Frank Eshelman, Ph.D.
Physics, Chemistry, Physical Science
Co-Autor of the physics, chemistry, and physical Science lab manuals. Engineering professor, Dr. Frank Eshelman, received his Ph.D. from Iowa State University in materials science. His teaching career spanned over 36 years at both the high school and college levels including a position as visiting professor of chemistry and physics at Trinity Western University in British Columbia, Canada.
Frank grew up in a home where Christian things were seldom mentioned. His parents were good, hard working, generous, and very honest, but they did not attend church.
In his early teens he attended some Bible study meetings. Prizes were given to those who knew their lessons and he got a small paper back book titled “Come Home”. Through this book he came to realize the importance of having Christ in his life. As he read it in his bedroom he prayed that God would accept him.
Growing up without Christian instruction, he had to “work out his salvation” (Phil. 2:12). In some ways this was good because it strengthened his faith and made it more real.
In high school some of his friends told him that he might lose faith if he studied science. God had given him many abilities in science and math and he came to realize that God only gives good gifts. Later he learned that science was the study of God’s creation and, rather than threatening his faith, it strengthened his faith.
If you do not have a relationship with Christ, please get a Bible and read sections of the New Testament such as John. A relationship with Him requires that you be open and honest. Pray and ask Him to come into your life.
Ken Schaefer, M.A.
Physics, Physical Science, Earth Science
Co-author of the physics, physical science, and earth science lab manuals.
Ken wrote, "As a Christian and a science teacher in a public school, I am often asked if these roles present a contradiction. I unashamedly believe in the claims of the Bible and do not have a problem reconciling what the Bible says with what science has proven to be true. My education at a state university did include godless evolution as the explanation of origins, but there were also professors who recognized biblical creation and “allowed” the students to draw their own conclusions.
Raised in a Christian home where we attended a Bible-believing church, I was well grounded in my faith and had little problem growing in that faith in college. At an early age I realized that the biblical truths applied to my life, and only I could respond to those truths. I confessed my sin and asked Jesus to take control of my life. I have never regretted that decision.
I enjoy astronomy and observing the growing abundance of beautiful, intricate structures that are visible through modern telescopes. My understanding of physics is that patterns and order do not come from the chance and randomness of a “big bang” explosion. I agree with David in Psalm 19:1, where he says, “The heavens declare the glory of God …” I worship God and recognize His omnipotence as I view a starry expanse on a cloudless evening. One day I had the opportunity for a short conversation with a Ph.D. NASA astrophysicist and asked him if it is true that most astronomers believe that the universe had to be created by an intelligent being. He answered in the affirmative and went on to say that the most common discussion topic at the NASA lunch table was centered on the intelligent design of the universe. I regret that it is not what is taught by most astronomy professors or written in most astronomy texts.
God has been a constant source of guidance and encouragement in my life, and I ask daily for His wisdom and direction. He is unchanging, and what a comfort that is in today’s world. If you do not know Jesus as your personal savior from sin, it is my prayer that as you study science and read this laboratory manual, the devotionals will help you to make that decision this year. I am sure you will never regret it."
Elva Burlingham
Biology
Author of the biology lab manual. Elva Burlingham has a passion for teaching science. For over 30 years, she has taught biology and other sciences to students from elementary grades through high school in private, public, charter, and home schools. She has conducted laboratories both in formal classrooms and in off-site locations including her own home. Elva’s wide experience in the classroom and with home-schooled students gives her a unique perspective and ability to make the labs “user-friendly.”
Elva wrote, "Is it possible to go to church all your life, learn a great deal about Jesus, but never know Him personally? Yes, it is. This is my story.
Going to church every Sunday had been a part of my life since childhood. Every summer, I attended and enjoyed Vacation Bible School. I learned about the events in Jesus’ life, the lives of the men and women in the Old Testament, and even about Jesus’ birth and death. But this knowledge was all in my head.
I was well-behaved and had a good attitude, but I did not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. I understood many things about the Bible and God, but I did not love Him or trust Him with my life and eternity.
When I was a junior in high school, at seventeen years old, I began to realize the futility of living my life for myself.
“There has to be more to life than this,” I said despairingly to my mother.
My mother was the only person in my family whose heart had truly been changed by Christ. My other family members were good, moral people, but they were the captains of their own lives. They gave lip service to God on Sundays but lived with little regard for Him during the week.
In my search for meaning, I walked into a church by myself one Sunday morning. It was there that my hungry heart was given hope. I saw the joy, peace, and purpose of those who had entrusted their lives to Jesus. I wanted what they had! I was assured that God had a great purpose for my life.
But then came the bad news: I learned that my sin, even one sin, separated me from God. There was a debt to be paid for my sin, a debt far too great for me to pay through good works or my best efforts.
The truth of Isaiah 53:6 struck my heart:
“All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.”
Only the sinless Jesus, who had no debt to pay for sins of His own, could pay my debt and reconcile me to God.
Shortly after understanding this, I confessed my sin and my need for Him, and I surrendered control of my life to Him. The meaning and focus of my life changed. Whatever He wanted me to do or say became what I wanted as well.
Are your sins separating you from God? Have you realized the futility of trying to find your own way to Him or attempting to pay the debt of your sin by accumulating good works?
Put your full trust in Jesus’ payment for your sin on the cross, and surrender your life to Him. Seek His will, obey His Word, and allow Him to direct your life. There is no surer way to find joy, peace, and meaning in this life, along with the assurance of eternal life with Him in heaven.
