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Cedarville Stories

Cedarville Stories

Cedarville University

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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Top 10 Cedarville Stories Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Cedarville Stories episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Cedarville Stories for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Cedarville Stories episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

Cedarville Stories - S9:25 | Frank Jenista Part 1
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12/20/23 • 26 min

S:9 E:25 | Frank Jenista (1)

In this episode, we delve into the inspiring journey of Dr. Frank Jenista, former professor of international studies at Cedarville University. Dr. Jenista's early life was marked by a nomadic existence, having attended 13 schools in 12 years as the son of missionary parents in the Philippines. Upon arriving at Cedarville, he found not just an academic institution but a supportive community that became a steadfast anchor in his life.

Despite Cedarville lacking an Asian studies major during Dr. Jenista's tenure, his professors tailored a curriculum that uniquely equipped him for a distinguished career in public service. From his roots in the Philippines to becoming a U.S. diplomat, Dr. Jenista's story is a testament to the transformative power of education and the unwavering support of a nurturing community.

Dr. Jenista also shares insights from his extensive career, spanning roles in Japan, Indonesia, New Zealand, South America, and the Philippines. His dedication to public service and his contributions to Philippine-American history, exemplified in his book White Apos: American Governors on the Cordillera Central, make for a compelling narrative of a life lived well.

Join us as we explore the remarkable journey of Dr. Frank Jenista, a testament to the enduring impact of education, mentorship, and a sense of community.

https://share.transistor.fm/s/3cf37cda

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Cedarville Stories - S9:E26 | Frank Jenista Part 2
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12/27/23 • 24 min

In the second segment of our podcast featuring Dr. Frank Jenista, a man with a unique background as the son of missionary parents and a former U.S. diplomat with experience in the Pacific Rim, Japan, and South America, we delve into his global perspective. Dr. Jenista has significantly influenced Cedarville University's international studies program, transforming it into a thriving major that has produced graduates serving around the globe, including within the U.S. Foreign Service.

Under his guidance, Cedarville’s Model United Nations team has consistently achieved excellence, earning the title of Outstanding Delegation at the national competition in New York City. Dr. Jenista's commitment to fostering a global mindset extends beyond the classroom, as he actively promoted study abroad and internship opportunities across various schools and departments at Cedarville.

Our conversation highlights the remarkable success of Cedarville’s Model United Nations team, a testament to Dr. Jenista's enduring impact. We also feature the achievements of one of his former students, Jerica (Ward) Lamar ’09, a former diplomat in Kenya. Jerica was recognized as the 2019 Young Alumna of the Year.

https://share.transistor.fm/s/b56d3d06

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Cedarville Stories - S8:E23 | Farris Welsh: A Survivor
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05/31/23 • 31 min

God’s Timing Is Perfect

Farris Welsh opened her refrigerator door to find she had no milk for her kids. She checked the pantry, and there wasn’t much there, either.

Not knowing how she would feed her family dinner, Farris heard a knock on the door, and when she and her young son opened it to find two bags of groceries, she knew God provided for their needs.

Farris has lived anything but a normal life. From one tragedy to the next, she has been stretched, challenged, and refined. And through it all, she still believes God is good and His timing is perfect.

The first life-altering event happened during her time as a student at Cedarville. While Farris and two of her friends were driving to Xenia, Ohio, they were hit head-on by a drunk driver. Her friends died instantly, while Farris remained in a coma for two weeks and was then hospitalized for three-and-a-half months.

Even in the midst of this tragic event, her faith continued to grow. Her mother sat diligently by her side, reading Scripture and praying for a miracle, which happened. Farris defied the doctors’ prognosis of not being able to stand again — let alone, live a normal life.

But this car accident wasn’t even the most shocking event of her life. She has experienced multiple tragedies throughout her life, but she never complained. And before she retired from an exhilarating career with the federal government, Farris raised two children, served as a world leader, and even helped the United States recover from a broken relationship with the King of Thailand.

As Farris will tell you, never doubt God and always do what He asks of you. That’s her motto, and it has served her well.

