Cedarville Stories

Cedarville University
Cedarville Stories

Cedarville Stories podcast shares the stories of individuals who have been impacted from their experiences at Cedarville University, all for God's glory. Each week you’ll hear unique stories of how Cedarville’s mission of transforming lives through excellent education and intentional discipleship in submission to biblical authority is being lived out in the lives of faculty, staff, students, alumni, and friends of the University. Listen in each Wednesday and be blessed by some of the amazing ways God is working in and through the lives of the Cedarville family.

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    S11:E21 | Josh Strychalski

    Renaissance  Man Josh Strychalski wears many hats: sports enthusiast, actor, author, golf professional, entrepreneur, devoted husband, father, and child of God. He is a true Renaissance man. Josh has always had a passion for sports, and he spent several years in the world of professional golf, but his true love lies in storytelling. During his time as a Cedarville student in the 1990s, he was an active member of the Lifeline Players, a traveling theatre troupe. It was also at Cedarville that Professor Jim Kragle inspired Josh’s writing aspirations with the words, “If you can write, you can pave your own way.” Since then, Josh has authored two novels, and in the summer of 2024, he celebrated the debut of his first screenplay, "Disciples in the Moonlight." This faith-driven action film, in which Josh also plays a starring role, unfolds in a dystopian future where the Bible is banned in the United States. Central to the film's message is a phrase frequently echoed by its characters: “for the Word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ.” This powerful verse from the book of Revelation serves as the motto for Cedarville University and has significantly influenced Josh's screenplay and his life. The film has been showcased in theaters nationwide, paving the way for a potential sequel and creating opportunities for Josh to continue crafting stories that honor Christ. This week on the Cedarville Stories podcast, delve into Josh’s remarkable journey as he recounts the unique path that added “screenwriter” to his resume. https://share.transistor.fm/s/c80d3fc5 https://youtu.be/aMoPjHpYviY

    35 min
  2. NOV 13

    S11:E20 | Lauren Barnes and Jacob Bonville

    Serving on the Sidelines  Whether on the gridiron or on the pitch, it was a summer of football for the Master of Athletic Training (MAT) students at Cedarville University. Six aspiring athletic trainers were in the facilities of NCAA Division I schools or on the sidelines with major league teams.  Two of these future trainers, Lauren Barnes and Jacob Bonville, share their summer stories on the latest Cedarville Stories Podcast. Lauren had the thrill of working with the nationally ranked Penn State football team, while Jacob gained experience with Major League Soccer’s Columbus Crew.  From the moment the spotlight turned to their learning experiences this summer, Lauren and Jacob lit up, recounting some of their favorite experiences and how they kept Jesus at the forefront of their work.   While the summer was intense, the experiences helped both students refine their skills while demonstrating their faith in Jesus through words and deeds. Whether it was taping an ankle, loading an 18-wheel truck for a road game, providing a cup of cold water to a coach, or just listening to the players share their stories and struggles, both Lauren and Jacob were focused on serving everyone well.  Tune in to discover more about their demanding schedules, their relentless pursuit of excellence, and their deep commitment to serving others in the spirit of Jesus.  https://share.transistor.fm/s/e0ede64e https://youtu.be/M3cdzLwrHt0

    35 min
  3. NOV 6

    S11:E19 | Rob Jones

    Fiercely  Competitive With a Faithful Witness College basketball is an exhilarating sport marked by a dynamic whirlwind of activity. This can also be said about the journey of Rob Jones, the newly appointed head coach of the Cedarville Yellow Jackets men's basketball team, as he describes the path to his courtside seat in the Callan Athletic Center. From neighborhood pickup games to college hoops and an already impressive coaching career with NCAA Division I teams, Rob has been giving his all to honor Christ on and off the court for decades. On this episode of the Cedarville Stories podcast, Rob opens up about his history with the game and his aspirations for the Yellow Jackets’ basketball program. Upon receiving the news that Cedarville University was searching for a new men's basketball coach, a whirlwind of interviews and travel ensued. Within a week, Rob and his wife, Kristina, were on Cedarville’s campus, seeking to discern God's guidance in this pivotal moment. They approached their decision with prayer and soon realized that Cedarville offered a unique opportunity to forge genuine, God-honoring relationships as Rob mentored young men not only in basketball but in living lives that glorify God. Rob's deep desire is to see young men thrive both on and off the court. He encourages them to commit fully to their game, excel in academics, and pursue their faith with vigor. His vision for the team is to cultivate a fierce competitiveness in both basketball and life, all while shining as a faithful witness for Christ. https://share.transistor.fm/s/b4f0fccc https://youtu.be/k8c4G3JtFl8

