Courtney Guerrieri (’02)

Rob Short (’08)

I came to TMC on a baseball scholarship in the fall of 2005. I had an understanding of the gospel, but it wasn’t until the spring of 2006 that the Lord truly saved me. God used my time in the dorms and student life to surround me with godly men who made an eternal impact on my life. And, oh yeah, I also met my wife during WOW! We’ve now been married for 18 years. Looking back, I’m incredibly thankful for how God used TMC to transform my life and shape my future.

Victoria Peña (Nickerson) (’19)

The Lord used my time at TMU to equip me with the resources to be a lifelong learner of His Word. My professors became personal mentors and now my friends. My husband also graduated from TMU and we are so thankful for how we are able to serve our local church and the global church because of how we were equipped at TMU.

Scott Bird (’02)

I came to TMU as a relatively new believer. I was raised in a pretty typical non-denominational church where the gospel was presented but not much else. At TMU I learned to love and treasure the history and theology of the church which was a gateway into loving Christ and His people more. One of those people became my wife! I met Amy Marie Staley at TMU, in fact I learned all about Calvinism from her. Prior to that I thought Calvinism was a fandom word for the comic book Calvin and Hobbs.

A friendship blossomed into a lifelong commitment to Christ in marriage. We were honored to have faculty member Tom Halstead officiated our wedding.

I have gone on to plant and pastor a church and engage in foreign missions in Ukraine. My knowledge gained at TMU has served me well in this capacity. I owe everything I have to my time at TMU. May God bless Abner Chou, and the staff and faculty of TMU.

David Torres (’01)

God used TMC to set the trajectory of my life! I cannot claim knowledge to TMC’s distinctiveness prior to coming to TMC. I only visited a college fair last moment. In the end, TMC provided the financial aid, but in comparison to other Christian colleges, it stood out as a place that taught the truth of God’s Word in every discipline and the life that characterized followers of Christ.

Only in the mind of God would a plan so wonderful come about where I would learn so much concerning the Bible, Christian living, dear friends, my future wife, and extend on to ministry and family. Now I have the pleasure of seeing His faithful, wise, and kind plan unfold in placing me at GCC as an elder, working at GTY and TMS, and having my children partake in the unmerited favor of God upon my life. All because it has pleased Him so. I am unworthy. Praise be to God.

Julie Chen (’20)

I received my MA in Biblical Counseling in 2020. Prior to that, I lived in Taiwan for 22 years, had my undergraduate education from National Taiwan University, then came to California attending graduate school in computer science (San Jose State University). Then, I had 40 years of a fulfilling high-tech career (30 years in Silicon Valley, 10 years in international locations). I had never heard of TMU, never heard of John MacArthur, until God shook me up in mysterious ways.

I had been a “Sunday Christian” since I was saved in my early 30’s, but I started looking for Bible teaching programs and books, and I heard about Grace to You from John Piper who was giving a speech at a Conference in Japan in 2014. From there, one thing led to another. I decided to apply for TMU’s MABC program to study God’s Word (in a systematic and disciplined way) and learn biblical counseling as an application. My retirement project (be a graduate student at TMU) started in fall 2017 — learning from the best teachers of the Bible in TMU+TMS+GCC+GTY+…missionary ministries; volunteering at Shepherds Conferences…; building up a solid foundation for the life God wants me to live going forward. God used TMU to train me, direct me to walk on the path focusing on Christ and Scripture and to frame me on applying my time and resources for reaching His goal and finishing well.

I turned 70 last month, and I am so thankful that the Lord sent me to TMU to prepare me for the next years and decades. Without this TMU training, I would not have seen what a mission field the Lord has called me to. The three companies I worked for (all joined at start-up or pre-IPO stages) in Silicon Valley all became the leaders in AI software/semiconductor fields today. It’s exciting to see technologies and interact with tech people with biblical insights. I am thankful and proud to be a TMU alumna!!

Gregg Frazer (’81)

Fully 60% of my life has been spent at the three iterations of this institution. As a student of LABC in the ’70s, I played baseball, sang in Reflections, was part of student government, studied under tremendous professors, and made lasting friendships. Those years at LABC completely changed my commitment to Jesus Christ and gave direction to my life. In 1988, my mentor John Stead asked me to join the faculty of TMC. Former LABC president John Dunkin talked a donor into paying the entire cost for me to earn a Ph.D. All three of my daughters graduated from TMC/TMU, and one met her husband here. In my 38 years as a professor at TMC/TMU, I have taught literally thousands of students. My life is continually enriched by relationships with students and with colleagues. My colleagues help me to rightly divide the Word of truth and my responsibility to students and their questions holds me accountable. Our Lord has blessed me beyond measure or explanation through this institution and the people who constitute it.

