Grace College - Heritage Yearbook (Winona Lake, IN)

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It is the unexpected that makes Grace truly amazing. Take Paul Zeltwanger for instance, a senior Accounting and Business major from Mishawaka, Indiana. Be- hind the cool consistency of his play on the basketball court is a respected man with a heart for oth- ers. Paul grew up playing basketball with his father, brother, and neigh- borhood friends at the six-foot rim in their backyard. Like every Hoo- sier, he had dreams of a dazzling basketball career. Yet something happened during his eighth grade year that put those plans into per- spective. He saw the film A Thief In The Night about the endtimes, and he realized the seriousness of the issue of eternity. Paul’s dad is a pastor, and he talked it over with him and made a decision to trust Christ as his personal Savior. Paul was first attracted to Grace through his contact with Coach Jim Kessler at summer basketball camps. Coach K had a real concern for his players, and they in turn exhibited genuine friendliness. It has been those same people who have had the most impact on Paul during his four years in Winona Lake. ‘Coach cares that the guys grow up to be mature men,” Zeltwanger testifies. To meet that end, the team is given valuable ex- periences — like the recent trip to the Bahamas. Conducting chapel services, giving basketball clinics, and teaching physical education classes are ministries not only to others but also by Coach K to the team. There are verses that the team memorizes, a devotional giv- en by the team chaplain, Bruce Bar- low, before each game, and Kessler also strives to relate game situa- tions to real life. Coach K’s ministry to the team has had a strong impact on Paul's life. Amazing Grace...

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Amazing Grace... How do men in the state prison take classes from Grace College in- structors? Through a college pro- gram developed as an outcropping of Professor Ken Taylor’s involve- ment in Prison Fellowship. This ministry marks our instructors as a unique group of people, as well as giving the inmates at the Michigan City prison an opportunity to re- ceive college credit. Among those who have been or are presently involved in this ministry are Dr. Theodore Hildebrandt, Dr. W. Merwin Forbes, Dr. Robert Mathisen, Professor Kenneth Tay- lor, Nurse Joan Taylor, and Chap- lain Roy Roberts. Chaplain Roy Roberts, at one time, worked in the home office of Prison Fellowship as the Director of Church Relations, and also led many discipleship seminars. Pr ofessor Ken Taylor is currently the coordinator of the Michigan Ci- ty program, serves on the state ad- visory committee, and along with his wife Joan, conducts marriage and discipleship seminars through- out the country for Prison Fellow- ship. Ample opportunities have arisen for student involvement as well. Many have served internships at the Westville Correction Center — assisting the chaplain, aiding a counselor, and helping to teach art classes. Some have even had the chance to conduct a choir and lead other recreational activities. Not only have there been open- ings to minister to the inmates, but the inmates have ministered. Tay- lor said he had received many ben- efits from his involvement. He met a host of unique individuals and has developed long-lasting deep friendships tempered with love. A greater appreciation was gained for the fact that God is building His church — even in prison — and no one can stay His hand. Further un- derstnding of heaven was gained, as well as a realization that heaven would be filled with individuals of diverse backgrounds and expres- sions of faith. As the instructors here at Grace College have learned, reaching out to others can be an unexpected blessing! And our min- istry teams, as well as instructors, help to make Grace truly amazing!

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Zeltwanger has emerged as the leader of the team this year. Coach K wanted him to fill that role, and his teammates respected him because of the strong rela- tionships he has built with them. Close friendships within the team — like Paul’s with his roommate of four years, Ben Teske, star for- ward on the team — have helped build a cohesive team which has produced remarkable success on the court. Basketball is not Paul’s only area of interest. Through his work with summer basketball camps, a desire grew within him to work with kids. As a result, he has been a leader for Lighthouse Company, a big brother-big sister ministry on campus. As Paul sees it, “These kids don’t have a real le- gitimate chance, unless they have a good example.” Although he does not have a rotten back- ground, his ten-year-old little brother, Claude, enjoys being around someone who loves him. It is a plus that Claude’s parents are real receptive to Paul’s in- volvement. This ministry has pro- duced a heart for kids in Paul. After he graduates in May, Paul plans to take a position at an ac- counting firm in Indianapolis and hopefully get married next year to his high school sweet heart. Paul Zeltwanger has had no regrets about his decision to attend Grace. He has appreciated the people, the atmosphere, and the solid Biblical foundations. He pro- claims, “I’m really glad I came to Grace.” Paul Zeltwanger is just one more special part of amazing Grace.