Jonathan Cummings (Best Man)

Brothers

As if this could summarize 21years of life together, but here goes: Diapers, Matrix moment, legos, backyard games, Age of Empires, spy kids, hockey, Nintendo 64, green machines, Lord of the Rings, PS2, Airsoft, Skiing, Sledding, Basketball, Call of Duty, Volleyball, Mexico, Telluride, Shaver Lake Olympics and most recently backpacking in Norway. We've been through it all, and despite opposite personalities you have always been my best friend and playmate. Love you Goldleader.

Jonathan's FAVORITE MEMORIES
A Summary Letter of "The Good old Days"
DISCLAIMER – I will begin by stating that I have a disadvantage in my task to remember the best moments that I have shared with Jared throughout my life. This is due to the fact that Jared has been clinically diagnosed with Superioris Memoritus, which highlights the inferiority of my memory in comparison to his. While this may be news to some, this has been something that both he and I have struggled with all of our lives. Subsequently, I apologize in advance for any mistakes in my recollection of some of the best moments in my life. 
 
(1) SPY KIDS
Some of my earliest and most fond memories with Jared stem from our spy gang years. Our Dad was nifty enough to build us a fort in the loft of our garage where we painted the walls camo and named our base “white tiger.” Subsequently, we proceeded to rally together a rag-tag team of kids from around the block in which we would carry out our missions. We all had our own specialties. Even from a young age Jared was very organized. He had mapped out our entire neighborhood in a scouting report and drew his own map. I remember having to navigate around our entire backyard without touching the ground during training—also known as a much more intense version of “the floor is lava” for the rest of you 90’s kids.
 
(2) WALKING TO SCHOOL + SPRINKLER GAME
Quick side memory: On our morning walks to school where we would race to see how many stuck sprinkler heads we could push down was always an adrenaline rush… especially when we would both get to one and end up breaking it because it was too stubborn to go down. So I apologize to any of you with broken sprinkler heads… I confess.
 
(3) ALL THINGS FIREARMS
Next up in the stage of early boyhood, came our obsession with guns. It began with nerf. I remember Jared would have me practice snipping the mailbox with the rocket launcher. This then turned into nerf wars in the house with the rest of our friends. I still have all of the same nerf guns and put them to good use in the dorms out here at college. Then there were airsoft guns. My dad bought us tons of “spring” guns to use in our backyard. I remember the BBs being so expensive that after our battles we would always scour the plants to see what neon yellow/green BBs were salvageable. Naturally, we had to continue upgrading our arsenal after being out-gunned by Jared’s other friends at his birthday party with electric machineguns. From humble beginnings of battling in the future park site (which is finally built now that our childhood is over), to playing at professional airsoft fields; Jericho and Patriot Airsoft. We took this sport seriously. Even to this day, the nostalgia produced from seeing our arsenal hanging on the “gun wall” still spawns spontaneous battles with friends.
 
(4) YouTube Videos
In our middle school years, YouTube had blown up. That’s all we would do. Of course, Jared created his own “tech” channel known as “Applelicious2,” please make sure to like, comment, and subscribe down below. Luckily, Jared had it in his heart to make a courtesy Channel for the rest of the neighborhood kids and myself. Despite my horrible acting skills, I absolutely loved every second of filming and looking over his shoulder as he edited the videos. Jared’s tech skills have always blown the minds of our entire family. I cannot recall a single moment after Jared received his first iPhone in which he did not “have an app for that.” Not only did this leave the rest of us in awe, but it inspired me to begin my own YouTube channel and start making my own videos!
 
(5) CAR STUFF
Before I knew it, we were in high school. Jared had his license and was driving. It feels like yesterday that the drive-thru lady at taco bell asked if you were old enough to even be driving. Jared always had the cool car. We would blast “Gangnam style,” with me dancing out of the sunroof while we drove by our old middle school. He washed and waxed his baby all the time. He got a cover, installed an exhaust, tinted the windows, and installed a subwoofer. Subsequently, as the younger brother, I had to compete. Jared inspired me to take good care of my own car as well as to learn how to install things on my own!
 
(6) TRIPS TO CCU
Everything changed, when Jared left for college. While we may not have felt all that close in high school, the absence of my best friend’s presence crushed me. Something always felt off at home. Our parents were gracious enough to buy me a plane ticket to fly out to CCU to stay with Jared for a few days to check out the school. We did everything, from skiing to off-roading and exploring—all the way to midnight taco bell runs. I had missed him dearly. Those few days made me realize how close Jared and I actually were, and how much our relationship really meant to me.
 
(7) HOMETOWN STREET HOCKEY
Ever since coming to college at APU it has become increasingly difficult to spend time together. I have become convinced that our schedules are actively trying to keep us apart. However, when we are lucky enough to see each other over holiday breaks, I love how we go back to our roots with a good ol’ game of street hockey. We used to play when we were kids; but stopped after I had chipped Jared’s tooth in half with a wild slap shot. It has been so fun to reassemble a group of old friends from home to play pick-up games.
 
