

“Wendy was the most caring, loyal and loving person I have had the pleasure of meeting. She was the type of coach that would push us so incredibly hard, but it was only because she loved us so much. Wendy had two sides to her, the coach and the mother. When any of us would face trials, she was the first one to call us in to her office to comfort us. She truly adored her girls. When I think back on my first year of college, I think of cheer and I think of Wendy.” - Lauren Baggett

PURSUIT | 23

“I wish I was better with words, but all I can say is I miss my coach,” Amanda Brown shared about her beloved coach.

*Photos contributed by CBU Cheer Team.

Pursuit MagazineCalifornia Baptist University8432 Magnolia AvenueRiverside, CA 92504