Adam Holland (’04)

I came to TMC in fall 2000 and over the last 26 years, I think fondly of my time at TMC. From the classes, to chapel, to the friendships, TMC remains a remarkable time in my life. If I were to consider the ongoing impact of TMC in my life I would absolutely have to say the foundation in the Bible, Christian living, and theology which has continued to strengthen my relationship with the Lord these past years. The foundation the Lord built during my time at TMC strengthened me in many of life’s trials since my time at TMC, particularly when I was diagnosed with brain cancer. The Lord used the foundation from TMC to get me through the storm, and out of that trial I wrote two books that have helped, and I pray will continue to help, others going through their own trials, centered and focused on Christ. They’re entitled “Anchored in the Storm” and “Anchored to the Son. Thank you TMC for everything and Happy 100th!

Kirsty Carmichael (’25)

As a young woman from Australia who wanted to study in the USA, I was deeply moved by the kindness of my professors — that’s how God used TMU to impact my life. My professors and their wives truly love God and showed generous hospitality towards me, and that has stuck with me as I aim to do the same in law school.

Kris Toni Salvador (’14)

When I started at The Master’s College in 2011, I was coming from a church that was increasingly aligning itself with false teachers. I was confused and unsure what to believe. All I knew at the time was that I wanted people to help me understand the Bible better and to serve the Lord faithfully. The Lord used Master’s to shape my theology and remove confusion. I met lifelong friends and was encouraged by some professors to enter teaching as a career and way to serve the Lord. God has used Master’s in my life in profound ways that I know will be with me for a lifetime.

Aly Plattner (Tagliere) (’23)

The Lord used TMU to truly grow me in my faith and in my love for Him. I was saved in high school but the Lord used friendships, classes, and chapel at TMU to really mature me. When I look back on my time at Master’s, I’m so grateful for how the Lord used that to prepare me for a life of ministry and service to Him.

Ryan Swedberg (’18)

I am so grateful for how the Lord used TMU to impact me during my college years. The lifelong friendships I made, the mentorship I received, and the biblical education I obtained all have profoundly shaped my life. As someone who now serves as a pastor, I cannot imagine doing ministry without the solid foundation that TMU provided. Any chance I have to recommend future students to TMU is one that I take!

Scot Chadwick (’96)

My wife, Mariah, grew up listening to Dr. MacArthur on Grace to You (KHCB), but I first heard him when I was in high school and learned about The Master’s College. Mariah and I began our studies at the same time and were part of Grace Community Church, enjoying Sunday mornings and evenings under Dr. MacArthur’s teaching. One of my most valued classes was a weekly, early-morning, hour-long Q&A session with Dr. MacArthur in RAC23. We both appreciate his consistent devotion to Christ and Scripture and his earnest desire to equip men and women for service to our Lord. We thank God for Dr. MacArthur’s ongoing impact on our family, including our daughter Naomi, who graduated from TMU in 2023. I am further thankful for The Master’s Fellowship and the help provided to churchmen around the world. May the Lord continue to give fruit to the ministry of Dr. MacArthur!

Rodrigo Contreras (’24)

The Lord has used TMU as the greatest spiritual blessing in my life aside from my family and church. It is because of TMU that I am who I am today, of course, which is all from God’s overabundant mercy and grace. Before being saved, I found TMU extremely boring and looked down on it. After the Lord saved me at 16, I was able to start in the dual enrollment program, reading my entire Bible for the first time, with the faithful teaching of professors like Dr. Varner and Dr. Halstead, which the Lord used to make me grow as a newer believer. Once on campus, every class was a gift. I still remember almost every chapel sermon and can clearly see how the Lord used each of them to grow and transform me. Along with that, seeing other brothers in Christ who were more mature than me was a huge gift for someone coming out of high school, and even in a Christian home. It is easy as a pastor’s kid or missionary kid to think that you are the most mature in your circles. However, having godly men and women my age at TMU was a blessing to humble me and make me see my need to grow. Once graduated, I see more and more my need for the Lord and His Word, and I am so thankful for professors, peers, and now staff members and leadership above me that exemplify this love for the Lord for me. There truly is no place like TMU. Pastor John put it wisely that where there is sound doctrine there will be deep, biblical love among one another. I see that so clearly at TMU. TMU trains one to truly think biblically, to see Christ as Lord over every area of your life.

