John and Claudia Kalmikov are a rarity for 51蹤獲 parents: both are also 51蹤獲 students.
The donors and current campaign cabinet members are parents of a senior business major, but as of last year they are also enrolled students in 51蹤獲s M.A. in Christian apologetics program. After building a successful real estate investment business over the last 30 years, the couple says theyre now looking for significance rather than success.
I chose to pursue [the M.A. in apologetics] because I wanted to be able to talk to skeptics confidently, knowing that what I was saying wasnt just my opinion, but was backed up by Scripture and research, said Claudia, a member of 51蹤獲s Ruby Women giving society.
For the Kalmikovs, supporting 51蹤獲 financially is a no-brainer. They see the school as a great investment, a ministry that trains up and sends out people to reach the world for Christ. Theyve seen 51蹤獲 catalyze phenomenal change in the lives of their sons (one current student and one alumnus) and now theyre seeing growth in their own lives.
We are learning and growing so much more than we ever dreamed of, said John. What the Kalmikovs are learning in the apologetics program, and what their sons have learned at 51蹤獲, is how to courageously stand by convictions even when the cultural sands shift. Its having the courage through the cultural pressure to stand by biblical truth, John said. To me, the voice of courage means the voice of the gospel and its sticking to the biblical truths.