    40 min
  4. OCT 30

    S11:E18 | Dan Jacobsen 2

    Spend 100 Days With Warren Wiersbe, One of America’s Most Trusted Expositors Dan Jacobsen, the grandson of Dr. Wiersbe, has devoted the past two years to completing "Becoming New: A 100 Day Journey of Transformation through God’s Word," a devotional book that includes the heart of his grandfather’s work. In this week’s episode of the Cedarville Stories podcast, Dan shares his personal experience of exploring Scripture while editing the final work of this devoted man of faith. Both new believers and seasoned Christians alike will find themselves challenged by Dr. Wiersbe’s profound yet accessible engagement with the Bible. Dan was especially moved to hear his grandfather’s voice resonate on each page, imparting lessons on spiritual maturity, duty, and dependence on God — insights that became particularly relevant when a family crisis emerged at the conclusion of the project. In March, Dan’s nine-year-old son Miles was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. This devastating news prompted Dan and his family to lean deeply on God during a time when human solutions felt hopeless. Despite the challenges, Miles has shown remarkable strength and has been enriched by unforgettable experiences shared through their church and the Kansas City community. Meanwhile, Dan has discovered unexpected opportunities to connect with the philanthropic community, sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Through their trials, Dan and his family continue to serve God, embodying a daily transformation through His Word. For further information about Miles and the Jacobsen family, please visit milesformiles.org. https://share.transistor.fm/s/fb2bb733 https://youtu.be/AXuSIGus0sE

    24 min
  5. OCT 23

    S11:E17 | Dan Jacobsen 1

    Completing a Work, Continuing a Legacy Dr. Warren Wiersbe’s legacy continues to inspire, even five years after his passing, with the upcoming release of his latest work, Becoming New: A 100 Day Journey of Transformation through God’s Word, set to be published on November 5, 2024. This special project, completed by Dr. Wiersbe’s grandson, Dan Jacobsen, offers a chance for readers to embark on a meaningful journey of spiritual renewal. In a recent episode of the Cedarville Stories Podcast, Dan shares not only the story behind this remarkable book but also intimate memories of his beloved grandfather. While Dr. Wiersbe is widely known for his influential ministry at Chicago’s Moody Church and his years with Back to the Bible, Dan also shares the warmth, humility, and humorous side of the man known as a “pastor’s pastor.” As a young paster, Dan had long hoped to collaborate with his grandfather, but that opportunity never came — until the discovery of the nearly finished manuscript after Dr. Wiersbe’s passing. Entrusted with completing the project, Dan has fulfilled a long-held dream in a way that allows the readers to hear the heart and voice of his grandfather while continuing the legacy of faith and wisdom of Warren Wiersbe. Throughout this podcast, Dan offers a personal glimpse into Dr. Wiersbe’s life, portraying him as a man filled with warmth, humility, and humor, and one whose influence continues to resonate within Dan’s own pastoral ministry near Kansas City. Tune in to the podcast to hear more about Dan's journey and this touching tribute to Dr. Wiersbe's lasting impact. It’s a story of faith, family, and the enduring power of God’s Word.  https://share.transistor.fm/s/06234e30 https://youtu.be/rN0JTJnxzoI

    26 min
  6. OCT 16

    S11:E16 | Justin and Cheryl Martens

    The Glorious End to a Vicious Cycle: A Foster Care Journey Justin and Cheryl Martens' journey as foster parents is a beautiful testament to the power of love, healing, and faith. They answered a call from God to break the cycle of generational sin, offering a haven of safety and hope for children in need. Over six years, they welcomed 23 children into their home, providing not just shelter but a nurturing environment where broken hearts could begin to heal. Each child, whether staying for a single night or a year, found a place of peace under their care. In September 2017, the Martens were presented with a life-changing opportunity. A 19-day-old baby girl from a family struggling with drug addiction, Arriyanna, needed a forever home. With prayerful hearts full of love, they chose to adopt her, but their compassion didn’t stop there. They also opened their hearts to Arriyanna’s biological father, an 18-year-old who had battled the same cycle of foster care and substance abuse that threatened to claim his future. By becoming his support system and guiding him toward Christ, they helped him break free from the chains of addiction. The Martens didn’t just give Arriyanna a family; they became like parents to her biological father, offering him the love and stability he had never known. Their story is one of redemption and the extraordinary power of fostering not only children but relationships. Through their faith and open hearts, the Martens have become a living example of how God’s grace can heal even the deepest wounds and bring new life to generations caught in cycles of despair. Their story inspires hope, showing that with love and compassion, anyone can be an instrument of God’s healing. https://share.transistor.fm/s/51b42052https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fGe3EG1cJeE

