Cedarville Stories Cedarville University

Unexpected Blessings 
Life is filled with unexpected blessings, a reality not lost on Cedarville University rising junior Viv Wheeler. 
Originally from Guatemala, Viv was born to a mother who was unable to care for her, leading to her being put up for adoption. She was quickly selected by a couple who began the process of making her their own, only to encounter difficulties that once again left Viv alone. However, each of these hardships were part of God’s great plan to shower her with blessings and opportunities. 
Viv was ultimately adopted by the Wheelers, a loving family in Portsmouth, Ohio, who had been praying for the child destined for them by God. She grew up being loved by her parents, fishing with her dad, and preparing for a bright future, one that was again directed by the unexpected. As a junior in high school, she received a college mailer from Cedarville University that would guide the next steps of her journey. 
Intrigued by the campus community and the school's mission to glorify Jesus Christ, Viv felt drawn to pursue a degree in primary education and speech pathology. 
Driven by her desire to impact children's lives positively, Viv volunteered for an international mission trip to Guatemala to teach English. Little did she know that this trip would result in a profound reunion with her birth family thanks to God's intricate plan. 
Meeting her birth family for the first time was both thrilling and nerve-wracking for Viv. However, she discovered a family that cared deeply for her, especially her birth mother, who had fervently prayed for her every day. With the joy of being embraced by two loving families and the assurance that God had been guiding every step of her journey, Viv feels grateful for the unexpected twists and turns that have led her to where she is today. 
Join Viv as she shares more about her extraordinary journey and her aspirations for the future on the Cedarville Stories Podcast. 
https://share.transistor.fm/s/487780cd

From Graduation to Google: Building Through Technology and Testimony
From the land of Legos to the world of cutting-edge technology, Josh Thomas, a recent graduate of Cedarville University, has always possessed a keen interest in the art of building. This inherent trait led him to begin a career as a software engineer with Google.
Josh's journey into the realm of technology began at a young age, when he started constructing robots out of Legos and implementing computer-operated electronics to bring them to life. Even in the sixth grade, Josh recognized that his passion for engineering was a gift from God.
During his time at Cedarville University, Josh received guidance and mentorship from professors who instilled in him the importance of maintaining high standards and adopting a humble, lifelong learning mindset. These invaluable qualities equipped him for prestigious summer internships with both Amazon and Google.
Through his experiences during these internships, he discovered not only his ability to create advanced technological tools for data extraction and innovative applications for smartphones but also his unique position to foster meaningful relationships for the advancement of Christ's Kingdom.
As he joins the staff at Google's headquarters in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where he will collaborate with leading scientists and technicians, Josh is steadfast in his belief that faith and reason are not mutually exclusive. He aims to build bridges with individuals who may harbor doubts about faith and Christianity, using his own life as a testament to their compatibility.
To delve deeper into Josh's inspiring journey, his groundbreaking technological endeavors, and his aspirations for establishing impactful relationships, tune in to the Cedarville Stories Podcast.
https://share.transistor.fm/s/b4730948

Investing in Others: A Lasting Legacy
In the coming years, the names of Phil and Pam Black may fade from memory, but their profound influence on young Christian men and women will leave a lasting mark on the kingdom of Christ.
Throughout their 51 years of marriage, the Blacks have worked side by side to raise a family, serve their local church, run a business, and support various charitable causes. Whether leading medical teams on numerous missions to Ghana or contributing to the establishment of One Bistro, a ministry dedicated to eradicating hunger and sharing the hope of Jesus in Xenia, Ohio, their focus has always been on helping those in need.
Following the example set by Jesus, Phil and Pam prioritize showing love and compassion to others, a lesson instilled in them by their own parents many years ago. They have dedicated themselves to mentoring and supporting those around them, opening their home to visiting missionaries and offering a haven to students from Cedarville University.
Phil, who worked as a pharmacist for over 30 years, viewed his profession as a form of ministry, using it to meet the needs of those in pain and suffering. His partnership with former Cedarville University president Paul Dixon led to the establishment of the University's esteemed School of Pharmacy, ensuring that Cedarville's Christian impact would spread globally.
The legacy of Phil and Pam Black's selfless devotion to serving others in the name of Jesus continues to inspire those around them. To learn more about this remarkable couple and their unwavering commitment to the Lord, tune in to the latest episode of the Cedarville Stories Podcast.
https://share.transistor.fm/s/2ac86022

