From the President’s Desk:
Every Spring Urbana Seminary observes Founders Day. For 2015 it’s tomorrow, April 11th! And of course we mark the day with this evening’s ANTIOCH celebration of God’s guiding hand and work in people’s lives.
What is Founders Day and why do we observe it? It’s a day to commemorate the hand of God in our founding as a school, to remember the people who made sacrifices and gave gifts, who prayed and created and worked. Founders Day is a time to say thank you to all who have helped and played a part, as well as to register our gratitude to God. It gives us a chance to pause and reflect as we end one school year and prepare to launch into another. It provides a time to inaugurate the new Founders Fund campaign.
In Spring 2015, what am I thankful for since last Founders Day and ANTIOCH 2014? Another class of graduates, soon to join the ranks of our alumni. A good school year coming to completion—so much learned, so much growth in the Lord and his character. The publication of two more faculty members’ books and others’ chapters. God connecting us with students for the future as we’ve seen the addition of some remarkable people to the student body this past year—keen of mind and with a heart for God and ministry.
Praise God! We celebrate his guidance and involvement in all that has happened. In the significant events of founding the Seminary, there are a number that occurred in April, hence our choosing April each year for Founders Day. And much more—each successive year Spring brings the completion of yet another year of students’ studies and life-changes, as well as another graduation (2015 is our 11th annual!).
This is a kingdom ministry to train God’s servants for His glory.
Unless the LORD build the house,
The builders labor in vain.
Psalm 127:1a
If God’s not in it, it won’t get anywhere. But if God is in it, He will prevail and work His purposes through our human efforts. Looking back it seems ever more clear that God has been in this!
Three follow-throughs to mark Founders Day 2014:
• I encourage you to join me to praise God that he has established a seminary in such a strategic location for the kingdom and to represent Christ. And look forward with real anticipation to what He will yet do through Urbana Seminary—pray for us for the future and God’s continued provision and direction.
• Come to graduation this year. It’s Friday May 15th, 7:00 PM. And you’re invited! Get the date into your calendars.
• On the Founders theme, remember the Founders Fund Campaign. You will receive more info about this in the near future. For us to move forward into the future it is essential that the Seminary have a growing circle of financial supporters to the glory of God. We cannot do it without you. This is an urgent ministry. A huge thanks to those who already give. And an encouragement to the rest to consider 2015 as the year to begin to give regularly to the Seminary’s ministry.
In Christ,
Expectantly,
Ken
