Blessings For The New Year!

Merry Christmas!

"Redemption is Real"

“Redemption is real.” The words of one of the graduates of the CIU Prison Initiative who received his Associate of Arts degree during commencement ceremonies at the Kirkland Correctional Institution. The prison is located just across the Broad River from CIU’s campus.

The CIU Prison Initiative equips qualified inmates through an accredited Associate of Arts degree, to reach fellow inmates with the message of Christ. After graduation, alumni of the CIU Prison Initiative are assigned as chaplain’s assistants at correctional facilities around the state.

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Alumni Spotlight: Larry Evans

Larry has been staying busy doing outreach ministry in the form of helping Veterans and their family members receive compensation or pension benefits. He started a nonprofit 501 (c)3 organization in 2013 called "The Veterans Information Workshop" providing workshops throughout the state of South Carolina, North Carolina and Georgia to inform Veterans and their family members what VA Benefits they may be entitled to. 

"My degree from CIU in (Pastoral Care) has really helped me in so many ways that's unreal. So many of our Veterans suffer from PTSD or other related illnesses due to their military service. By me providing these workshops I come in contact with many who are suffering from a related service illness and need to talk to someone who can relate to their problem by me being a Veteran they feel comfortable talking with me. I have been able to counsel so many that I have come in contact with over the years simply by starting this workshop. We never know how God will work out a plan to bring healing and peace to his people."

Alumni Spotlight: Phil Thompson

"My MDiv from CIU has equipped me to engage meaningfully in discussions and theological grounding for the projects as a whole."

Phil heads up online theological learning initiatives for The Gospel Coalition. In November of 2017, TGC launched TGC Courses, a free and open Christian learning site. Since the time of its launch, the ministry has seen over a quarter million learners access courses over one million times. Phil also directs another effort that rolled out Fall 2019. TGN provides a series of 250 free theological essays on our site which will then be translated into several other key languages. Over the next five years, they are working to develop a core "pastor's bookshelf" of free resources in English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, Mandarin, Korean, Russian, and Arabic.

Phil also serves as a resident at his church, The Church at Cherrydale, in Greenville, SC.
While much of his work is in managing projects, Phil interfaces regularly with pastors and academics as they work to provide resources to the global church.

Alumni Spotlight: Ronny Kolty

Psalm 37:3 Trust in the LORD and do good, dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness 

To God Alone We Strive To Bring Glory! 

We are amazed at every interval to witness God’s intervention. If there has ever been a doubt, the gentle voice of the Holy Spirit reminds us that God is faithful and if there have been setbacks, we know that He will see us through, if there has been any lacking, God’s track record shows that He did provide and will continue to do so. We look back through the years and marvel at God’s faithfulness at every turn. To Him Alone We Strive to Bring Glory. 

Feeling Like Quitting 

The caption seems to contradict the above sentences, but it is our reality. The common phrase Christians often hear when going through overwhelming circumstances is, “Don’t give up.” Though we’ve known the phrase too well and have sung that “chorus,” the reality is that we are the one going through it and the this “chorus” seems like an ancient tune. To deny the reality of our circumstances is like living in fantasy land but to acknowledge our struggles takes humility, and I believe that is the safest place to be. 

Misunderstood 

It’s not a pleasant feeling when been misunderstood. And to add salt to the wound, people misinterpreted the move to open a coffee shop is a retirement plan (You Must Be Kidding). If people outside of our circle mention it, it’s understandable because they did not know us, but if someone of the same “peers” says it, the wound runs deeper. The feeling of betrayal and frustration is no way close to how King David felt. However, we could taste a fraction of his expression when he said this; “For it is not an enemy who taunts me---then I could bear it; it is not an adversary who deals insolently with me---then I could hide from him, but it is you, a man, my equal, my companion, my familiar friend” (Psalm 55:12-14, ESV). We cannot allow the comments from the people to dissuade us from doing what the Lord wants. We have to laugh about it and press on to be missional. We do have a “retiring plan,” and that is wearing our “sneakers” and ushering people with the help of the Holy Spirit into God’s Kingdom till Jesus returns or we go to see him.

Dean's Devos: "Be Sure to Include God in Your Thanksgiving Celebration "

The idea of giving thanks is a recurring theme in the Bible. The following four lines occur verbatim in two psalms (57:9-10; 108:3-4):

I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples;
I will sing praises to you among the nations.
For your steadfast love is great to the heavens,
your faithfulness to the clouds. (ESV)

They remind us that it is to God we should give thanks, and that our God-directed thanksgiving should be a witness to those around us. They also give us two reasons we should be thankful—God’s steadfast love (ḥesed) and his faithfulness (’emet).

Those divine attributes are partners that occur together over twenty times in the Psalms. ESV translates the first word as “steadfast love,” while other versions use “kindness” or “mercy.” The central idea is an attitude that expresses itself in acts of kindness and mercy to those who are in a pitiful state. ESV translates the second word as “faithfulness,” while other versions use “truth” or “fidelity.” The central idea is total dependability in works and words.

