Jim Page - Chairman
Jim (wife Chloe) is a Deacon at Farina First Southern Baptist Church, Board Member for IL Baptist State Association Foundation and a retired superintendant of schools. “I agree with the vision for ministry to Lake Land College students. There is a great need for this work. Jason and JoLee are dedicated and capable young people who have selected a diverse and well-qualified, Christian group to serve on this board. There is a void of active, advertised Christian work and witness to the Lake Land campus. The fulfillment of this vision will fill that void.”
Monty Bennett - Vice-Chairman
Monty (wife Trish) serves as Chairman of the Board at Charleston Bible Church and recently retired from being the Director of Purchases for Eastern Illinois University. Monty has several children who graduated from Lake Land, one who is currently employed there and serving as a faculty advisor for the student led Bible club that is being started on campus. “I believe God is leading this ministry and God has a purpose for me in this ministry in a way to serve.”
Bob Janssen
Bob (wife Carol) serves at First Baptist Church of Casey. You might know him as the former owner of Kentucky Fried Chicken and Comfort Inn in Casey. He is still involved with commercial real estate development and Casey Industries, Inc. “Being a graduate of Lake Land College, I liked the idea of a gospel ministry there. I also was raised in the area and appreciate the effort of bringing Christian activities to the college students. We have known Jason and JoLee and believe they will do good work.”
Don Estep (wife Nancy serves as secretary)
Don serves as an Awana Missionary for all of central and southern IL. When Don isn’t filling the pulpit or giving Awana presentations, he serves at Riverside Baptist Church in Decatur. “Nancy and I also see the need of a ministry such as “Beyond Us” to minister to the needs of Christians on a secular college campus. We see this ministry as a great tool to reach the unsaved as well.”
Meredith Williams
Meredith (husband Eric) serves at First Christian Church in Marshall. Meredith works at Clabber Girl in Terre Haute as part of their marketing team. Meredith brings an “inside” perspective to our board because she was a resident at Stewart House Cooperative during her time at Purdue University. “I have a passion for the need for Christian students to have a place to connect with other kids on a secular campus. Our youth are at a critical crossroads and Christian living at the college level has a huge impact. I lived in a Christian co-op at Purdue and it changed the course of my life!”
Gary Shaw - Treasurer
Gary (wife Mindy) serves as Deacon at Mullen Baptist Church near Montrose and along with his wife are the Youth Directors. Gary works in the accounting department at Bolin Enterprise in Casey and has been in accounting/administration of construction companies for around 16 years. “Growing up in the area I know Lake Land is the first step for many students in the area as they further their education. When I attended EIU I was not involved in any on campus ministry my first two years but attended Bible studies and activities at the Christian Campus House the last two years and could see a huge difference in my perspective on things. Standing up for Christian morals and beliefs is hard in today’s society especially on college campuses and I see this ministry as a great way to give support to students as they start their journey of finding their place in the “real world”. When you know you’re not alone and have others around that share your core beliefs and morals it helps you to be able to stand for what you know you need to stand for. I see BUM offering that support and opportunity to grow closer to God along with fellow believers.”
Jason Reichert
Jason (wife JoLee) has 12+ years of experience in youth ministry. He answered the call to full time ministry and accepted the position as Intern Pastor at Martinsville Bible Church in 2008 where he served full time through the spring of 2011. He has received his Master of Arts Degree in Theological Studies from Liberty Baptist Seminary. Jason is a graduate of Lake Land College and Eastern Illinois University and is excited to begin serving full time with Beyond Us Ministries in the Mattoon area.
Non-denominational Scripture based ministry dedicated to helping local college students.We help those students by offering a family-like living environment where they will be challenged to walk worthy of their calling while witnessing to their college campus and growing in their personal relationship with Christ.
Where is it located?
We plan to be located close to the Lake Land College campus in Mattoon, IL. Currently Bible studies are being held at Buck Grove Community Church located just two miles south of campus until BUM has its own facility.
Who is Bum trying to reach?
The BUM program is desiged for college students in the Mattoon/Charleston area, who are looking for a peer filled christian....
Why?
Christian college students need a place where they can connect with God and other colleges christians. Research reveals that 7 out of 10 church dropouts are between the ages of 18-22 years old. (stat taken from Sam S. Rainer III, Pastor and Author , article found in Homelife magazine, Feb 2009 edition)
How do I get involved?
