Building safer houses, constructing new roofs, and laboring in Tennessee’s hot summer sun isn’t routine for OCU Junior Tyler Forney. What is routine is witnessing about Jesus, having a heart for Youth Ministry, and placing others' needs above his for the glory of God.
Choosing to spend his summer with Service Over Self (SOS) in Memphis, Tyler, along with 40 other young adults, spread the Good News to middle and high school students and learned to be an SOS team leader.
An avid OCU community member, Tyler appears happy-go-lucky, working for SAC, serving as a hall chaplain, and walking freshman through acclimation to campus life. What many may not know is Tyler is learning the calling God placed on him.
When asked why he spent the summer serving, Tyler explains, “I’ve always loved Memphis. Honestly, I felt God was calling me to set this summer aside. He wanted me to take action to serve Him.”
“What I’ve learned about SOS is its dedication to leadership development. It helped me become a leader, build relationships with new SOS campers week after week, and take charge of construction projects. God is working in my life.”
Tyler feels God is pushing him to gain more skills, serve modestly, lead faithfully, and live joyfully. Two years at OCU prepared him for his SOS adventure. “I just love the community that SOS builds by empowering people to be constructive. It is about making an impact and being a light for others. This summer changed me. I see new ways I want to grow.”
Articles of Interest
Alumnus Publishes Book
Published: October 26, 2021
On November 10-11, 2021, Ohio Christian University will host R.E. Addison,
Class of 2021, on campus after the release of his book, Yeshua's Thief. Set
in 28 A.D., Yeshua’s Thief is the story of the family of a thief on the
cross who was forgiven. It is a story of sacrifice, redemption, and
romance.
Ohio Christian University President Jon Kulaga states “being able to
celebrate the success of our students is a joy and a privilege. R.E. is
fulfilling his calling as a pastor, enjoying success as a husband and father,
and now as a writer. Ohio Christian University’s Christ-Centered
On November 10-11, 2021, Ohio Christian University will host R.E. Addison,
Class of 2021, on campus after the release of his book, Yeshua's Thief. Set
in 28 A.D., Yeshua’s Thief is the story of the family of a thief on the
cross who was forgiven. It is a story of sacrifice, redemption, and
romance.
Ohio Christian University President Jon Kulaga states “being able to
celebrate the success
On November 10-11, 2021, Ohio Christian University will host R.E. Addison,
Class of 2021, on campus after the release of his book, Yeshua's Thief. Set
in 28 A.D., Yeshua’s Thief is the story of the
2021 Summer Celebration Picnic
Published: August 6, 2021
Ohio Christian University held its first ever Summer Celebration Picnic on
Friday, July 16, 2021. This was a time for OCU Alumni, donor partners and
community members to get together and enjoy Food, Friends and Fellowship. In
spite of some scattered storms, many people of all ages gathered together.
Matt Hunnell, VP of University Advancement commented: “Despite a little
rain, we had a great turn out. It was wonderful to see smiling faces on
campus, and our friends enjoying music, a good meal, and time together. We
look forward to many more events and gatherings on campus in the
Ohio Christian University held its first ever Summer Celebration Picnic on
Friday, July 16, 2021. This was a time for OCU Alumni, donor partners and
community members to get together and enjoy Food, Friends and Fellowship. In
spite of some scattered storms, many people of all ages gathered together.