As you celebrate Thanksgiving this year, be sure to take time to thank God that he is totally dependable in what he says and does and that he acted to take pity on each of us when we were in the pitiful state of being separated from him because of our sin. Be sure to include God in your Thanksgiving celebration this year.

Alumni Spotlight: Cassandra Frear

I am a Ph.D. candidate in Biblical Studies (New Testament) and a Teaching Fellow at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, PA. Currently, I am assisting with Greek classes, developing fresh approaches to teaching Greek, and studying for comprehensive exams.

CIU classes in Greek and Hebrew were excellent foundational preparation for more advanced doctoral work. I have also benefitted significantly from the self-care habits and spiritual disciplines that I developed at CIU in conjunction with my classes. My professors often encouraged me to make my coursework applicable to daily life, and this factor alone has been invaluable to the management of my Ph.D. workload.

Dr. David Croteau To Present At ETS

Dr. David Croteau (Professor of New Testament and Greek) will be at the November 22 meeting of the Evangelical Theological Society in San Diego, CA where he will present "A Defense of the Two-Flogging Hypothesis: A Reconstruction of the Floggings of Jesus."

Alumni Spotlight: Lay-Hwa Teh

I'm presently the Member Care person at PioneersinAsia ("PiA"). PiA, based in Singapore is the Asian mobilization base for Pioneers. I am based in KL, Malaysia but report to the Singapore office.
I provide missionary care to PiA's missionaries (primarily from Asia) who are serving in different parts of the world. I'm also doing some mobilization work in Malaysia.

In addition, I also represent Heartstream Resources in Malaysia, where I provide counseling to workers and training in member care topics. 

My degrees from CIU, MA in Global Studies and MA in Pastoral Counseling had helped me tremendously in my work. 

John Harvey Q & A on Romans in the Kregel Library Series

John D. Harvey (Th.D., Wycliffe College) is the Dean of the Seminary and School of Ministry at Columbia International University. He is also the author of the Romans volume in the Kregel Exegetical Library series.

Dr. Harvey joined the faculty of CIU’s Seminary and School of Ministry in 1992 and taught New Testament and Greek until 2011. He has served as dean from 2011 until the present.

He is a member of the Evangelical Theological Society, the Institute for Biblical Research, and the Society of Biblical Literature.

He has had opportunities to teach in Germany, the Netherlands, Moldova, Zambia, and South Africa.

Dr. Harvey’s books include Interpreting the Pauline Letters and Anointed with the Spirit and Power. He is an ordained teaching elder in the Presbyterian Church in America.

Read the Q&A here.

Dean's Devos: "Eyes to See"

by Dr. John Harvey

Jesus often talked about the importance of having spiritual eyes to see spiritual truth (e.g., Mark 4:12; 8:18). In Mark 8:22-26, we have a passage where Jesus literally gives a man eyes to see. As the man moves through three different stages of sight, we see that Jesus’ touch opens blind eyes.

When his friends brought him to Jesus, the man could see nothing (Mark 8:22).

“And they brought a blind man to him, and entreated him to touch him.” In some cases, we can see nothing, because a veil covers our eyes and keeps us from seeing the truth about Jesus (2 Cor 3:14). If that is where someone you know is, pray for that individual and bring him or her to Jesus for his touch because Jesus’ touch opens blind eyes.

After Jesus took him outside, the man could see something (Mark 8:23-24).

“And he looked up and said, ‘I see men, for I am seeing them like trees walking about.” In other cases, like the men on the Road to Emmaus, we can see something but we are not quite certain what (Luke 24:16). If that is where someone you know is, pray for that individual and be ready to come alongside when Jesus’ touch opens blind eyes.

When Jesus sent him home, the man could see everything (Mark 8:25-26).

“He looked intently . . . and began to see everything clearly.” In the best case, we or people we know begin to see things accurately. 2 Kings tells us how the Lord opened Elisha’s eyes so that he could see clearly the spiritual reality of God’s working (2 Kings 6:17). If that is where you are, praise God and tell someone else that Jesus’ touch opens blind eyes.

Program Highlight: Master of Arts in Counseling

The Master of Arts in Counseling (M.A. in Counseling) program is designed to facilitate the growth of Christian students into well-qualified, healthy clinical mental health counselors.

The training model focuses on the heart (personal and spiritual development), the head (professional knowledge and research), and the hands (effective interpersonal and clinical skills).

Review our admission requirements and begin the application process.

CIU is the only Christian university in South Carolina with a CACREP-accredited master's degree program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.

Columbia International University – College of Counseling has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 4556. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. CIU – College of Counseling is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

Alumni Spotlight: Sarah Meehan de Solorzano

When I started at CIU in 2005, I was in the process of moving to El Salvador to serve as a fulltime missionary with Reliant Mission. I served in El Salvador as the Missions Coordinator and a leader of women’s ministry for 10 years. 

In 2009, I got married to Jorge Solorzano, a youth leader, and deacon who was working with the church in El Salvador. Jorge and I served fulltime at the Great Commission Church in San Salvador, El Salvador until the beginning of 2017. Within that time we had two beautiful children; Sophie is now 7 years old and Jorgito is 5. God had begun to stir our hearts to plant churches years ago. We thought that we would continue to serve in Latin America and possibly move to South America to plant churches, but the Lord was actually calling us to plant a multi-ethnic church in the United States in my hometown, Annapolis Maryland. 

