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          Kasey Bartley will graduate from Missouri Baptist this spring with a degree in Musical Theater.  She is from Iuka, Illinois and her home church is just down the road in Salem, Illinois – First Christian Church.  Sweet and sour chicken, the movie “Enchanted”, R.E.O. Speedwagon, and the book “So, You Want to Be Like Christ” are some of her favorite things.  She also likes Applebee’s, but mainly for the memories, not the food. 

Although the stage is sort of a second home to Kasey, she realizes that ministry is more than what happens there.  “Ministry doesn’t mean performing a Christian song.  Performance is the way I showcase the gifts God has blessed me with to glorify Him.  Ministry is one-on-one relationships I get to build as a result after I leave the stage.  It is meeting people where they are,” she explains.  Seeing God use those one-on-one relationships in Closer is something that Kasey would like to see, “I would like for God to use each one of us to make the others stronger.  I hope each one of us ends the year loving God more than we ever have.”  Within the coming ten years, she has a goal of laying the groundwork for a Christian-based theater company, possibly in south-east Missouri. 

Bible Verse – Romans 13

Dominic Windsor is a second year senior Musical Theater major this year.  He is from Florissant, Missouri and attends Light House Non-Denominational when he is not traveling with Closer.  In addition to Closer, Nick serves as the President of CMENC and is a member of Chamber Singers.  Some of his favorites include the TV shows “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Glee”, Mexican food and eating at Casa Guillardo, and the simple deliciousness of vanilla ice cream.        

            Nick has a very optimistic view of the ministry groups at MoBap this year, and feels blessed that God allowed him the opportunity to be a part of one at this point in his life.  As he serves with Closer he wants to encourage others.  “My passion is to let others know they are not alone in their journey – that there is someone who has gone through either the same thing or something similar,” Nick said, “I feel God has led me through to the group because I have gone through a lot of trials that have tested my faith and I have come out on the other side stronger than I was before.”  In regards the future, Nick doesn’t have a clear view of where he will be in life, but he does know that wherever he goes, God will lead him there.

Bible Verse – John 14:27

Adam Wilson is returning to Closer this year.  He was in the group his freshman year, took a year away from Closer, and is pleased to return for his junior year.  Adam is a Communications major from Cuba, Missouri, and he regularly attends West Hills Community church.  Outside this ministry group, you can also find him on stage acting, enjoying a good movie or TV show such as “Singin’ in the Rain” or “The Office”, or delighting in his favorite food – a mouth-watering cheeseburger from Red Robin. 

            When asked why he thought God led him to this group he responded, “To use the gifts that He gave me.  I’m an ok bass singer, I’ve heard much better than myself, but I just thank God that He allows me to do His will in this way.”  And he hopes to use this ministry group as an avenue to encourage those who already know the Lord and show God’s love to those who have not yet found Christ.  “My passion is building relationships with people, and I hope to see God reach out to our audiences – using us to do so,” he explains. 

Bible Verse – 1 John 4:18-19

          Kelsey Unger, a St. Louis native, is experiencing her first year at MBU this year, but not as a freshman; she is a sophomore transfer student.  Although Kelsey is new to both MBU and Closer, music is not something unfamiliar.  “I believe God gives everyone a passion to use for His glory, mine is music.  God gave me music because He knew it would get me through just about anything,” she commented.  Accordingly, Kelsey is majoring in Worship Arts and sees herself using that degree to lead God’s people in worship at a church someday, but acknowledges that God’s plans and hers do not always match up.  She adds, “My idea of ten years from now could be much different from His.  Ha-ha!”  When asked about what she hopes to see God do with Closer this year, she responded, “I hope God uses our group to do big things in people’s lives, but I also hope He uses us as individuals to do big things in each other’s lives.”

            Music and ministry aren’t Kelsey’s only interests, however.  “To Kill a Mockingbird” is her favorite book.  Her trip to Colorado was her favorite vacation.  Mac and cheese is her favorite dish.  And red and dark purple are her favorite colors, “but not together because that’s ugly”. 

Bible Verse – Micah 6:8