Ray Myers (’06)

I graduated with a degree in biblical studies with an emphasis in youth ministry.  I thought the Lord was calling me into full-time vocational ministry as a youth pastor, but that calling was never fulfilled as doors never opened.  The doors that did open were for me to get my teaching credential and minister to youth as a PE teacher and football coach in Northern California. Taking classes such as Christian World View with Dr. Behle gave me the tools to cope with the darkness that can be our public school system. It also gave me the knowledge to be a light to all of those I have taught and worked with. I am forever grateful for my time at TMC!

Kyle Johnston (’14)

I studied the MABC at TMU. It equipped me for pastoral ministry practically, but also deepened my biblical convictions. I look back on my time at TMU with gratitude, thankful for professors who taught me how to correctly handle the Word of Truth.

Shayna Anderson (’11)

In 1996, I was the catering manager at the country club that hosted TMC’s annual golf tournament. In that same year, I was saved by Jesus. Knowing that The Master’s College was a Christian college, I tried to transfer from community college to complete my bachelor’s degree. However, I worked full-time, living an hour away, to support myself and couldn’t enroll as a traditional student. When I attempted to enroll in the Center for Professional Studies, I discovered that there was an age limitation, and I was not yet 25. I recall hanging up the phone, being discouraged, but realizing that God did not want me to go to TMC.

Fast-forward to 2008, when I was able to enroll in the Degree Completion Program, formerly Center for Professional Studies. It was a lesson to me that God’s “no” may actually be “not-yet.” His timing was perfect! I can now see how God’s leading allowed me to walk another important path for my growth before coming to TMC. Finishing TMC in 2011 allowed me to meet the people that led me to join staff in 2024, and have the privilege of working at The Master’s University!

Jordan Standridge (’09)

The Lord used the preaching of John MacArthur while I was doing a gap year in Italy in 2004 to open my eyes to the sovereignty of God. Right after hearing him preach there in Italy, I read the entire Bible and did evangelism at a Bible school in Italy for the first time. There in Italy I decided I wanted to be a missionary. My change was pretty radical. Before going to Italy I was very depressed and lived in a world with me at the center. I would wake up most nights with great anxiety attacks while crying. During the Bible school I was convinced that God needed to be at the center, and my perspective had changed so dramatically that things that made me cry only days before, I was now thankful for. I felt the Lord leading me to be a missionary to Italy but I knew I needed training, so I decided to attend the Master’s College and Seminary. I loved John MacArthur, and God had used his preaching in a powerful way in my life in a very short time, so I was certain that Master’s was the college for me. The Lord was gracious to surround me with incredible roommates, RA’s, RD’s, and teachers that patiently put up with my loud Italian personality. I met my wife Jennifer during WOW week (we were in the same group), and we started dating after a few months and got married in December 2008 before we graduated in 2009. I came to TMC a broken, arrogant, selfish boy that knew nothing of how to love people, serve the church and live for God’s glory, but my heart’s desire was to grow in all those areas and the Lord used selfless, loving people to help me grow. I can’t imagine where I’d be and what I’d be doing if the Lord hadn’t so graciously allowed me to come to Master’s and be blessed by this wonderful school.

Ashley Mendez (’13)

TMU has been instrumental in cultivating a love for God, love for others, and love for learning that carries on in my life to this day. I am forever grateful for the professors who invested in me personally and academically. I would like to personally convey my gratitude to each of my professors for being exemplary role models and for the mark you have left on my life. These many years after graduation, I continue to be indebted to you for your faithful Christ-like example, wisdom, love for your students, and encouragement to live life for the Master. TMU also has a special place in my heart for the unique privilege of being immersed in the Word and for the depth of relationships and community that I found there. I thank the Lord for the years I spent at TMU and pray many more will be blessed by their time there, as well!

Jim Rickard Sr.

When Dr. Dunkin retired, I became chairman of the search committee. I first met Dr. MacArthur in 1984 when we interviewed him for the presidency. In 1987, I became chairman of the board and served until 2016. My relationship with John was truly special. We shared many memorable moments over those years. I loved John deeply and miss the special times we shared together.

