Dr. Arthur (’52) and Shirley Houk (’47) celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary the last week of December 2010 in the Phoenix, Ariz., area. They were married Dec. 22, 1950. They have five children, 12 grandchildren and one great grandchild. All five children planned to be present at the wedding anniversary, along with some of the grandchildren and the great grandchild. Arthur is into his sixth year of pastoring the independent Arden Faith Baptist Church in Colville, Wash. Please pray for Shirley as she has back pain.

Ann Hedden-Redd (’72), a retired RN from the UCI Medical Center Hematology/Oncology Unit, registered with her daughter Krissy to participate in the Lavaman Triathlon with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Team in Training. If you are interested in donating to the cure visit Ann’s webpage: http://pages.teamintraining.or... Marshall (’75) is living in Brazil and would like to make connections with old and new Christian friends in the United States and all over the world. Find him on MySpace, Facebook and Orkut. rubens-777@hotmail.com.

Paul Dennis Bice (’75) was honored on June 16 for 31 years as Santa Monica College’s warehouse and mailroom manager. Dennis graduated from Biola in 1975 with his B.A. in Christian education. Dennis and Janis (’98) celebrated 39 years of marriage on July 21. They have four children and three grandchildren.

Jeannie (Pontier, ’79) Morse recently published the book Invaded Dreams, a fast-paced romantic novel about Ellen Johnson, who finds herself being pursued by three suitors: Norman, a youth pastor Ellen dated while in college; Rick, Ellen’s childhood sweetheart; and Raheem, whom she first meets on an airplane. The novel is set in Kenya, where Jeannie and her husband David (’81) have been missionaries with Africa Inland Mission for 20 years. The book can be purchased on Amazon.com or other online book retailers.

Dave Wilson (’80) just reached the milestone of serving the Lord for 30 years in the land of Turkey. On Sept. 5 he was surprised by 60 friends who arrived for the occasion and who gave glory to God for the breadth of Dave’s ministry over three decades.

Louima Lilite (’99) received the Promising Teacher Award during Oklahoma Baptist University’s Centennial Spring Commencement on May 15. The award is one of OBU’s top three honors for faculty and staff members. He was also one of seven OBU faculty and staff members honored by OBU students on April 7 for their contributions to the campus community.

Betty Odak (’99) graduated from Hope International University in May 2003 and started a Ph.D. program in industrial organizational psychology at Alliant International in 2009. She also became a foster parent in January 2010 and started an organization for transitional housing for abused and neglected children (www.ccaafp.org). She authored the book Before, After, and Beyond Bankruptcy and started an online magazine for foreigners (www.bcultural.org).

Wilson (’01) and Josh Kenfield (’03) have just finished collaborating on a graphic novel that is being published by Arcana Comics. The book (titled Scrooge and Santa) was expected to arrive in stores in December and can be ordered at www.arcana.com. The idea for the book — described as “a comedic adventure story for Christmas fans of all ages” — started when Wilson was home with his family watching Christmas movies. He started to wonder what would happen if ideas from A Christmas Carol, It’s a Wonderful Life, Miracle on 34th Street and other Christmas classics were all rolled into one package. What would happen if a rich Scrooge had to become poor like George Bailey and could only save himself if he saved Santa Claus? The ultimate Christmas story was born!

Evan Liewer (’05) just published a book called The Kosher Cookbook of Imaginary Animals. It’s a respectful tongue-in-cheek humor book that looks at various imaginary animals from science fiction, myth, Disney, etc., and determines whether a kosher-conscious eater could consume it. The book is available on Amazon.com.

Tom Gender (M.A. ’06) recently published the book The Narrow Road: How Does God Save Sinners? The book examines questions surrounding salvation and challenges readers to seriously contemplate what the Bible says about how God saves sinners and what that means for our daily lives.

Adam Rollefson (M.A. ’08) recently began serving as the middle school pastor at Gold Creek Community Church in Mill Creek, Wash., near Seattle. Last May, Rollefson met with Darren Whitehead, a teaching pastor at Willow Creek Community Church, while attending Indiana Wesleyan University’s “Frequency” student ministries conference.

Darren (M.A. ’08) and Nicole Rodrigues recently published the book Sustained by Grace (BBKI Publishing, 2010), which tells the couple’s story of how God took the worst of circumstances and rebuilt their lives.In June 1997, Darren inadvertently drove straight to work instead of dropping their daughter off at her daycare first. No longer aware that the 13-month-old was still in the car, Darren went into his office and Brianna died of heat exhaustion strapped in her car seat. This book chronicles the couple’s journey from the day of Brianna’s death through the first year, enabling readers to walk with them from the days of incomprehensible agony until hope was reborn.

Marriages

Bethany Lynne Dierker (’05, M.A. ’06) married Ian Walters on July 16 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Biolans in the wedding included Kristin Dierker (’02) and Kristin (Dodds, ’06) Parks. Bethany is living in Utah, called by God to be a light as a fourth grade teacher in the public school system. Salt Lake City is an amazing mission field, where Bethany and Ian feel called to share truth with the Mormons, in hope that their eyes may be opened to the true gospel and saving faith. Bethany and Ian met on a church softball team and have been rejoicing in Christ’s provision.