Once we moved to Maryland in 2017, my sending church, Bay Area Community Church then trained Jorge as a pastor. In 2018, Jorge was ordained as a Pastor and now Jorge will finish his seminary studies at Lancaster Bible College with a Master’s in Church Planting this December of 2019. God had used Micah 2:13 which says, “the One who breaks open the way will go before them...” The Lord really opened the way for us to follow His vision for our lives to move us Maryland to plant a church. The name of our church is Axis Church. It is Axis because we believe that when Jesus is the “axis” of our lives and everything revolves around Him, all things hold together (Col. 1:17). Our mission statement is to “inspire people to make Jesus the center of their lives.” We have a core team and have been preparing for our Sunday launch, which happened on September 8th of this year. We are so amazed to see all God has done in our lives and are excited about what He will continue to do. 

How has your degree helped you?

It has really helped me to be able to have a clearer understanding of the whole plan of God's redemption throughout the whole Bible. It has helped me in leading women's ministries and preparing messages also. 

Thank you, Veterans

Faculty Focus: Dr. Brian Gault

Professor of Old Testament and Hebrew
B.A., Cedarville University; M.Th., Dallas Theological Seminary; M.A., Ph.D., Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion

Dr. Brian Gault joined the faculty of CIU’s Seminary & School of Ministry in 2012 and has taught Old Testament and Hebrew from that date until the present. Before coming to Columbia, he served as a children’s pastor and a small group leader. He is a member of the Evangelical Theological Society, where he serves on the steering committee for the Old Testament Wisdom Literature study group. He has written articles for several scholarly journals and is currently writing a monograph on the Song of Songs and a commentary on the book of Esther.

Follow this link for a list of books and publications.

Beautiful Day, Beautiful Campus

Alumni Spotlight: Eric Needham

After graduating from seminary I worked for four years at Ben Lippen School. Following that my family was sent through Crossworld to Thailand where we coordinate the Thailand Teacher Project. We provide holistic support for English teachers sent from North America to Thai schools where they are able to make disciples in Thai communities.

Intercultural courses helped me take the perspective of a learner as I entered another culture. I also appreciate the focus on leadership development in several of my courses.

Homecoming, 2019

Thursday – October 31, 2019

11:00 a.m. Recent Alumni Recognition Award Chapel Shortess Chapel (Come hear the heart of our recent alumni as we honor them)

6:30 – 8:00 p.m. Music Through the Ages rehearsal Shortess Chapel

Friday – November 1, 2019

8:00 - 10:45 a.m. Homecoming Check-in Alumni Center

8:00 - 9:00 a.m. Breakfast available for purchase in the Cafeteria

9:15 - 10:45 a.m. Class Reunions Various locations ’59, ’69, ’79, ’89, ’99, ’09 reunions

11:00 - 12:00 p.m. Alumni of the Year Chapel Doug (’67) & Alleene Petty (’68) Kracht Shortess Chapel

12:00 – 1:30 p.m. Student/Alumni Lunch *** ($8) Cafeteria Find the organization or group that you were a part of during your time at CBC/CIU and enjoy lunch with the students. (RAs/Res life, Sports, Yearbook, Student Mission Fellowship, CIU Players/Drama, and others)

1:00 - 4:00 p.m. Attend a Class Schedule provided in the Homecoming booklet (See the new classrooms in Fisher and the new Business and IT Building)

2:00 - 4:30 p.m. Class Reunions Various locations

2:30 - 3:00 p.m. Campus Tours Meet in front of the Administration Bldg (See the campus renovations of Fisher and Shortess and tour the new Business and IT Building)

2:00 – 4:30 p.m. Homecoming Check-in Alumni Center

3:00 p.m. Music Through the Ages rehearsal in Shortess Chapel

6:00 – 7:30 p.m. President's Banquet *** ($20) Moore Fitness Center

8:00 – 9:00 p.m. Music Through the Ages with the Ambassador Choir and Cola Worships Shortess Chapel

9:30 p.m. Fireworks

9:30 p.m. Homecoming Bonfire and ‘Smores The Pointe

Saturday - November 2, 2019

8:00 - 10:45 a.m. Homecoming Check-in Alumni Center

8:00 - 9:00 a.m. Breakfast with Alumni of the Year Doug & Alleene Kracht McKey/Cafeteria

9:00 - 10:00 a.m. Professor/Alumni Meet-n-Greet Cafeteria

10:00 - 12:00 p.m. Class Reunions Various Locations

10:00 - 12:00 p.m. Disc Golf Tournament

10:00 - 2:00 p.m. Bouncy House and Activities Quad

10:00 – 12:00 p.m. Student led activities: spike ball, volleyball, corn hole Quad

12:00 - 1:30 p.m. Picnic Lunch *** ($8 adult/$4 for children 12 & under) Quad

1:00 – 2:00 p.m. Student volleyball championship game (tournament throughout the week) Quad

1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Home Run Derby Softball field (Try your hand at the Home Run Derby and other games on the softball field with coach Sara Allen and her team.)

