Countdown to Commencement

Craig graduated from Cedarville in 1989 and currently lives as a missionary in Mexico with his wife, Kristi. Craig became an entrepreneur, and after Cedarville, felt prompted by God to use the proceeds he received from his businesses to help send medical professionals on mission trips around the world. But eventually, God called he and his wife to go themselves. Now, as medical missionaries to Mexico, Craig and Kristi help coordinate evangelistic medical events in conjunction with local churches. In the last 20 years, they have seen the Lord at work through over 60,000 medical services being provided and over 15,000 people coming to faith in Christ.

Meredith graduated from Cedarville in 2014 and currently lives in the Philippines. It is here that she founded Obed’s House — a ministry that offers a safe and loving environment to children and teens who have been abused and abandoned. Through Obed’s House, she and her husband share the love of Christ with youth by providing a safe place to grow, live, and learn, as children are able to receive food, housing, clothing, and a Christian education. God continues to use Meredith and her team as they work to help children know Jesus, love Him, and develop into mature believers. 

Rob graduated from Cedarville in 1991 and has spent the last 31 years working for Raymond James Financial, where he manages bank relationships across the U.S. In addition to leading and discipling his family, he and his wife, Karen, are active members of their community and local church. Rob currently teaches adult and VBS Bible classes, leads small groups, and serves as a prayer partner for their food pantry and chairman of his church's elder board. Rob and Karen are making a Kingdom impact in St. Petersburg, Florida, and are excited for what the Lord has in store for the days to come. 

Paul and Ellen Swenson (both Cedarville class of 2000 graduates) were living and working in Vermont when God shifted their direction. In 2017, they moved their family to Papua New Guinea, where they have been church planting, developing and teaching a literacy program, writing Bible lessons, translating the Bible, and discipling believers. They have been amazed by the ways God has worked in the hearts of men and women who had no prior knowledge of Him, and they are hoping to preach the Gospel to neighboring villages this year alongside the new believers they have taught. 

Jared and Lorrin have lived in Holland, Michigan, since graduating from Cedarville in 2016. Jared currently works as a Sales Application Engineer at Apex Controls, and, previously working at Gentex Corporation, Lorrin recently took a pause from her role as an industrial engineer to stay home with their young children. They have been able to serve together in multiple capacities in their local church including high school ministry, children’s ministry, and small groups. Now, God is using them to provide discipleship in everyday life for others in their church as well as to raise their own kids in the fear of the Lord. 

Brian and Dana graduated from Cedarville in 1992 and 1990. For the last 30 years, they have lived in the Middle East as church planters, and they have witnessed firsthand the grace and power of God. Over the years, Brian and Dana have seen over 150 people come to faith in Christ. They have baptized 130 people, planted 5 churches, and mobilized 4 nationals into full-time ministry. God is at work in the Middle East, and He is using them to bring the light of Christ to their community.

A 2000 graduate, Carrie is an author, speaker, and podcaster with experience navigating the challenges of raising a son with disabilities. Having been featured on numerous podcasts and radio shows, she now hosts the This Unexpected Life podcast. Through many trials and dark valleys, God has given Carrie and her husband, Bruce (’96), a more profound faith and trust in Him, directing her to Psalm 40:1–3 time and again. “He has been faithful and present every step through our journey,” she says. God is using Carrie as a podcaster, author, and mentor to uplift mothers in various parenting situations with the hope and encouragement that come from Christ alone.

Rachael and Jon, class of 2005 and 2004, live in Indianapolis where Rachael is the founding Head of School at The Classical Academy. One lesson that stuck with her from her time at Cedarville is that education is never neutral — it always communicates values. Her worldview that “all truth is God’s truth,” shaped by the faithful discipleship of professors and coaches, is the foundation for her passion for academic excellence rooted in faith. Now, through her classical Christian K–12 school, God is using her to strengthen families and raise up the next generation of faithful followers of Christ.