Jesse (’06) and Christina (Feriante, ’06) Rivera were married on Aug.15, 2009, in Anaheim, Calif., and honeymooned in Kauai, Hawaii. Biolans in the wedding party included Jason Rivera (’06), Julie Douglass (’07), Rebecca Miller (’06) and Tiffany Geiger (’06). Jesse and Christina met during their final year of undergraduate studies at Biola. Jesse teaches music for the North Orange County School of Education and Christina works at the Far East Broadcasting Company, as well as the YMCA.

Chara (Hoskins, ’08) and Matt Larkin said their vows on June 12 at Cherry Hills Community Church in Highlands Ranch, Colo. The officiant was the bride’s father, Larry Hoskins. Alumni in the wedding included Becky Hashberger (’07) and Melissa Batallés (’07). Matt and Chara met through fusion101.com, a free Christian dating website. Matt was living in Kingsport, Tenn., and Chara was living in Aurora, Colo. Chara was drawn to Matt’s testimony and his passion for youth and missions. Matt was drawn to Chara’s heart for the Lord and the lost. They had a long-distance relationship for over two years before they got married. They now reside in Kingsport, Tenn. They hope to be missionaries together in the future, either in Latin America or overseas. Chara studied intercultural studies and Spanish at Biola, and Matt studied bivocational ministries and missions at Clear Creek Baptist Bible College in Kentucky.

CJ Casciotta (’08) married Kelly O’Dell Casciotta on Sept. 11 in Ramona, Calif. Biolans in the wedding party included Jacob Kindberg (’08), Alex Carpenter (’08) and Rob Croft (’08). CJ is a creative consultant and founder of Sounds Like A Movement. Kelly is a singer, artist and community life pastor at Rock Harbor Church.

Aaron (M.Div. ’08) and Krista (Esswein, M.A. ’07) Ophaug were married on July 19, 2009, in Long Beach, Calif., followed by a reception at the Summit House in Fullerton. Biolans in the wedding included matron of honor Jamie (Epperson, ’03) Joyce, Marci (Anderson, ’04) Wollen, Jamin Goggin (’03) and Dean of Students Danny Paschall. The ceremony was officiated by Dean of Spiritual Development Todd Pickett. The couple met in 2007 when Danny Paschall set them up on a blind date. The couple currently lives in Orange, Calif. Aaron is the pastor for college and young adults at Yorba Linda Friends Church and Krista is a fourth grade teacher at Mariners Christian School.

Rachael Corinne Parsons (’09) married Andrew Svendsen on Dec. 20, 2009, at Herrick Chapel, Occidental College, ending many years of waiting! They live in Columbus, Ohio, where Andrew is working on a Ph.D. in electrical engineering at Ohio State. Rachael is working as a preschool teacher.

Austin (’10) and Kelly (Watters, ’10) Flones were married in an outdoor garden ceremony on Aug. 8 in Bellingham, Wash. Biolans in the wedding included Erin Watts (’10), best man Charles Atkinson (’10) and Clayton Chaney (’10). Alisa Smith (’07) was the wedding coordinator. Austin and Kelly met at Biola as freshmen and started dating the following year. They currently make their home in Bellingham.

The Cress family recently celebrated the marriage of Graydon Cress (’10) to Erin Keller (’11) in Washington.

Births

Eric (’93) and Gabriela Pollom are proud to announce the birth of their twins, Emma Lynn and Noah Isaac, born on Jan. 15, 2010. They were born 17 weeks premature. Sadly, Noah passed away on Jan. 16 from complications of being severely premature. Emma is a miracle. She was born at 1 pound, 2 ounces and was 11 inches long. So many prayers were answered when she came home April 30, after four months in the NICU. Although it has been a difficult journey, the family knows the Lord has a purpose for this experience. Emma is truly EMMAZING! epollom@cox.net.

Darryl and Tiffany (Joe, ’96) Mui celebrate the birth of their daughter, Adelyn Faith, born Dec. 14, 2009. Adelyn arrived weighing 5 pounds and 3 ounces, measuring 16 inches long. She was welcomed home by her big sisters, Amanda Hope, 6, and Amelia Love, 3. At six weeks old, Adelyn became very ill with RSV and was intubated in the PICU. Today she is healthy and the family praises God every day for her. taffymui@yahoo.com.

Peter (’97) and Krista (’97) Falk announce the newest addition to the Falk family: Emily Grayce. Emily was born Nov. 6 and weighed 7 pounds, 10 ounces. She joins her big brothers Aidan, 6, and Ryan, 3.

Nathan and Kristy (Little, ’98) Cowell are delighted to announce the birth of their third child, Evangeline Joy. She was born Feb. 17 and was welcomed into the family by her big brothers, Judah and Micah, who adore her. The Cowells reside in Placentia, Calif. Nathan is a chiropractor in nearby Anaheim, and Kristy is a stay-at-home mom.