Matt Hunnell, VP of University Advancement commented: “Despite a little
rain, we had a great
Ohio Christian University held its first ever Summer Celebration Picnic on
Friday, July 16, 2021. This was a time for OCU Alumni, donor partners and
community members to get together and enjoy Food
Dr. Caleb Friedeman Publishes Major Reference Work
Published: April 1, 2021
Ohio Christian University is pleased to announce that Dr. Caleb Friedeman,
David A. Case Chair of Theology and Ministry and Assistant Professor of
Biblical Studies, has published A Scripture Index to Rabbinic
Literature(ASIRL) with Hendrickson Academic. This volume is a comprehensive
Scripture index to classical rabbinic literature in English that contains
approximately 90,000 entries and represents over 2,500 hours of work by a
seven-person team over the course of two and a half years. In addition to the
work of the editorial team, a group of OCU staff and students assisted in
Ohio Christian University is pleased to announce that Dr. Caleb Friedeman,
David A. Case Chair of Theology and Ministry and Assistant Professor of
Biblical Studies, has published A Scripture Index to Rabbinic
Literature(ASIRL) with Hendrickson Academic. This volume is a comprehensive
Scripture index to classical rabbinic literature in English that contains
approximately 90,000 entries and
Ohio Christian University is pleased to announce that Dr. Caleb Friedeman,
David A. Case Chair of Theology and Ministry and Assistant Professor of
Biblical Studies, has published A Scripture Index
Dr. Melvin Maxwell Graduates to Glory
Published: July 4, 2020
Melvin Maxwell was known as a powerful man of God and prayer warrior by those
who knew him. On Saturday, July 4, 2020, Dr. Maxwell graduated from this life
to his eternal home and was united with his Savior whom he loved. He was born
in Georgetown, Ohio, on November 15, 1921, and grew up during the Great
Depression. Though his mother died at an early age, his father was a godly
man and raised him and his brother Millard to follow Christ no matter how
hard the situation.
On August 25, 1942, Maxwell married his wife, Laura. They had three children
together: Lawrence (Larry), John, and
Melvin Maxwell was known as a powerful man of God and prayer warrior by those
who knew him. On Saturday, July 4, 2020, Dr. Maxwell graduated from this life
to his eternal home and was united with his Savior whom he loved. He was born
in Georgetown, Ohio, on November 15, 1921, and grew up during the Great
Depression. Though his mother died at an early age, his father was a godly
man and
Melvin Maxwell was known as a powerful man of God and prayer warrior by those
who knew him. On Saturday, July 4, 2020, Dr. Maxwell graduated from this life
to his eternal home and was united with
Archived Articles of Interest
Graduate Profiles: Ethan Allen and Dustin Hube Serve Where Disaster Strikes
Published: August 27, 2019
The devastation of communities from natural disasters has piled on lately.
Hurricanes alone account for many billions of dollars in property loss. The
tragedy of lost loved ones and cherished family possessions is beyond
measure. In the midst of these far-reaching calamities, two OCU graduates
have been working diligently to preserve and protect those affected most by
Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria.
Ethan Allen, a 2015 OCU graduate in Emergency Management, has first-hand
experience of such mega-disasters. Working with The Salvation Army in Ft.
Myers, Ethan assisted with the
The devastation of communities from natural disasters has piled on lately.
Hurricanes alone account for many billions of dollars in property loss. The
tragedy of lost loved ones and cherished family possessions is beyond
measure. In the midst of these far-reaching calamities, two OCU graduates
have been working diligently to preserve and protect those affected most by
Hurricanes Harvey,
The devastation of communities from natural disasters has piled on lately.
Hurricanes alone account for many billions of dollars in property loss. The
tragedy of lost loved ones and cherished
Student Profile: Caitlyn McCrary Is Asking Big Questions
Published: August 27, 2019
Caitlyn McCrary is a senior psychology major in OCU’s Residential
Undergraduate program.
Growing up, Caitlyn felt she had been hiding in the shadow of her
musically-talented family. Questions like “What about me? What am I good
at?” echoed in her head regularly.
Being a student at OCU helped her realize her God-given potential. Her
personal growth is affecting every area of her life. Recently, Caitlyn made
this testimonial video about her exploration to answer her big questions:
If you’re like Caitlyn, wondering about your future and asking your own big
questions, why not
Caitlyn McCrary is a senior psychology major in OCU’s Residential
Undergraduate program.