Chrys Wimer (’87)

While I was at TMC, I made lifelong friends who have been a great source of encouragement and fun. I didn’t continue pursuing a career in Psychology, but I apply the biblical concepts I learned as a teacher. I have also been able to continue using the steadfast understanding of God’s word as I continue to serve our Lord and Savior.

Nancy Ng (’99)

I was a relatively new believer when I walked onto The Master’s College campus for the first time. I came to study biblical counseling, and in my time at TMC, I gained a solid grounding in the sufficiency of Scripture for all of life. I grew up learning Bible stories in church, but had no idea of how Scripture applies to every aspect of our lives. Master’s gave me such a foundation in practical theology, encouraging me to live out the principles the Lord gave us in the Bible — in my work, in marriage, in parenting, and in my life in the church, and I am so grateful.

Dorian Smallman (’13)

Prof. Suzuki used to do roll call and tell me to go back to my home country of Canada. This helped me develop thicker skin and has helped me persevere in my profession of sales today. Thank you, Jo.

Marco Bovino (’19)

While studying at a Bible school, I wanted to learn English to access more theological resources. I didn’t want to go back to school for that, but one day, I noticed a YouTube video featuring John MacArthur. At the time, I knew who he was from the Study Bible, but I thought he was a Puritan, long gone — I didn’t know he was still alive and preaching. Providentially, I clicked, and the rest is history. Video after video, Pastor John didn’t just teach me English, he unveiled to me the beauty and glory of Christ. Through his preaching, my love for the Savior deepened, and I began praying that someday, God would bring me here to sit and learn from him. I arrived at TMU, and not long after that Pastor John embraced me like family. Watching him preach with boldness gave me zeal for the truth and put steel in my spine; but, seeing him care for those closest to him has shown me the love of Christ in action. He taught and displayed Christ to me with his lips and life, and for that I am eternally grateful to the Lord, nothing is more precious than that.

Linzi Brown (’18)

I can’t even begin to describe how TMU has impacted my life. The way I even ended up at TMU Online was all God. It could not have been more evident that He was leading and guiding; the story is quite amazing. I entered college during a really hard season of life and God used TMU to open my eyes to a lot of things that I probably would have never seen otherwise. It has since led to so much freedom in Christ and so much healing. I will forever be grateful for TMU.  God has done exceeding abundantly over anything I could have hoped or dreamed for, and it started at TMU.

Linda Campbell (’66)

After graduation, I returned to work as Dr. Dunkin’s administrative assistant for several years. Oh, what wonderful years of my life that bless me to this day. And when I learned that John had taken the leadership of LABC (now TMU), I was overjoyed that God had worked such a miracle. When I married Larry, he brought me to Grace Community Church, and it became our home church back more than 50 years ago now! When we moved to Alabama, we took John with us in the form of his recordings, and with Larry’s organizing all of the recordings by Books in the Bible, we were and are able to study God’s Word straight through to this day. Now that we are retired, we can begin each day in God’s Word, using John’s messages to take us, verse by verse, through whole books of the Bible, and it is the highlight of every day.

Alayna Fraser (’25)

It is hard to describe how many ways that the Lord used TMU to impact my life. He took me from a deeply struggling believer to someone who walks in His truth now with confidence and joy (although still stumbling at times). Through my relationship with my RD, God helped me finally understand His grace and why the gospel is so important, which filled me with a joy that I’ve never had before that has truly changed my heart. It fueled my evangelism to others and causes me to walk closer with Him today. He also used my time at TMU to teach me sound doctrine that I hadn’t understood before, and I got to read everything from His Word myself, as the Bible class schedule takes every student through the entire Bible. I understand how the Bible works and why God’s plan of salvation is so precious and logical. At TMU, He grew my relationships with others and taught me how to handle conflicts biblically, a lesson I hadn’t wanted to learn before. Ultimately, He took my calloused heart and opened it up to His truth. I do not know that I would be where I am today without my season at TMU; it’s one I look back on with fondness and gratefulness in my heart to Him and to the place. I hope many others, including my own family, will encounter God’s grace and love so tangibly like I did at TMU.