Nate (’99) and Raluca (Isai, ’99) Ploog welcomed their son, Leighton Ryder, on Sept. 21, 2009. He joins proud big brothers, Landon and Luke. The Ploog family resides in Whittier, Calif.

Kirsten (Haaland, ’00) and James (’99) Petermann announce the birth of their first child, Ewan Eliezer, on Sept. 18. Ewan weighed 6 pounds, 7 ounces and measured 18.5 inches. Ewan entered into the eternal rest of his Heavenly Father on Oct. 4 after battling a complex congenital heart defect. During his 16 days on earth, Ewan and his broken heart changed the world. You can read about Ewan’s journey at team-ewan.com.

Jeffrey(’00) and Amy (Dye, ’02) Hachquet are proud to announce the birth of their first child, born Oct. 1. Sawyer Joshua Hachquet arrived weighing 7 pounds, 3 ounces and measuring 18 inches. Jeffrey is a property development manager for SK+G and Amy is currently a stay-at-home mom after recently earning her master’s degree in marriage and family therapy from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, in December 2010.

Kevan and Bethany (Holbrook, ’02) Plumb thank God for the blessing of their third child, Elijah Holbrook Plumb. Elijah arrived July 13 weighing in at 9 pounds, 3 ounces. He is covered in kisses by big brother Ezekiel, 4, and sister Rebekah Jane, 2. Bethany loves staying at home with the crazies and Kevan is a deputy with the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department.

Shin (’02) and Sarah (Cline, ’03) Kim were married in Santa Barbara in 2007. Alumni in the wedding included Sheela Hooper (’03), and Lesley Hedrick (’03), along with best man John Rinehart (’02) and Colby Long (’02). They joyfully announce the birth of their first child. Trevor Jeremiah was born May 13, 2009. The Kims live in Corona Del Mar, Calif. Shin works for CB Richard Ellis in commercial real estate and Sarah is a pediatric nurse. Sarah and Shin are expecting their second child (a girl) in the spring of 2011.

Mark (’03) and Kim (Senter, ’04) Spicer are happy to announce the birth of their daughter, Kristen Danielle Spicer, on Jan. 28, 2010, in Downey, Calif. She weighed 7 pounds, 4 ounces and measured 21.5 inches long.

Andrew (’04) and Danica (Daniels, ’04) Halverson welcomed Bryce Erling Halverson to their family on May 24, in Sacramento, Calif. He weighed in at 9 pounds, 4 ounces and measured 21 inches long. The Halversons live in Bakersfield, Calif. where Andrew is working as a warden for the California Department of Fish and Game.

Michael (’05, M.A. ’06) and Abby (’05, M.A. ’06) Clark are pleased to announce the birth of their second child, Savannah Joy, born on July 28 at St. Jude Medical Center in Fullerton, Calif. At birth, Savannah weighed 7 pounds, 13 ounces and measured 21 inches. Savannah has a sister, Kate. Both mom and baby are doing well. Children are a gift form the Lord!

Jacob (’06) and Tricia Walkowski joyfully announce the birth of their firstborn daughter, Lydia Anne. Lydia was born on Aug. 16, 2010, weighing 6 pounds, 14 ounces and measuring 20 inches long. The Walkowskis plan to move overseas, where Jacob will teach English. They feel blessed to have the opportunity to raise Lydia in another culture.

Nicole and Brian Baird (’08) of San Bernardino, Calif., announce the birth of their identical twin boys, James Brian and Luke Russell. Born nine weeks premature on Feb. 25, they spent their first 50 days of life in the NICU. They are now healthy, handsome and happy future Biolans. Thanks for all your prayers and support. They are the best thing that ever happened to the Bairds!

Deaths

Forest Mason Stine (’55), who often said that he was “prayed up, packed up and ready to be picked up,” met his Savior face to face the morning of Feb. 17. Forest died from complications of congestive heart failure at the age of 81. Before entering Biola, Forest worked as a barber and served in the U.S. Navy. After graduating from Biola, and later from California Baptist Seminary in May 1960, he served for over 30 years as pastor of four Conservative Baptist Association churches in Southern California and Oregon. He also briefly worked for Biola as a stewardship representative in 1967–68. After Forest retired from full-time ministry, he was involved with visitation, evangelism and Awana until a stroke in June 2008 limited his activity. Even then, he continued to share the gospel with his neighbors and doctors. At his funeral, he was described as a person who loved Jesus, loved people and loved to tell people about Jesus. Forest is survived by his wife of 61 years, Nancy; his five children and their spouses; and five grandchildren and their spouses. Daughters Kathy Stine (’73), Debbie (Stine, ’75) Gartrell, Becki (Stine, ’77) Saltee, son-in-law Bill Gartrell (’77) and granddaughter Megan Gartrell (’09) are all Biola graduates.

David Richard Sprague (’60) went home to be with our Lordon Aug. 1 after a brief chronic illness. Dave, 69, went to Biola during its last semester at the downtown campus in Los Angeles and the first semester in La Mirada. He also attended Talbot briefly. He went on to serve many years as a professor of speech communication. His last position was at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va., for 19 years. He was a lifelong supporter of Christian education and did all that he could to promote it.