1:00 –6:00 p.m. Volleyball Games Moore Fitness Center

1:00 p.m. CIU vs Reinhardt University

3:00 p.m. Reinhardt University vs Michigan-Dearborn

5:00 p.m. CIU vs. University of Michigan-Dearborn

5:00 - 6:30 p.m. Dinner available for purchase

6:00 p.m. CIU Bowl Ben Lippen Football Field

*** paid events

Chapel This Week

Grad Life will be having Chapel on Wednesday, October 30 at 11:00 a.m. in Pamplin Auditorium. 

Chick-fil-A lunch afterward! 

2019 Alumni of the year: Alleene Petty Kracht (’68) and Doug Kracht (’67)

Doug and Alleene have been missionaries since 1972, initially serving with World Team, Inc., and later cooperatively with World Witness (ARP). They have also served on the faculty of Jamaica Bible College. Throughout their ministry, God has used Doug’s audio-visual abilities and Alleene’s gift of teaching to spread the gospel in a variety of ways including church planting, educating students with learning differences, and producing evangelistic materials in digital and printed formats. Their work has made an impact throughout much of Latin America, including Cuba, as well as in Spain.

Dean's Devos: "The Essence of Paul’s Theology"

by Dr. John Harvey

For Paul, men and women exist in either of two spheres: “in Adam” or “in Christ.” The transfer from one sphere to the other can only be accomplished by God, on the basis of grace, through faith, apart from works, law, or religious ritual. Colossians 1:13 captures this paradigm perfectly when Paul writes that God “rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of his beloved Son.” The paradigm also raises an important question: Where do you want to live—in the domain of darkness or in the kingdom of God’s Son?

Global Networking Event

ALUMNI! 

At Homecoming this year we are hosting our first annual GLOBAL NETWORKING EVENT for students and alumni! We would love to see you there! Bring your business card and RSVP at ciu.edu/hc19 

World Christian Week

Alumni Spotlight: Ricky James (MDiv, 2014)

Since graduating from CIU I have been providing spiritual guidance as it relates to pastoral counseling (including spiritual and mental health/psychiatric assessments, evaluations, and therapy); teaching and preaching God's Word. Pastoring a congregation (Hickory Hill Baptist Church' Orangeburg SC. Preaching weekly sermons, weekly Sunday School, and Bible studies & prayer services. 

How has my degree helped me? 

In a nutshell: "To know Him and make Him known." In other words, develop effective study strategies; prepare timely sermons; depend on consistent prayer life; submit myself to my spiritual calling; deny myself and tey as much as I am able to follow after Jesus' teaching (this I am constantly developing). 

Alumni Spotlight: Cole Harper

I am currently the Area Director of Newberry County Young Life in Newberry, SC. After graduating CIU in 2015, I went on full-time staff with Young Life. I worked one year in northeast Columbia, SC, establishing a new ministry at Westwood High School. Then I got married in July 2016 to my wife, Tori, and we moved to Newberry to oversee Young Life in this county. We have established a new ministry at Mid-Carolina High School, and I have just completed my third year on staff here. It’s a dream job, God has been gracious to me to let me do it!

My Bible degree and Youth Ministry degree has both helped me not only to be a spiritual leader to the teenagers in Newberry County, but also my volunteer leaders and my adult committee as well! 

Grace To You

Program Highlight: Master of Arts

Columbia Biblical Seminary’s Master of Arts degrees offer you both a solid biblical-theological foundation and the specialized skills you need to succeed in the ministry to which God has called you.

You will complete your M.A. degree in 48 hours. If you have already completed 30 hours of Bible and Theology courses, you will have increased flexibility in both your core courses and your elective options.

You can choose the M.A. degree that allows you to focus on your area of special interest: Bible Exposition, Global Studies, Ministry Care, Ministry Leadership, Theological Studies, or Youth Ministry Leadership.

Program Highlight: Bible Exposition (MA, MDiv)

Let Your Requests Be Made Known

CIU Chancellor Bill Jones honored at Jones Center dedication

Dr. Smith (l) with Dr. Jones (r)

Jones also surprised with South Carolina’s highest civilian award

By Naomi Balk and Bob Holmes

Over 200 guests and VIPs came together to celebrate the dedication of the William H. Jones Global Business & IT Center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a luncheon. Built to train ministering professionals to impact nations with the message of Christ, the $20 million, 44,000 square-foot building was named in honor of CIU’s sixth president who currently serves as chancellor and whose life has been dedicated to spreading the message of Christ.

“This is Dr. Bill Jones’ day where we honor him for the many lives that have been impacted and his role in getting us to where we are as a community,” said CIU President, Dr. Mark Smith during the ceremony. “I think that it’s important to put our spiritual mission to work in practical ways by investing in Monticello Road and the surrounding communities.”

Built at the entrance to the CIU campus, the Center is a vessel ready to pour into the community, assisting in economic development along the Monticello Road corridor.