Paul Reardon (’90)

For the past four decades, Dr. John MacArthur has profoundly influenced my spiritual journey. Through his incisive teaching, I was introduced to the Lord and have been nourished by the Word of God in myriad forms — his commentaries, books, and radio broadcasts. His teachings have made Scripture clear, drawing me closer to Jesus Christ. I am grateful not only for his remarkable commitment to teaching the Word of God, but also for the exemplary life he leads, echoing the apostle Paul’s assertion, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

Hannah Dupea (’11)

How did TMC impact me? First, through my grandpa (Robert Noller, LABC 1960s) and my parents (Monte and Echo Dupea … Dad was saved at LABC). Second, during my own tenure as a student: chapel, strong Biblical foundation in every class, and godly friends helped sustain me during the spiritually dry and personally lonely years of medical school; also freed me from the pattern of legalism I tended toward. Third, continued blessings through the magazine, online chapel access, and other alumni outreach. I am not alone, but part of a larger body of God’s people pressing toward a common goal of our utmost for His highest. Two of the most impactful lessons from TMC: 1. All for God’s glory — excellence in everything because it is all about Him (Dr. Taylor Jones, Dr. Mark Tatlock) 2. “At the end of the day…” (Dr. Keller) — boils everything down to what matters, eternity will tell; Ecclesiastes 3:11 (esp the last half; really, the whole book).

Joe Riddle (’14)

I believe the Lord used TMC in my life as a new believer, to expose me to Christian community and to illustrate what it means to live for Christ. As a student-athlete, I was constantly fed the truth by my coach, Monte Brooks, who helped mentor me and other student-athletes to do all tasks purely out of love for the Lord (Matthew 22:37). He bestowed upon us the disciplines of a godly man that go beyond the baseball field and apply to everything done off the field. He was and still is a great mentor to me and many others. Apart from baseball, I learned a great deal of academic disciplines as well from many great professors, who helped prepare me for a career in public education as a high school history teacher. I have many fond memories of my time at TMC and look forward to seeing how God continues to work through TMU.

Justin Erickson (’98)

When I was a brand-new believer, I was given two treasures: John MacArthur’s landmark book, “The Gospel According to Jesus” and a MacArthur tape titled “Issues of the Heart.” Since that day, no single individual has had a greater impact on my ministry than John MacArthur. When I learned that he was the president of The Master’s College and Seminary, I came for a visit and never looked back. I was front row Sunday morning, Sunday night, and chapel. I listened to every sermon, read every book, and devoured every resource I could get my hands on. Every day I was there was the best day of my life.  Here’s why: John’s preaching brings knowledge with power. The exacting precision with which he declares the Word of God brings deep clarity and conviction, but it comes through him with a practical force that compels us to gladly come under the lordship of Christ, whom John loves.  John MacArthur is a proven warrior whose ministry has become the “citadel” of truth. It has been the honor of a lifetime to stand in the pulpit at the University, and to place my children under his leadership as students at TMU. Because of God’s work through him, the church will always have the Bible rightly interpreted until Jesus comes and a model to imitate of life and doctrine.

Shannon Hurley (’97)

In 1993, I had essentially no theological girding but was hungry for the truth and zealous to serve the Lord. Then, by God’s grace, I was led to TMC and the ministry of John MacArthur. TMC’s discipleship environment and truth-based education radically impacted my worldview. I was left with a lofty view of God’s supremacy, awakening me to a greater sense of my own depravity. Through the preaching of John MacArthur and his permeating influence at TMC, I understood the depths of God’s salvation and the heights of God’s love. In 1996 I met my wife, Danielle (Seehusen) Hurley at TMC.  She, too, through John’s clear expository preaching, was significantly enhanced in her love for God and passion for His Word. Both she and I were grounded in God’s Word in ways that prepared us for a life of full-time ministry. John MacArthur has been a model, friend, example, supporter, and inspiration to us these past 32 years. The fingerprints of his ministry are all over our ministry here in Uganda. His legacy is now spreading throughout East Africa.

Norman Molina (’18)

My time at The Master’s University was truly transformative, shaping not only my career but also my understanding of how music can be used to serve and encourage the local church. As a music and biblical studies major, I experienced a level of excellence, intentionality, and mentorship that prepared me far beyond my years as a student. The music program and worship department challenged me to grow as a musician, leader, and servant, while providing the practical skills and strong spiritual foundation I needed for life and ministry. The faculty invested deeply in their students, and the experiences I gained continue to influence the way I lead, create, and connect with others in the industry and ministry today. I am incredibly thankful for the lasting impact The Master’s University has had on my journey as a believer and for the foundation it provided for a lifetime of church service through music.