(8) BACKPACKING NORWAY
I would hope anyone that backpacks through Norway for 14 days remembers it. Jared was gracious enough to share his graduation present with me—where we were able to continue our quest in exploring the world. The hiking was nice—the scenery beautiful, but my favorite part of that trip was in all the laughs shared over meals, setting up camp, and on our bus and train rides. The pictures and videos are priceless, but so was every moment shared with you.
 
A FINAL NOTE
On a final note, I just wanted to say that I would be nothing of the man I am today without such an inspiring older brother. Everything Jared does, he does well. Our parents are absolutely incredible, but I believe Jared played an almost equally significant role in shaping who I have become. As a firstborn, he was the “trailblazer.” I will hold him responsible for my early on addiction to videogames. After being identified as “Jared’s little brother” all throughout middle school; I had to excel in my studies as to not let my teachers down. I played all the same sports that he did. I tired volleyball just because he played—which led to me to be able to play for the #4 ranked high school team in the nation as well as serve as the captain of my D2 college club team. Everything he did I wanted to do. He taught me how to airsoft, he got me interested in cars, he made me want to become a better skier, and he made me want to attend a Christian college. Everything that he was, inspired me. He made me want to try new things, to get better at old things, and to do it all with Jesus right by my side.
 
If it were not for Jared, I may not have ever fell in love with videogames. If it were not for Jared, I would have never played on any of these amazing volleyball teams. If it were not for Jared, I may not have bought my own airsoft gun. If it were not for Jared, I would not have installed a subwoofer, underglow, and all of the other lights on my car. If it were not for Jared, I would have never landed my first backflip on skis. If it were not for Jared, I would not be attending college here at APU.
 
All I can ask is that you don’t grow up too fast Redleader, I miss you dearly. I love you so incredibly much. While it feels that our childhood is coming to an end, know that I will always be your “Buddy” and playmate forever.
 
- Goldleader

Peter Davies

College Roommates

College is a unique time. I didn't think the weird fisherman from Olivet Nazarene who transferred in sophomore year would become my best bro, accountability partner, and spiritual swordsman. Iron sharpens iron, and so you have sharpened me in my faith. Thanks for the camping trips, church drives, fart jokes, theology debates, transparency, honesty, Iowa visit, and being loyal through thick and thin.

Peter's FAVORITE MEMORIES​

• McDonald's Runs – I could always count on Jared for a good study break trip to McDonald's late at night. Out of all the different ways to procrastinate from homework, this was the best. Our mutual night owel tendencies ended up being quite a blessing for this reason, as we had many good conversations and fun times over these late night meals.
  
• Accountability Talks & Prayer – However, my fondest memories with Jared regard our times in accountability, Bible reflections, and prayer. He has always been intentional to see how I am doing, and he is one of the few people that prioritizes spending time in prayer on the spot, no matter what we may be doing. I am very thankful for how encouraging and supporting of a friend he has been to me over the past few years. It's hard to find a friend like that!
  

Carl Anderssen

Accountability Partner

We met sophomore year on West Campus, but drew close through intramural sports, spontaneous moments of prayer, and deep discussions about religion & politics in the library. Those deep talks and moments of brutal honest and accountability have brought us together. You are one of my closest friends and have served to be an example to me in more ways than you know. Love you bro!

Carl's FAVORITE MEMORIES

1. Library Talks – One of my strongest memories with you was when we were in the basement and I was sharing part of my testimony and shared that my first Christian book I ever read was the Shack and the impact it made on me and you pulled it out of the bookshelf behind you and told me that your dad was the writer. That moment was so cool to me. And I think just all the ways in which we connected over knowledge of what happens behind the scenes in the world and in politics. I think I just enjoyed all of our conversations we would have in the library basement (my office). We were just goofy around each other and I remember just laughing a lot with you in the library basement.
2. Rooming + Revelation – Also when I stayed at your place for a week the week of my wedding and I had a vision/dream  and I just feel like I've had some crazy revelations or encounters with God whenever I'm around you. 

Matthew Hodgkins

Leader of ​The Shire

Few will know the significance of the tagline above, but for context The Shire is thus far the most genuine community of believers I have ever been apart of. We did "Church" unintentionally better than most do church intentionally. Under Matt's compassionate leadership and authentic friendship I grew in my faith and forged lifelong friendships. We prayed, worshiped, conquered strongholds, and dominated intramurals together among some other great stay-in-college moments.

Matt's FAVORITE MEMORIES

1. IM Volleyball – We turned a ragamuffin group of unruly freshmen, who got eliminated almost immediately in Moonlight Volleyball, into a powerhouse, undefeated, 14-0, champion volleyball team! With four imposing punishers over 6’3’’, we spiked our way to the championship, rolling over the competition! For Jared, this was redemption from his freshman year experience with the Ghetto in which they were undefeated in regular season but lost in the playoffs. 
2. First Storytime – After talking with Jared, we decided to make the very first storytime a night of confession, even though the freshmen had only known us and each other for 5 days. The Lord did powerful things and the Holy Spirt was present in some mighty ways. We saw guilt, shame, and condemnation cast off in the name of Jesus like heavy shackles. We saw young men see hope in the areas of addiction, broken relationships, and broken families for the first time in their lives. The Holy Spirit was hammering waves of healing, and even spoke through Jared in tongues to one of the guys who had been inconsolable but immediately felt a wave of calm come over him after the words ministered directly to his soul. 
3. Praying over the building – After a difficult week in which many guys had struggled with dreams from the enemy, we went outside, locked arms, and surrounded the building, praying powerful protection in the name of Jesus. After this time of intense prayer, the dreams stopped, and there was a newfound spirit of unity and peace with all fear being cast out!

