Inspire, Fall 2006

Fall 2006 The Write Staff G od has a staff of writers. I don’t mean Moses, David, Paul, and whoever wrote Hebrews. Those writers were guided by the Spirit for a special and unique work in recording God’s truth in the Scriptures. I am talking about those whom God uses to communicate to today’s generation through articles, books, novels, dramas, and screenplays. This also includes those who write missionary updates, blogs, and letters. All forms of written communication can be used by God to tell stories, make us think, and change lives. The amount of written material available to us has unbelievably increased over the past two decades. The Internet is the major reason for the growth. In fact, each year five exabytes of information is written and recorded. If it were published in book form, the volumes would fill 37,000 Libraries of Congress — each year! Unfortunately, while the quantity of written material has increased, the quality has gone the other way. For most of human history, the only way to preserve information or communicate across long distances was to write letters. Most letters were long and filled with detail, emotion, and striking prose. Take this example of one sentence from Civil War soldier Sullivan Ballou who wrote in the summer of 1861 to his young wife before entering into battle: Sarah, my love for you is deathless, it seems to bind me to you with mighty cables that nothing but Omnipotence could break; and yet my love of Country comes over me like a strong wind and bears me irresistibly on with all these chains to the battlefield. What was once commonplace writing is rare today, even from professionals. In today’s world there are two times when we have to communicate: when we have to say something and when we have something to say. I am grateful that at Cedarville University we challenge young Christians to write well and communicate deeply. It is one thing to write, but it is quite another to have substance and communicate God’s truth creatively and persuasively. I know you will enjoy this issue of Inspire and trust that you are encouraged by the way God continues to use Cedarville to make a difference for Christ. Maybe you have a gift for communicating that you have not developed yet. God is always ready to increase His staff of writers. Go for it! President’s Pen Dr. Bill Brown President Attention, Sport Industry Alums! In 2003, Cedarville University began offering a Bachelor of Arts degree in sport management. As noted in the CU Catalog, this major prepares graduates to pursue career opportunities across the wide spectrum of sport. If you are currently working in the sport industry and you would be interested in partnering with us as we develop this program, please contact Dr. Alan Geist ’83 at 937-766-4143 or geista@cedarville.edu . Your involvement may include accepting students as interns, being available to offer advice, coming to campus to speak in classes, or other possible opportunities. Unexpected Reunions! Cedarville University alumni find each other all over the world! Several Cedarville alumni were together in Malumghat, Bangladesh in May of this year: (L to R) Nancy Kettell Brunori ‘65, Kathy Jones ‘94, Dr. Heather Fowler ‘90, Joyce Rudduck ‘66, and Ruth Yocom ‘80. Joyce, Ruth, and Heather are all missionaries in Bangladesh while Kathy is a short-term missionary. Nancy was visiting with her husband, Dominick, a construction company owner. Have you randomly encountered someone you knew from Cedarville? If so, send your Unexpected Reunion pictures and stories to alumni@cedarville.edu.