Richland County Council Chairman Paul Livingston called it a great day for CIU and the community.

“Every conversation we had with CIU has also included a conversation about our community and that says a whole lot about CIU,” Livingstone told the crowd gathered in the Jones Center.

Columbia City Councilman Sam Davis echoed the sentiment.

“CIU does an excellent Job reaching out to the community,” Davis said, “Economically, this (Center) will help to increase business development and offer resources.”

Lexington County State Representative Chip Huggins has noticed careful planning and prayer by CIU that led to this day.

“They have involved the folks in the Midlands and around the state in the conversation and decisions that they made for the programs,” Huggins said. “[They’ve been asking] what the employers are looking for and recognizing that from the start.”

It was under Jones presidency that CIU first started a business course, then a business minor, then CIU’s fastest growing major. Today, there is a School of Business & Professional Studies headquartered in the Jones Center.

CIU Board of Trustees member Adrian Despres calls Jones “a master organizer always envisioning the next thing happening,” adding, “This is his vision: He wants to win the world for Christ. And that is what this building is all about.”

After many people and organizations were recognized for their part in the building of the Jones Center, its namesake was surprised with a very special honor from the South Carolina Governor’s Office: The Order of the Palmetto, the state’s highest civilian honor awarded to citizens of South Carolina for extraordinary lifetime service and achievements of national or statewide significance.

Jones facial expression was that of shock when the presentation was made.

“I feel like I should not receive the award,” Jones said. “It was truly a surprise and so humbling.”

After the festivities, Jones explained his vision for the business program as a training ground for CIU students who may not be called to be “professional ministers,” such as pastors and traditional missionaries, but “ministering professionals.”

“These are people who are being trained in the same way about Scripture and inner character so that they can create a positive godly influence [in the marketplace],” Jones said. “Right now, I am pouring my life into 14 key businessmen downtown. Here’s how we say it: we want to transform the spiritual landscape of Columbia. It’s exciting, and this [Business Center] will be the epicenter.”

Columbia International University consistently ranks among the Top Regional Universities in the South by U.S. News & World Report. Excitement is growing on campus with CIU’s first baseball program in development and new academic programs such as the Doctor of Ministerial Leadership. Request information on enrollment at CIU and Columbia Biblical Seminary or call (800) 777-2227, ext. 5024.

Alumni Spotlight: Qiang Fu

After graduated from CIU in December 2010 with MA, I began to serve house churches in China. My service involved Bible teaching and pastoring. Particularly I pastored a house church in Beijing for nearly three years. Five brothers and sisters from this church came to the States for seminary studies including one at CIU. I also helped the leadership training of TEE China and connected it with CIU Chinese program. As well, I served as a teaching assistant of CIU Chinese program from 2011-2014.

From June 2014, I started a PhD program in OT at TEDS of Trinity International University. I am now at the last stage of writing my dissertation, and plan to finish it in December this year. During my dissertation writing stage, I settled down in Berkeley in 2017 and have helped Berkeley Chinese Visiting Scholar Fellowship and Berkeley Chinese Student Fellowship since then. In last two years, there are 12 people accepted the Lord in these two fellowships.

What I learned at CIU and from Prof. Luc not only equipped me with an effective serving in China but also provided me with theological insights for my current dissertation. I am so grateful.

I wish CIU continue to impact church growth around the world!

Happy Birthday!

Homecoming, November 1-2, 2019

Click Through to Register

• Class Reunions – Friday and Saturday
• Be inspired by the Alumni of the Year Doug (’67) and Alleene Petty (’68) Kracht
• Friday lunch: students and alumni from similar organizations throughout the years will get a chance to meet and talk during Friday lunch. (RAs/Res life, Sports, Yearbook, Student Mission Fellowship, CIU Players/Drama, and others)
• See the renovations and new Business and IT Center on a campus tour – Attend a class
• Friday evening: Music Through the Ages - Ambassador Choir and Cola Worships - special evening of music.
• Fireworks
• Bonfire at The Pointe
• Professor/Alumni Meet-n-Greet;
• Fun family activities, Bouncy House
• Picnic lunch, Home Run Derby, Student Volleyball Tournament, bouncy house; CIU Bowl - Saturday
• Rams Volleyball matches

Chapel October 1 -3

Alumni Spotlight: Sarah Suttles

After graduating seminary at CIU in 2012, I moved to Japan for 4 years (2012-2016). I taught at a university there and served in the local church.

In 2016 I moved to Seoul, South Korea (where I currently live). I am teaching at a university here and I am heavily involved in a church here. I am on the leadership team and am involved in discipleship and teaching.

I believe my degree at CIU gave me the tools to be able to study the Bible, teach God's word, and to disciple others. I have found these tools to be useful in every country that I have gone to.

I am currently pursuing my PhD in Intercultural Studies at CIU and I am hoping to defend this fall.

Dr. David Croteau speaks at Heritage Baptist Church

Watch Dr. David Croteau's message, "The Glories of the Gospel," delivered at Heritage Baptist Church in Lynchburg, VA on August 11, 2019.