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Cedarville Stories - Cedarville Stories Trailer

Cedarville Stories Trailer

Cedarville Stories

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08/22/19 • 1 min

Beginning September 11, 2019, join us every Wednesday as we tell Cedarville stories for God's glory.

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Cedarville Stories - S10:E20 | Joshua Thomas

S10:E20 | Joshua Thomas

Cedarville Stories

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05/15/24 • 33 min

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

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Cedarville Stories - S10:E3 | Sierra Bognear

S10:E3 | Sierra Bognear

Cedarville Stories

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01/17/24 • 28 min

Perceived by Glamour; Driven by Christ

Sierra Bognear, a young woman with a penchant for surprises, astounded her family, excluding her brother Travis, by winning the title of Miss Michigan in 2015.

Her decision to vie for the Miss Michigan crown, despite having no prior beauty pageant experience, remained a well-guarded secret. What added an extra layer of astonishment was her covert journey to New York for coaching by a pageant expert, unbeknownst to her family.

The revelation of Sierra's victory over the phone left her family in disbelief. Following the initial shock and her mother's dismay at not being present during the pageant, the entire family rallied to celebrate Sierra's remarkable success.

For Sierra, the true significance of her achievement went beyond the tiara — she found fulfillment in sharing her faith and offering prayers, even with contestants of different religions.

Transitioning from pageantry, Sierra carved out a successful career in modeling with NIKE and the entertainment industry. However, a shift occurred when health challenges within her family prompted Sierra to discern her calling in healthcare.

During these health concerns, Sierra noticed people wearing white coats were helping patients and she wanted to be part of the solution as well.

Embarking on a journey that led her to the University of Michigan Medical Center in Ann Arbor, Sierra eventually redirected her path to pursue a four-year degree in Cedarville University's pharmacy program. Her pursuit will culminate in a Doctor of Pharmacy degree in May 2027.

https://share.transistor.fm/s/0552b72d

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Cedarville Stories - S8:E21 | Roscoe Smith

S8:E21 | Roscoe Smith

Cedarville Stories

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05/17/23 • 35 min

Life’s Unexpected Challenges

Roscoe Smith never wanted to have a career in higher education, but the opportunity to pursue a relationship with his future wife, Rhonda, was too compelling for the New York native.

After graduating from then Cedarville College, and knowing Rhonda was a year behind him, Roscoe did everything he could to maintain the relationship. So, he accepted a position in the University’s admissions department.

What else would he do? But in his mind, it was only a temporary position.

Fast forward to today, and Roscoe has spent nearly 40 years of his career working at Cedarville University. He’s held key roles in admissions, financial aid, public relations, and, now, institutional advancement. And, he couldn’t be any happier about his experience and his 39-year marriage to Rhonda.

But life wasn’t always easy for him, especially when he faced his mortality during treatment for leukemia when he was just 27 years old. When he saw a fellow leukemia patient pass away from the illness, it hit Roscoe hard, so much that he began taking a hard look at his life and future.

But in the Lord’s grace and mercy, through the prayers of his faithful family and Cedarville friends and the support of Rhonda, he survived the illness — and difficult treatments. Now, he and Rhonda are enjoying life as grandparents.

Listen to him share his story on the Cedarville Stories Podcast.

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Cedarville Stories - S8:E22 | Conrad Weaver

S8:E22 | Conrad Weaver

Cedarville Stories

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05/24/23 • 33 min

Stories for a Purpose

Conrad Weaver started out as a premed major at Cedarville. He later switched to psychology, graduating in 1988, he found himself the president of Conjo Studios and an award-winning filmmaker.

How did this psychologist end up making documentaries?

It all boils down to a central mission: helping people.

Shortly after pursuing a career in psychology, Conrad found a new skillset and passion for working with technology and video. He was hired by a church, and he started heading up its video production for services.

Despite having grown up dabbling in photography, seemingly always with a camera in his hand, Conrad never thought he could make a career of it. But an Emmy award for The Great American Wheat Harvest documentary, followed by several other successful documentaries, proved him wrong.