Growing up, Caitlyn felt she had been hiding in the shadow of her
musically-talented family. Questions like “What about me? What am I good
at?” echoed in her head regularly.
Being a student at OCU helped her realize her God-given potential. Her
personal growth is affecting every area of her life.
Caitlyn McCrary is a senior psychology major in OCU’s Residential
Undergraduate program.
Growing up, Caitlyn felt she had been hiding in the shadow of her
musically-talented family. Questions like
Graduate Profile: Sam Bussey Served in Houston
Published: August 27, 2019
When Samantha “Sam” Bussey graduated from Ohio Christian University in
2017 she never imagined her major in Emergency and Disaster Management would
lead her so quickly to life-changing and impactful recovery work generated by
Hurricane Harvey.
Recently, with Encompass World Partners—a faith-based organization that
sends missionaries worldwide in crisis response—Sam was stationed in the
heart of Houston, Texas, helping restore the Harvey-ravaged community.
At Encompass, Sam was a member of a team that is helping hurricane victims in
Houston. Traveling to such areas, she assists in
When Samantha “Sam” Bussey graduated from Ohio Christian University in
2017 she never imagined her major in Emergency and Disaster Management would
lead her so quickly to life-changing and impactful recovery work generated by
Hurricane Harvey.
Recently, with Encompass World Partners—a faith-based organization that
sends missionaries worldwide in crisis response—Sam was stationed in the
When Samantha “Sam” Bussey graduated from Ohio Christian University in
2017 she never imagined her major in Emergency and Disaster Management would
lead her so quickly to life-changing and
Student Profile: Kyle Benecke Leaves Comfort Zone
Published: August 27, 2019
Junior Kyle Benecke has a slew of rising talents. While being on Sports Link
and starring in Track and Cross Country, Kyle maintains superior academic
standing. One may think this cool kid with the Mohawk can't possibly do
anything else. But, when asked about some of his favorite activities, Kyle
brings up his band, Leaving Cardboard Houses, as if it were nothing.
Serving as lead singer, songwriter, and ukulele player, Kyle and drummer
Chris Volzke make up the band. Although they are just two, they sure know
how to fill a stage with musical presence. Writing, producing, managing, and
Junior Kyle Benecke has a slew of rising talents. While being on Sports Link
and starring in Track and Cross Country, Kyle maintains superior academic
standing. One may think this cool kid with the Mohawk can't possibly do
anything else. But, when asked about some of his favorite activities, Kyle
brings up his band, Leaving Cardboard Houses, as if it were nothing.
Serving as lead singer,
Junior Kyle Benecke has a slew of rising talents. While being on Sports Link
and starring in Track and Cross Country, Kyle maintains superior academic
standing. One may think this cool kid with the
OCU Graduate Profile: Nick Enix is Shooting for the Stars
Published: August 27, 2019
Class of 2016 graduate Nick Enix is accustomed to reaching high in advancing
his professional goals. As a Chemical Dependency major, Nick was blessed to
gain employment with the Pickaway Area Recovery Services (PARS) in
Circleville during his junior year. Today he continues there as a licensed
Substance Abuse Counselor.
Due to his excellent OCU preparation, Nick was selected over competitors for
his position. Completing his bachelor degree in Chemical Dependency
Counseling in just three-and-one-half years enabled him to pass the State of
Ohio’s licensing test quickly and dive
Class of 2016 graduate Nick Enix is accustomed to reaching high in advancing
his professional goals. As a Chemical Dependency major, Nick was blessed to
gain employment with the Pickaway Area Recovery Services (PARS) in
Circleville during his junior year. Today he continues there as a licensed
Substance Abuse Counselor.
Due to his excellent OCU preparation, Nick was selected over
Class of 2016 graduate Nick Enix is accustomed to reaching high in advancing
his professional goals. As a Chemical Dependency major, Nick was blessed to
gain employment with the Pickaway Area