Dr. Croteau is Professor of New Testament & Greek at CIU-SSM.

Dean's Devos: "Lessons on Prayer from Jesus"

by Dr. John Harvey

Of the four gospels, Luke’s Gospel tells us the most about Jesus and prayer. We can learn four lessons from what Luke tells us about Jesus’ example of and instructions on prayer.

Lesson #1: For Jesus, prayer was private (Luke 5:16).

As busy as he was, Jesus made it a point to find time to be alone with his heavenly Father every day. What is the time you have set aside every day for a private conversation with your heavenly Father?

Lesson #2: For Jesus, prayer was a priority (Luke 6:12).

Jesus regularly got up and prayed in the morning while it was still dark, On the night before his chose his disciples he prayed all night. Do you make prayer your first priority, or is it your last resort?

Lesson #3: For Jesus, prayer was passionate (Luke 22:39-46).

When Jesus prayed in the Gethsemane, he prayed so fervently that his sweat became like drops of blood falling to the ground. When was the last time you were that passionate about a request you were bringing to the Father?

Lesson #4: For Jesus, prayer should be persistent (Luke 11:5-10).

Jesus told his disciples to keep on seeking knocking, and asking because God is listening and knows how to give good gifts when his children ask. What is one request about which you need to be more persistent in prayer?

CIU professor contributes to major denominational project

By Bob Holmes

Columbia International University Professor Dr. John Crutchfield calls it “an act of worship to God and an act of love for His people.”

Crutchfield, the CIU Middle Eastern Studies program director and a professor of Bible, is one of a committee of three Hebrew scholars and a liturgist who revised the Coverdale Psalter of 1537 for inclusion in the new Book of Common Prayer (BCP) of 2019.

The new BCP is the standard prayer book for the Anglican Church in North America. The last revision of Coverdale's Psalter included renowned Anglican authors T.S. Eliot and C.S. Lewis on the committee.

The mandate from the College of Bishops was to modernize the language and verify the accuracy of the original Coverdale Psalter, while preserving as much as possible the majesty and beauty of Coverdale's original translation.

Crutchfield says he has never worked harder on a scholarly project since his doctoral dissertation.

“The project demanded the best of my academic training,” Crutchfield said. “The Hebrew poetry of the Psalms can be very tough, and we as a committee needed to bring all of our scholarship to bear on understanding clearly what the inspired poet was writing.”

Crutchfield noted a collegial tone among the committee as they worked on the project.

“There were no big egos in the room, no infighting, no defensive turf-wars or anything of that nature,” Crutchfield said. “Just other scholars, gathered around the Hebrew text, wrestling with how to best render that text into beautiful English. That is a wonderful thing!”

The completed prayer book was presented to Archbishop Foley Beach at the Provincial Assembly in June. As part of that event, Crutchfield and the rest of the committee conducted a workshop explaining the history, scope, and method of their work. But those who worked on the project are officially anonymous.

“The longer I worked on this project, the more important this anonymity became for me, Crutchfield said. “This is not a personal publishing achievement. My name will never be officially attached to it or appear in the BCP as a member of the committee. This anonymity freed us to view our work together as an act of worship to God and an act of love for His people. Our scholarly effort was serving the Church, not the Academy. And to me, that is a beautiful thing.”

The Revised Coverdale Psalter is now available for purchase as part of the new BCP from Anglican Liturgy Press.

Columbia International University consistently ranks among the Top Regional Universities in the South by U.S. News & World Report. Excitement is growing on campus with CIU’s first baseball program in development and new academic programs such as the Doctor of Ministerial Leadership. Request information on enrollment at CIU and Columbia Biblical Seminary or call (800) 777-2227, ext. 5024.

Alumni Spotlight: Beverly Charles (2016, MA in Member Care)

While I was working on my Masters in Ministry Care, I was already serving as a missionary with Greater Europe Mission in Sibiu, Romania. I am still there, serving in local ministry. However, my main responsibility is Member Care within my organization. My title is Member Care Facilitator and I work with missionaries in Southeastern Europe, Singles in GEM, as well as working on a leadership team that plans yearly spiritual retreats for women. I am thankful to have experienced CIU's ground-breaking role in training and equipping people to serve missionaries well with good Member Care. Not only did I greatly benefit from the Biblical courses I took, but my degree's classes touched on all facets of Member Care. The internship in Pastoral Counseling was also a great help.

CIU professor gives key address to missiologists

Dr. Michelle Raven, director of the International Community Development and Disaster Relief/Emergency Management programs at Columbia International University, gave the opening plenary address to the 2019 Evangelical Missiological Society (EMS) annual meeting in Dallas on Sept. 13. Raven was also co-chair of the 2019 EMS with the theme “Mission Amid Global Crises.”

Raven’s talk, “From the Classroom to the Disaster,” included reflections on her own journey in mission and relief when she was an Air Officer in Iraq tasked with rebuilding a devastated region. Raven emphasized the need to be trained well in evangelism, discipleship, and church planting while also gaining competencies and skills in disaster relief and emergency management. Illustrating practically from her relief work in South Carolina and Puerto Rico, she also talked about the need to train students to respond to crises and spiritual needs.