Today, Conrad enjoys telling the stories of people that he meets. His upcoming documentary, PTSD911 tells the story of the first responders at ground zero on that devastating day in 2001. He is currently sharing his story with people across the United States as he rides his bicycle from Astoria, Oregon to Ocean City, Maryland. You can follow his journey by clicking on The Journey.

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Cedarville Stories - S8:E20 | Chuck Elliott (Rebroadcast)
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05/10/23 • 34 min

Deep Calls for Life

Good health is not something to take for granted. Just ask Dr. Chuck Elliott, Senior Professor of Communication at Cedarville University.

Throughout his life, he’s been a model of good health. That was until he began experiencing severe headaches and uncontrollable high blood pressure while teaching in Hong Kong. Ultimately, the high blood pressure left significant damage to Chuck’s kidneys, and two years ago, doctors noticed a significant change in his health.

He was in the beginning stages of kidney failure. Just one year later in May 2022, Chuck’s kidneys were in full-blown failure, causing him to need dialysis — nine hours every day.

With the reality of needing a kidney to survive, Chuck was in a difficult position. How does a person go about getting a new kidney?

It’s not like Chuck to share his situation with anyone, let alone ask someone if they would donate a kidney to him. This was an uncomfortable situation for someone who made his life as a communications professor.

Well, several Cedarville University students were presented with class projects that could help Chuck in his quest of a new kidney.

Enter Deep Calls for Life, a project headed by a team of marketing and communication students. Their sole purpose was to create a social media campaign that would communicate Chuck’s health crisis and his need of a kidney transplant — preferably from a live donor — for their beloved professor.

As part of a virtual communication class project, the students created a social media campaign intended to bring hope to the Cedarville professor, and, possibly someone who could provide the perfect kidney for Chuck.

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And now, several months later, Cedarville Stories Podcast is please to share good news about Chuck Elliott!

Listen here to learn more about Chuck’s story and the answer to many prayers on the Cedarville Stories Podcast.

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Cedarville Stories - S5:E14 | Bruce Upchurch

S5:E14 | Bruce Upchurch

Cedarville Stories

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10/13/21 • 33 min

A Sheepdog Feeding on the Word

Bruce Upchurch, the new director of campus security at Cedarville, brings more than 30 years of law enforcement experience to his role, which includes the Greene County Sheriff’s Office and the Oakwood Public Safety Department. He has been a K9 handler for criminal investigations and a sniper with a SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) unit.

He has been pushed to his limit mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually and admits that he’s brought job stress home with him. But through it all, the Lord has kept him together, through long stakeouts, altercations with suspects, and harrowing danger.

Ultimately, Bruce went into law enforcement to help others, and that’s why he’s at Cedarville. He sees himself as a servant, and if he’s not serving, then he’s not doing his job. Caring for faculty, staff, administrators, students, and visitors is his goal.

With all that in mind, it’s important that he stay grounded in his relationship with God, which requires grounding in the Word of God. Memorizing Scripture has kept his heart and attitude in the right place during the most difficult assignments.

“Sheepdogs and wolves are similar,” Bruce shares during the podcast. “They have the same intensity, just one has empathy for the sheep, and one wants to kill the sheep. Be a sheepdog, have empathy, but also be connected with the Word of God. If you do not, you can be led down that path of being a little more like a wolf and less like a sheepdog. Stay firm in the Word; memorize the Word of God. To walk in the Spirit, you need to live in the Word.”

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FAQ

How many episodes does Cedarville Stories have?

Cedarville Stories currently has 273 episodes available.

What topics does Cedarville Stories cover?

The podcast is about Higher Education, Christianity, Society & Culture, Ohio, University, College, Discipleship, Religion & Spirituality, Podcasts, Education, Relationships, Christ, Hope and Christian.

What is the most popular episode on Cedarville Stories?

The episode title 'S9:E26 | Frank Jenista Part 2' is the most popular.

What is the average episode length on Cedarville Stories?

The average episode length on Cedarville Stories is 31 minutes.

How often are episodes of Cedarville Stories released?

Episodes of Cedarville Stories are typically released every 7 days.

When was the first episode of Cedarville Stories?

The first episode of Cedarville Stories was released on Aug 22, 2019.

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