"As a couple, we love sharing the gifts and talents the Lord has given both of us with others, especially the nonprofits we cherish," said Beth Bostwick, speaking for herself and her husband, Bernie, about the recent Friends of Evangelical Seminary Servant Leader Corporate Partner Awards the couple received at the end of 2020. "We are humbled by this award," continued Beth. "(We) feel that there are so many business partners and collaborators who are worthy of this as well."

In a normal year, the Bostwicks would have received their award when Evangelical Seminary, located in Myerstown, held its fall banquet, but 2020 was not a normal year. When the banquet was canceled due to COVID-19 restrictions, representatives of Evangelical Seminary traveled to the offices of the couple's businesses, Masterpiece Marketing and Ambassador Advisors in Lancaster, to present the award.

Beth was introduced to Evangelical Seminary more than a decade ago by then seminary president Michael Sigmund. Since then, Beth and her team at Masterpiece Marketing have worked with school leaders, including current president Tony Blair, on rebranding, developing a new logo, and designing the annual report, among other projects.

"I have had the pleasure of collaborating with Evangelical Seminary's leadership to shape inspirational marketing tactics that meet their organizational goals and motivate supporters," said Beth, who added that she values the school's focus on training students to effectively serve, care, train, and mentor. "Their goal is to create leaders who will be conduits of change and boldly preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ," she said.

Ambassador Advisors, a Christian financial planning entity, has aided the board of Evangelical Seminary in managing the school's endowment since 2013. "I've experienced firsthand, from leadership and staff, the dedication and love for the mission of the seminary," said Bernie, president of Ambassador Advisors, who added that the firm has also been involved in planned giving and the school's efforts to create a museum. "It has ... sparked a desire to join others who give their time, talent, and treasures to advance the mission of the seminary."

Bernie recalled that he began a relationship with Jesus Christ while serving his country in the Air Force. Recognizing the importance of sharing Christ with those in the armed services, he is especially impressed with the seminary's tuition-free Master of Divinity program degree for military chaplain candidates. Bernie also noted the significance of the school's work to bring the community into conversation through its Faith in the Marketplace breakfast series, which was held regularly prior to COVID-19 restrictions. The program features speakers who discuss "how to let your light shine for Christ in a secular business." "It's a very meaningful way to connect," noted Bernie.

Beth summed up her reaction to the honor by noting that her relationship with the seminary has been mutually beneficial. "Working with a client like Evangelical Seminary (that) sees challenges or barriers as an opportunity rather than a threat inspires our team of marketing consultants," she said. "Our team has been blessed through this positive attitude."

Readers who would like to learn more about the seminary may visit https://evangelical.edu/about/about-evangelical.