Homecoming Weekend
Homecoming Chapel
Rick Bee, senior director of alumni and friends development, hosted the 2009 Homecoming Chapel, an annual chapel meeting set aside to honor God for what He is doing around the world through Biola alumni.
Alumnus Matt Kersh (’05) led in worship, and Jan Lynn, past president of the Alumni Association, presented a check in the amount of $978,168.89 to AS president Eric Weaver, representing alumni giving for student scholarships during the previous year. The highlight of the chapel was the presentation of the Alumni Awards, given annually to alumni who have significantly impacted the world for Christ.
Young Alumni Award. Jared White (’05), set out for Africa six months after seeing a documentary about Invisible Children, planning a brief stay to photograph endangered children. Instead, he ended up staying in Africa for seven months before returning to America-and his heart never really left. Jared currently coordinates and communicates between the US and Uganda offices of Invisible Children.
Global Service Award. Bob and Sharon Hilts (both ’66) have served with One Challenge International (formerly OC International), with their ministry primarily involving establishing Christian camps in a variety of countries. Their impact has been especially significant in Russia, where they have visited churches and equipped leaders to begin Christian camping programs.
Clyde Cook Missions Award. Rick (’74) and Debbie (’75) Yorgey have made their home-and fulfill their calling with the Navigators-in inner-city Washington, DC. The Yorgeys’ work in racial reconciliation has taken many years, but is making a great impact on their community. They lead Bible studies and marriage enrichment groups, befriend and counsel many individuals, and embrace the African-American church in their neighborhood.
Clyde Cook Missions Award. Ted (’73) and Karey Yeats have been missionaries for over 30 years, serving in Washington, DC, with government, military, and diplomatic leaders. Ted spends much of his time on Capitol Hill, developing relationships with members of Congress and their staffs and holding Bible studies. Karey has a weekly Bible study in their home for the wives of senators and Congressmen. Their ministry is to believers and unbelievers alike.