    42 min
  7. OCT 9

    S11:E15 | Brigadier General Todd A. Fogle

    Love, Leadership, and Loyalty He’s battle tested. He’s a proven leader. And his loyalty to his country, family, and alma mater is a clarion call in his life. Brigadier General Todd Fogle of the United States Air Force, for his service to our country, was recently awarded the distinguished 2024 “Alumnus of the Year” honor by Cedarville University. His rise to Brigadier General, in Fogle’s words, is the result of God’s blessings in his life, the investment of key leaders at Cedarville University during his college years, and the support from his wife of 32 years, Johanna. In this podcast, Fogle recalls with gratitude how Dick Walker invested in his life and always encouraged him to “stay the course.” Then there’s Jim Cato, who took an inquisitive ROTC student to the Dove Awards in Nashville, Tennessee, and together developed action plans and processes that have guided the Swordbearers and Heartsong Ministries teams for decades. These investments in his life were pivotal to his military success. They also were helpful during tension-filled moments in combat, including when his plane was engaged in a lengthy gun battle with enemy fire that blanketed his plane with bullet holes. Throughout his life, General Fogle has been blessed by God and has exemplified virtue through his love, leadership, and loyalty. Join us on this week's episode of the Cedarville Stories podcast as Brig. Gen. Fogle recounts his extraordinary journey and invites you to soar alongside him. The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement. https://share.transistor.fm/s/df2b411d https://youtu.be/v3MJSEtf66U

    40 min
  8. OCT 2

    S11:E14 | Dr. Samson Amos

    Seeking a Cure With Selfless Motivation  Dr. Samson Amos has always been driven by something deeper than personal success; his heart beats with a genuine desire to bring healing and hope to others. Growing up in Nigeria, he witnessed firsthand the ravages of diseases like sickle cell anemia and malaria. The suffering around him fueled his resolve to dedicate his life to pharmaceutical research, but for Dr. Amos, it was more than a professional calling; it was a mission to alleviate human pain and suffering.  After earning his doctorate in pharmacology, Dr. Amos returned home to visit his family. It was during this trip that a moment would forever shape his path. He heard a cry from a neighbor’s house, and when he went to check on her, he discovered the woman was battling breast cancer. She pleaded with him to help other women like her. That poignant encounter added cancer to the growing list of battles Dr. Amos was determined to fight.  Today, as a leading researcher in natural product pharmacology at Cedarville University, Dr. Amos works tirelessly to search for potential cures alongside his students. His passion doesn’t just stop at science — he mentors his students, teaching them to blend academic rigor with a spirit of compassion, inspired by his faith.  In a quiet lab tucked away in the Ohio countryside, Dr. Amos and his students work steadily. Though the ultimate cure for cancer may not come from their lab, the seeds of hope and determination they plant together could very well inspire that future breakthrough. It’s the kind of selfless passion that defines Dr. Amos and the legacy he is building — one life, one discovery, and one student at a time.  Listen to this week’s Cedarville Stories Podcast to hear the remarkable story of Dr. Samson Amos and the compassion that fuels his work.  https://share.transistor.fm/s/a83a64bd https://youtu.be/sCr1f3kapsU

    32 min
4.8
out of 5
37 Ratings

About

Cedarville Stories podcast shares the stories of individuals who have been impacted from their experiences at Cedarville University, all for God's glory. Each week you’ll hear unique stories of how Cedarville’s mission of transforming lives through excellent education and intentional discipleship in submission to biblical authority is being lived out in the lives of faculty, staff, students, alumni, and friends of the University. Listen in each Wednesday and be blessed by some of the amazing ways God is working in and through the lives of the Cedarville family.

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