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Friday Evening Connections and Reflections for 7/24/20


Connections and Reflections for July 24, 2020

  • Our beloved brother, Dr. David Reece “Doc” (JUTN ’70), passed away on Sunday, July 19, 2020. Dave had one simple life goal — to serve God.  He did it for his wife Cindy (Creamer, JUTN ’70 & ’99), daughter Sarah (JUTN ’06), sister Nancy, brother Johnathan (JUTN ’72), and all those who wanted to learn. He experienced great “Joy On The Journey”.

    Memorials may be sent to:
    Johnson University, 7900 Johnson Dr., Knoxville, TN 37998
    OR
    Project Kenya International, P.O. Box 6920, Maryville, TN 37803

    David didn’t want a big memorial service and so the family and a few friends will accompany Dave's ashes to the Columbarium at "Shiloh on the Heights" on Tuesday. The Inurnment Service will be streamed at www.JohnsonU.edu/DavidReece at noon on Tuesday.

    Cindy said, “…many people have already memoralized him on Facebook and by way of emails and text messages. It has been the best ‘Celebration of Life’ I have ever experienced.”

  • I could personally spend days reading all the posts from alumni whose lives have been enhanced as a result of the life and ministry of Doc Reece.  He was certainly beloved and respected by those fortunate enough to know him.  I can only hope to leave behind a legacy half as powerful as that of this dear brother in Christ.
     
  • Ethan Michael Eslinger
    Chris (JUTN ’14) and Bethany (Baire, JUTN ’14) Eslinger welcomed their 3rd child on May 7, 2020 Ethan Michael Eslinger. He has two older siblings Elijah (4) and Elliana (3).  Congratulations Chris and Bethany!  A “Future JU Royals” bib is on its way!
     
  • Stewart Woodley (JUTN ’89) recently reminisced, “Did anyone besides me get called a ‘Christian Service Loser’ in chapel by Stan McDaniel because you had not turned in your forms yet?”  Most responses were of the “LOL” variety and the memories are all too real for those of us who struggled to meet the requirements.
     
    While I didn’t have the privilege of getting to know Stan personally, I have heard several stories of his no-nonsense approach to directing the Christian Service program.  Like Doc Reece, Stan seems to be one of those legendary characters at Johnson for whom the students had a great deal of admiration and appreciation.  I can relate to Stan’s frustration regarding students who failed to submit their forms on time as the role of Christian Service Coordinator was mine from 2002-2007.  I don’t think I ever called a student a “Christian Service Loser” but I certainly vented my frustration behind closed doors. Haha!

  • Alison (Compton, JUTN ’99) and Solomon Ngallaba recently concluded a long and productive ministry in Tanzania.  Alison has served in Tanzania for 14 years while Solomon recently completed his 5th year with SIL Tanzania.  Their sudden departure from Tanzania, due to COVID and other circumstances, has left them scrambling and searching for the Lord’s guidance. Please join them in prayer regarding possible next steps in life and ministry.

  • Joe (JUTN ’07) and Lauren (Griggs, JUTN ’08) Mueller recently moved to Manhattan, Kansas where Joe is taking on the role of “Assistant Professor of Bible and Theology.”  Joe said, “I am humbled to have been granted the privilege to teach at Manhattan Christian College as ‘Assistant Professor of Bible and Theology.’ This marks both a new beginning for me, and also a culmination of a long journey toward teaching that I could not have completed without the love and care of so many, most of all Lauren Mueller. Despite all of the challenges you might imagine that come with buying a house and moving across the country during a pandemic, we have been blessed through the entire process and are now enjoying settling in to our new home and community. I am excited about the positive things happening at MCC, and (Lord willing) about being a part of this academic family for years to come."
     
    Congratulations Joe!  We look forward to seeing how the Lord will use you to influence and shape young Christian lives for the sake of the Gospel.


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