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The Chimes

The Student News Site of Biola University

The Chimes

The Student News Site of Biola University

The Chimes

“Called” through the lens

Students worshipping in the 2025 Cook Missions Conference at the Chase Gymnasium
The 95th Annual Clyde and Anna Belle Cook Missions Conference as seen in pictures.
Katie Ragains, Photo Editor April 1, 2025

The 2025 Cook Missions Conference hosted seven speakers, featured worship led by Circuit Riders Music, and exhorted students to look at the Great Commission as something that is not optional. Here is what it looked like.  As students fill Chase Gymnasium and find their seats, each session starts...

The second covering of Jesus

Volunteers and staff for the Student Missionary Union hand painting the two-story tall sign that would later cover the Jesus Mural on Bardwell Hall.
The Jesus Mural was hidden by a black tarp for this year’s Missions Conference, but it is not the first time this was done.
Katie Ragains, Photo Editor March 28, 2025

The somewhat controversial The WORD (or “Jesus Mural” as the students call it) was covered with a black tarp by Student Missionary Union (SMU) staff this year as a part of the theme for Missions Conference. This took place just two days ahead of the 95th annual Clyde and Anna Belle Cook Mission’s...

Biola Missions Conference name change honors the Cook legacy

President Barry Corey (far right) announces the renaming of Missions Conference and honors the Cook family onstage on Mar. 19, 2025. Pictured left to right: Laura Botka, Ken Botka, Tyler Botka, Jamie Cook, Craig Cook, President Barry Corey
Biola Missions Conference renews the legacy of its seventh university president with a historic name change.
Emanuel Gomez, Staff Writer March 24, 2025

Biola University’s 95th annual Missions Conference commemorated the legacy of former university president Clyde Cook by renaming the conference in his honor. This name change also comes after the recent closure of the Cook School of Intercultural Studies in the summer of 2024. Current President...

Missions Conference: Unhinged

Neema Mbogo, Chad Miller and Mark Muha address attendees with an apology.
The Biola community reacts to the unexpected events of Missions Conference session two.

Editor’s Note — This piece was first published three weeks after the event occurred. The original publication included an error consisting in a lapse of journalistic integrity. In the paragraph noted by an asterisk, the Chimes previously stated that one of the Missions Conference directors “declined...

SGA Rundown: Senate passes two proposals in full

SGA Rundown: Senate passes two proposals in full
Senators voted on proposals to appreciate student leaders and advertise the Biola Shares basic needs survey.
Amanda Frese, Managing Editor March 24, 2022

During this week’s senate meeting, the Student Government Association voted on two proposals, passing both in full. After hearing from senior psychology major and peer wellness ambassador Kate Fitzpatrick, senators voted on the external proposal, requesting $2,000 to host a student leader appreciation...

Meet the SMU presidential nominees

Biolans cast ballots for student representatives.
The Student Missionary Union candidates share their platforms and vision for 2022-2023.
Hannah Larson, Editor-in-Chief February 11, 2022

Biolans will have the chance to vote for the next Student Missionary Union president at the Bell Tower starting Monday, Feb. 14 at 10:30 a.m. after a special elections chapel. Polls close on Wednesday, Feb. 16 at 10:00 p.m. Two SMU presidential candidates shared the commitments and goals that make up...

Chimes News Quiz!

Chimes News Quiz!
Have you been following our coverage? Brush up on the biggest news stories of the past two weeks.
Caleb Jonker, News Editor February 4, 2022

Biolans quarantine in Mexico

Biolans quarantine in Mexico
Students test positive for COVID-19 on SMU trip.
Hannah Larson, Editor-in-Chief February 2, 2022

Four Biolans quarantined in Mexico for a week after testing positive for COVID-19 while on a mission trip with the Student Missionary Union. According to Chief of Campus Safety John Ojeisekhoba, three students serving in Puebla tested positive and quarantined at the compound where local mission organization...

Biola professor assists low income communities by researching food disparities

Dr. Brandon Ware finds new ways to help low income communities eat healthier.
Dr. Brandon Ware receives a grant to fund his research on the role of faith-based institutions in food deserts across the country.
Ashley Grams and Maria Weyne November 9, 2020

The Office of the Provost is seeking out ways to support the Biola community, whether that is through creating committees, initiatives or providing funding for research. Associate professor of business Brandon Ware was a recipient of a research grant, through which he plans to study how faith-based institutions...

Student Missionary Union reimagines global missions

Graphic by Maria Weyne
Global missions and SMU workshops are offered virtually over the fall semester.
Ashley Grams and Maria Weyne September 15, 2020

As Biola transitioned to a fully online format, many student-led organizations adapted their relationally-based organizations to a computer screen. The Student Missionary Union faced a bigger challenge than most, which involved creating and sending out missions teams in the midst of a global shutdown.  GLOBAL...

EXCLUSIVE: Vertical Worship to lead worship at Missions Conference

EXCLUSIVE: Vertical Worship to lead worship at Missions Conference
The conference welcomes a new band to campus.
Thecla Li, Managing Editor March 11, 2020

Biola looks forward to a new sound this year at the annual Missions Conference with Chicago-based band, Vertical Worship, who will lead worship for the conference’s main sessions, happening March 18–20.  Though it will be the band’s first time playing for Biola, songs like “Spirit of the...

Missions Conference announces 2020 theme: United

Missions Conference announces 2020 theme: United
The directors will officially introduce the theme at tonight's Afterdark chapel.
Thecla Li, Managing Editor March 11, 2020

This article was updated on March 11 at 7:27 p.m. after the AfterDark chapel where the theme was to be announced was canceled.  The 2020 Missions Conference theme is “United.” This year’s theme emphasizes that all vocations and areas of studies have a part in God’s plan and encourages...