A Man of Commitment 
In this episode of the Cedarville Stories Podcast, we delve into the remarkable journey and unwavering dedication of Dr. Daniel Estes, Distinguished Professor of Old Testament at Cedarville University. 
From teaching multiple generations of the same family to completing a doctoral degree at prestigious Cambridge University, Dr. Estes has left an indelible mark on the academic world and beyond. 
Growing up in rural New York, Estes was shaped by the influence of faithful Christian mentors who instilled in him the values of perseverance and devotion. His father, a pastor and avid runner, taught him the importance of endurance, while a senior saint shared her passion for prayer, leaving a lasting impact on his life. Additionally, the late Dr. James T. Jeremiah, former president at Cedarville, served as a patient mentor and role model to him. 
These formative experiences have shaped Estes into the person he is today, dedicated to being a blessing to others and making a difference for the Gospel. 
As a professor, Estes not only imparts bold truths of Scripture to his students but also spends hours praying for them and encouraging them to reach their goals. His humility and enduring commitment serve as a source of inspiration for Cedarville students as they navigate their academic and spiritual journeys. 
Tune in to this episode to discover more about Dr. Daniel Estes' extraordinary life and the profound impact he continues to make at Cedarville University and beyond. 
https://share.transistor.fm/s/4183e129

Taking Flight in Defense of Freedom 
Amid the sea of graduates preparing to receive degrees at Cedarville University stand four young men committed to defending freedom. Thaddeus Krueger, Matthew Crum, Brent Whitley, and John Thomson are on their way to becoming pilots in the United States Air Force. 
While completing their coursework at Cedarville these brave young men tackled the additional responsibilities of the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corp (ROTC), necessitating early morning activity while the rest of the campus was sleeping. 
As a result of their hard work these men have been accepted into the highly competitive Air Force flight training program, putting them on a supersonic pathway to serving their country. 
They are excited by the promise of adventure, speed, travel, and being at the controls of multimillion-dollar equipment, but they are moved to the sky by their desire to protect the freedoms afforded to those fortunate enough to call the United States home. 
Motivated by their gratitude to God for the gifts of a free-market society, the right to worship Christ openly, the fair rule of law, and the still-possible American dream, these young men are prepared to give their all to ensure such blessings are available for generations to come. 
Discover the inspiring journey ahead for these young patriots on the Cedarville Stories Podcast. 
https://share.transistor.fm/s/b222ab15

Bringing Light to the Silver Screen 
In the often-murky world of Hollywood filmmaking, where violence, strong language, and other dark elements reign supreme, Parker Adams, a 2014 graduate of Cedarville University, is on a mission to illuminate the silver screen with hope and light. 
Witnessing the emerging efforts of Christian filmmakers during his student years, Parker knew he wanted to be a part of this transformative movement. 
After graduating with a degree in communication and making an unlikely break into the film industry, Parker created his own company, 1520 Creative, which specializes in the grueling monthslong process of editing film and sifting through hours and hours of footage to create a cohesive story that will resonate with moviegoers. 
Driven by a passion to spread hope through cinema, Parker understands the power of successful films to carry messages of faith to even the most resistant corners of the world. By contributing to box office hits, he opens doors for these messages to reach audiences in countries where other forms of evangelism are restricted. 
Parker’s journey has allowed him to contribute to the success of several major films including, Woodlawn, I Still Believe, A Week Away, Ordinary Angels, and, most recently, Unsung Hero. 
To delve deeper into Parker's mission of rewriting the narrative of hope, light, and redemption for the big screen, tune in to the Cedarville Stories Podcast.