Inspire, Fall/Winter 2008

44 fall/winter 2008 pres ident ’s perspect i ve I once stood next to a Boeing 767. It towered 55 feet from the ground to the top of the tail fin. At more than 200 feet long and 170 feet wide, I felt dwarfed by the immensity of the plane. Inside, the airliner was nicely apportioned. The newer models have comfortable seats and personal entertainment systems for more than 300 passengers. Courteous flight attendants serve food and drinks regularly. But the 767 was not built to be a large sausage-shaped amusement center and snack bar. Boeing built it to transport passengers quickly over long distances. When the 767 is stationary, the law of gravity keeps it in place. At more than 400,000 pounds, a huge amount of energy is needed to even move it along the ground. Yet somehow this enormous mass of metal can deftly fly 35,000 feet above the earth at 500 miles per hour. How? The powerful engines are fired up, and once the massive jet achieves the right speed, it sails into the atmosphere. The law of gravity is still at work, but the configuration of the aircraft and the velocity of motion introduce another set of laws — the laws of aerodynamics. Apply that principle to Cedarville University. We see this school as not merely a university designed to provide students with knowledge and skills for a job. Our vision and goals are much higher: we want to make a difference in the world for Christ. With that in mind, we pray and seek God’s wisdom for how we can best prepare students to influence this generation and the next. The world changes so quickly — how can we equip our students to be effective for a lifetime of service? What new programs would help fulfill this vision? How should we upgrade our current programs for greater effectiveness? But Cedarville students and graduates are not the only way we fulfill our calling to be salt and light in the world. How can Cedarville provide resources and training for churches and Christians to minister effectively in today’s world? As we pray, plan, and work, our Lord overwhelms us with opportunities. The results have been astounding: revision of the Bible minor, redesigned periodicals focusing on cultural engagement, establishment of the Center for Bioethics and the Center for Political Studies, development of the award-winning youth curriculum re:View , new programs in journalism and pharmacy, more overseas educational experiences, and expanded ministry and missions opportunities. But we’ve only just begun. We keep pushing ahead as we plan new graduate programs, leadership courses, podcasts, films, mentoring series, and online studies. As you can imagine, these programs affect every area of the University. The energy — and synergy — is exciting. No one will ever confuse Cedarville University with a grounded 767. We are riding the waves of divine aerodynamics for the glory of God — going faster, flying higher! Faster and Higher by Dr. William E. Brown Dr. Brown’s Top Picks ■ Book The Great Bridge , by Pulitzer Prize winner David McCullough A gift from my wife, Lynne, this book tells the incredible story of the building of the Brooklyn Bridge. It reads like a suspense novel! ■ Website www.christiananswers.net This site includes helpful movie reviews, game reviews, apologetics, discussions of cultural issues, and more. ■ Podcast www.hutchcraft.com/a-word-with-you Cedarville friend and cutting-edge youth speaker Ron Hutchcraft gives practical advice on living the Christian life. ■ Movie The Bridge on the River Kwai Released in 1957, this Oscar-winning movie is a classic WWII film. You’ll see Alec Guinness before he was Obi-Wan Kenobi! “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles.” Isaiah 40:31a