Following her talk, Dr. Aminta Arrington, professor of intercultural studies at John Brown University responded, affirming the imperative for Christians to take the lead in relieving human suffering and ministering to the whole person.

Columbia International University consistently ranks among the Top Regional Universities in the South by U.S. News & World Report. Excitement is growing on campus with CIU’s first baseball program in development and new academic programs such as the Doctor of Ministerial Leadership. Request information on enrollment at CIU and Columbia Biblical Seminary or call (800) 777-2227, ext. 5024.

Christian Life Conference (CLC)

CLC is a wonderful opportunity for spiritual renewal and personal commitment for the CIU family, September 16-19, 2019. Prayer Day is Wednesday, September 18. 

Alumni Spotlight: Ross Skjold (Bachelor of Arts Pastoral Ministries, 2014)

"The education I received at CIU shaped me tremendously and equipped to teach, disciple, and lead God's people in a local church context. My mind was stirred to drink deeply from God's Word. My heart was gripped by his grand vision to see the gospel spread among the nations. And I was trained in the practical skills necessary for a healthy ministry. Both in the classroom and through personal relationships with professors, my experience at CIU has enabled me to serve God and his people more faithfully and effectively."

Christian Life Conference, September 16 - 19

CIU among the Best Regional Universities in the South

The 2020 U.S. News & World Report rankings are out, and Columbia International University continues to be among the Best Regional Universities in the South, ahead of nine other South Carolina public and private schools.

According to the report’s methodology page, schools are ranked by graduation and retention rates, the percentage of students from impoverished families who graduate, class size, student to faculty ratio, opinions of college presidents and deans, per-student spending, test scores and the percent of alumni who donate to the school.

The annual rankings also recognize CIU at #12 among Best Value Schools in the South and one of the Best Colleges for Veterans in the South.

To be a Best Value School, the report takes into account a school's academic quality, as indicated by its 2020 U.S. News Best Colleges ranking, and the 2018-2019 net cost of attendance for a student who received the average level of need-based financial aid. In other words, the higher the quality of the program and the lower the cost, the better the deal.

To be a Best College for Veterans:

• The institution is certified for the GI Bill.

• The institution participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program or is a public school that charges in-state tuition to all out-of-state veterans.

• For the third consecutive year, the institution must have enrolled a minimum of 20 veterans and active service members, or a critical mass, in the 2018-2019 academic year.

• The institution must be ranked in the top half of its 2020 edition Best Colleges ranking category.

The rankings come in a school year in which CIU is celebrating a significant increase in enrollment. CIU President Dr. Mark Smith told new students and their families that CIU is about investing in the whole person, and committed $35 million toward improvements over the last two years to make CIU the best experience possible.

Columbia International University consistently ranks among the Top Regional Universities in the South by U.S. News & World Report. Excitement is growing on campus with CIU’s first baseball program in development and new academic programs such as the Doctor of Ministerial Leadership. Request information on enrollment at CIU and Columbia Biblical Seminary or call (800) 777-2227, ext. 5024.

Remember

"WELCOME TO A NEW ACADEMIC YEAR" by Dr. John Harvey, Dean of the Seminary & School of Ministry

On August 26, the Seminary and School of Ministry began a new academic year. The Fall 2019 semester brings with it multiple reasons to thank God for his faithfulness.

• Ninety percent of the students who were with us last spring registered for fall semester courses. 
• Our new Doctoral of Ministerial Leadership degree has 26 new students registered in its first cohort. 
• Our new Doctor of Philosophy degree has 22 new students registered in its first Biblical Studies and Theological Studies seminars. 
• Our Chinese Seminary Studies initiative has 30 new students registered for masters-level courses. 
• Dr. Seth Scott has joined the Clinical Counseling team as our fourth full-time counseling faculty member. 

Would you take a few minutes to praise God with us for his goodness to SSM?

Items for which you could be praying include: 

• The addition of a Practical Theology concentration for the PhD degree and the possibility of making each of the PhD concentrations available in Chinese.
• The development of a five-year Psychology/Clinical Counseling dual degree program and a new MA program in Addictions Counseling. 
• Initial conversations regarding the development of an MA degree in Marketplace Transformation. 
• The search for the right person to lead our church-based apprenticeship initiative. 
• Glenda Nanna as she concludes work on her doctoral dissertation. 

Alumni Spotlight: Stewart Ryall (Bachelor of Science, Youth Ministry, Family & Culture, 2016)

"I serve in a local church as a family and teaching pastor. In my role, I have to combine counseling, leadership, and communication skills while caring for people from different generations and different world views. Because of what I learned at CIU I can confidently communicate the truth of Jesus Christ in a constantly changing culture. CIU gave me training, experiences, and relationships that I will be able to lean on throughout the rest of life."