Jacob Pierce

Friends of History

My mom & Jacob's mom met at a volleyball camp when they were in high school and have maintained a close friendship ever since. In like fashion, Jacob and I met and competed against one another in the same sport our Mom's taught us and further bonded over video games, fireworks, fierce board games, sea-dooing, and adventuring up at Shaver Lake.

Jacob's FAVORITE MEMORIES​

1. Shaver Lake – My favorite memory of us together has to be at Shaver shooting guns and going on the hike to pothole creek.  I have enjoyed all of the memories that you and I have gotten to make up there, including all of the hats that I have lost on the lake.
2. Graduation Surprise – My other favorite memory was heading down to visit you durning your graduation from high school. I enjoyed spending time with you down in your “turf” and playing ping ping and sac with all of your friends. 

Stonebreaker McPherson

Hometown Bro

Circa 2009, Jared & Stone met at a Bible study where I first shared my "testimony." We competed in Speech & Debate, had many late-night Halo battles & sleepovers, fixed up cars, skied at Mountain High, and made many midnight T-Bell runs. Despite distance in college, we always made a point to hang and exchange Dgroup stories when I came home. 

 Stone's FAVORITE MEMORIES 

1. Shaver Lake – Shaver Lake has to be the most fun my brothers and I had with you. From launching Quinn on the tube and seeing Jonathan’s trunks fall off, to riding all the back from the bottom of the mountain to your cabin because Jonathan got a flat. We packed a whole lot into a few days! Plus we got to compete in the Shaver Lake Olympics, which far precedes the actual Olympics. Oh yeah, and Cole had the shot of a life time by spinning the cap off of the Gatorade bottle.
2. Conversation – I always enjoy talking you now matter where we are at. It’s nice to talk with a brother, who understands discipleship and who lives a life devoted to the Lord.
3. T-Bell Runs – All of the fun midnight Taco Bell runs. These were always a wonderful time, because we would never know what we were gonna do, which made it completely spontaneous.
4. The Scottish Gummy Worm – Wasn’t my favorite time, but definitely engrained in my mind. That’s all I’ll say. Haha
5. NP Adventures – Hockey, Halo, gym, prayer, deep discussion, car washing, wrestling, sleepovers, random visits home from Colorado, hikes, cars, speech and debate, etc. There are many memories. No matter how fond of or faded they may be, they’ll always be great memories to me Jared! The McPherson Bros always have your back. Love you bro.

Luke Hiura

Debate Partners

They say the best of friends are those with whom you can go months if not years without seeing, and upon re-uniting will pick things up right where they left off. Luke is one of those friends. In High School, we saw each other multiple times a week for Speech & Debate practice. Luke drove 2hours from Palmdale to meet in NP each week and we also Skyped regularly to discuss case strategy. He was my teammate and partner for LD, Parli, Extemp, Impromptu, and Mars Hill events. Despite my departure to Colorado for college, we always made it a point to connect at In N Out, Magic Mountain, and for eye appointments (kudos to Dr. Hiura). 

Luke's FAVORITE MEMORIES
I have so many memories from In-N-Out runs to Debate sessions and road tripping to tournaments, its hard to pick one, but I think I have a few to showcase our friendship and times together.

1. We Met at Debate – The first time I officially met Jared he was a part of a different club than Imago Dei, but we knew of each other through the mutual friends in club, but had not been officially introduced yet. We met each other at debate tournament, at this tournament I was the only one from Imago Dei to attend and I was alone. Jared went out of his way to keep me company and talk in between breaks. I knew then that Jared would become one of my best friends and admired his compassion for others.
2. Competition – I have many fond memories of debate club and research. Jared and I worked together on cases, briefs, and research. In our senior year he encouraged me to try Extemp and become Paril Partners. His hardwork building a extensive research database helped himself reach success, but more than that he personally helped me grow in extemp and was one of the main reasons I met my speech goals during NITOC. His intelligence and hardwork always shone through his speech and debate career and inspired me to become better.
3. Fresno Road Trip – While attending these tournaments Jared and his family helped to facilitate the meetings at his house and also allowed Jared and I to stay at his family friends house and even his grandparents. Jared and I became road trip buddies and I enjoyed this time because we were able to talk about our faith, dreams, and everything in between. Going to Debate camp with our friends in Fresno was one of my favorite high school memories. We were able to talk about debate and life while keeping each other company. This trip exemplified Jared's ability to be a graceful companion and bear with my company for a few days.