Tom Pryymak (’25)

The Lord used TMU in my life by teaching me how to study and see the beauty of God in the Scriptures.

Bret Laird (’99)

In 1996, I transferred to TMC from a Christian college where the professors were drifting doctrinally and the student body was drifting morally.  The difference at TMC was a breath of fresh air, and I am so grateful to the Lord for the excellent Bible training and personal discipleship my wife Katey and I received! The impact extended off-campus as I served under the mentorship of C.W. Smith in a church revitalization ministry.  It was there that I met and served with Abner Chou in his freshman year of college.  Now that my children are studying at TMU under Dr. Chou’s leadership, our TMU story has come full circle and the impact has extended to a second generation. After 15 years on the mission field, 10 years in the pastorate, and raising four children, we continue to marvel at how the Lord used TMC to prepare us so well for every aspect of life and ministry.  We are thrilled that three of our children are graduating on TMU’s 100th anniversary, and hope to send our youngest to TMU as well.  Lord willing, in a few years, all six of us will be TMU alumni!  We are SO grateful for The Master’s University!

Jennessa Randall (’97)

I had had Christian friendships before attending TMC, but never spiritual friendships. The modeling from my RD, RA’s and others at Master’s is where I first tasted of friendships that intentionally seek to help each other become more like Jesus and live faithfully for Christ in the highs and lows of everyday life. Once I tasted of that kind of friendship, I couldn’t go back. It has been what I’ve sought to have be part of all my Christian friendships since.

KariAnne Froese (Frazer) (’17)

My father, Dr. Gregg Frazer, has been at TMC/TMU my whole life. I grew up playing on campus, eating in the cafe, and engaging with students. When it came time for me to prepare for college I wanted to get far away from home and start “my own life” in a new place. However, God used a View Weekend to open my eyes to all the blessings of The Master’s College and plant in my heart a desire to attend. During my four years, I experienced a thriving community in the dorms (Sweazy all the way), spiritual care from staff and professors, sweet friendships grounded in Christ, and a solid education that well prepared me for life after college. The Lord used the theatre department especially, to teach me how the gospel applies to every moment of our lives as believers. Serving on SLS and dorm staff helped my heart grow in compassionate care for others. Learning from professors who modeled what they taught showed me what real faith looks like. I walked away from my time at TMU with a greater humility in approaching God’s Word and a deeper desire to study and apply it for the rest of my life. I regularly praise God for the gift of an education at The Master’s University and encourage everyone around me to pursue the same.

Ryan Bricker (’20 undergrad; 2021 MBA)

I had never heard of TMU until my senior year of high school when a high school baseball coach of mine had connected me with coach Monte Brooks. Long story short, I decided to attend TMU for the purpose of playing college baseball without knowing that God would use the University for purposes far beyond baseball in my life (although my baseball experience at TMU was outstanding). My love for Christ and Scripture was cultivated at TMU, which has impacted every aspect of my adult life — family, local church, vocation and the list goes on. My wife and I met at TMU and often times fondly reminisce about our time as students. We will be forever indebted to the University and attribute so much of who we are, particularly our love for God and His word, to our time at TMU.

Craig Couture (’09)

I attended The Master’s College in 2005, starting out at Oak Manor. When I hear people talk about Master’s, I often find that the conversation centers around JMac, the education, or what they learned in the classroom. I certainly enrolled because I wanted the biblical counseling emphasis, and I am thankful for what I was taught. But as I look back now, what I carry with me most is not necessarily the teaching I received while I was there. It is the friendships. I met people from all over the country and from around the world. In the professional world, people might call that networking, but I view it in a much less sterile, business-like sense. Master’s taught me what it looked like to have friendships that were deeper than the relationships I had heard about at universities that did not care about Christ’s supremacy. Ecclesiastes says, “if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion.” (Ecclesiastes 4:10, LSB).  That has become a much more meaningful reality to me as I have gotten older. The Lord knows I am a sinner. I fall flat on my face. I need people who know me well enough to ask just the right question, care enough to reach out, or simply remind me of what is true. Sometimes that person has been a professor or preacher in another city or state, but very often it has been a friend I met through Master’s.