Special Graduate Honors<strong>Lincoln</strong> <strong>Christian</strong> SeminaryEach year the Seminary faculty selects outstanding students who are representative of various academic areas whichrepresent the three degree programs: Master of Arts, Master of Arts in Counseling, and Master of Divinity. Thoseselected have demonstrated academic excellence, personal maturity, spiritual depth, and ministry involvement.Congratulations James Bettison, Florissant, MOMaster of Arts in Old Testament“Jim has distinguished himself as not only an excellent student, but as a valuable member of thePioneer Bible Translator’s team in West Africa. His work in Bible translation puts into practice in asignificant way one of the goals of the Seminary’s Biblical Studies department − understanding andapplying Scripture responsibly through proficiency in the Biblical languages. Jim has overseen thetranslation of the New Testament into Pular. He is now engaged in translating the Old Testament.His M.A. thesis was a model of research into Biblical Hebrew poetry and practical application totranslation issues for the Pular language. Jim’s contribution to the Kingdom has already hadimportant impact. It has been a blessing to work with Jim over the last several years.” − Dr. GaryJHall.James BettisonJim will continue working with Pioneer Bible Translators bringing God’s word to life for theFulbe people, located in Guinea, West Africa. He and his wife just adopted two children in addition to the two theyalready have.Congratulations Debra Hoover, <strong>Lincoln</strong>, ILMaster of Arts in Counseling“The Master of Arts in Counseling emphasizes professional-level counseling as a ministry in behalfof Christ. Deb Hoover exemplifies the aims of this program. Her service to and on behalf of Christis exhibited in her participation in mission agencies, her partnership with her husband in theministry to <strong>Lincoln</strong> Bible Church, her counseling with LCC students, her foster-care for youth, andher service as a public health nurse. She always serves with grace, excellence, and faithfulness.” − Dr.Paul Boatman.Deb plans to continue using the skills she has learned in her present position at Logan CountyHealth Department in the cancer program.DDebra HooverMMatt MartinCongratulations Matt Martin, Mt. Sterling, ILMaster of Divinity in New Testament“Matt is a portrait of purpose and promise. As a servant-leader, he is committed to balancingGod’s grace and truth. Throughout his journey he has proven himself to be a responsible husband,father, preacher, and student. In all of these vital areas he has shown humility, a commitment toexcellence, and a teachable spirit. His engaging personality and sense of humor have made him adelight both in and out of the classroom. He is devoted to making more and better disciples ofJesus. Because he has allowed his heart and mind to be shaped by God’s Word and the Holy Spirit,we eagerly expect God to be glorified even more in the years ahead.” Dr. Dinelle Frankland andDr. Robert Lowery.Matt is the preaching minister at Cornerstone <strong>Christian</strong> Church in Mt. Sterling, IL, and plans tocontinue in that position.8
Special Baccalaureate Honors<strong>Lincoln</strong> <strong>Christian</strong> CollegeEach year the College faculty chooses outstanding students to honor who represent the four academic fields of Bible/Theology, General Education, <strong>Christian</strong> Ministries, and <strong>Christian</strong> Education Ministries, as well as LincUp (ouradult degree completion program). Criteria for selection include academic excellence, personal maturity, spiritualdepth, and ministry involvement. The following graduates were recognized for special honors:Congratulations, Jesse Rouse, Bristol, WI. The Bible and Theology Field helps students acquire aworking knowledge of the Old and New Testaments, a reasonable confidence in their ability to interpretand apply the message of Scripture, and a genuine desire to use this knowledge and ability to growpersonally, worship corporately, and witness globally. Jesse exemplifies what we desire for every student:a deep desire to study God’s Word well, an enthusiasm to share God’s Word in God’s world, and agenuine longing to apply God’s Word to his life. We congratulate Jesse as our honored student in theBible and Theology Field. His future plans are to continue his education at <strong>Lincoln</strong> <strong>Christian</strong>Seminary.Jesse RouseCongratulations, Jayme Mason,Mt.Vernon, IL. The <strong>Christian</strong>Education Ministries Field helpsstudents develop the character andskills necessary for servant leadershipin educational or care-based settings.Jayme Mason is an example of sucha servant leader in the educationalarena. She brings a contagiousJattitude of energy and enthusiasm toJayme Masonall that she undertakes, whether inthe classroom or in a ministry setting. Her work consistentlymeasures up to the highest standard of excellence, usuallyexceeding all expectations.Congratulations, Jessica Pittman,Camp Point, IL. The GeneralEducation Field is proud to honorJessica Pittman as a student whovalues the importance of a wellrounded<strong>Christian</strong> education.Especially as an InterdisciplinaryStudies student, Jessica has shownherself to be industrious, curious,Jessica Pittman and astute. She has cultivated aninterest in and passion for learningin a wide variety of subject areas. Jessica’s commitment toworshipping God by enriching her mind ensures that shewill be just the sort of life-long learner that we seek todevelop at LCC and within the General Education program.Following graduation, Jessica plans to pursue a teachingposition in middle school science.9Congratulations, M. CharisWindham, <strong>Lincoln</strong>, IL. Our collegecatalog says “the <strong>Christian</strong> MinistriesField helps students develop thecharacter and skills necessary forleadership ministry.” The field iscomprised of business, mission, youthministry, preaching, music, and masscommunications majors. Charispersonifies the very best of what weM. Charis Windhamprayerfully desire in all of ourstudents. Her grace-filled spirit, exemplified in graciousnesstoward everyone she meets, is absolutely refreshing. She trulylives out Jesus’ assumption that we are salt and light in a darkand decaying world. We are pleased to present Charis as ourhonored student in the <strong>Christian</strong> Ministries area.Congratulations LincUp HonoredStudent Jeff Hills, Meadville, PA.Jeff Hills typifies what a servant leaderis. He has served as a role model forother LincUp students and strives tobe an encourager to his fellowclassmates. Jeff also demonstrates theability to integrate what he reads andwhat he hears in class into his dailylife. He is the kind of student who Jeff Hillsknows God’s Word, engages God’sworld, and pursues God’s will for his life. Jeff is seeking aministry position in the area of discipleship. He plans toattend <strong>Lincoln</strong> <strong>Christian</strong> Seminary in the fall and is currentlyserving as a small group leader at <strong>Lincoln</strong> <strong>Christian</strong> Church.