Faculty Focus: David G. Cashin

Professor of Intercultural Studies

B.A., Gordon College; M.A., Dhaka University, Dhaka, Bangladesh; M.A., Ph.D., Stockholm University, Sweden

Dr. Cashin is professor of intercultural studies at Columbia Biblical Seminary and School of Ministry. Dr. Cashin obtained his bachelor of arts degree in history from Gordon College and his master of arts and doctor of philosophy in indology from Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden. While in Sweden, Dr. Cashin served as pastor of two churches. He wrote and taught courses and seminars in Islamic history, theology and Muslim-Christian relations.

For nine years Dr. Cashin served in Bangladesh as missionary, church planter, educator and development worker with SIM International. He is fluent in Bengali and Swedish and has extensive knowledge of seven other languages.

In the United States Dr. Cashin served as press secretary to the U.S. Center for World Mission and as director of research at the Samuel Zwemer Institute of Islamic Studies.

Prior to joining the faculty of Columbia Biblical Seminary and School of Missions, Dr. Cashin was principal of Valley Christian School in Northampton, Massachusetts.

Dr. Cashin is the author of The Ocean of Love: Ali Rajâ’s gam and Jnân Sâgara, The Ocean of Love: Middle Bengali Sufi Literature and the Fakirs of Bengal, The Secret of the Blessing of Abraham, Study Guide for the Blessing of Abraham, and Muhammad and the People of the Book. He also has published numerous articles on Islam and other subjects.

Dr. Cashin and his wife, Margareta, reside in Columbia.

Ph.D., Stockholm University, Sweden; press secretary, US Center for World Mission, 1977-79; director of research, Samuel Zwemer Institute of Islamic Studies, 1979-80; immigrant relations specialist, Saron Baptist Church, Gothenburg, Sweden, 1980-82; missionary, church planter, educator and development worker, SIM International, 1982-91; city translator, Eskilstuna, Sweden, 1991-94; teacher and seminar leader, Örebro Theological Seminary, 1991-95; pastor, Johanneberg Baptist and Salem Baptist Church, 1991-95; interim pastor, Stony Brook Community Church, 1996-97; principal, Valley Christian School, 1995-2001; faculty, Columbia Biblical Seminary and School of Ministry, 2001-present.

Prayer Towers

Servanthood

Blowing the shofar, Columbia International University Dean Dr. Bryan Beyer signaled in CIU's Convocation procession, ushering in another school year. Convocation, an ancient tradition, is held every year at CIU to dedicate the school's academic mission to God.

Provost Dr. James Lanpher recognized over 200 new students and several new faculty members while welcoming everyone into another school year. Events and accomplishments from the previous school year and summer activities were reviewed in a video presentation drawing loud applause from the student body, faculty and staff assembled in Shortess Chapel.

The congregational singing of the hymn "Take my Life and Let it be" and a prayer by Professor Dr. Andre Rogers set the tone for what was to follow.

"We realize we are here because of your grace and tender mercies," Rogers prayed. "We thank you for your faithfulness to all who call CIU their home."

CIU President Dr. Mark Smith delivered the Convocation message saying that he was directed over the summer to John 13:16, a theme verse for the coming school year:

"Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him."

"I challenge you today to spend a few minutes in the Word to understand a key principle about Columbia International University and our faculty and staff," Smith said. "To understand this whole idea of servanthood, I want to first take you to the beginning."

Smith focused on God's love, God's service, and God's call for us to be like Him. He retold the scene of Jesus washing the feet of His disciples in an act of humble servanthood. And then appealing to Scripture and drawing from experiences in his personal walk with God, Smith encouraged all to take on the loveliest of tasks in emulation of Jesus, giving oneself for others.

Smith finished by saying, "CIU students when you serve ..." and leaving the sentence hanging in the air, he walked to the side of the stage where a towel, bowl, and pitcher of water awaited him. Removing his Convocation regalia and getting on his knees, the president of CIU washed the feet of his special assistant, friend and faculty member, Dr. Andre Rogers giving all a visual of servanthood.

In an appropriate finish to the message, and in the tradition of CIU Convocation, the assembled sang CIU’s Alma Mater that includes in the final verse a call to service and the CIU motto:

The vision thou hast given of truth and human need, inspires us all to service to sow the precious seed. May we in consecration to Jesus Christ alone, fulfill thy sacred purpose: “TO KNOW AND MAKE HIM KNOWN.”

Columbia International University ranks #1 among colleges and universities in South Carolina by BestColleges.com. Excitement is growing on campus with CIU’s first baseball program in development, and online with CIU’s new Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership. Request information on enrollment at CIU and Columbia Biblical Seminary or call (800) 777-2227, ext. 5024.

Happy Labor Day!

Alumni Spotlight: Anthony (Tony) Opliger

"Hannah and I just celebrated thirteen years of marriage. We have four young children, one of whom we adopted from the DR Congo, We live in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where I have been serving as lead pastor within Northeast Christian Church for over ten years. Our vision as a church is to see Fort Wayne and the nations sing for joy as we proclaim and embody the good news of Jesus and His Kingdom.

The two main ways CIU shaped our leadership within the church are formation and mission. The emphasis on formation helped to ignite a passion in us to see the people around us grow in Jesus. The emphasis on mission has helped shape our church to be on mission in practical ways in the increasingly post-Christian North American context."